modelizer

As a former Tokyo gaijin I've been a frequent user of those utterly fantastic vending machines! Ahhh, sweet memories..

A great and spot on article me thinks! Thanks for sharing (and upgrading to Platinum) mate!

+1 +2 @S: Whoa! What a SUPERB effort mate! Let's talk when these babies are available..

Yup, and 20 of those sold since the auction started:

Let me finish that sentence for ya mate: ..FUCK! My eyes! My eyes!

Now THAT's post of the day!

Yup, here's a little freebie preview for ya..

You been around the block long enough to know that with these guys you (or themselves for that matter) NEVER know..

You're welcome mate! Minh Quy is a guy who runs a watch and jewelry shop in Vietnam that also carries Rollie replacement/ after market cases and been around for quite a while. http://vintagewatchesmq.com

Here's a pic of the MQ caseback from when me and denimhead made some research for his super duper franken build: Nice padding on the characters and the correct "o" (not totally round) in "Rolex patent.." as you can see. Pricey - indeed - but it's the most accurate after market alternative out there IMHO.

+1 So far so good!

Sorry about that mate. I was referring to Vintage Rolex Market (the sales area of the Vintage Rolex Forum a k a VRF) linked above by cc33.

Only place I can think of is VRM. Better start saving up because if these rare birds should show up they certainly won't be cheap..

The MBW GW dial is nice and does not need to be swapped out IMHO.

I'm pretty sure highoey's question was regarding the PC case back engravings (which looks a bit shallow to me). The MBW engraving is fine (once you remove the black paint filling) and as already been said in this thread some of the early GW's came with the DR case back so it's not totally out of line.

I have a 2836 powered 16014 franken (all gen but movement and hands) and it works like a charm!

Great topic with stunning examples in here! Rail dials FTW!

I think you can get after market Cyclop 128's from Phong nowadays (don't know about the accuracy though - I have a gen installed on mine). For gen, I would keep an eye out on VRM and/ or fleabay.

Ouch indeed! Had my share of kidney stones (*knocking on wood*) in my early 20's.. The pain is unbearable.. Was planned for surgery as it just would not budge and was totally blocking the flow from my right kidney for days. But when going for a pre-anaesthetic wee at the hospital I heard a tinkle from it hitting the porcelain.. Whoa! What a relief!

As a proud father of two kids I am gutted to hear this.. Sending thoughts and positive energy your way across the pond!

Amen to that woof! I did the same thing. My 1665 rail dial has been my little ongoing project for about 2,5 years now and just got finished with the final updates (TC hands, Yuki case back and HEV mod). Can't wait for it to arrive so I can slap it onto my wrist again where it belongs! And yes, the market for vintage Rolex parts is a unique little thingy with 'supply (which of course gets worse every day) and demand (by people who's got dough)' as its only rule.. So the figures in my previous post is only to be seen as a guideline based on my own experience hunting parts since 2009..

The labour cost all depends on the modders experience, skills and hourly rate which can differ quite a bit I guess - so I advice you to do some research and contact them for a quotation. Regarding the parts cost, here's a rough guide: Gen cown/ tube ($100-150 - for a 703) Gen bezel insert ($100 and up*) Gen T39 crystal ($100-150) Slow beat ETA 2846 movement ($80-120 - in good running condition) TC hand set ($50 - I think) *Price depending on condition and type (service/ lumi, fat font, new/ naturally faded/ ghost etc.)

Then the MBW/ MBK will be the perfect base. Some examples on how to improve it over time and make it a real gem: Reshape crown guards Drill lug holes Gen cown/ tube Gen bezel insert Gen T39 crystal Slow beat ETA 2846 movement TC hand set HE Valve mod

Very wise move.. It will be worth the extra $$ - if the 1665 is something you intend to keep in your collection.