ubiquitous

Lookin' good, P! Not a bad way to pass the time while you wait for your super 3717!

Well, not super, super thick, but still pretty thick, metinkys:

R- I LIKE the look!! Very cool!

Danke, Denz!!

Might as well keep the 3717 momentum going...

Wow... Just wow...

Rarity, for one. They were not hot sellers in their time, so there are very few in actual circulation. The basis of value is of course market force; these are highly sought after by collectors who are willing to pay the price. These 7031 and 7032 Monte Carlos do not turn up often; think of them as the Paul Newman Daytona equivalent of Tudors...

jmb- Mrs. Ubi was busting my chops about selling it this morning as well. She was recounting how much time I spent hunting down parts, how much cussing and swearing she and the kids had to listen to as I was building it, and her final point of reason- I'd end up building another down the road because I'd miss it so much, and I would inevitably end up spending more the second time around than I did the first. Well, I suppose I can't argue that fact, as I know it's true I'm also finding that I'm having second thoughts about parting with it after having worn it around a bit today...

Whoa- They have a 7032 Homeplate MC! Quite the rarity in and of itself! I might have to swing by as well to see if I can have a look!

Offer, offer, offer. Worst they can say is no, at which point just keep bidding...

16520 with El Primero... I built this in 2006; still one of my favorites...

9411 for Thurs... More than anything, to contemplate whether to keep it in the collection or not...

As Zig mentioned, the bezel is fitted to the case using a compression gasket ring. Here you can see the compression ring fitted to the bezel; this then installs onto the case lip with a press... Hope this helps illustrate... Cheers, //ubi

I believe my gen dial has the thick fonts: Chief's AR is an absolute must for this one... I think you'll really like this one, P. It's a great watch! definitely one of my all time faves!

Usually, if I want a new watch to look as though it's seen 40 years' worth of service, I just let my wife wear it for a week

Hmmmm... It is absolutely possible that white datewheels could have been fitted to these models; most likely during service, I'd think. Original datewheels should be black, but who knows? There's always the chance that such a part may have come fitted new as well. No way to really account for everything that the factory does, and it's plausible that parts used were whatever was available in front of the technician assembling the watch at the time, or maybe one type was installed during a certain time frame, superceding an older style. So many possibilities, especially if you consider that such details were probably not a major concern during this era. Difficult to say; all I have is speculation regarding the datewheel color...

Jkay, It's interesting that you bring that up, because the caseback is the only thing that I can't verify or confirm. From the pics provided, it's not apparently clear; the shape and overall details look correct, but the seamonster and font are difficult to really say; the font style looks a bit suspect to me, but not an outright fake as far as known fake casebacks go. This example has a subtle flat top 'A', but nothing like mine (though I can only compare to my old vintage caseback). I've not seen a service replacement back, so I can't fairly comment on it's validity or whether it's legitimate. The second pic in that auction (showing the watch face down, caseback obscured by the bracelet), you can see how deep these markings are on the caseback; replica casebacks usually do not have this characteristic, so this muddies things up a bit. Everything else looks okay, however.

I am not sure that high end genuine watches will ever go away. Rather, with high quality reps, those manufacturers will be forced to evolve, producing items that can't be easily, or economically re-produced. It's a game of cat and mouse; those that produce the high end, high ticket items will always be a few steps ahead. Plus, they have another angle that the rep market can't compete with; precious metal cases, precious stone settings, etc. Basically the jewelry pieces with true intrinsic value. Besides, some folks would never consider a replica, and there are many, many out there with this mindset along with some deep pockets. As long as there's a market for it, there will be product. I don't think the high end segment has much to worry about with regards to going extinct.

Looks like an example built from new parts, much like the watchco pieces. The movement inside should be an Omega 565; not a difficult movement to find, so having the caseback off is no real indication as to whether this piece is gen (I've seen a number of frankens out there with the correct movement). -Case looks fine to me. Correct case, correct inner rehaut ring. -Dial is correct. No stubbies, correct fonts, but appears to be a lumi dial (service replacement). -Hands are correct. -Crystal is correct and signed with the Omega logo in the center. -Datewheel *should* be black -Bezel is correct. Correct fonts, no odd or unusual color tones to try and mimic the luminous bezel markings. -Bracelet is fine. To compare- My genuine and original 165.024: Regarding the auction watch in question- My money is on a watchco assembled 166.024; the parts look correct to my eye, but having the white datewheel along with everything looking super crisp and new, I suspect this to be a pieced together watch. Not necessarily fake as it's comprised of genuine parts, but not 100% genuine with factory provenance either. This is my speculative opinion on this watch.

Mrs. Ubi is quite fascinated by my 3717; she loves the chief AR crystal. However, I'm not certain that she has any real affection for any of my watches in general. Not like I do anyways. From time to time I'll get her to wear a couple of my watches when we go out and about, but her all time favorite has got to be a watch in her 'collection'; her Chanel J12 rep That is her ultimate timepiece! Otherwise, she'd rather have diamonds...

He definitely makes some top quality stuff! Was looking at his straps when I was thinking of having a custom strap made for my 3719.

Exactly, drobbins. Having that personal interaction with a project build forms an emotional/sentimental bond. I don't expect anyone else to understand what that means to me personally, as it's difficult for others to appreciate the amount of work or time invested (not to mention money). But for those who are also of the same mind set, they are likely to understand better than anyone else It's not always about the money...

Vintage Omega for today...

Gorgeous, kruz! Funny to think, but our 3717's have quite a lot in common... More than just what's on the outside! I do have you to thank for the engine powering mine... And of course for being quick on the draw with the dial and hands!

I'm patiently waiting for a very specific gen dial to turn up with Concepta.