lhooq

I like Explorers.

At the start of this year, you could still find 72s and 72C watches selling for $400-600 on eBay. Nowadays, it's not surprising to see even less desirable chronos (like Clebars) touching the $1000 mark. Meanwhile, 7734s have moved into the $300-500 range. I would find it all so amusing if I weren't still trying to get my hands on these movements!

Thanks, kingkaiser! It's my franken Seamaster 300.

Thanks! You may have just made me ~$250 poorer! By the way, is it the Asian movement 1655 you have?

I can only comment on the visuals, though I find the discussion about stopping and removing gears fascinating--and scary! I think the biggest flaw right now is still the hands, particularly the minute hand that extends all the way to the odd-hours markers and the sweep hand with the way-out lollipop. And as much as I appreciate the new dial, I would love to know if aftermarket dials made for 1570s will fit on this. Also, it needs some CG work and a clear caseback.

With that dial in there, it's long odds for anyone to call you out. Looks great, and good bang for your, er, pound!

That's a gem, stilty. It turned out beautifully! What a pair of Explorers you've got now!

How many subdials in front? Looks like a Valjoux 22 or 71 to me. I've no idea if it's really a Rolex movement, though. Also, the pushers and crown suggest a Rolex 2508, but the lugs don't. If genuine, the watch may be one of the reference numbers (<4500) listed here.

I'm no Tudor specialist, but... it doesn't look half bad. It's better than the dials being sold by both Jewelryandwatch and Yukiwatch, and about on par with the NDTrading dial. The only big issue I can detect -other than what looks to be a temporary datewheel- is that there should be a tiny gap between the homeplates and the minute track. I would also be tempted to yellow those indices a bit, though you can find gens with white plates. Colors look a bit odd. Maybe the photo was taken with Josh's camera?

Superb! The crystal is definitely the most important mod to make on any rep Speedy.

I've always considered the 7031/7032 more of a Rebel Alliance watch, myself. The minute totalizer even lets you check if the Death Star has a shot on the Yavin base!

That dial is hypnotic. Beautiful!

mastrmindalliance, you'd better ask Josh for a commission, since you've single-handedly sold me on the V2. I'm not sure I even want to wear one; I would just want to place it on my desk and admire it!

Excellent comparison. Very informative, though slightly depressing! Special thanks for reviewing the Yuki 78350, as I don't think anyone's ever taken a close look at it before. A nice follow-up -if you're so inclined- would be to look at the rep endlinks available for 19mm Daytonas. And that's why I stick to 7835s for my Daytonas--I'm cheap!

Some of you might have noticed that the bracelet was worn smooth, to the point of being polished. (Alternatively, it might have been polished by the previous owner!) For example, check out the reflection of the movement on the clasp. Initially, I found this to be a nice bit of patina that suggested an older piece. After second and third glances, I think it looks a bit tatty and a mismatch with the rest of the watch, most notably the brand-new endlinks. So I asked my watchsmith for a correction: Getting better!

Fantastic shots, beautiful subjects.

Thanks! DW still sells a few good dials, if you're willing to wait a few months to get them.

Great watch and an amazing-looking dial! Let's see some sunlit shots!

Joerg: I think you need to buy more orange neckties!

Congratulations! It's a real beauty, but you need to show us the whole watch in one shot! Also: Cheers - LH

Hmm, I thought I already posted in this thread, but I guess not! Not a Valjoux 72, but I love it anyway:

Congratulations, Rosnik. Looks great!