Jetsons

The 5513 is my favorite vintage Rollie followed by the 1665s. You're right about the 5513s moving up very rapidly in favor with collectors. From what I have seen, prices on these have easily escalated 50% in the past year. I saw a minty example listed for 3.3K recently. I hope the folks at MBW manufacture a very accurate clone of the 5513. I'm not sure why they haven't but that would be a one killer watch. I would bet Maria would do a much better job with any of these dials than this supposedly "professional refinish". You're right about the hands. I'm just not sure why he's offering them with this specific dial. Jet

Hi, jsph: I wish it were mine. I believe this one sold at TZ for around 7K. The dial print is of poor quality, for starters. The circle T is positioned too low and the Swiss-T<25 is "off" center. The X on Rolex is also to far too the right. The crown logo is also off. The Singer blank is about the only thing I see that is correct on this guy. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. Cheers, Jet

That's one poor redial job plus not sure what's so special about the hands he's offering with it. Here's the gen for comparison: Jet

cyclops: http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...1151&hl=cyclops crown: http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...1440&hl=cyclops Forgot to mention AR coating. That would be Finepics {UK} which may also be able to help with installing the new cyclops. Jet

Fer me, nothing other than the strap and quality strap screws. It's a fantastic watch out of the box plus I have yet to come across a gen. For the perfectionist, relume would probably be first and foremost. Other options available would be the new thicker Palp crown plus the new cyclops crystal which improves the weak date mag. I have not seen the latter two installed. Congrats on the new toy. Jet

Apply a tiny bit the Loctite to the actual screw threads. Once it sets, you're good to go. Ditto for those tiny bracelet screws. On my Pams, I don't use anything on the strap screws. I do use quality after market screws which seem to stay tight but do check them every couple of weeks or so.

I'll second the Semichrome. It deeeep cleans the metal but it is gentle enough not to disturb the satin finish. Best to apply with a soft cotton cloth after you remove the factory dirt/dust from the watch. I use this with all my Rollies and can't complain about the results. Jet

I second or third Don's terrific communication and willingness to help. I've exchanged a few emails with him and it has been a pleasure chatting with him. Thanks for the info, RT. Jet

and you would be right. Wish I could help, Chris. I know the feelng when a cheap tiny part keep one from completing a project. I'm sure someone will come thru for you in short order. Jet

IMO, a step backwards from its predecessor. The 41mm stainless steel case houses the automatic Omega caliber 2500 with a 48-hour power reserve. It is also one of the first of these robust watches to incorporate a Co-Axial escapement; the proprietary Omega technology that considerably reduces friction in the heart of the watch mechanism and offers improved long-term reliability and accuracy. Performance is further improved by a free-sprung balance that allows for more precise adjustments of the watch. The mechanism is sealed into the case by a screw-down back on which the series number of each limited edition watch is engraved as well as an embossed 007 gun logo. The James Bond Limited Series comes on a comfortable brushed and polished stainless steel bracelet and is fitted with a safety clasp with the engraving of the 007 logo.

I'm game for drinks, watches and meeting fellow watch freaks. Joe, bring your modding tools. Jet

Great post, veni. This is one very helpful heap info and pics for a strap rookie such as myself. Could you comment on the smooth black leather strap with the blue stitching, your first photo below the Sub. Very cool strap but haven't come across this one in my searches. Thanks. Cheers, Jet

Cape Cod and elbow grease did the trick on my sub bracelet. Apply as much pressure as you need to smooth the inside edges. Try the bracelet and repeat as necessary. It's cheap, easy and you'll have a silky smooth bracelet when finished. Best suited for the high polish areas. For the satin finished areas, I use Semichrome to deep clean the metal. It's much milder than CC and will maintain the satin finish. Jet

The Zigmeister's excellent review - Asian Copy of the ETA 6497-2 http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=1413 Jet

You shouldn't have accuracy problems with the ETA 2671 if it arrives in proper woking order and timed. Cartier has used and may currently use this movement in their ladies' watches. Apparently, it is a very popular movement with the lady model time keepers. The 2671 was developed the 50's and continues production to this day. No too shabby. Info: http://www.christophlorenz.de/watch/moveme...a_2671.php?l=en Regards, Jet

Canuck88, this 1665 is the MBW. The cases are very near one to one so the HE valve and case back are as accurate as you can get without visiting a very reputable vintage dealer with a juicy bank account. The dial is as it arrives, Singer blank included. Folks age them to their taste but I've seen quite a few gens with an ivory patina. Beautiful watch and as usual, terrific photos, 16520b. Nice crown.

Thanks for the help, Kevin.

Might be the reason the MBW 1665s are usually low in stock. Those cases have the correct markings. Excellent photos, 700club.

Assuming one could locate this jewel, what would be a reasonable cost estimate? Thanks, Jet

These are the most expensive I've seen: MBW Daytona with Zenith El Primero Movement. Pam {forget the model} offered by River with OEM movement. I believe it was close to $3K. This one offered by Aspire has to take the cake Western Union anyone? http://www.aspire-eshop.com/product_info.p...78b4bdd23b75652

It tickles the hell out of me that if someone owns a rep it follows that they are poverty stricken. This is great stuff: " Besides, every three TC straps is one less replica they can buy! " Perhaps we just have a darn good sense of value. Three-thousand-seven-hundred dollars plus tax and not so great customer service for a Unitas pocket watch movement, I'll pass. A Jaeger, I could understand. My wife threw her hands up when she read the thread. :cc_confused: Jet

My first vintage Rollie, 5514:

I thought that was a gen. Awesome watch. Here's a nice description on the re-edition Monaco: TAG Heuer Monaco Re-edition is a re-release of the classic Steve McQueen chronograph from the early 1960’s. It is in a 46.3mm (including the lugs) x 38mm x 13mm satin finished SS case with polished bezel. The case back is secured by four tiny screws, and it is water resistant to 30 meters. The watch has signed crown and acrylic crystal, like the original. It is available with matching signed SS bracelet with push button deployant clasp, long enough for an eight inch wrist. The bright blue dial has pearl white sub registers, white gold baton markers, and quickset date at six. The TAG Heuer cal 17 (base cal ETA 2894-2) 37 jewel automatic movement maintains accurate time to two seconds per day. Zeetan has an excellent reputation. Goof choice on the dealer. Jet

Well done, offshore. Many thanks to The Zigmeister as well for reposting these outstanding turorials. I've read each several times and it has been an excellent learning experience. Looking forward to the next installment. Jet

Believe so, kruzer. I've worn both gens and the cases appear identical, at least in dimensions. Largest physical difference obviously being the use of sapphire versus acrylic. From what I have read and discussions with George, the MBWs use a modifiied 16610 case for their vintages to accomodate the different crystal. The SD is a bit larger case resulting from the use of the HE valve. Great watches gents. Regards, Jet