offshore

Well Nanug, someone got it for A$358. About what I thought it would make, but still great buying for something with this sort of history. hope someone here got lucky! Offshore

Over the weekend, I was following a couple of listings, which I had saved. One in particular, for a large lot of "broken" watches, had listed @$30, and not attracted any bids, with only a couple of days to go. Now there was some stuff I needed in there, and I'm sure a few of the collectors who bid regularly, were watching it, to snipe it at the end. I had settled on a snipe of $120 for the lot, and on Saturday afternoon, decided to send the seller a PM. " As you have not yet had any bids, you can still make this auction a BIN (Buy it now) If you are interested, I will pay twice your opening offer, ($60), a a BIN. I can collect for cash tomorrow. ( The seller was local)" About 20 minutes later I received a PM, "Have just made it a BIN" (Please note, -Only auctions with NO bids can alter their status) So I jumped on, and bought it.... arranged collection, and picked up on Sunday afternoon. The auction would have finished about now....... I bet there are a few collectors wondering where the auction went, and I am sitting here marvelling at my luck. In the lot, (which I hadn't even spotted, or identified, was a solid gold IWC, F300hz watch. Whatsemore, a new battery had it humming away, just like new. It needs a new crown, (will try to find a "signed" replacement) and a new bracelet, (Don't like my chances of finding a gold IWC to match), so I will probably put on a leather strap, with the IWC gold buckle, I already have! My guess is that this watch would bring at least $500 , and maybe $1k, but it is not for sale! Actually will take a pride of place in the collection, and get some wrist time on special occasions. So if you are watching an auction, and it hasn't yet attracted bids, consider making an offer, to try to bring the auction to an early close, and cut out the snipers! Works for me, and I have now managed this on 2 or 3 auctions. ( Interestingly, in each case the seller has been local- maybe they like the thought of cash in hand!) FYI. Offshore

Not going to answer your question...I will leave that for others! I do wish to point out that the tvt article you read, is in our knowledge base, and is a repost Ken made, of an article which is in fact a fair bit older. From memory it originally came from TRC, and was also posted at RWG1. So it dates back quite a bit earlier than the post date reflects......it may be as much as 4-5 years old now. Just bear this in mind when you think about pricing....back then ETA reps could be had on the boards here, from as low as $100, and the median price was maybe $175, for ETA. Also bear in mind that the "quality" of rep back then, in a lot of cases, was much lower than you see today. Hell, we used to get anal about spelling mistakes on the dial.....but even that was almost acceptable back then! So just take these points into consideration in attempting to join all the dots!! Offshore

Was just doing some research on the "Squale" watch cases, and stumbled onto this site. http://www.freewebs.com/billyschorr/blancpainbundeswehr.htm Gee there are a few in there, to bring a lump to the throat of any diveholic collector, and I'm sure Nanug will enjoy the viewing. Interesting history, in that a watch manufacturer, would finally stop manufacturing watches, and become a case manufacturer 'to the big guys' We just learn a bit more every day. Gee I love this hobby...it takes you everywhere. Offshore.

Now see what you've done Nanug.... you've stirred the old boiler, from her rest! God help us all, I thought she was gone for good, but mention of the s. salmon being a naughty boy, has rekindled the fires! Actually I think there are a couple of other fora, she would be far more comfortable at! Offshore

Good to see a few new Aussies coming on board....welcome guys! Quite a few from Downunder here already, including 3 of the admin team. So read, learn, and ask questions if you can't get the answers from within. You will find a wealth of info and experience, and most of all, the best group of watch lovers around. And don't forget to use Toadtorrents amazing noob starter kit! (Pinned at the top of this section) Offshore

@mil-sub, That kit you picture, is probably not bad value for money, although it lacks some essentials. The driver kit looks like one of the French ones, and with new blades, they are most useable. The rest of the gear, basically will be used at varying times, so for the price, it is not unreasonable. When I started, some years back, I bought one of the cheap ebay kits. We all know they are basically cheaper quality, however I have to tell you, that I still use quite some of the components today. The springbar tool I got with mine, had crap end pieces, so I replaced them for a few $$, and I still use it. The pin pusher (blue) also has needed replacement pins, but is still used regularly. The hammer is quite acceptable, the case back knife has now seen better days, but still does the job, (sharpened many times), the band/bracelet locator block still does the job, and the pin pushers have been OK.(although the tips are soft) The caseback tool is a piece of s**t, as are the drivers, the tweezers gave up a long while back, and the pliers are still around, although I have a better set, which I use more frequently. But Hey....these kits cost typically $10- $20, including postage. You will go a long way to find better value, and even if some or most of the tools finally get binned, they are a good starting point in this hobby. And whilst you may make a few messes, by using crap tools, at least you have some to start with! Better than nothing. And it does become a point to start and learn, not only about the watches you wish to work on, but also about your own needs in the quality of tools, you require. Can feel the Zigmeister, frowning over my shoulder as I type so will close with those immortal words. " A poor craftsman blames his tools" Offshore

Gee, I feel left out....didn't even get so much as a hello from Phil! But as Ken said, there is a bit of history between a few of us, so maybe I was removed from his Christmas card list, a few years back. Like a lot of others, I have high levels of faith in the admin team at RWI doing the right thing....they are very aware of the havoc this guy can cause.... so a polite..."Thanks, but No thanks", was obviously their response. He's obviously not welcome here either....Good job TT! Offshore

I work in purchasing, and negotiate daily with overseas suppliers. The one thing which is very apparent, this early in the cycle, is that the suppliers are ready to reduce their maximum quantity requirements, quite dramatically. whilst there has been little change as yet in the sell price (although obviously exchange rates have dramatically altered landed cost). I note also that a lot of Chinese sellers, who have previously sold goods at wholesale level only, are now flocking to the likes of Ebay, and offering small lots. So there is inventory to clear. Who really knows the final outcomes. I'm sure if we had a crystal ball, we could become very wealthy. In the rep scene, the 1st possibility, is that the factories may try to increase their dealer levels, which would give greater competition, or they may even decide to move to direct marketing to clear stocks. Although I don't think we will see this anytime soon. Probably more competition, which will reduce prices, however exchange rates will play a big part! Just my 0.02c worth! ( Was worth 0.03c last week!) Offshore

I think at some stage, I may have suggested to Toad, that all we look for is contributions to the forum. This work repays any small acts of generosity many times over! Just brilliant Toad, go to the top of the class. It also shows our new members, to what heights they can aspire, after their induction. Wonderful. Offshore

2824,2834 and 2836 all share the #2801 stem.(Tap 0.90) Offshore

I'm out of them right now, but have more being shipped. Try Jules Borel or Ofrei, they will have them. Offshore

For what model/s do you need? Offshore

G.S. hypo cement works a treat! Offshore

Nanug, An interesting difference between your watch and cskent's, is the variance in the "no deco" limits on the outer bezel. (Which is what I take these numbers to be) My guess is that yours are developed from US Navy tables, which were developed for fit navy divers, operating only when there was a deco chamber on board; whereas the 2nd watch has limits more closely aligned to sport diver type limits.(probably from Royal Navy tables) Will drag out my old US Navy and Royal Navy manuals later, and check 'em. FWIW, anyone who undertook a "no deco" dive of 5 minutes @ 195, would be seriously at risk of a bend... fit navy diver or not. Offshore

B, Just green with envy my friend! Wanna trade a left testicle? Wear it well mate. Offshore

A few weeks back I was trying to hunt down a pusher for a repair I am doing on a Breitling. Tried a couple of suppliers and collectors....no one could assist. So I asked here if anyone may have one. Had an immediate response from one of our established members, that he had a case and some bits. He asked for my addy, and when I asked for a price, it was " No, I couldn;t sleep if I charged you for that" Today a complete case & movement arrived, all at no charge...not even the post cost. So to honour the spirit of this place, a donation is on its way to admin in the name of Lord Rasta! Thank you my friend, it's this sort of interaction which makes this place so great. And if we ever have the good luck to cross paths... beers are on me. Offshore

Actually freddy, ETA changed their registration requirements recently, and you can just wander on through. @MB, think you may find the HK site is now shut down. It was just a mirror of this anyway. Offshore

Freddy, Sorry to hear that....unfortunately however, we all are well aware that Bob Frei is a flake. Must tell you some time, about what he did to me over shipping costs, and his "minimum value' for "export" shipping. Nothing would surprise me from that lot. offshore

@DBR, PM sent. I'm with you mate , not against All good. Offshore

@h.u, I feel you may find that DBR, also has a vested interest in this matter! Possibly a lot more than a lot of others! However, there is little point in "flogging the proverbial" Either a resolution will be found, or come forward, or it won't. Continued attacks however probably only lessen the chances of a resolution. Let's just keep this thread for responses, which throw some light on the situation, not for responses which inflame it. Offshore

Even though the recycle value of scrap aluminium, has dropped form A$2.20, to A$1.60 in the last couple of weeks! Even Sims Metal, Oz's biggest recycler, stopped buying for 3 days. Unheard of. Maybe I need to start saving the alum caps off my rum bottles AND find someone who wants to buy glass! Offshore

FWIW, I find GS Hypo cement to be a very good product to re attatch bezel inserts. Both the glue, and the ease of use of the needle applicator. Offshore

I have never really counted the required number for a 7750, although 27 sounds about right. I have always thought that 27 was an optimum number, any more was just "gloss" but I could be wrong. Offshore

PM sent. OS