ubiquitous

That would be for a 16750

Think the number in place of the date represents post number in sequence. Perhaps there is some sort of database issue taking place at the moment?

Dial looks more consistent with the so-called MK1, in my opinion... Probably a retrofit of sorts...

That's actually not too far from the truth. Say for instance, if you lost your CG from a Panerai and sent it in for replacement, they would likely not provide a new CG unless you also had the movement serviced. Their claim would be 'to ensure proper working order of the watch and to ensure that water resistance has not been compromised', but it is getting to thta point. Rolex would definitely rather see consumers buying new watches from their AD instead of collecting and maintaining old vintages. This is why they no longer support certain models (more specifically calibers) after a certain age. Whereas Patek embraces their heritage and recognize that their clients with Patek watches from a century ago will also buy a new Patek as well (possibly several), as their support of time pieces, no matter how old are a testament to their quality and longevity. This sort of stuff does matter to some people. But I think the large majority look at a lot of material objects as disposable to some degree and nature...

The service center will likely find a reason It could be classified into a normal wear and tear category that they just include as part of routing servicing. But believe me, they do try. And considering that a good number of their customers probably have no idea of what goes into a service, or are intimate with the fine details and logistics of overhauling a watch (kind of in line with people and cars; sure, you have your knowledgable folks, but not everyone is of that brain trust), some folks end up spending the money that they probably didn't need to pay in the first place. And I'm sure these same people don't even think to ask what happened to their old parts, some of which happen to have a pricey chunk of metal affixed to it...

Rolex downshifts the 4030 to 28800bph. On paper, it seems quite a bit less, but in truth it's only a difference of 2 beats per second (10 beats per second vs. 8 beats). Rolex also changes a number of other parts when rebuilding to 4030 specs. They actually put a lot of work into the movement all said and done.

Picked up the El Primero 400/Ebel 134 back in 2005 as a NOS, uncased movement. Think I paid roughly $800 for it back then. Today, I believe they sell for $1200 - $1400; depends on whether it's a loose movement, or via donor watch. Either way, a service should be factored into the cost due to the age of such things, coupled with the fact that the EP400 runs at 36000bph (making service a little more critical to keep things in proper mechanical order).

Looks like F333 got it!

When it comes to watch servicing, I've never seen a bigger rip off and racket than the likes of in-house service centers for the big brands in the US. Not only do they charge you ridiculous amounts for parts that you probably do not need, but you don't even get the old parts back that have been replaced in return. Take for example- If you brought in an Audemars Piguet, Breguet, PP or other high end watch to their respective US or NA region in-house service centers for an overhaul, one of the replacement parts on the list for service will likely be the rotor. On such watches, that rotor alone is going to cost upwards of $1,000 US. Why? Because those brands use a 22k gold weight for many of their rotor designs (as the weight of the gold makes for a more efficient winding rotor). Do you get your old rotor and gold weight back in return? You can bet not. So, you basically just gifted that brand with a nice, 22k gold weight and paid them to do so. I'd say this is almost theft...

Looking great! Glad to see it together...

Thank you, kind sir

3717 Franken for Tues:

Slight diversification from Au to Pt... Picked one of these up this weekend and snapped a pic before it goes into the safe deposit box...

I believe the gen's hour hand can be set independently of the minute hand.

Beautiful 1575! I believe see: H, M, 24H pinions there? You building a GMT or Explorer II or sumptin?

Thank you, sir The Ebel 134 is the Zenith El Primero 400; the same basis for the Rolex 4030 in the 16520 Daytona. So, gen dial fits perfect and makes for the perfect franken candidate:

BTW, for the price of these things, I don't think your friend should settle for an 'almost' watch. Better to wait and save for the watch that he really wants, rather than opting for a lesser watch (unless he's just looking for a wearer).

#2 isn't bad... But it's definitely seen some time with the polishing wheel. It will also need a proper insert, as it looks as though they've fitted a thin font insert. Hands don't really match the dial either. Kinda knitpicking though... As for the date- It's possible that the time is set to 10:09pm, and the date is starting to roll over, hence why it's slightly off. Probably nothing to worry about there. Your friend should factor in a cost to service into his budget, as it's always difficult to ascertain the overall health of a movement with second hand purchases.

Just some recent eye candy... Uncased and unplugged... Please add some if you've got 'em!

Well, I don't know what your friend's budget will allow, but I say keep looking. The above aren't bad, but they all show signs of wear, polishing, etc. In the long run, it would probably be of benefit to spend a little more and pick up a clean example with sharp case, full papers in my opinion.

How much are each? 1 - 5? Haha... Chief and I are along the same line of thought

Get a vintage fat font insert, bezel and 9315 bracelet on #3, and I think it would be killer. I didn't see #5 the first time around, but that one looks good too.

I have to wonder... Almost every 14270 dial I've seen for sale has some varying degree of surface wear. T'is a rare day when I see a perfect mint example for sale. Still, nice price!

The interesting thing about the 7031/7032 is the size of the crystal needed. It is much larger in diameter than most, hence making it rather unique. I do not know of a crystal of similar size sans cyclops. The only other crystal that I know of that is similar in size is the 25-130, however that has the cyclops oriented for a 3:00 date window...