offshore

You too! I couldn't understand why my "cutting, penetrating and incisive" posts were either never even posted, or if they saw the light of day, were never answered! Interestingly, I was never going to purchase, until I got some responses,so, for mine, their fake forums were in vain. I spent maybe a month there, and gave up in disgust, which was when I discovered the remanents of RWCC, which led me to TRC. We've travelled a few miles since then! Offshore

A correct sized screwdriver is all thats required to tighten the rotor. It is very possible that you have a non sapphire- Below is some text from a "How to" I am writing for another web site. This is an opportune time to get some other members here to "proof" read it, and tell me if I've got anything wrong

This one maybe Lani? The Admin interview! O/S

I think this may be what you were referring to Lani. Some interesting names and memories in that thread. I'm only a relative young pup, having turned up around the time of the demise of RWCC, and the formation of TRC! Will be interesting to see who of the original RWCC crew are still around. Some obviously posted in that thread. Offshore

Great idea Lani. I'll lick it off with a shot of my first rep, acquired on the forums (TRC days) It is a Cartier Quartz, purchased from TTK, and it would have been around 2001-2002, (The memory fails with age ) This still "ticks" away happily in my box, (has had 2-3 new batteries) Purchase at around the same time was a Porsche Design. (Just went searching for a shot, but must have been discarded with a change of computers) Memories of a time when we were all a lot more "innocent" Offshore

Yesterday redwatch posted a deal he had spotted for light tent. It was for USA consumption only, so I couldn't get into the action.(which as I said, was a pity, as I need a decent portable studio right now... the reasons for which, will become known in the coming days/weeks ) Within hours of my post, not one, but 2 very generous members, had offered to get one for me and forward it! Truly, this sort of thing, is what this great community is all about. (And I don't believe you would see this sort of interaction on any other forum, watch or otherwise) So my most heartfelt thanks to the 2 "S" 's, for their kind offer, and I believe in a couple of weeks, I will see a studio, in sunny Oz! These "assists" do happen here...a lot more often than is recognised or even mentioned, so I thought I would acknowledge this specific example, and also thank all those silent members who go out of their way to help out their fellow member. Makes me proud to contribute to this place. Offshore

@redwatch, The only way to know for sure, is to measure the diameter of the existing, choose a profile you want, and then ask Clarks, or any of the crystal guys. I have a bunch of GS acrylic for Rx, but need a diam, to be sure! Then you must like the profile!! O/S

Hmmm, Something screwy happening right now! First I've seen since the initial upgrade glitches. Will have to get T down into the basement! O/S

Is that all? You young whippersnapper you! Do you only go back to Neo? Methinks not. It actually feels a touch longer than that. O/S

Doesn't look like they ship o/s And it's hard to tell if the lights are battery or 110V,the latter would be no good in the land of 240V! Good deal for you guys! Offshore

Thanks. Flagged as spammer, He'll be gone in a couple of hours! Offshore

I have seen a few cyclops, that were actually machined as part of the crystal! Maybe you had one of these! If so , it was NEVER coming off O/S

I don't know what Noobs come with. Search for articles on testing for sapphire. A diamond tester is always sure, but there are tests involving water droplets. If you can't push the crystal out, try blowing it out with air pressure, first try your dust blower, before using a compressor!!! It WILL fly! Do not use a lot of pressure!!!! A crystal press should push it out though. Offshore

Cyclops are glued on to the crystal, normally using UV glue. The solvent for UV glue is Acetone. Sometimes, by removing the crystal and soaking it in acetone, you can shift a cyclops. Before doing this, ascertain that it is a mineral or sapphire crystal, as acrylic crystals don't like acetone!!!! If you still can't budge the cyclops, try using some heat. set the crystal on an area which can accept a high temperature. Have a cloth/glove on hand to touch the crystal or cyclops, as they get VERY hot, and do burn the fingers! When the cyclops comes off, it is likely to "fly" so do this in an area, where you can clearly see the floor (and sweep it if needed, to find the cyclops again) Secure the crystal, (I use an alloy movement holder, with no O rings or gaskets, as these would burn) Use a soldering iron to apply heat. You may be surprised how much heat is required...A lot! Sometimes 2 or 3 attempts are required, and sometimes the cyclops will crack or shatter anyway. Good luck! As far as the tube is concerned, first work out if it is screwed or pressed. If screwed, there are a number of tube removers available on the market. If it has a thread on it for the crown, which I imagine it does, see if you have enough thread to get 2 thin nuts on it, one acting as a lock nut against the other. You may then be able to use the inner nut to unscrew it. If it is pressed or glued, not threaded, you will need to get a special press, (there is one made for pushers which works well) or makeshift something. I remember reading a good article here somewhere, by someone who made up a makeshift tool to push out a tube. So have a search around for that. Give us a tute on what your results were when done, for our next generation of repairers! Offshore

Chris, Seal rings are available as both O rings, and flat rings. You will see a distinct square corner on flat rings. There are a huge range of flat rings available, but with a set of calipers, you should be able to work out from the area where they sit, and from the profile of the ring being replaced,exactly the dimensions of the flat ring required. Then look at a few of the various suppliers like Borel and Cousins, and see if they have the size you need available. If all this fails, give me a PM with dimensions, as I have a large range of both flat and O rings. Offshore

Nah! no rickshaws, or coolie's hats! There are hundreds of motorised rickshaws,2 and 3 wheel scooters with a seat on the back. None of these are "legal" taxis, and I didn't chance it.But I guess they would be quick and VERY cheap transport, if you were game! @redwatch. Indeed, an impressive inventory. And don't forget he is at least one step down the ladder as far as supply chain and pricing goes. But to assure the better quality, and to get stock without having to buy large quantities, he will more than probably be my supplier of choice. O/S

OK, after much f*****g around, I have finally sorted out a bmp from a jpg, and can now post some shots, for those interested. This 1st one is a shot across HK harbour from the Convention Centre. Unfortunately I didn't take any other shots of the watch show, so you'll have to visit http://hkwatchfair.hktdc.com/ to see some views. Next is a shot on the train between HK and GZ. I was so amazed at the endless panorama of blocks of flats and factories, that I took maybe 12 of these, but they all look similar, so 1 will do Next is a series of outside shots of the various streets around the markets. some of these were early one morning, when there was not much traffic, however I have included some from later in the day, when the action got busier! This was a building up one of the side streets, that housed another few floors of watches and parts. Later in the day, more traffic! This is one of the main market buildings, the two entrances ,left and right, lead to a basement area, the centre area leads to a mezzanine type floor. There is another floor which is above this one,but then, what are on all those floors above those areas? I saw some offices on the next floor, but one can only wonder about the higher areas. Finally a sneak shot in one of the hallways in the VIP area, flash off for obvious reasons. So let's venture inside. My tool guy of choice, he has 2 stalls like this facing each other. Some of his stock. Just across from him was a sapphire guy, who had a huge selection, I found some rare Seiko crystals here, and he had no idea what they fitted. Got them for A$7 each! You will note that the shutters are down on a lot of stalls. This was at 10am, and things don't start to hum until 12 noon or later. Follows are some shots from the storeroom which held the winders and storage boxes, it is the last few of this series, that earned me the wrath of the owner. I don't think he wanted photos with brand names showing, although with my photo skills, you would need a good zoom or great eyesight! The watch storage boxes mentioned! And finally a shot just inside the front of this building. I actually stood looking the other way, and stuck my hand around the corner to get this one, no flash of course, so I have adjusted the light levels to my best ability. And a shot of a couple of croc straps, these are what can be custom made. Of necessity I have not repeated a lot of shots, and have purposely censored some more. (For the well being of certain people who are in the markets regularly.) Hope my crappy photos give a little meaning to the story. Offshore

Lani, I have no idea what a Fantasy League is! My closest guess would be the entire Australian netball team, in my bed! I know, pure fantasy Offshore

I would second that! Chief is, I believe, using a millspec service, and I don't know of any available in Australia. Anything you may find, will,I believe eventually only be disappointing. (And I have done more than a little research into the various options.) Offshore

No, I didn't ask! I will put out an enquiry though and advise. O/S

Just had a PM from a member, asking about the quality of a particular tool, which he pictured for me. It is impossible to tell! This little story may explain. I asked the tool guy I will use in GZ for some good screwdrivers, He put a set in front of me which were crap. No ball bearing. So I told him, and he produced another box, same packaging, same drivers by all appearances, but these had a ball bearing swivel. "Ok I say, now I want something with a s/s body not chrome brass!" So a 3rd model, (same packaging again), is produced....s/s and swivel version! I then berate the set for its lack of decent blades. He reaches under the counter and produces a big box of blades. "Swiss" I am told. "OK now give me a price for 20 sets, fitted with the good blades" Price given, deal done. His boy then takes 20 sets off the shelf, and proceeds to refit 20 sets of blades. So in the same box, with the same appearance are sets which are totally different to the 1st set. About 2X the original price, but at least I can sell some 1/2 decent quality items. So NEVER take the appearance as a guide, you MUST look at the item. This scenario was played out with a whole bunch of tools. Eventually the tool guy realised I would pay for better quality, and started showing me better versions straight up. Which is why I went to GZ and HK in the first place. Offshore

Andy, You can get as few as 100 pieces ex factory! But the price is VERY shabby. You probably will do better if you can swing a deal with a 5k or 10k units buyer. I know it sounds like fantasy that a buyer would buy those quantities in 1 hit, but the price breaks are there for them, and then the numbers get more appealing! Wanna buy 9,900 from my bulk buy? (Best I saw was Euro 253 for 100 ex factory!)(That's for ETA) Offshore

They're coming guys! I have just been too caught up in domestic stuff, and answering emails from GZ! Soon- I promise. O/S

If the PO Box is in the name of the recipient, I see no problem. If however it is a company or other name, it may be difficult to prove who actually signed for it, if there was a dispute. I am also interested in others take on this one. Offshore

For those interested, some random thoughts and musings of my recent trip to HK & GZ.. We all know that watches are a large market. We see the numbers manufactured and assume sold. To visit a show where there are around 900 exhibitors, many with multiple stands, and points of representation, was mind boggling. Some strap makers had massive structures and displays, which would have taken days and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to assemble. I use strap makers as the analogy here, as they are a lower value item in any watch overall cost (in most instances) Of course the major manufacturers and movement guys also had large corporate stands, but strap makers for Gods sake! There were also seemingly endless booths of straps on display. How many ways can you manufacture and present a strap?? The show, as said, was massive! 900 exhibitors and 1600 stands. Set into a variety of areas- Watches, Parts & Accessories, Machinery, Packaging, A brand name showcase, Delegations from Overseas..Taiwan, Korea, India, even mainland China had an area???? (Couldn