Ronin

This brings up an interesting topic. Would you rather chase/use a less than perfect re-dial -or- a lumi/late model service dial or even a rep late model service dial (that lends an air of plausibility)?

After poking around at DoubeRedSeaDweller, there are in fact DRSD "Service Dials" and of course to the OP GWSD "Service Dials".

It seems to me that in the "rep/franken" world we are often chasing the vintage dream dial. There are times however, where if I could locate/source a later 'service' dial it would make sense to go that route. It even leads to a more plausible discussion of if it were serviced, this is how it would be. I know I got lucky when I found a NOS Tritium Service dial for my 1680 project, and am thrilled.

It would even be cool if the Yukis/JW/NDTs etc, added look alike/re-dials of late service dials to their stores.

I actually think these dials are very cool, unique. (Kinda dig the Battlestar Galactica looking font)

A SINGLE RED LATE Sea-Dweller!!!!

Lumi DRSD

At least it is not in an OSTER case. Hahahaha.

For Thursday: Bullhead Breitling

^^^^ Wicked Cool ^^^^

Going Gen today:

Even though this doesn't look like a redial, I don't like it personally. I'd opt for the sharper, thinner most often seen MK1 dial print. Because, if for no other reason, you can rest assured that you're not the only person who will question this one.

You have summed up my feelings exactly.

It should, but as with all things in the franken world, YMMV.

I have a Yuki 1680 caseset, and all of the remainder of my parts are gen. They seem to fit fine (on a dry run).

Thanks for the link AllergyDoc.

...double post...

Wild. The Mk I dial is kinda awful IMHO. If I handed that to someone, I would expect them to say rep.

The correct dial for that year, the "P" in perpetual should line up/start with the "L" in ROLEX, and the "R" in Oyster should be centered undet the "O" in Rolex. Aside from font/keylining/ and other details.

So this watch is a swap job?

And WTF, why would he sell the bracelet seperate???

Of course the only problem with this approach is that ETA has started heading down the same road. 10 years from now, who knows, may be just as difficult or costly to get ETA parts as it is to get Rolex. Maybe at that time the most sought after movement will be the 21J

Going out on a limb, worse case we will have "Asian" ETA Clones with same dimensions, so worst case.....

Photo from the auction for reference:

My gut instinct tells me something is not quite right here, despite the paperwork, etc.

After looking at the dial of another from the same year, and the VRF dial pages this auction is just not sitting right with me. (This would be a grail watch of mine, but I am not in a position to buy - just browsing however)

Also, what is up with the $500 second auction for the bracelet because of eBay's terms. WTF?

Rolex Bracelet Marked "7836" with endpieces marked "380"

Clasp has been previously replaced.

BRACELET IS NOT INCLUDED WITH THE SALE. IF YOU WANT THIS

BRACELET, I HAVE TO LIST IT SEPARATELY WITH BUY IT NOW FOR $500

(TO AVOID PROBLEMS WITH EBAY'S FEES POLICY)

http://cgi.ebay.com/...em=170492485188

Am I crazy or is this cool?

The service center will likely find a reason It could be classified into a normal wear and tear category that they just include as part of routing servicing. But believe me, they do try. And considering that a good number of their customers probably have no idea of what goes into a service, or are intimate with the fine details and logistics of overhauling a watch (kind of in line with people and cars; sure, you have your knowledgable folks, but not everyone is of that brain trust), some folks end up spending the money that they probably didn't need to pay in the first place. And I'm sure these same people don't even think to ask what happened to their old parts, some of which happen to have a pricey chunk of metal affixed to it...

Heck to the non-WIS, most people would not even know what the "Rotor" in the watch does, and not even think to question it.

It is odd that watch manufactures are almost getting to the point of "Software" with license agreements. "We WILL only do this service OUR way, you have no say in the product YOU OWN". Imagine taking your car to the dealership and asking them to change the oil, and they say NOT UNLESS we change your tires while we are at it for another $1000.00.

There almost needs to be a consumers bill of rights like we have with most other tangible goods. You should be able to say DON'T CHANGE the Rotor, if you know your stuff...

Deeper problem is we have shifted from quality goods that should/could last your and your childrens lifetime to a market driven approach of buy something new instead. Short of getting into Haute-Horology, Rolex might as well be a disposable watch now. Another parallel to the auto-industry, we are now programmed to buy/lease a new car every 3-5 years -vs- taking care of a car for 20 years and giving it to your kids when they hit high school (like was the case when I was a kid)

This will probably be my last post on the subject as well. (Unless I find clever funny video clips).

Something just dawned on me. Either reading back in this post, or talking to friends or owners who have them. I have yet to see a STRONG technical argument for the iPad or why it is really any better than any other web enabled device.

Arguments generally turn into emotional positions, "work arounds" to do things it should just do (App for that, plate stand for that, remote desktop for that, accessory keyboard/dock for that". If I hear one more time: "There is an app for that, it only costs a few $ "-- to get around some shortcoming that 5yr old computers just do, I think I am going to puke.

The "Technical" arguments against the iPad run deep and wide. Multi-touch is nothing new, touch screen is nothing new, iPhone/Touch OS is nothing new, tablets are nothing new. Sure, Apples new processor is cool, use of aluminum too. Battery life was cool, but the newest Netbooks are pushing 13 hours now. This all comes back to my truth in advertising position.

Long story short, the iPad is in fact a good "consumption" device (minus eBooks for longer than :30, glossy, backlit, fingerprint ridden screens are not the best option here- sorry).

If that is the need you have, then it is the correct product for you. I still challenge an iPad user -vs- my netbook to type this forum post quicker on the touch screen, or fill out an online shopping cart order....

No, this strengthens the case for buying (ever-improving) reps. And I am not joking. I think we are closing in on the point where the joke is no longer on the rep buyer, but, instead, on the (new) gen buyer.

Long live ETA Powered Reps! Now with Yuki selling ETA -to-Rolex case conversion kits, this could very well be the future for me. ETA - easily DIY serviceable (TZ School), or R&R when it breaks. (Similar to the Auto Parts scene). Heck you can even make a case for 21J movements since they are disposable and cost under $20.00 shipped!

Hypothetically - If I owned a Gen 1665 GWSD and 10 years from now it was impossible or $$ to get parts and/or service for a 1575 movement. If I had NO intention of selling it, I would seriously consider dropping an ETA into it. Similar, if you had a modern 16610 Submariner and again had no intention of getting rid of it-- shoe in an ETA.

I think there is a market for ETA-to-Rolex conversion kits.

I rarely use any of my hand-removers. Most often, I remove hands the old-fashioned way - 2 small screwdrivers placed under the hand & rotated in opposite directions. Works every time.

Ditto (sort of).

I have Presto #1, #,2, and #6. And every time I use them, I take a deep breath and pray something does not get scratched or otherwise trashed. To date, I have been lucky and they have worked as advertised.

Then I discovered the old school method while having to do small sub-dial hands. I am with Freddy now, and actually use the lever method and these CHEAP $5.00 levers for everything. A little watch paper underneath or my Ofrei dial protector and . For me it is all about "feel", and these give me confidence and the feel I am looking for.

http://www.findingking.com/p-29612-watch-hand-removers-2pcs.aspx

Beautiful 1575! I believe see: H, M, 24H pinions there?

You building a GMT or Explorer II or sumptin?

I wish I could take credit and say that was my movement. It is from my "photo reference archive".

Benrus Type 1 mod

Helmut

Cool side profile.

Currently wearing:

On a lighter note:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbHF63b7g50

Listen close @ :35

Ferris Bueller Ubiquitous, you're my hero!

Seriously-- great stuff, great pics as well. Whats the back story on that Ebel movement?

I'm what can be described as tech-savvy; I manage both Windows and UNIX servers for Nintendo, Coca-Cola, eBay, Orange and others; I built Opodo's infrastructure in France; I'm not what you'd call a luddite by any stretch of the term. I was overclocking AXIA-Ys back in the 20th century, making silent high-performance games machines in the early 21st and I firmly believe Apple has finally made the fuss-free computer. For email, web-browsing and watching video, there is nothing to compare with the speed and ease of the iPad. Instant-on is a big deal, as is the 10+ hour battery life.

This is why I amazed you are such a (cough) fan. Having a similar history as you, I can see the "lets make computers more user-friendly/for the masses" argument, but come on, this device is a STEP BACKWARD in terms of what it can really do. While I open minded to the ONE-STEP back to go TWO-STEPS forward (with the next versions), the iPad is admittedly lacking. All I wish for is "Truth in advertising" when it comes to the device. The iPad would be like Rolex coming out with the new Submariner missing the second hand! People would still by it because it says Rolex on the dial, and has cool 904 stainless steel case, and I am sure many would justify not needing a seconds hand.

Less than you'd think. They are not cheap to make, so I have no idea why you think they're overpriced.

Because I can still by a Note/Netbook for less money and do more, and experience 100% of the web, or just stick with the iPod Touch or iPhone. If this device was under $300, it would be worth the shortcomings.

No matter what side of the fence you are on, all I can say is do your homework, don't be swayed by marketing, don't be swayed by the "mass think".