lhooq

Huh, the drag'n' drop actually works. Well, here are the shots of Build #3, now in a jmb case. Plus a special guest for comparative purposes...

Hi, everyone. Lo' emailed me about this thread, so I just wanted to jump in and say hello. I wish I could post a few photos of my old pieces, but unfortunately I still haven't gotten my picture-hosting situation sorted out! Rest assured, I still have all of them. Never gonna give them up. I did make a revision to one of the builds--specifically, the one that used a Datejust 16203 case, genuine dial, and Tudor Sub hands. Why? Here's the interesting bit: A few months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting jmb. I had a business trip to Dallas, and I'd always wanted to meet all of my Texan friends from this forum. Unfortunately, the timing with alligoat didn't work out, but jmb was kind enough to invite me for a home-cooked meal (brisket!) and a tour of his incredibly interesting workshop. I had a great time and learned a lot, too. Let me tell you: When you order a case from jmb, he's not just pushing a couple of buttons. It gets very involved and fiddly, but the CNC engraving process was a thrill to see in motion. So in addition to the food and the conversation, I also got a fresh, new, engraved jmb case as a gift. And that's where I transplanted the innards of Build #3. (Hmm. This should really be the part where I show the pretty pictures. Please send suggestions for services that will anonymously host a couple of pics. No adult sites, please.) Long story short: jmb really is the only game in town for a proper 1016 lookalike that won't break the bank. Plus, the man is a gent. I look forward to my next trip to Dallas.

If only you'd offered me that job as your assistant, L! Likewise! Glad to see the old folks still holding down the fort. And speaking of old folks... My favorite dancing bear! Thanks! Lots to catch up on.

Story checks out!

Yes, you remember correctly. White text, silver "Space-Dweller" and just a gorgeous dial for the money. Wrong, as it turns out, but gorgeous! [Yes, I've still got that watch because I don't sell anything.] Glad to see so many familiar faces are still around here! Sorry for not checking in more often; it took someone PMing me about a 1016 build to finally log on. Life has kept me busy, with less time and money for these projects. It's not so much that I got poorer; it's these damn vintage Rolex prices that have gotten ridiculous! I'm looking forward to see what's changed in the last 1-2 years, and what's stayed exactly the same. I'm glad you've still got those Explorer cases for the people who need them! Yes, still in Canada and I'm still getting compliments for your strap! I'm still involved in watches, even though I haven't bought a new piece in years. We should definitely meet up sometime. I was thinking of heading down to Detroit for the auto show, but my schedule filled up. Champagne, I can skip, but I've always got time for the dancing girls! Good to see that polar bear again!

Hey, J! All the photos I've seen of the originals show gilt. I think InGod44 based his dial on one of the auction shots that made the Space-Dweller look matte.

I hate how they always [censored] around with the subdial numbers, but front-side Snoopy looks good (and lumed!) and the overall impression is very nice. Tempting!

Things got hectic in the last few months, and I lost touch with one of my favorite subforums. Hope all is well with you, J! I still dream of a similar build one day but, like the OP says, everything hinges on the right dial.

This is really stunning, and the dial is just... [Picture a stereotypical Italian chef kissing his fingertips.] MWAH! Congratulations on a fantastic build!

But it takes a year to build a Rolex!!!

What jmb said. Also note that both T21 and T22 (and a whole mess of other crystals) were originally domes before becoming flatter, faceted crystals in later years. Rolex being Rolex, it makes no distinction between the two types in its nomenclature. Ish: Using a T22 on a Daytona would require a tremendous amount of trimming of the bezel's inner edge. Far better to use one of the many aftermarket T21 options.

Great build with an amazing dial, rolojack! What would put it over the top is if you could find "dagger" hands for the hour and minute totalizers. (And if you could find a supplier for those, I'd have a good reason to revisit my dormant 6239 build...)

NDTrading used to carry a nice 6610 dial with OCC text. I'm not sure if it's still available, and I can't seem to access the website.

It is, in fact, a DW 6263, albino dial, running an Asian 7750. For several months, I had one that belonged to alligoat--in a futile attempt to get the movement serviced cheaply. It's a real beauty, so congratulations! And big thumbs up to your anonymous benefactor.

I dunno, man. I'm more about quality than quantity.

I hope this means you've resumed regularly posting, ubi. Your presence has been missed!

Wow! Engravings aside, did you have to swap out any parts to get the colors right?

Congratulations! Every time I consider getting a Tudor Pelagos, I stop when I think of how much more I'd love to own an old Snowflake.

Here's one I need to wear more often:

I'm making a keychain.

I got mine! Whoopy!

Most guys I know would think "complete idiot" even at the 10K mark. I think this will break a million. After that 2013 Christie's auction, it seems anything is possible.

Great work, F!

Very, very nice improvements, J.

I'll be rolling on down for the foie gras, B. Congratulations, and thanks for being there!