Slartibartfast

@repaustria....... we're not worthy, we're not worthy Seriously though this 1655 of yours is the badger's nadgers! (sorry to go OT)

Check this out, gotta get one! Explorer Clothing! Er...... maybe not.

Well I know what I am aiming for.... Thanks toomuchgear!!!

Great first review Stormy. It's taking the trouble to write reviews, that makes this place what it is. I look forward to your second! The 1655 has a special place in my collection. Good choice! Are you going to have a go at modding the few details that you don't like on this rep? It seems you ave a pretty good starting point. Which collector did you get it from?

Would be interested to know how you get on. Let us know!

Love it! I neeeeeed one!

Another quick update............. I was not too pleased with my re-lume attempt on the hands. So I whipped them off, dipped them in paint stripper, and re-painted them. I then used some night colour, mixed with acrylic paint and re-lumed them from the back. Miles better! Well worth it IMHO. Here are a few current photos of the 1655 as it is today. I don't think I have quite finished with this project yet. I would like to change the strap for a vintage foled item. I see they come up on fleabay once in a while (but go for over a hundred quid) so it may be a bit of a sacrilege to attach it to a bastardised rep! I also would like to have another go at the datewheel overlay. That could be better. Watch this space!

Superb photography. You have a real talent. Oh.... and great taste in watches too!

Very tempted by this model. You haven't made it any easier Rolexman!

Truly stunning result from a lot of hard work. Congratulations on owning such a piece.

Thanks for your positive comments guys. Makes me think I might be on the right track with my modding attempts. Looking forward to the next project already!

After tinkering with my Explorer 1655, and getting a great amount of satisfaction from the process, I have to admit to have been bitten by the modding bug, so....... I ordered a cheapie vintage sub 5508 from watchsilix to pull to bits an improve my 'skills' So here we are, a brand spanking new sub from silix Pic As Original sporting an olive Nato First up was to replace the crystal with an item from Cousins. I measured up the original with calipers, and ordered the closest I could find in their acrylic domed section for the princely sum of

Already is out, try here http://www.trustytime88.com/index.php?main...products_id=605

Currently wearing this sub, but now on a Nato...must get some new pics. Think it might be a rollie weekend!

Holy envious collection Batman! Thanks for the great pictoral! It always makes a difference when people make the effort to share a great GTG experience. Cheers!

Great collection, I have some catching up to do in the vintage class! Love your choices

I have been following this thread, and admire your upbeat approach TeeJay. Go for it! Personally (having had an awsomely unforgettable ride in one) I woud opt for the earlier shark nosed Z28 (if cash were no object)!

Good choice! I have the same model from Homer, but the black face. Good solid feel and well made. Wear it well!

It is! and I do!

Agreed.. I am going to try that technique. How long did you leave yours to achieve that look? Thanks for that. I was going to pull the movement out tomorrow, then chuck the case in the tumble dryer (on cool) for 10 minutes to age it a couple of decades or so. Looks like I may have lost the crystal. I will remove it first now All good tips predfan, I will try them, thanks!

Here's a couple of pics of my own "5508", newly arrived from silix. I am very happy with this bearing in mind the price, and would recommend one to those in doubt. I am about to start the obligatory vintaging process. Will update pics when done. Mine came with the red triangle at the bezel insert position, though the one I ordered had the white triangle. Think I prefer the red, TBO, so have not complained

I have some ETA and some Asian models. I know that if one of my Asian models croaks on me, that I have a good chance of getting a replacement movement for under a tenner from Cousins. So why worry? But with replacing an ETA or 7750 (or whatever) that's a different story! I guess servicing the more expensive models is the answer.

I agree, this looks like gen vintage to me. Congrats. Stick with it!

I got the blue dial SOSF, but seeing this just makes me want the white dial..... bugger!!!!

Come one Bluey, when, where, how, what, who. Don't just leave us hanging!!! That is one beautiful vintage Milgauss! Full story please!