Jetsons

Gorgeous 1680 you have there shultz. Collecting all the OEM parts can take some time but the end result is worth the effort plus it's half the fun. If it were easy, we wouldn't appreciate these beauties as much as we do. Enjoy!

Hi, Ed: I've seen these as well but they have the clear case back. Needless to say that those awesome in-house built JLC movements in no way resemble a gold plated ETA. EL's Master Control was of an earlier model with a very nicely decorated solid case back. I have not seen another dealer offer this exact watch.

Did someone say vintage? I think I have all date styles or lack thereof covered.

EL had a very nice JLC Master Control, ETA powered. This is one elegant simple dress watch but don't know if it is currently available as EL has gone in a different direction. http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e186/300...rrent=jlc01.jpg http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e186/300...rrent=jlc02.jpg

The bezel assembly with the retaining spring is not MBW. Never seen this on the MBW vintage sport models. It should look like the one on the right which is the same design as the gen. The left bezel assembly is from an old CN. MBW case on the right. On the MBW, the T-127 will fit over the outer lip and rest on the case. It is pressed with a retaining ring (pictured above below the bezel washer) over the crystal just as the gen. The MBW also has a case groove for an "O" ring to seal the crystal on the case.

Fantastic art work The Zigmeister and as usual, terrific detailed photos. What an enjoyable read this post is! Thank you very much for sharing. How many watchmakers would go through the time to replace an incorrect jewel? I suspect not many would go through the trouble . I'm a vintage pocket watch admirer myself and often check them out at various sites. They represent the meticulous craftsmanship of watchmaking that once was and sadly missing today. Bigdoggy, very sorry to hear about your loss.

I only have listening experiences with various Denon and Marantz CDPs. My take is the Marantz house sound is a rounder & smoother presentation. Perhaps a tad less detailed than the Denon but if you have bright speakers/system, the Marantz may be a better match. They build very good machines and have a generous warranty. More Info: http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MACC4001 The Denon has a brighter and more forward presentation (at least the ones I've listened to) which would be a better match for laid back & darker type speaker music systems. It depends on the music system you have & personal preferences. You might play with them and check the transport mechanisms for smoothness of operation. I addition, check the warranty coverage and periods of the two. A heavier unit will also tend to have a more solid chassis, which is a good thing in a CDP.

This was a very limited production Tudor and very rare. There were two models if I recall with the rlx 390 caliber and ETA. A chap in a gen forum picked an Asian franken/rep for around $500 a while back so that should be an indication of what it may be worth. alligoat, I think River offered both models a few moths ago. They were of Asian origin and the asking price was a bit stiff for a rep.

Kruz, put me down for a pair. A couple of 2893-2 autos could certainly use them. Thanks for this!

The 14060 also has a totally different bezel from the 16610 which makes this watch even more difficult to accurately replicate from available parts. I've only seen a couple of gen dials offered and they tend to be expensive. A used gen (around $2.7K will all original B&P) is probably the best deal out there in the modern rlx sports line as the MSRP was raised to $4,450 last October. My understanding is that a new model will be introduced with the chronometer designation which should escalate the price further. The 14060 with the T-dials are also starting to increase in value, no small thanks to the hideous asking prices of the 5513.

Glad to be of help. These are the least expensive spring bars that I know of that will work, http://cgi.ebay.com/SPRINGBAR-PIN-ROLEX-fo...oQQcmdZViewItem They are not the most durable if you have a habit of swapping bracelets frequently. They will work fine if installed and left alone but are cheap @ $1.98/pair, delivered. I noticed some dealers are buying 40-50 at as time...I wonder how much they resell them for.

For spring bars, you'll need the 2mm like these: http://cgi.ebay.com/Rolex-1680-16610-5512-...1QQcmdZViewItem The case appears to be a TW designed for a sapphire crystal. Perhaps you can get the T-127 to work but not sure how it would llook.

It never that easy. . The 16610 rep tube looks like a toy compared to the OEM so you will need to install the correct tube, OEM or generic. The mod is well worth the effort not only in looks but improvement in functionality. Part #s: Triplock Crown (7mm) - P/N 24-703 Triplock Tube (7mm) - P/N 24-7030

Stephane, I think we all face a very similar situation with our watch collecting or any other similar hobby. It's normal to gravitate to certain watches as the collection expands but tastes do change over time. I your case with te Subs, I would keep the MBW and perhaps the Trusty. Both have about the best cases available and may not be an easy find down the road plus they made it safely to your door step. The Fiddy, I would keep if it has the Swiss ETA. It's a huge time keeper but very different. I admire the simplicity of the watch but my wrist could never pull of the 47mm beast. It's a darn nice piece to have in a collection. The 196, it's a keeper for sure if it has the ultra rare ETA 7753. It is a stunning watch in the flesh which you might enjoy more with leather strap. That's a heck of a lot of metal with the bracelet. I also have a few that I don't wear much but they are near impossible to find unless a member decides to part with them. I much enjoy my collection and not wearing them much doesn't necessarily mean I don't get a kick from having them.

I use needle nose pliers and gently apply downward pressure twin ends of the clasp. Tape the tips of the plier to avoid any scratches or damaging the clasp. Do one side and then the other and check the tightness of the lock. You may need to do this more than once to achieve the desired click. Easy as pie. Welcome to RWG! Lot's of gen owners here as well & most of us enjoy learning and tinkering with these not so expensive toys.

I'll echo what Bill stated. The 2893-2 is one very refined & accurate movement. If you plan on keeping the watch for the long term, I would suggest spending a bit more and opting for this movement. I've had the opportunity to compare the modified ETA 2836-2 (GMT hand at bottom of the stack) and there is just no comparison when it comes to smoothness of operation. I have three of the 2893-2's and all maintain near quartz accuracy, have been flawless operators and super smooth. I mentioned this before & IMO, choose the movement, the watch and finally, the seller. No different than purchasing a gen. Movement problems are a total PIA and not inexpensive to fix unless you have the skills to perform the work.

ed, it's very easy to restore the satin finish if need be. Cut a square from a "green" Scotch Brite pad and lightly rub the along length of the bracelet in even strokes. I apply a bit of water on the pad and get excellent results. I can do it for you in about 5 minutes.

Nice job sanding the gen insert! Very nice sub you have there. It is a terrific & relatively simple mod and looks much better in the flesh than the photos would indicate. The black of the gen insert is deeper and really brings out the dial. It was a night and day difference on my TW sub....ditto for the OEM vintage inserts on the MBWs.

That's is one looker of a watch! Great crystal and IMO looks much better without the cyclops. So your movement was the one featured in The Zigmeister's post/pictorial. He was very impressed with the modifications Tudor performed on the 7750.....definitely not your run of the mill ETA. Too bad they don't have reps of these specially with the old Asian 7750. That would be a great platform for mods. Enjoy the new toy!

Not sure of the exact year but until the recent past (guess would be 2003), the sapphire model Sea-Dweller had the traditional side case holes. The lug hole cases have been discontinued from the sports line with the exception being the 14060M (my fave). I'm still scratching my head as to why rlx has eliminated that traditional and more rugged look from the modern sports models. The holes also made it a breeze to remove the bars.

The TZ seller offers them from time to time @ $45 delivered WW. You might check with him. http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tre...86858&rid=0

I'm sure Pam OEM crowns are expensive and even more difficult to source but it looks terrific. Great work, The Zigmeister! Looking forward to the finished product.

Those watches look great. What a difference! Terrific team work installing and getting those crystals AR coated. RWG at its best!

It looks to me that Josh sent you something different from what is being advertised. The CGs pictured on his site look much better. It happens sometimes when a dealer drop ships. You may want to give him a shout. Welcome to RWG. I suspect your wallet will be getting considerably thinner.

Fantastic and very informative post. : Many thanks for taking the time and sharing. Enjoy the new toy! I almost wet my pants the day my great white finally arrived.