ubiquitous

Quite right, chief. It's interesting that most watch manufacturers embrace their past; their heritage. It's integrated into their marketing to help shape their image as a long standing house of horological excellence. Rolex on the other hand is willing to give the cold shoulder to their history...

So far, we're down to either the Grand Californian or the Paradise Pier. The Disney Hotel was on the list, but some of the reviews we read on it were not great...

Too good to be true? Believe it when you see it? Not holding your breath? Perhaps all tell tale signs that you've been collecting reps long enough to know better? Or... Maybe it's true? We all know the Ploprof is due out soon.... But I thought it was targeted for mid-April?

Please re-read my post. My comment was not a comparison of the two brands, but rather policy and the fact that Patek and/or AP are still willing to support their product in the aftersales category; watches of complicated nature with no limit on age. If they made it, they stand behind it. Sadly, Rolex does not stand behind their heritage... At least, not to the level that they should, considering their relatively uncomplicated watches that share many of the base components and concepts. If the original manufacturer does not stand behind their product, then what does that tell collectors? Essentially i) your old Rolex is not worth keeping; trade it in for a new one (your watch is essentially disposable, only good for 10 or so years) and ii) we're not afraid to turn our back on you. Last I checked, AP and Patek are still selling new watches, so cutting off your consumers who are likely to buy new and collect vintage isn't that great of a marketing sttategy. Especially considering that a typical modern/new Rolex is usually purchased not for it's horological merit, but rather as a symbol of status for someone who wants to show the world that he/she has made it in life (rolls eyes). So, I fail to see how not supporting your vintage customers will force them into buying a modern; the vintage collectors are the connoisseurs, not the status symbol seekers (they're likely far, far, far beyond that), though many of them purchase the new models as well. It's the wrong demographic of consumer to be snubbing.

Well, to an extent, they've tried with the Milgauss, TOG, the new Tudor Heritage Chrono, etc. though I am not completely confident that their past efforts were really implemented correctly (the new Tudor chrono looks promising, however). What would really be a feather in Rolex's cap is if they finally opened the long rumored (and awaited) heritage division of service; rather than shutting out the vintage folks by turning away service for certain models or calibers based on age of production, they should embrace their heritage, and offer support for all their watches, past and present. Patek and AP will gladly support their customer's time piece, no matter how old or far back it goes...

Hmmmm... I think it could definitely be possible We're likely going to stay at one of the hotels located directly on either Disney or California Adventure. As the date gets nearer, I'll post again to revisit and see about maybe doing a quick GTG! Cheers and all the best, R

Ahhh... I'm not sure I can swing a GTG Our stay is going to be pretty short; 9/10 - 9/13, so we'll be shoe horning quite a bit into the 2.75 days that we'll be there. However, if I can get away for a few... Maybe an hour or two, then perhaps, maybe? Would be nice to meet up with you guys...

T'is a small world... And an interestingly complex weave of tangles throughout...

Scary Mary... What would prompt you to nickname your brother's girlfriend something to that effect? Or should I ask?

Interesting that we were just talking about that the other day...

Thanks, T! Sounds like Sept may be a good time to go then...

These days, the only time I buy gen... Is to break it down into parts!

What's the weather usually like there in early/mid Sept? My family and I are planning a trip to the House of Mouse around that time, and I wanted to see what a typical Fall day might be like; I haven't been to SoCal in a few years, and the last time I was there (mid-Oct 2005) it was rainy and kinda chilly Might have been one of those atypical exceptions, though (at least, that's what I'm thinking). Just looking for a general idea of what to expect... Thanks much, //ubi

Nice 6154, F! Weds wear...

wholesaleoutlet/watchbandman50 is a terrible vendor. Made the mistake of dealing with them some years ago... Never again.

The pleasure was mine, chief! Had a great time visiting and talking watches! Looking forward to seeing your projects come to life Haha... The Franken SA was HUGE!! But an absolute beauty (it's no wonder that you have two of them)! Your wrist can easily pull it off; mine on the other hand... Not so sure

I agree! Absolutely stunning!

Fri- franken 16520: Sat- franken 42mm PO: Sun- Gen vintage 165.024: Have a great weekend! R

Ahhh... The GMT insert is an aftermarket example for a 1675. I've had it sitting in my parts bin for years; no plans for it, so I figured it was a good specimen for experimenting further to try and get a darker finish from the aging process.

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The wait is half the fun... Within reason of course. For me, the anticipation of parts coming in and seeing a project slowly take shape is what makes the wait so exciting. But when things start lagging on and on... When watching tracking and seeing one delay after another... I absolutely understand what you mean. There are more roadblocks in building watches than most would think (or assume). I'm waiting on a bunch of stuff too at the moment... So, I can certainly relate...

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Been a busy week, so I haven't been giving much thought to daily choice; I've been living in this one for the most part: Looking forward to the weekend!

Somehow, I had a feeling those 3 would be on your list for this year Hope you're having fun!

As alligoat mentioned, the 5500 is the smaller 34mm case/19mm lugs. The 1016 is 36mm/20mm lugs.