JoeyB

The 6538 Connery wears in the famous cigarette lighter clip with the NATO strap are springbars, not fixed.

Yep, and as JMB said, variable speed is a better way to go. I have a Dremel variable, a Black and Decker variable cordless, and had cheap ones in the past. I would go cheap today. Harbor Freight, or any of the big hardware chains usually have the Chinese made, and we know first hand now how the Chinese have improved their products.

Thank you! This one is a straight up build. I just posted about it here: http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/157082-6538-case-review-phongs-vs-tiger/ reply #17. It is not a very difficult build, I think the key is the dial.

The 'Tiger' case is the same one that Rafflestime carries. I bought my first from 'onlinestore' using Ebay's 'best offer', offered $50 for the case, bezel and caseback, and told him to keep the straps and the rest. He countered at $55 and I bought it. Comparing it to a phong's case at what, less than 10% of the cost, is interesting. It is NOT gen construction, the crystal is glued in. The case needs a bit of 'massaging' but looks nice enough when done. The 'Tiger' case takes a larger 29.2mm dial. The bezel needs to be beveled top and bottom, but looks ver nice when done. I tried to make it into a 6542, but the bezel is not deep enough for the plastic insert and not enough clearance to make it so. So I made a 6538 'Bond' out of it.

Actually if you compare, the strap is more likely a 16mm, not 18mm as so many, including me, believe. I read quite a few sites about the watch, Bond and Broccoli, etc., and found only one site said that the strap was 16mm and blue, NOT black. I went with 18mm and black anyway.

Vinnie, the only one that is close is this http://www.theonewatch.net/Watches/Swiss+Catalog/Rolex+Swiss/SUBMARINER/ROLEX+-+Vintage+50s+James+Bond+Sub+6205+SSAndNato+Blk+A-2836_10569.html They call it a "6205" but that is the wrong watch for a 6205, and you want a 6538. I don't think it matters much as the 'look' is about the same. But it does say what they know - and don't know. They list one in 'asian' but have no picture. They list the bezel as being unidirectional, but it should be bidirectional and no clicks. They say it is a hacking movement, it shouldn't be but I'd guess most other dealer's watches need that mod as well. This is not one of our recommended dealers, so you are on your own. I hope you get your watch, and it's close to what you wanted. .

Things have changed a biot since then. http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/156906-b/

There are a few around. I like that each build has it's own thread, and accolades given accordingly. Everyone has something new to add to each build and we all benefit from that. Here is a thread to drool over http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/150062-6542-is-it-the-executive-suite-or-mailroom-or-somewhere-in-between/

Thank you! My kind of adjustment, using a hammer!

No, it's just the reflection in the crystal. But with those decals it'd be easy enough to do.

How'dja doi t? Mine has no visual way to take it apart.

I would ask for clarification. What does "much better" encompass?

Mostly because it doesn't.

Is there any way to size this bracelet? Add a link or remove a link?

I've been wearing it the last couple of days and received very positive reactions from people. Something about it makes it quite noticeable. The NATO strap colors really go well with the gilt dial. I'm not a strap fan, and certainly not a NATO strap fan at all, but this one works well. But you are right, and a step further in that a Submariner is not a watch to wear with formal attire, and certainly not a vintage diver's watch nor any tool watch. Only Connery's Bond could do that.

It also applies to the ETA 2892-2 and ETA 2893-2. I think those are even more apt to break that the ETA 2836/2846.

Very nice!

Thank you!

Yep, and a little duct tape and it's all set!

The lizard strap makes it look very classy.

And the People! Think of the truly great and supremely handsome who were born in the `50s.

I think the gilt Rolex did in the 1950s had the look of gold leaf when fresh from the factory. @Nanuq: I didn't look that good after 54 years...

Thanks, guys! Take a look at the clip we've all seen so many times, and freddy posted pics of. In that split second of the bright light you can see the 'gilty' gilt in the dial. The movie was made in the early 1960s, so the watch is likely less than 5 years old. I think that all we get to see of the gilt dials are those that have oxidized over 50 years. I found this old pic of a gen that shows the 'gilt' as i think it likely was when new.

Ah, if only I had freddy's money! I had to borrow the shirt!

My photo skills are not very good, but here is a dial shot. I think it came out nice.