preacher62

This is a Noob V5 that I built in 2014. It has a gen He valve and I can tell you that it doesn't fit without drilling and gluing, unless you know the drill and tap size of the gen part.

One more thing about my 1655. I found a model on eBay that I used, primarily, because it gave deference to the cartel case. I did extensive work on the case bring the "waist" on either side of the CGs in to just meet the bezel edge. I also took some off of the other side. The 1655 was not always a 40mm watch. This bezel is 36.9mm or 37mm. My watch is 38mm, which is the original size of the 1655...I think. Also, the 24-hour hand was not crown adjustable, so mine isn't either.

Hey Auto. We were coming through your town this month, but the Coronavirus closed down the Smokies. You’ve been around long enough to remember. I bought the bezel in 2011 or 12, but not from ndtrading. The vendor was Mark something, like Mk. III or something. Or maybe I’m confusing the name with the bezel. A Mk. II, or Ml. III bezel. I was asking because I’m thinking about selling the watch, because I never have worn it, and I have something else in mind. I’m loving these VR movements. Serviced a couple with good success. At 74 years old you’d think I’d give it up.

I might be putting this for sale. It was my first major case restructuring. I love it...love to look at it. Just don't put it on and wear it.

This is for the oldtimers on this board. Just wondering if anyone recognized this bezel. I purchased it years ago from a vendor that is no longer in business. I think it was Mark III or Mk III, something like that. They sold a lot 1655 bezels. I'm sure it wasn't Ingod44. I don't remember if this is gen or if it is rep. I do remember that I paid $178 for it.

Just wondering if anyone knows... I have one of the VR 3135 movements, and as luck would have it, one of the case-clamp threaded holes is not threaded through. Does anyone know the tap size that would be needed to chase those threads? I think that it is the same as the case clamp holes on at ETA movement.

Just wondering if anyone knows... I have one of the VR 3135 movements, and as luck would have it, one of the case-clamp threaded holes is not threaded through. Does anyone know the tap that would be needed to chase those threads? Sorry if this is in the wrong forum.

Did you mean 3135?

I have one or two myself...if I can find them. I bought three from, what I believe, was his last batch.

You can purchase a 3135 for less than $2,800, (if you watch) and you can build a reliable A3135 for less than $1,000 with some gen parts, but it will never be a Rolex 3135. Fewer things in life are finer than a great 1570, 3035 or 3135. They are engineered for a lifetime, with proper care. There was a guy on Antiques Roadshow this week with a GMT (1675, I think). It was given to him by an uncle who wore it through VietNam (bought in PX for $175). This guy wore it through Afghanistan and 17 years of law enforcement. It was still his daily wearer. It was beat up. I doubt the Asian-made movements will do that.

We just have to be tolerant of others. Truth is, there have been subtle manufacturing changes on these that I have noticed in doing the services.

Cute...really cute!

I say Amen to JoeyB. I am 73 years old and drive two late-model Volvos. My favorite rep is a watch that has never been repped. It is a 16013 with everything gen, even the bracelet (except for two links and the clasp) except the movement, hands and dwo. What's to call out. Even my Sub is a TC V7 but has lug holes, a gen dial and hands with just a hint of patina. I put a flat 4 bezel insert on it and voila, a sub that has never been repped. When I say "never been repped" I mean, by a rep manufacturer.

I do not know of it. Where might I check it out.

Thanks Matt! That's what I'm hearing, as well. I've had three of the early movements and out of the three I have one good one, but it is really good.

Have there been any upgrades/improvements made to these movements in past few months. I've had three but only one good one. Also, where might one source one of the movements (with engraved bridges) without buying a watch. I know they are available on the Bay, but not engraved. I inquired about one with engraved bridges but it was an upgrade, at $450.00. Thanks!

Have there been any upgrades/improvements made to these movements in past few months. I've had three but only one good one. Also, where might one source one of the movements (with engraved bridges) without buying a watch. I know they are available on the Bay, but not engraved. I inquired about one with engraved bridges but it was an upgrade, at $450.00. Thanks!

Have there been any upgrades/improvements made to these movements in past few months. I've had three but only one good one. Also, where might one source one of the movements (with engraved bridges) without buying a watch. I know they are available on the Bay, but not engraved. I inquired about one with engraved bridges but it was an upgrade, at $450.00. Thanks!

Have there been any upgrades/improvements made to these movements in past few months. I've had three but only one good one. Also, where might one source one of the movements (with engraved bridges) without buying a watch. I know they are available on the Bay, but not engraved. I inquired about one with engraved bridges but it was an upgrade, at $450.00. Thanks!

Also when you press the ring on, be care what you press against. I have, inadvertently pressed against the balance. Bad...really bad.

Hey, it was a great watch back then, By-Tor. I think you did an extensive review on it. My first sub was a Euromariner from Chris, at Eurotimez. Remember him. Great dealer, That sub morphed into an MBK case, from Chris, then into a TC case, and then got an a3135 movement with gen dial and all that. There is probably some DNA from that old watch in my parts box somewhere...maybe even in the watch...case clamp or something. I’m thankful to RWG for 11 great watches that I have built, over the past ten years, with information from these master builders.

You just responded to a ten year old thread.

Look at 1655s on eBay. Not just 1 but many. Study the way the case comes in on either side of the cgs. They should, at 2 and 4 be just even with the bezel...as you look at it straight on. The cartel cases usually have steel showing outside of the bezel. This is the way to mod a case. Not looking at other reps but at genuine watches.

I have recently purchased two 2824s like that that were sold as high-end and have the Novodiac shock springs, Mine also have mis-matched rotors but it is branded BTC. They are very good movements. Amp approaches 300 in all positions. They are offered on the Bay now.