Slartibartfast

Great work on that case. I love that brushed look. Makes for a more balanced look. Vintaging has worked well too IMO!

You and me both, matey........ still RIP.........it comes to us all.

yes...it's that smile...it's the only thing I noticed as well!

Wow, your collection aside, that's one hell of a work bench! Truly a place of worship! No need to say "enjoy" I can see you already are!

I find it rather disturbing........ though I can't put a finger on why!

Agreed Clive, I certainly preferred the original! Strange that we are "allowed" gyrating jubblies but not an avatar that wouldn't even make it to page 3 of The Sun. But one of my favs is from ajoesmith Simply mesmeric

Brilliant work. You guys who take the time and trouble to produce a unique timepiece have my respect. A fabulous piece to keep for years! No need to say (but I will) ENJOY!

Looks like a cheap Christmas cracker toy to me! @plaifender - you are 100% right - FUgly!

Not surprised, my tongue would have been on the floor as well!

I have read many times about the hand stack on these explorers being (generally) wrong. Correct me if I'm wrong but I understand that the hour hand should be at the bottom of the stack with the GMT hand above. I have been lusting after an Explorer 2 1655, and have noticed in this pick of a "genuine" found on the bay...... that he GMT hand is at the bottom of the stack (you need to zoom in a bit). Is that peculiar to this model (1655) or do some Explorers differ from others? Or .... good grief, could this be a rep!! If so I would love to know where they got it, I'll be there with my CC at the speed of light

A brilliant read. Would love to experience this first hand. Thanks for taking the time to share. Edit......... Just noticed a web address on one of the outside shots of the market buildings on a repost of this thread, which shows inside publicity shots of the trading floors... worth a look to give another dimension to the already brilliant description in kenberg's post....take alook "http://www.jiulongwatch.com/english/about/pic.asp"

My daughters think this hobby is my "mid-life crisis". My wife thinks I just don't need another watch. All of them support me and are glad that it makes me happy!

Agreed, I too have to thank TJ for sharing some interesting experiences in alternative sources that won't break the bank.

Not yet had to try the ball of tape method on any of my Rollies. My most recent purchase, an Explorer 2 was a tough one to open, but using Mrs Slartibartfast's rubber gloves (and a lot of effort) did it for me! Perhaps this says more about the quality of manufacture rather than the method of opening the case.... who knows.

Beauuuutiful! This is one watch you will still be cherishing in 20 years time. Envious. Wear it well!

Go for it TJ, rip that baby apart! Can't wait to see the result.

Excellent review as always The Zigmeister. A pleasure to read. Can't believe how intricate a modification this is!

Cant wait .. sounds interesting. I am really tempted to give this modding lark a try.

I like the look of this one. Think we'll go with this and give one a try.

What??

Yep, good idea. I tried offering her my Air-King, which is fairly small for a mens watch. But she thought it too big. She knows her own mind (and I know not to argue ).

I have, but She thinks they're too bulky Shame as I really want to get her one of those, they soooo look the part. Glad to hear of your success with your own better half's watches.

Mrs Slartibartfast has lost her treasured Constellation. Thinks it went into the bin with the garden rubbish (now long gone with the weekly collection) She would love another, but would not trust the clasp which was always popping open, so won't let me replace it with an identical one. She would like a TAG Link, which looks a good bet, but doesn't like the black dial version. She would like a white dial version, but I cannot find one in rep land. Have any of you out there seen one at any of our trusty collectors sites??