Ronin

Excellent. I still need to pull some photos off my phone from this tour.

New prediction: The new collectible Rolex's will be the first sapphire crystal models (synthetic sapphires) up to, thru the non-engraved rehaut models.

If Rolex does not do a "Heritage" line current, 16610's, 16600s, will be the way to go. If it weren't for the prevalence of replica SS Subs, speculating on the last generation Submariners might have legs.

That reminds me, I need a 14060.

They kind of make me feel funny...like climbing a rope in gym class.

*Rolex - Dial Dimension Database (Ubi/Freddy333)

Would love to see how rep dial diameters stack up to Gens, etc. Bonus: Subdial spacing on Daytona's for possible future movement hacks. Can be expanded to all other brands as well.

Peachy! I love it when Tritium takes on a Peach colored hue. Looks great!

Goggling around reveals:

Metal is the worst

Silicon is considered non-toxic

Nato/Mesh straps of fabric also appear safe.

Mystery Rubber is anyones guess.

...and your water supply is probably more toxic than all of the above.

Notes:

Italian Rubber Deployant Watch Strap

Model: IT111

Very high quality rubber military strap from Italy used in some of the best Swiss watches today. These substantial rubber straps are reversible for either a dressy or sporty look on your watch. The rubber used to make these bands is anti-allergic and non-toxic as declared by the FDA. The colors are resistant to ultraviolet rays as well. A great feature of this band is that you can adjust and cut it for that perfect fit!* The stainless steel deployant buckle with push button release and flip-lock clasp is best I have used.

Silicone watch band

Watch band 1. 100% high grad silicone, eco-friendly and non-toxic.

Toxic Metal Avoidance

Summary: Wear no jewelry where metal touches the skin. Use enamel coated or glass cookware for long term use. Use lexan utensils when possible.

Many metals are necessary in small amounts for health, like nickel, iron, copper, etc. However, this is only if the metal is in a form which is absorbable and usable by the body (trivalent vs hexavalent, e.g.). Otherwise, it is treated as a toxin, and removed by the white blood cells. If the elimination of that particular substance is somehow hampered, as when the kidneys are full of crystals and stones or the liver is compromised, it can accumulate in certain parts of the body. This may lead to compromised immune function in those areas and leave them more vulnerable to chronic parasitic or bacterial infection, as well as cause the cells to absorb less nutrients and oxygen, possibly increasing cancer risk.

If one wears a watch, thin clear plastic film or tape can be used to coat the metal back to prevent it from touching the skin or better yet get one of the widely available watchbands (like at WalMart) where the nylon webbing runs behind the watch. If one works with tools a lot, rubber coating is available into which to dip tool handles.

Thanks guys. The above watch is a 6 mil serial, so with the exception of service replacements, one might guess somewhere between 5 and 6 mill serials they went white.

Thanks!

I am thinking back in the day they actually destroyed old parts after service to prevent 'out-the-back-door fraud'.

Actually, you spark another thought.

What if Rolex knows the error of its new 'bling oversized' way and fires up a "Heritage" line along side the modern stuff? If I can buy a "Heritage 6538" I would probably skip trying to build/acquire this grail. A Heritage line complete with dome crystals could kill the old stuff.

Need some extra discerning eyes on this. Does this look like a white DW or Silver? TIA

When i read something like this i always think "only in the US" i am not sure if this is a myth, but do you have warning labels on bananas telling people to not step on the banana peel because you might slip and that would be harmfull to you ? Or a warning label on the back of tooth pics saying "warning sharp end do not insert into eye"

Pretty much-- "this product can result in death or injury, use at your own risk"

This makes me laugh... What we used think was acceptable. Spraying DDT on kids in the 50's makes watch strap toxins look harmless in comparison.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQzx2ZyaSbw

Interesting. Good arguments above. @Jojo35, I think you are onto something with your comment about it already happening to the Bubblebacks.

However, as I approach 40, I still have young friends (in their 20's), and older friends (in their 40/50's). I can only speak from living in a metro area where fashion, and trends help define people at the moment, but-- Old, vintage, are in and making a comeback. Also, as part of the 'green' movement, many are into repairing and re-using things. Some of this comes out of the current "hipster" trend. Old Bicycles, Old Motorcycle, Old European Cars, Vinyl Records are becoming the rage from my vantage point. I think for the foreseeable future Vintage Rolex will continue to thrive. Maybe for only 5 years, unless they burn into the conscience of the young hipsters that pass on the traditions.

I think I even saw a blurb in this months GQ Magazine about vintage/patina in reference to furniture, jewelry & watches.

I think the bubble will stay intact for awhile longer. Old is the new - new.

I might even go out on a limb and say Bubblebacks might make a comeback amongst hipsters. (A beat up Rolex from the 40's to them is more hip than a 70's Sub). What someone really needs to do is create a business model around replacement movements for vintage watches. Even going as far to make it OK, socially acceptable, for the Rolex on your wrist to have the wrong datewheel or hands (because of a modern movement transplant, etc). Yuki's ETA to 15xx case adapters are a step in the right direction. (This is a double edge sword that will either increase the value of GEN/Unmolested watches, or since anyone can power up a vintage Rolex with a ETA or 21J decrease the value)

considering the correct hand stack for the GMT is hour-GMT-min and the ones shown are GMT-hour-min, I'd say rep.

Not on a 1575 movement based 1675. The hands are correct for a 1675.

Ask him what year / serial number his watch was.

That dial style R O LEX, was common in 1971/1972 on the GMT, on 3 mil SN's.

Unless it is your only watch (doubtful) and you wear it 24x7, just rotate accordingly.

Also your wrist does not have any glands that would elevate the potential issue.

Final thought, if you wear regular anti-perspirant/deodorant under your arms (gland under there) or use crap like Axe or Old Spice you run a much higher risk of poisoning your body than with a watch strap.

IIRC Jack Bauer wore a REP sub in season 1 of 24.

Best guess, Hollywood prop departs have a drawer or two filled with Venice Beach/Canal Street reps for props. Pre "HD" days they could easily get away with it.

R, that is really cool! That combo of mesh bracelet and size will look great on Mrs. Ubi for sure!

Same can be said for R U S H. I saw them twice in August, and for guys in their mid-50's, they were phenomenal. Best live version of Freewill I have heard to-date. Neil's 8 minute drum solo is off the hook, he plays multiple time signatures at the same time.

2:30 AM Saturday Morning, wearing this:

This was posted on Lifehacker today, and I think this will be my new way store all the small parts, bracelets, dials, even movements and cases. DUST FREE.... Easily cataloged.

Check out the full link here: http://www.instructa...-Parts-Storage/

Here are some ripped pictures to give you an idea:

Enjoy!

So to brain check:

1.) New 1655 from Josh can be converted to a 1675

--a.) Takes Gen or Replacement Crystal 25-116

--b.) Takes Gen or Replacement Bezel assembly

2.) Dial size is close enough to possibly shoe in a Gen or NDT/Yuki dial?

3.) Downsize to 5.3m Crown

Only lingering questions are movement options... 21J with Silver overlay, or 2846 w/overlay ???

Joining the Vintage Rolex group:

Disturbing indeed!

Yikes LOOQ, is that a male "Real Doll" ?

Nice. When I saw the title of this post, I was half expecting to see a watch strapped onto the wheel of the actual car doing 200mph.

+1 Ubi.

So, by their logic-- I own a bunch of GENS and REPS, does that make me 50% fake?, or do I get a pass?

Their numbers of "lost revenue" are never correct because, a rep sale never translates to a 1:1 ratio, as many would never buy the gen at their $$$$ prices.

I still argue they are getting free advertising from the 'frugal' rep buyer.