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So... I came across this gen vintage triplock for my DRSD and am hoping for some help.

Can anyone tell if this an early (701 / 702) or later version (703 - deplyed with an o-ring)? What tube do I need to get for it, assuming I'm looking at aftermarket?

Thank you!

Hope it turns out well for you!

I have a hard time wearing anything but my off-white VC... it fits just about any situation.

I was just about to ask your thoughts on what this might do for a replica dial with less exposure time... say, for example, the lume of a 1665

Looks great though, looking forward to seeing pics of your crystal back on the watch!

I'm awaiting my MBW 1665 from TTK any day now and it's going off to The Zigmeister for a vintage luming, genuine tube and crown, aftermarket T-39 replacement, lug hole drilling..total cost with shipping about $300. isn't this MBW stuff nuts????? $650 for a fake watch. For another $350, I could have had an automatic speedmaster.

Good news, if logic ever prevails again...I can always find another board member suffering from the same delusions willing to buy it!!!!!

Good to know I'll have some company in this endeavor! I'm really psyched for the journey. Fueling my fire - I was at the Apple store today checking out the new iPhone and saw a gent wearing a vintage sub on a Nato strap...

Switching topics, I've read posts indicating that some folks have achieved slight yellowing of the markers through sustained exposure to sunlight over a 2-3 week timespan - is this legit?

Genuine inserts can be found from time to time. I haven't actively sought one out in quite sometime... But, they're out there

As for aging an insert, I've found that a little bleach with H2O and a close, watchful eye can net decent results...

Perfect, thanks!

As far as I know does your pics of the gen show the older 40mm model from 2003 and not the new 42mm model.

Regards

Oh wow, I'll look into this. Thanks

Awesome advice so far, thank you!

Oh yes, CGs and lugs almost go without mentioning.... caseback as well. I'm tempted to give the CGs a shot myself, but I don't have the equipment nor guts to do the lugs. I'll have to tap into one of our trusted modders for help with that!

Would love to find a gen insert but, for a newb like me, the search is a little befuddling... It seems acquiring a gen vintage is almost out of the question due to rarity, if so any advice on which part # insert I should be nabbing?

Are most folks having success using a little detergent to age the insert? I didn't find a tutorial for this, I think I would like just a subtle amount.

Thanks again.

My MBW DRSD should be arriving from TTK shortly so I am gearing-up for mods.

After looking through all the great information on the site, I have a short set of questions for which I'd appreciate experienced input.

1) T39 Superdome - Clark $60 or Gen $160. Now that the Clark's have been around a little longer any opinions on if the price differential is really worth it?

2) Crown & Stem - is it better to keep the MBW vintage crown and just replace the stem, or to swap the crown with a more current triplock design?

3) Lume Dot - gen vintage pearl's impact to the overall look... If I can nab one I should do so without hesitation?

4) Insert - good enough to age the MBW insert or find a more recent gen insert?

Thanks in advance for the feedback, I'm anxious to get started!

Added some pics of the gen for easier comparison.

Hey, one of those DRSDs bears a family resemblance

Things have been busy and I have not had time to set up ideal lighting, but I wanted to share some quick pictures and impressions of the 'new' version VC Overseas with white dial.

I received this piece from Ruby just over one week ago. It arrived in great condition and the ETA movement has been working flawlessley.

First impressions are very positive. While the bracelet feels a little light the watch does have a very solid feel and heft of a gen. In fact the feel reminds me a bit of my trusty FM Conquistador... just slightly off that watch's quality.

The crystal appears to have a layer of AR on the inside.

Turning to the dial, as has been pointed out on other threads, there are some notable flaws relative to the gen. To rehash two of those, "Geneve" lacks an accent and the date bezel appears slightly overdone. However, neither of these flaws are noticable without a good deal of scrutiny. Also, while the hands are silver they appear to be slightly more burnished than the gen - causing them to look darker in certain lighing conditions. The dial does have a silverish tint to it which tends to pop more in ideal lighting conditions.

A larger flaw in my eyes is the font and size of the 12, 3, 6 and 9 markers. In comparison to the gens I have seen my markers (especially the 12 and 6) are slightly squatter. The impact leads to a loss of symmetry on the dial, things look just a bit unbalanced to my eye. For example, the cross emblem is unbalanced between the 12 marker and the VC label.

The case back looks very nice. While much of the engraving is the usual, shallow quality I think the design of the ship is really well done.

The bracelet is nice - good polish, nice clasp and well seated pins. I do notice that the lug design is slightly different from the gen (one pin versus two) but I don't think it's very noticeable.

Thanks for looking and adding to this summary. I'll try to take some better pictures when I have time to get lighting set-up!

Pics of the gen (in much better light)

I'd pick the Santos and 111H for dress (formal and semi-formal), Sub or IWC for the beach.

Have a great time!

Quick update, my white dial showed-up the other day.

Sorry I've been away and unable to take pics, but it is truly a great feeling and looking watch - it looks better in person than the photos I posted earlier... the hands, the dial color and the date bezel. The bracelet feels very nice and has a high polish.

I'll get some pics up as soon as I can.

I'm still in, thanks for the diligence.

Looks pretty good!

So you just used a hand metal file? What size and type?

OK then, the horse has been led to water. Appreciate the ideas.

Yeah, thanks.

I was actually hoping someone who had the auto or both versions would share their dimensions to get at least an idea if the cases are the same. Saw a post tearing-down of one of these and it looked like a pain, was hoping to avoid that... guess there will be no shortcuts here.

Tachymeter

Wondering if anyone has considered swapping the quartz for a cheap auto in their men's size Chanel J12? Got one for the wife yesterday, while the quartz is fine I think the automatic movement would look nicer and also be more true to the gen...

Given case dimensions are 38mm x 10mm.

Thanks!

1665 for me... DRSD despite the dial flaws. I really consider it an homage effort v. trying to pass it off as a gen.

Just waiting for my special delivery from TTK and then the mods will get underway!

Nice photochop, count me inspired.

Filing of the date window bevel... practically speaking how straightforward would that be? I'd be nervous about getting the window either out of proportion, over-large, screwing up the dial... would this be up the alley of one of our wonderful modders?

Interesting about the different serial number...

The date window bevel seems also wider on this model ....

How much is she selling them for ?

I was wondering about the date bezel, didn't know if it was just due to the angle of the shot. We'll see... the dial seems a little overexposed in the pics too, hard to see details.

Regarding price, I ordered it a couple weeks ago and may have gotten in before the 'price change' folks are talking about. It was a good margin less than what I see quoted elsewhere in this thread... I'll / I'd ask Ruby. Speaking of whom, Ruby was great in hunting it down. Austin, she did indicate that she could continue to procure these.

OK, some pics to share of my new, white dial VC Overseas!

These are courtesy of Ruby I'll take some more pics once it's in my grubby little hands.

Note the different serial number...

Mine is on the way.

Oooooh, lucky dog. Which color dial?

I'm still waiting on mine to ship... but suppose this is good news, new inventory is available!?!

I started 'collecting' OEMs with a few Rolexes, but at some point during my shopping came to appreciate watches less for their jewelry value and more for their mechanical and artisitc value. An experience I'm sure other members have gone through...

So, spent some time on PMWF and also pondering higher-end pieces - and am glad I found this community before I invested much more in my OEM collection. I've been able to fine-tune my tastes, learn from real experts, and play with mechanics without making big financial errors!

As a result my collection is rep heavy now, but my OEM collection will someday be far "better" from the experience. In fact it's funny, in part I got here out of my disdain for the Rolex 'brand' but now find myself extremely excited about picking-up a 1665 rep... maybe a gen someday if I am so blessed! An interesting journey.