ubiquitous

I think I'll ask ZZ to autograph the next movement I send to him for servicing

I'll say! That ain't no little watch... Though it looks right at home on his wrist...

You'd be correct Frankenstein DIY specials: Lots of gen parts + El Primero 400/3019's driving them

Sunday:

Just sent payment. Now the wait begins...

They look polished- I see a slight reflection on one of the pics...

:wub:

Hmmmm.... Josh and Angus' sites both state 28.8k a/h movements...

That would be okay as well. The cal 2126 in the gen Royal Oak is a 21600bph movement (with 33 jewels). 2226 and 2326 however, are 28.8k a/h movement. On a completely unrelated topic... I'm surprised to see the case construction which is visibly apparent in the pics with the caseback off. Nicely done.

Actually, the Offshore uses steel screws, so this one's okay. It's only the classic RO and chronographs that use the WG bezel and caseback screws...

Kruz- I think what you're seeing with the 12:00 subdial is that is is slightly too large in diameter... The hand looks to be in the right position to me, but eyeballing the subdial, it just looks a tad bit too large... Edit: Looking at this closer, it's not the subdial size, but rather the hand/pinion size that's too large. My focus was on the distance between the center of the hands at the pinion and the bottom of the 12:00 subdial; in looking closer, the subdial looks to be okay in size, but the larger pinions for the 7750 hands requires a larger diameter hole fitting for the hands (hence meaning less distance between the hands' center and subdial).

Chris- I saw this link earlier and thought of you. Pretty cool little project this guy did... TudorFish

I have to admit- I miss those old days... I remember when buying an MBW was like pulling teeth. But once you were in, you were in (so long as you didn't [censored] off Maria). There was a lot of enjoyment (for me) to 'leaf' through a dealer's photobucket account to see what was new, or just to window shop. There was an interesting mystique to the hobby indeed; very underground feeling, which I think was a lot of the intrigue. Times were far more simple for the hobby back then... Operating on a much lower profile. Amazing what just a few years' difference can make. While keeping things small and exclusive is nice, I do believe that having a larger audience to market to not only helps drive new product development to deliver on the demands of commerce and demand, but is also a natural step in the evolutionary process (growth as a result of... growth. Yes, profound... I know ). We've had a lot of very interesting reps introduced into the market over the past few years; I'd like to think that these things were made possible by increasing demand for new and better quality pieces on a wider scale. The tailored click and buy e-commerce websites (which was, I believe pioneered by Paul/aBay as one of the first in rep sales to adopt this strategy) just makes for easier access to the goods by the masses...

I share your enthusiasm for the PH. It really is a gorgeous piece!

Nice! T'is a great looking example, and with loads of character.... Then again, I'm somewhat partial to snowflakes

Yep... I'd have to say that dalayclass' is in a completely different league; a class of it's own... Gorgeous example would be an extreme understatment when it comes to that one

I think if the dial were a Base, I'd say unbranded. Something about the sub seconds that kind of throws it off balance without the dial script (to me)...

The real question is... Which do *you* prefer? It will, afterall, be on your wrist Personally speaking, I like the blue... But if it's black, it's gotta be a serti...

PP- Your's really isn't that bad. Just looks textured. I've seen some that have very unevern bumps, lots of discoloring and a surface similar to that of the moon. If I were to pick up an all original 7016, your's would be the one. Besides, that insert is to die for...

My choice is a white dialed Rolex as well... But a bit different than BT's and DL's...

The old 7016 dials by Beyeler were known to bubble up like this. It was more of an issue with the paint that was used for these dials; it's common to see many of the Beys from this reference/period exhibiting this type of surface flaw. Despite the grotesque appearance (in my opinion), many collectors seem to be okay with 7016 snowflakes with the dial in this condition- If anything, it's proof that the dial is original and not a refinish. Go figure (they're not my personal preference). The problem was inherently solved when Rolex/Tudor switched to LePrelet as a dial supplier for the 9411's, etc.

That's what I was thinking. Either that, or the minute hand must have a longer tube to press againt the top of the hour wheel's chimney...

Yeah... The gen uses the itty bitty 5.3mm crown; I have gotta say that setting the non-QS date with that crown is a major pain in the ass. One of my least favorite things to do. At any rate... Getting the correct tube to fit the case has always been a problem for me with building. Let alone finding a good case to use (though Pete's looks like a nice solution). I do appreciate the offer for the crown Though for now, I have no use for it (perhaps if I pick this project up again, I'll discuss purchasing it from you)...

Great review! Looks very nice, and the differences are pretty significant when comparing old vs. new. Who did you purchase this from?