lanikai

To be totally honest with you.. I had to work very hard to spot what your referring to as "crooked".. the lume application may be off by a hair.... and I am having a really hard time locating the "spot" of misplaced lume material.. I dunno if this can be seen with the naked eye... but if you are looking through a magnifier or loupe.. don't expect to see the same quality as you would expect from a genuine of the same brand. truth be told .. these little flaws will be found ... Dunno what to tell you .. I hope your not offended, but are you sure it sticks out to the naked eye ??

I posted this topic ... because of all the posts I've read by Noobs in the last couple of months I don't say that as a negative.. it is natural in the evolution of this hobby to feel that way.. But evolving with replicas is an aventure ! Someone asked in a thread which dial is best for a franken DRSD... NDT or just to stay with the MBK.. Well, as Ubi demonstrates with his frankens.. genuine dials ..nuff said. for myself the only way I would call a watch "Franken" is for that piece to have a genuine dial.. I don't consider my 1655 a "franken".. but my Tudor snowflake I consider a true Franken.. Ubifranken that is.. and I would love for anyone to ask about it .. because it was definately the journey that was the experience in this my prized sub... the destination was exciting... the anticipation was an awesome experience. !! and the hours of research into my 1655 made it all the more pleasurable !! my point ?? I hope the new comers will experience the joy and fun and also some dissapointments (that just build experience) that I have.. This Hobby is what led to my aquiring some humble vintage genuines.. although I must say I prize some of my reps on an equal if not higher basis... because I was involved in a small way to see them come true. @ammandel.. don't sweat it !! you will have your genuine someday.. just enjoy the ride and = let this hobby take you along for the ride.. A~C Lani

It's natural to be 'worried' about~ Being Called Out . . I am not at all worried nor self concious about the "words" my simple reply would be... "I had this watch built" from genuine parts.. by a very good friend.. and of course I wouldn't be lying .. and I would name the parts.. and the history behind the piece.. For my 1655.. I would say... "are you kidding?.. do you know what a genuine 1655 would cost?.. this is my "hobby" and it took a year to source all the parts for this tribute to the 1655 .. with some genuine parts.. crystal.. crown.." for my 029 it has been relumed/modded.. modded with a lello DW.. that was custom made in Italy .. genuine OEM crown.. .. it's my hobby I guess .. my point is I wouldn't wear a 40k AP to a function that has people wearing genuine AP's... common sense is the guide.. and most of all .. I don't "try" to pass anything off as a Genuine.. that "mind set" sets one up for embarrasing situations... Offense .. better than Defense in my case.. and usually if you get done with the history and passion of the brand.. people kinda look in awe.. since a lot of genuine owners.. buy it.. strap it on and know nothing of the history or nuances behind horology.. not that I'm an expert.. far from it.. but compared to the average genuine owner, and not genuine owners here.... this forum has taught me more about watches than anyone calling me out could ever do.. So the next time some jerk calls you out at a party.. or where eva .. let um have it with the knowledge you built here... I just wanted to share a little of how I view this "hobby" of ours.. A~C Lani

SOP.. after you get a tracking #.. it takes 3 day's normally before you'll see it online. re: the tracking number is issued.. before the parcel is actually taken to the Post Office.. not the other way around. then it will depend on how many parcels need processing once it arrives to the sorting center.. documents need to be processed etc. with the world economy as it is .. all deliveries World wide have been slowed down.. by a 1 or 2 day's .. In the USA what used to take 4 day's could take up to 5 to 6 now.. cut backs .. consolidating shippments for flights.. etc. it all depends.. things are not the same anymore.. A~C Lani

before you do anything , contact your dealer , explain the issues .. I always try to keep things between the party I purchased the item from. send a pic with your message. and then go from there. most dealers will work with you. do not take it to an AD ! For future reference check with members in your area and see if there are any 'rep friendly" watchsmiths.. not all watchsmiths are. Good Luck in resolving the issue.. it happens to all of us .. more often than not the dealer will make things right.. Aloha~Cheers Lani

In no way do I consider myself an expert in Rolex... still a Journeyman ,... and learning from Ubi and others here.. but imo.. a replicated dial is just that .. a replication.. some better than others. furthermore, there are not many genuine owners that know their brands. but for the DRSD.. and other vintage subs .. some of the owners are very versed in the tech aspect of the piece, but I doubt you will find these watches on their wrists. With the value of these timepieces they are locked away.. a friends of mine has his in his home vault .. it is pristine. but even he dosen't know much about it.. (really).. he's not into the techncal details as Ubi, Freddy, JoJo.. and Laz (there are others here .. sorry If I did not name them). he bought it for investment purposes.. My point is you could get a very good dial as a replica.. it will still be a replica... although a very good one.. I have an ND dial.. someday I hope to source the genuine movement and build another DRSD ... until then I am happy with my MBW.. modded by the ZM here.. I would never attempt to pass my DSSD off as a genuine.. I simply say it is a tribute to the DRSD... although I have only been asked once and by someone who has no clue to watches. and as Stephane and freddy pointed out in different ways ... there are so many variations to the dial (coronet) etc. .. (like the 1655).. that you could really go all out on the ND dial.. etc. and in the end ..... it is what it is so whatever you decide. .. think about financing and enjoyment... I really enjoy my MBK.. for a lot less than NDT. aloha Lani

. . . . . . ahh.. the French..

Wow.. Stephane just yesterday she was a little child.. I remember the first pic.. now I would have a major issue with boyz "sniffing around" .. as they say .. God has a funny sense of humor... your afraid they'll meet someone like you in high school.. cause at that age boyz have one thing on their minds.. and it ain't watches but as long as you raise them proper.. I believe you will have no problem... and a swift jab to the jaw to the boy on his first date.. usually dosen't hurt any.. you are truly blessed Stephane !!! You have a beautiful family !! A~C Lani

Thank you Mick for the time in researching this piece ! Hope it's ok.. to post your white dials mate.. I'm still waiting for the opportunity to wear this .. but I love the classic look.. after getting the black dial I also went for the white.. but that's your baby (posted this one a couple of months ago) The strap is like patent gator.. looks great !! better in person actually ! Sorry, I could of aligned the buckle a little better.. .. pic is mainly for the strap.. The dial in natural sunlight is stunning .. although the sun is going down.. you get the point.. Nice blue hue .. The Markers and numerals morph in different lighting.. silver to gold.. Cool!! I am not even going to bother comparing this with the genuine.. the numerals are a bit larger than the gen. .. but I am estatic.. mainly due to the price of this one.. when is the last time we saw a dress watch for 108 usd with this quality ?

you have found a "safe" place for this hobby.... why not get over to the intro section so everyone can greet you properly.. this community is much more than just watches... we are a community of suport and sharing knowledge that some have spend $$$$ to gather.. but will share freely with you you are safe here and I hope you enjoy your reps and find as much of a home here as I and countless others have.. A~C Lani

Welcome Templer !! You've come at a time when replications are reaching their Zenith !! Enjoy .. Aloha~Cheers Lani

see if the hands are rubbing together.. but you may be better served posting this in the watch repair section.. A~C Lani

Still.. My Tudor Snowflake UBIFranken Wednesday Thursday .. 1655 .. for a little while.. Then back to....for the rest of Thursday . . .

I'm DOOOMED..

.... yeah .. even after I explained to him about the logistics of the email addy';s.. when I was on the phone with him.. he was still suspicious ... like I was trying to "trick" him in some way... gave me a chuckle the whole day long... I still wonder if he "gets it " or he's still trying to figure out how one person can have to email addy's from different IP's I gotta be careful.. this morning driving over the mountain I kept glancing at the beautiful dial...taking my eyes off the road inadvertantly .. I feel my other watches are like that car rental commercial... "he looked back.. I know he did".. (as he walks away with the Tudor)...

Your loyalty to the forum is without quesdtion Doc... *sigh* . . . you tempt me to take that group shot of my entire collection and give . to ya for the archives.. but if I ever let go of soem prized pieces you will be the first to know..problem is.. everytime I try ...and try..... I cannot get past the 'try" part If you haven't dealt with Phong yet.. he is quite a character.. and a screwball at times.. he cracks me up ... Big Time !!!! If Ubi Dosen't mind me sharing this.. he is alway's getting the 2 of us mixed up .. (without either of us telling him we are friends) When I first sent him an email regarding the Monte Carlo.. he replied... then the bartering started.. He then emailed me .. and in hisemail (with suspicious written inflection aske),... why are you emailing me and using 2 different email addy's ?? and he sent me Ubi's email addy.. sheesh !!!.. I live in Hawaii ..... Ubi in CONUS.. !! I explained that we are 2 different people although we know each other.. When my replacemant (correct bezel) was put on months later.. he emailed Ubi... stating that it was ready to be shipped .. Y0u'll have fun if you ever talk to him on the phone

Thank you Stephane!!.. BT.... Vly....Ronin I am blessed .. . . . it shall be known as, ~ Tudor Snowflake UBI Franken ~ . . . cool name !! that is...... what it is.. A~C Lani

Geee.. Bws ..... that';s some "old school" supplements... this is like saying .. all silicone implants are not allowed in strip clubs... . . . I could not stop laughing whilst driving.. . . . Imagining all the looks on their faces, dieting for all those months..... training..... it's like.. shoot ..... . party's over.. let's go home guy's.. . . needless to say they "rushed" outta the room....

This will be on for the rest of the week and beyond.. Tudor Snowflake.. UBI Franken ~ A~C Lani

Stephane.. ya missed your golden Opportunity to be . . . . "MR BELGIUM" . . all you would of had to do was show up and pee in a cup.. . . so get ready for next year.. cause there will be NO competition... . . From a bodybuilding Blog.... Belgian weightlifters at the Belgian National Bodybuilding Competition this weekend saw a doping tester enter the room, paused in the application of their bronzer, and then stampeded out of the room as fast as their huge legs would take them. By "weightlifters," I mean all of them in competition that weekend, twenty in all who made up the entire field for the event. The event had to be canceled, leaving the Belgians without a national champion bodybuilder, and leaving the streets of Brussels stained with the bronzer-y footprints of rapidly fleeing weightlifters in their show-skivvies. To be fair, if you've seen their cows, this should surprise no one. They did at least take the honest approach and just declared a full-on scramble for the exits. If Rafael Palmeiro had done the same thing in front of Congress when asked if he'd ever taken steroids, it would have been both substantially funnier and better than finger-wagging lying under oath. (Also, he would have earned bonus points for doing a Chapelle-style tip of the water pitcher on the way out just to double the chaos points awarded.) Imagine a room full of bodybuilders... . . . enter.. a doping official ready to "test" the contestants.. I think he was given the wrong .. "work order"...

Sorry UBI... ... I am still trying to compose maself over the Snowflake... . . extra????.. that is a Vintage Rolex Oyster genuine Box Set.. with anchor and pin thingi... . . that will be in the Macro's I will spend a day on.... . . the Tudor plus... the Box SET !!!... that was a "Cardiac Moment" .. the mail center owner had to run outta the office when she heard me "express" my feelings..it was kinda "R" rated .. pun intended. . . . Good thing I didn't open it outside my gym.. lotta kids with their Moms .. walking around upstairs... .. I woulda been put on some kinda list.. We all know your expertise and Love of the Tudor S. ... now thanks to Ubi.. I can share those vibes... thank you R forgot.. UBI.. I won that item from ST ... my max bid btw.. was the same you noted after I bid.. but I didn't need it all ...

This vintage Tudor appears to have come straight from the facotry.. I am back in time with Ubi's franken.. It's incredible how the dial and hands were preserved and the hands even charge and glow.. but enough said .. you all know Ubi's taste in fanken's.. so all I can say to you Ubi.. is Thank you My Friend !!!! After a year... I really believe everything happens for a reason.. but for so many good reasons ?? Unbelievable .. . . .nah.. jus UBI But pictures are worth much more . . . . . SO . . . . NATO ZULU NOS: dial ~ hands ~ crystal ~ insert Genuine: crown.. original eta 2783 movmt. One huge problem.... when will I wear my "other" pieces.. Thank you for viewing.. and again My Humble Mahalo To UBI !! Aloha~Cheers Lani I really need to do better pics with my macro.. can't wait

Always go with the wrapped if you are planning on wearing it often..

Bringing pieces out of the box Monday ~

you would need the anoids.. the plating machine.. the chemicals to treat the ss so the plating will bond .. I used to plate the emblems and trim on Auto's .. believe me the liquid gold for plating is very expensive.. and don't even know about sourcing the RG alloy.. and when you "touch up" plating it is inconsistant in texture.. for all that trouble.. it's not really cost effective .. to say the least..