offshore

Thank you Pete, and jmarin of course. It's these assists that keep this forum alive. Thanks guys. O/S

No options needed Pete, just make a donation for the difference, and PM Admin. He will soon push the buttons O/S PS Good job jmarin

Ikea do this. Think they were only around$20, but only available in the USA.(Couple of years ago- it was discussed here.) I use a plastic box with drawers at my market stall to get better height, but it is very flexible,(too much give) so not really what is needed. My home bench is an old computer desk (with keyboard slide out-very useful), sitting on bricks to get it higher. I built a large hutch for the back and have shelving each side...and still haven't got anywhere enough storage. I have seperate benches for grinder/polisher, testers- (WP and quartz circuit) and microscope. Storage, light and height are my important criteria. Bench area can be surprisingly small, (and it makes you continually clean after each job! O/S EDIT: I just checked again and this Ikea unit and a number of other versions,(different drawer configs) are now in Oz. $24.99 each.

We have stems and screwdriver sets in stock. www.watchbitz.com.au O/S

@laskos, Certainly a Jaxa style opener with the correct tips can and will do the job. Unfortunately a lot don't have enough opening to cater for a lot of watch models. In fact we at Watch Bitz offer 2 versions. http://watchbitz.com.au/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=183 http://watchbitz.com.au/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=59 These were selected from probably 30 different styles of the same tool we saw and checked recently. One of the big differences is the level of engineering/machining on the adjustment screw threads. Many of these versions allow 1mm+ play which will only finally lead to scratched case backs, and frustration with cheap tools. I know they all look similar, believe me, once they are in your hand,or more importantly hovering over a case back, then quality does matter. Offshore.

Thanks for the review J! Yeh, we reckon these are a pretty versatile little unit. Sometimes you will need to have the case secured to get a result, and there will be times when more specialist tools are required. However these fill a gap, in the fact that they offer the versatility to fit most casebacks (even big Panerai), and they aren't a kings ransom. And yes, I'm with a few of the previous posters...if you don't know how to open a case back, probably you shouldn't until someone shows you how, and don't go "investigating" using a good movement, grab a couple of clunkers and tear them to bits! And finally I have lived with a watch for 5 years at 15 secs/day loss, so I wouldn't be real keen to see damage done- to better that sort of a variation. Offshore

One of these will do all that. http://watchbitz.com.au/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=49 O/S

Sheeesh , An Aussie can't even have a rant in peace, without some "northern American" 'ole boy, and his John Holmes pet, thread crapping. Next we'll hear is that his latest ipad, was carved from the mountain face, and operates via carrier pigeons (or eagles)! O/S

So I am chatting with a mate a week ago, and he tells me of his latest "deal" for Internet supply. "Hmmmm, thats a lot better than mine, I'd better see what is available!" So I call my ISP, (Biggest in the country) and am told that prices were lowered and speeds increased in December, (but I wasn't notified!) So I am offered my same useage (12GB) an increase in speed (5X), and a reduction from $80/month, to $50/month. Sounds good, and I sign up for a 2 year plan. Cuppla days later I am notified my speed has been increased ("Really...I see no difference") and I 'm accepted into the 25GB plan at $70/month! Hang on, thats not what I agreed to! So off goes an email. A flurry of emails follow telling me they are too busy to contact, however "soon". Tonite, over 1 week later, I receive an "offer" to allow me to lower my plan to 12GB for only an extra $50 cost- as I am modifying from the "agreement". I will leave it to your imagination as to the content of my next email to these bloody leeches. Suffice to say, I have let them know that if it is not all resolved within 24 hours, I will not be paying ongoing bills, and will report them to our government Ombudsman, who tries to keep control of the telecom industry. This organisation was previously owned by the government, but privatised....sad really, the eternal chase for corporate profits. It will be most inconvenient, if I need to change 6 different email addys! Rant ends. Offshore

Sorry , The Aussies are playing Pakistan in a 50 overs a side game of cricket on Sunday. Given the "Panicstan" track record lately, the game will finish VERY early. Does that interpretation help? O/S

For the Aussies here, there is a doco coming up at 8.30pm on Sunday on SBS. "What time is it?" I think you will find some watchmaking, either repair or a teardown of a new movement as part of it. Be worth a peek...the cricket will be over by then (Only need 20 or 30 overs each!) Offshore

@Nanug, We have the GS Hypo, and I am in the process of getting supplies of a range of Loctite products. Maybe another month! O/S

Prayers in this house will go out for Ella. Offshore

I particularly like the knurling on the outside of the bezel, but the whole thing is a beast! Wear it well Red! O/S

@docdoc, If you decide to go the glue route, and you don't have a glue, think about using a UV cure glue like Loctite 358. You will find it very easy to use(work with),it is very thin and "runny", dries hard in a few minutes in the sun, and cures in 24 hours. Acetone is a solvent to clean up if needed. GS Hypo is also a good choice, although a little more difficult to work with, although that is in some ways made up for with the great little applicator on the tube. O/S

Well it is such a heap of crap, that Bill should be standing on street corners, handing it out to the desperate! Thankfully a new edition out soon. O/S

Ha Ha, I see that no one sells a case back opener for them either! Well we know better! These guys are a bit like the watch they covert....so 1990's! Offshore

Thanks for the clarification Arthur. It just appeared to me that a RSC could leave itself open to a claim, if it just reinstalled other items. I had experience with an Omega sent years ago to the Service centre, No quote, job done, $900 thanks. It was pay up or no watch, just about hostage taking IMO! Someone would sue in this day and age! O/S

A happy Australia Day to all the Aussies on board! Aussie- Aussie- Aussie-Oie! Oie! Oie! Enjoy the day fellas, but think about tomorrow! Offshore

@ panerai 153, Arthur, I am interested in the sequence of events when the Rx Repair Centre changed the hands. Was this something pointed out prior to the service, or was a change notified during, to which you approved, or did the watch just come back fitted with new hands? I'm thinking here of the ramifications to the value of a piece where any modification from original, is just presented as a "Faite Accompli" I assume service centres would have their "I"'s dotted and "T"'s crossed, but in this litigious world, I am wondering how strong their case may be? Am interested in you view and interpretation. Offshore

Listed just now on ebay Oz. A few lots of various Rolex/Tudor crowns. Note they are all Buy It Now, so if there is any value in these they will go quickly. http://cgi.ebay.com....a#ht_1601wt_958 http://cgi.ebay.com....4#ht_1669wt_958 http://cgi.ebay.com....1#ht_1669wt_958 http://cgi.ebay.com....6#ht_1703wt_958 http://cgi.ebay.com....9#ht_1703wt_958 May pay to check his other listings as well. Good hunting guys. Offshore

In Seiko's inimitable fashion, its only available as a complete bezel assy. Cost here is A$89.24 +10%GST. Here is a copy of the site list. 0100326Main Plate(Plastic)00.00 MAA0224078Center Wheel And Pinion0$11.10Discontinued MAA0241010Fourth Wheel And Pinion0$7.11 MAA0271483Hour Wheel0$2.26 MAA0354175Winding Stem0$2.26Discontinued PAA0383070Setting Lever0$2.57 MAA0878270Date Dial0$3.28 PAA0C3060B0ACase Back Gasket364 $2.40 PPK0G340BA11Rotating Bezel Gasket5$2.40 PPK310P49HN03Glass(Inorganic)0$12.62 PGL3285JGMetal Band0$59.85 BDM3285JG-BKBuckle0$30.00 YBK3AX125F7ASKSecond Hand0$3.04 PHU81332879Click Spring14$0.56 PBB86016159Rotating Bezel0$89.24 PGB86592935Plastic Gasket For Glass2$5.26 PWRC220FSPush Pin142$1.13 PSBEZ0140B0ACrown & Stem Gasket89$2.40 PPK (The figure before the $ sign is current units in stock) If the item is not discontinued they ship in from overseas in about 10 days. Would be worth checking thru a Seiko agent in the US, as it was a USA supply watch. O/S

OooooooooooooooooooH Nice! Good catch Red. Looks to be in lovely nick. I just had a quick check and Seiko ( at least in Oz) still have quite a few parts available for that one if they are ever needed. (Unlike some of the older models which are now almost all aftermarket) Thats a keeper. O/S

It is worth modding the end as I did here. It allows a larger gap for pins to push into, and you won't bust up as many pins with this mod done. Offshore

You guys now have your own playpen, here. Enjoy the visit. O/S