Jetsons

I was just poking fun at the low value of the USD versus just about any other currency on the planet. Great watches, gents!

Sure. It can be yours for $5.6K or about 10 Euros. http://forums.watchnet.com/index.php?t=tre...79344&rid=0

Gio, the 5512 has a very slender case compared to the 5513 & has the COSC certification on the dial. Judging from Trusty's pic, it should be of the 5513. If interested in the 5512, the Silix Asian version has an accurate slim case. The bezel is not accurate to the watch but it's still a very nice piece for the price. The gen Tropic 19 is far better than the rep crystals in terms of thickness and clarity in my experience & a very worthwhile upgrade. Gen crystals are stunning on the vintages rollies. I haven't compared the gen to the Clark version. With regard to bracelet and clasp, I've seen just about every combination out there on gens. These bracelets wear & tear and are replaced over time. I have a gen folded bracelet and never use it. The MBW oyster hollow mid-links are quite good if you decide to go that route. Added: Just saw the DH spotted the 5513 dial.

Gents, I believe Stephane is the new happy owner of this beauty. I checked it out in the flesh a couple of days ago and it's a terrific watch. Darn nice piece of work by Mr. Kurt.

Very nice work, BK! I slightly sanded the edge of the rep insert and installed an OEM pearl. The OEM pearl is larger so the hole needs to be enlarged a bit. Someday, I'll get around to the CGs which doesn't bother me too much when on the wrist. The SSD is a great watch. It is very nicely built and seems to be tough as nails. One thing photos cannot communicate is the feel of the watch, which I also find to be very good. Thanks for sharing!

Today, the one on the right and the other on Saturday.

Timm, I echo your sentiments and hope we can help George in some way. I must admit, George's post stunned me. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stephane, glad you and the big "C" are having a great time in the Big Apple! You should really share more than one measly pic.

That is one superb looking watch, DH! The case work and case back look terrific. Excellent work by all those involved and the OEM parts take it well into the next level. I thought it was a gen at first glance. As with Oli, I'm amazed by the rising cost of gen vintage parts. The recent auction results for the T-39 Superdome and vintage Tritium bezel inserts are not for the faint of heart. Enjoy!

Nice watch and photos, G! Thanks for sharing. I also wanted this vintage beauty but decided on the Alpha Paul Newman which looks to be a very similar base watch but obviously, without the rlx markings. I don't know how Alpha gets away the obvious design copy but it is a terrific looking piece as well with the buttery smooth Venus copy movement. I get lots of compliments on it.

:D We're just used to seeing relative bargains. Just think how much a properly modified MBW crammed with vintage OEM parts could sell for given more open sales channels. Many beauties have sold here for very reasonable $$s given the price of the parts, difficulty in sourcing many of them & cost of proper installation.

F, I believe my MBW 1680 has the exact same case. The crown height is right up there where it should be and very close to that of my gen Tudor sub. The usual MBW 1680/5513 cases have the crown low on the case. BTW, very nice Tudor you have there. I would also be very interested in photos of of Phong's Tudor creations. Not that I need one but if they are excellent, I would be tempted. This is a bit off subject but his Tudor Monte Carlo with the correct big block case is one very sweet watch. I wonder what the group buy price of that would be?

I agree with Tribal. It's a breath of fresh air to see posts of gens and there have been some beauties and very rare pieces discussed on this forum. Besides, the best reps I have seen here are those that have been crammed with OEM parts. Great watch, Tribal. I Tudors which unfortunately are getting pricier by the day. I'm glad I jumped a couple of years ago.

Terrific 7753 beast, TT! Glad it arrived safe and sound. Today, 1680 on a diet.

Excellent watches and a very cool vintage collection. You did terrific work on most of these. The 5517 conversion is something I've thought about but wasn't sure how large the lug holes would be with the bars removed. They are apparently fine. The Tudors are terrific!

its_urabus, there may be a different bracelet for the SSD. The one I received from River had no issues with the exception being the clasp extension piece, which is too short. At Gio's brilliant suggestion, it was replaced with the gen part and the clap now closes perfectly. There were no stripped screws or other machining problems. After polishing & oiling, the bracelet feels silky smooth. I don't have issues with the end links as they fit snugly against the case. No cheap looking gaps. They may have been replaced given all the reported problems with the initial watches. You might check with your dealer and perhaps you can get a replacement.

Try swisspartsuk @ the Bay, USD 70 plus $10 shipping.

I know what you mean with regard to the SSD. The beauty of the watch is the design it attempts to duplicate plus it is very well put together. It's not entirely accurate but it remains on heck of a watch for the price. It has a heft and feel that cannot be judged from the photos. If it were totally unbranded with a quality dial, it may be worth more than the rep.

TMG, that is one awesome Monte Carlo. Beautiful work! If this watch were to be ever cloned, it would sell like hot cakes. The gen prices are in the stratosphere! Is this the big block case? It looks like it may be from your photos. I've never seen this dial offered except a gen on very, very rare occasions. Enjoy!

Thanks Ubi and sorry for the delay. The T-19 is a terrific crystal.

Great watches, gents! Another day, and a different watch. Ubi, you might recognize this one. I've since swapped the T-127 with an OEM T-19 and must say, I like the new look.

Great to see you, Ubi! The Daytonas look yummy as ever. Sporting this colorful guy today:

Excellent and informative post, Gio! Good to see that it's pinned. I took the lazy man's way out on the insert and only replaced the pearl with a gen. If anyone cares to do this, the hole on the rep insert needs to be enlarged a bit for the gen pearl to fit. Your CG mod looks very easy to do. Thanks for the tips and the terrific step by step photos.

The only 1665 available to us mere mortals with the correct thick case is the MBW. There is a big difference. The other reps use a much thinner case which would be more appropriate for the 1680. Measure a case depending on the gen measurement(s) your are comparing them to.

Hard to be sure but it looks to me Craig is sporting the smaller 42mm PO on this photo. The 45mm on the bracelet is an absolute beast. Thanks for the info and photo.

Happy New Year everyone & all the best in 2008!