offshore

Jewels, are the "bearings" or pivot points for the shafts in watch movements. Depending on the type of movement, you may have somewhere around 25- 30 points which will benefit from "jewels" as the bearing points. The number of jewels in a movement, has for a long time been seen as a sign of "better quality" In fact at various times, manufacturers have installed jewels in passive locations (non working) just to increase the number of jewels in the watch for advertising and promotional purposes. So there have been "39 jewels".... "47 jewels", ...."52 jewels" but the extras only ever added to the appearance, not to the functional operation of the movement. So more jewels, doesn't necessarily equate to better! Offshore

Many say so...trust your own (informed) judgement! Offshore

With the current problems of a missing modder well evident, and discussed, I feel it is time to open a discussion about modifying watches, where all can contribute, without necessarily having to refer back to the particular incident/s. Soooooo, doffing my moderators hat for a time, I would like to offer my opinion FWIW. My personal take on the problems faced in contracting to have mods carried out on your watch/es, is one initially of perception. YOU know what you want, but then very quickly, the lines of communication get blurred in trying to obtain this. Your modder, has his own ideas, (which may not match yours), as to a satisfactory outcome. So right from the commencement of the "contract", there can be differing concepts of the outcome. With some exceptions, the people who have become recognised as modders, have grown from within our ranks. And with one notable exception, (and he is specifically a VERY good watchsmith to start, who has also taken on some of this type of worK), and with due deference to those who still reside here, carrying out various levels of modifications, ALL those who have commenced in this type of enterprise, have finally disappeared. (At least from these walls) I could, but won't, recite the litany of problems and complaints which have flowed, with regard to mods carried out on watches, on this and other forums. From my own experience, (and I will NEVER take on a modding project unless it is face to face...and then only really more upgrading /replacing parts and components).... watch repairers, who are only working at it part time... eventually find themselves overwhelmed with work. I know in my (mainly) quartz market stall biz, I regularly have to take a stand, and not take on work for a few weeks to catch up. (And it still keeps on banking up) I see a number of things happening. The modder gets overwhelmed with work. The modder has a series of complaints, disagreements, about perceived results. He looks for the "escape route", either excuses, or then finally, close off communication ( Hope it will all go away) And I am afraid we have seen this pattern, only too many times, over the years. I can frankly say, that I refuse to do ANY work, for any forum people, unless it is face to face. I do this as a hobby, not as an income stream, and the moment these become confused, is the start of a problem. Enough of my input, however some real questions should be asked. Should these forums promote or even encourage, watch modification, by other parties? With little ability to control the actions of people off the forum, should we endorse or promote these practices? I will leave this open for discussion, however will remind you all, that this is not posted for vendettas, or witch hunts. If you wish to discuss individual problems, please do so elsewhere. This is put to discuss the general process of contracting, and receiving satisfaction, in the modification of a watch. Having said all that, will now re don the mods hat, and give ample warning, that as the OP, I will remove any personal attacks on individuals in this topic. It is for general discussion, not specific instances. Offshore

Ok, Here are photos from the net of what this guy has FS. My apologies, it is a DJ not a DD, the memory gets bad as you get older! It's this dial &case on this bracelet. If anyone has interest, I can act as a conduit to buy it. however I would supply his details, you thrash out the deal, and i would arrange to collect and ship, (and transfer the $$ if required.) As I said, this is FS in A$, so be aware of your exchange rates. Offshore

I'll dig out the photos I have and post in the next 24 hours. Don't forget that this is in A$, so with the current exchange rate you must add approx 50%. Also this is NOT a solid gold. It has a gold bezel, which I believe is solid, but the case is S/S. Offshore

Had a desperate seller in today, with an as new (worn twice) Rolex DD. Have photos if anyone is interested. He has been asking A$8k, with NO bites. Today he tells me he bought it for U$6k in Singapore 2 years ago, and MUST quit it. I pointed out the massively falling market, and quoted a couple of huge gen reductions these last weeks. Final comment was, "I'll take $4k.....$3k if I have to!" Think we will see a bit of this in days/weeks/months to come! Investment???? not right now for mine, even blue chip shares are @ 50 % valuation! Offshore

Beware of friends or enemies, bearing gifts! If my MIL arrived with a box for me, it would likely have a bomb in it! Or rat poison. Offshore (Nice box though)

Received, replied, and edited! Offshore

Jody, I have now arranged to have this available by download. And am now selling the link. Part of the proceeds goes to RWG, and part to the various people who purchased the original info (self included. ) So anyone needing a copy, only has to contact me. Offshore

Hi, If you download this http://www.citizen.co.jp/miyota_mvt/downlo...s_0S_SERIES.pdf you will see the item 067-162- setting lever. It is located just above where the stem enters, and on the outer circumference. Close inspection will reveal a small indent in this lever. Slight pressure on this lever via the indent (whilst you are in setting #1) will allow the stem to release. You won't need to worry about the pushers, as they only operate by contact with the movement plates, so once the stem is released, you will be able to remove the movement. Depending on the style of movement holder used, sometimes the setting lever may be (partially) hidden by the holder, so you may need to remove it to clearly see the lever. If you still have a problem locating the correct area, study the movement, whilst pulling the stem in and out. Look for "something" moving! This is where you will find your release point. BTW, all the info you need is availble for most Miyota movements here. http://www.citizen.co.jp/miyota_mvt/download/index.html Hope this helps. Offshore

If you are unaware of the procedure to carry out this repair, may I respectfully suggest that you find a rep friendly watchsmith to do it for you. Whilst it is not an overly difficult job, you will probably find that for a first up job, you will screw something up, and ruin a perfectly good watch, If you aspire to doing your own repairs, get a few "clunkers" to destroy, before you try to carry out work such as this. We have all stuffed up some nice pieces, in our quest to learn more, and i believe you will find the same thing. Offshore

Guys, Don't forget that I have the TZ course and other stuff available FS! http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=60496&hl= This is now a download, so you can have it in minutes after receiving the links. PM me if anyone is interested in anything. Offshore

@DS, When I finally get my mini buffer/grinder, I will get a suitable tapered spindle to attach to it, to quickly facilitate fitting varios polishing mops .http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/tbs.html Probably not one of these, there are others with more pronounced steps available, but hopefully you get the idea. The strong point for that mini bench grinder, is that it is variable speed, and has the hand dremel style fitting on the right hand side, so it's 2 tools in one. Offshore

@DS, I have had a couple, including a Dremel kit. This one with variable speed @ A$35 has given good service. All work OK and seem to last proportionally to the price paid! Whilst I can't recommend it yet, as I am still waiting for it's arrival, my recent purchase, at under A$100, is hopefully a more workable system. The one thing which becomes annoying with Dremel style tools, is the time spent changing heads, and this may alleviate some (not all) of that. Hope that helps. Offshore

Mate, from another of the team here, my deepest condolences. It certainly makes me value the fact, that whilst I lost my Dad many years ago, my Mum, is still battling on at 85. Recently I have been asking myself, where I would be without my Mum, as she has not been well. I feel most deeply for your loss; however rejoice that she is now in a better place, and will forever love you. Keep those wonderful memories. Offshore

Happy birthday from Oz...big fella!! Just have a great day my friend. A

As the OP has said... issue closed....topic closed. Offshore

Speed of light to down under....even though it's dark right now! Freddy, maybe you need to clean your cookies,or reboot your hard ?? (or get your rocks off or sumfin!) :D :D Offshore

V, If anyone here, needs to be 'called out" as a gen lover.... aim those parties this way, as I have not bought a rep in years! However, when I find myself, fortunate enough to be involved with the source of the best horological info on the WWW, I will continue to absorb.... like a sponge... the wisdom available in these pages. And I am forever thankful that I stumbled across TRC all those years ago, which finally lead me here... to my "home" and this wonderful resource.... built by all the contributions , from a great group of watch purists ( whatever their persuasion) Forget the naysayers.... this is where you both contribute, and receive! Offshore

Hey Shundi! This is another good reason to use a sniping programme, like "Auction Sentry" Best $15 I ever spent. Offshore

Hi, You've come to the right place! Most of the basic info is available to regular members, and if you feel like you need access to more info, the supporters, or platinum members packages will reveal even more good info. Use the search tool, and our Links area, and you will have days of reading information, on a wide variety of topics. When you can't find an answer, just post a query, in the correct area, and you will receive a bunch of help from our many knowledgeable members. Welcome aboard. Offshore

And guys, please don't forget, that we have Birdmans tools on our site here, and from time to time Narikaa has some goodies. Offshore

Agreed TT, Although I would also bet there are more than a few, that wouldn't mind a 5 minute "chat", with Blade ....in a dark alley Offshore

Sorry to hear that you have contacted "the disease" And can assure you that no amount of "financial planning" will ever cure it! Just set aside a fixed % of your income, (around 50% seems to do the trick), and the symptoms slowly disappear. However you will find, that the disease still lurks...hidden, until you inadvertently fail to take your "fix', and it reappears, more aggressive than ever. The only known cure, is to make such a dick of yourself, around the forums, that you are from them all, but this cold turkey method often, just starts more plotting and scheming, to infiltrate back with a pseudonym. Fortunately your admin team have measures in place to prevent this.... so aside from drooling in AD's windows, or running the "Canal St gauntlet"......sorry to say....it's terminal. Maybe hypnotherapy, or acupuncture, may help, but if all else fails, just 'lay back and enjoy the ride" Doctor Offshore

A dealer here in Oz, has been offering tropic 19's on the bay. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Submariner-5513-Hig...1QQcmdZViewItem These, of late have sold around A$70-80, but some sneak thru at low $$. I don't know how good these are, so thought a post for our Roly nuts to comment may assist. If they are worthwhile...be patient, as i believe he has a large supply, and as i said the odd one flies under the radar! Offshore