offshore

?? Holographics affixed to TRL's, to assure authenticity??

Good work rw! And nice job by the looks! O/S

Hi Dave, good to see you here! Nice shots! O/S

But we don't recommend dealers on the net! We do have a few listed here however. http://www.rwg.cc/members/Watch-Collectors-f198.html The selected dealers here have stood the test of time,with varying levels of complaints/criticism. If you try to wade through all those dealers with net sites out there, you really enter into a turkey shoot! As said elsewhere, select your dealer, then select your watch. Offshore

Check the catalogue here- http://www.somalcanada.com/ Many different brand movements are interchangeable, so there really is no such thing as a "clone" Most of the top line quartz watches run ETA or Rhonda movements, then the next level will run Japanese-Seiko (Hattori) and Citizen. Finally progressing to the thousands of Chinese movements. Offshore

Thanks guys. Offshore

Welcome! we also hope you can contribute, and become part of out little group. We all need to recognise, it is everyones' contributions, that have built the information base here, to what it is. We have a major reshuffle currently in progress, which will hopefully make your research even easier. Offshore

I will be in Guangzhou in September, and am doing my research. My interest is more in the general watch business (parts & tools), as against specifically rep watches. I noted today, that there are actually 4 or 5 watch centres in Guangzhou. My query is...Are all these centres somewhere I should visit, or are some more retail focussed? I would think it would be difficult to visit all 5 in 2-3 days, so which are the ones to focus on? Also, has anyone any clues on a 1/2 reasonable hotel, close to this area? Offshore

You will find it gets a bit cool in the evenings, down to 12 deg overnight, but it still will be up to mid 20's during the day. So you need a jacket/ parka after 4pm. Depending on the level of exploring you undertake, you may be surprised how far you may travel. As Ken said, if you happen to get anywhere near Brisbane, I will be pissed if you don't give me a shout. We also have member Trailboss on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane, and I'm just south, so a GTG would be on the cards. Ground transport has buses and trains daily between Cairns and Brisbane, and it is around 24 hours travel time. By air it is only a couple of hours. It would pay you to check the discount airlines, and get some idea of the specials offered, for instance Tiger airlines have some seriously cheap flights out of Melbourne at the moment, as long as you only have hand luggage. And there are any number of offers from the various companies. In a lot of cases, it can be cheaper to fly, than bus or train! Just need to do the research. Offshore

b16a2, I am based on the Gold Coast, approx 1/2 way between Cairns and Melbourne (2000 kms south of Cairns.) When you say you are going to "trek" south, I take it you aren't considering walking? There is a well developed transport network on the east coast, buses, trains, and planes. With the airline fare wars, there are daily opportunities for very cheap fares, although these tend to be for intermediate hauls between lesser towns and cities, and it is rare to see heavily discounted fares for travel between major destinations. (although they do happen) Backpacking on the east coast is a major tourism event, and there are many hostels, special bus and train offers etc. You would have little trouble arranging a flight to most destinations with 24 hours notice. Hope this gives you a starting point, and if you have any specific queries, shoot me a PM. Offshore

I don't use a phone cam, never have! And I'm hardly the TTK of photography. However, I was able to improve my Ebay photos dramatically, by using a tripod. Now that may not be an option with any/all phone cams, however some thought in this area should produce more stability, and better photos. Worth a discussion. Offshore

I have only seen the true round or dome top bars, as OEM from Seiko and Citizen. Checked a couple of catalogues today, and the only listing close, shows a bevelled edge (45 deg) top which is shorter, so it doesn't protrude. I'm sure they would be available in quantity from HK, but I don't know anyone carrying them. Maybe check with a Seiko or Citizen distributor. Offshore

Great communication Chris! Apart from good quality, well priced and QC'd watches....the most important item offered on the forums by anyone dealing, is good communication. Without it, many get nervous. Here we have an example of excellent communication, which so much assists our members in reaching their decisions. Thanks for taking the time to explain things. Offshore

I have today booked to go to HK in September. Arriving Sept 1, the fair runs 2-6 September. I plan to spend 2-3 days in HK, and then travel to Guangzhou, for a day or 2. Not clear yet,on whether it is better to stay in Guangzhou or travel back & forwards. Any clues/thoughts? Anyone resident in HK, or any visitors during this time frame...maybe we can get a mini GTG going. Offshore

Hey, Welcome to the forum. Spend some time, have a look around, and all will be revealed, as well as the answer to your question above! In fact the numero uno lumer resides not too far away! Bit of a queue at times, but definetly worth the wait! And check out Toads guide to noobs, it will get you on track a whole lot quicker. Offshore

To me, the shoulder on the high point of the "Y" seems a little "mulched up" One big problem with the OS movements, is that if when the movement enters the date change phase, and then the operator decides to reset the time, some level of damage occurs internally, which basically renders the movement US. I have never bothered to disassemble a movement like this, preferring to just swap in a new one, so have never investigated this. Maybe this is what we are seeing here? This problem is also very common in a lot of Seikos. particularly the 7T32. Offshore PS I think I may have a couple of dead OS movements in my box, however I believe they have the same symptoms Offshore

RW, You have now reached the point where the repair becomes an excercise in learning. The common approach to this is a "heart replacement" Much easier, quicker, cheaper, to throw in a new movement, than continue with a repair. But from a learning POV....by all means continue to learn, and then understand why almost no quartz are ever repaired...just replaced. I think this is a great example for us all, and do hope you continue the repair...for the experience! (See my siggy) Offshore.

As another learned member once said " Got no soul" Offshore

My previous digital, an Olympus C3020, has moved on...(went with my wife in a recent parting of the ways...good riddance to both ) So I have an opportunity to buy a Sony Cybershot W-150, at what I think is a good price. It is to be a general purpose camera, and will be used for some watch shots, basically for selling on ebay, so doesn't need too be to flash! I can get this camera, almost as new, with a 2G memory stick for A$150, which seems to be a pretty good price. It is coming out of a pawn shop, and needs a few things added, (bag, tripod, spare battery, charger, and cable connector) all of which will add about $60 to the final price. However that total still is in the realms of good buying IMHO. So does anyone know this camera, or have experience with it? It seems to have a lot of features for the $$ and also has an idiot proof mode, which may well be exactly what I need Any info is welcome. Thanks guys. Offshore

Hmmmm, don't know whether I need to share this. Current reps 10. Current gen mechanicals in my collection ....+300 Current stock of used quartz goers for resale at my market +1000. I don't really claim these last lot as "my" watches, more stock in trade. Oh and there are 2 x large boxes full of "dead" quartz, weighing over 25kgs....probably another 1500 - 2000 dead 'uns in that lot! So, yes, more than a couple of watches in the offshore household. Offshore

Mike, If you have any spare moments when you are on the coast, give me a yell, and we could catch up for a quick beer. Offshore

Yep, I reckon so! Better have it on board, next time you are in town! O/S.

So I just won myself a new case opener on fleabay. This is the full monty Bergeon job! It got me to thinking about tool useage and costs. For case backs I now have about 20 various tools, including some special one off openers. My most used tool is a little "crab claw" opener, which probably does 60 -70% of all work ( and only cost a few $$) I then have a Jaxa style, a Bergeon 5537 for Rolex, and recently got a Bergeon T bar 5338-2 which does everything. (almost) Then along came this big screw down sledge vice opener with all fittings and I couldn't help myself. I know these are +$500 new, and I picked this one up under $200, so I am pretty chuffed, but I then started contemplating how much work it will actually do ( vs income generated) But I guess the frustration saved, when all the other openers fail to do the job, makes it worthwhile. Be interested in others thoughts. Offshore

Think you know where I am mate O/S