ubiquitous

Yeah- Everything was put together as delivered. I didn't have any 2824's in my inventory, so I had to order a new one specific to this project. When the movement arrived, I simply installed as per usual. No swap out of the canon pinion, or hour wheel needed. The 14270 does have it's own case and ref, but it's pretty much the same as a DJ. Thanks, kruz! So, when you say that a bigger watch project is needed, do you have something particular in mind? I know I just might

Uhhh... Was 5 days a little too long for this auction?

Ahhh... BJ's (Kamal) Prohunter. A very interesting project, and quite interesting indeed. There was another UK firm that was doing the same, except to vintage pieces (a la 1675's, etc) and one other small project that modified some 16600's as well, if I recall correct (except in very limited quantities). I do like the idea of PVD'ing a noobmariner, though I think if you're going to do this, you need to do the bracelet as well! NATO strap works well with the PH, but I think having the complete watch done would be quite impressive.

Thanks for the honorable mention, everyone! I am humbled, and appreciate your very kind words (thank you!) You know... I see some incredible stuff posted DAILY by all the members here. We're talking truly amazing works of art, and some incredible reps and frankens (and gens too!). If I put together a list of specific watches I've seen posted (and drool over), it would be a very long list, and would most likely span over the greater part of the membership here. Quite frankly... I want them all! Quality over quantity... Always nice, but quality AND quantity is even better, methinks!

Well, at the very least, Rolex can't be accused of being staid and boring for this year. In the past, folks had expressed their disdain for the brand by saying their designs were too conservative and plain; the biggest change for a Basel show being a new dial, or wider hands and bigger markers. For 2007, they introduced some odd birds (most specifically the YMII) and it looks as though they're continuing that trend with some new designs and larger cases. However, I'm not certain what to think. My initial reaction was that their new line up is looking a bit gimmicky; lots of text and busy dials, bezels, etc. The Deep Sea looks a little awkward with it's big, chunky case and relatively narrow bracelet in between those lugs (to me, this looks very uncomfortable). The more and more I look at the '08 models and novelties, the more put off by the brand I become. I wish Rolex would have stayed true with gradual evolution to their model/product DNA instead of trying to innovate/remodel their image. Granted, some of the technology and concepts introduced are a good thing; I just wish they would have perhaps taken a different, more conservative approach in doing so (as they've done in the past). At the end of the day, however, I suppose it's not really fair to judge by pictures alone. And who knows? Perhaps in 1, 5 or 10 years from now, the general population might have a different opinion altogether? After all, the 1655 ExpII wasn't an instant favorite, and these days it's considered a grail by many...

Yours looks great! The simplicity of this piece is really what appeals to me. For the reasons you stated, I absolutely agree that this is a great project for the money. I think my total out of pocket expense is somewhere around what a 'Super Rep' might cost Thanks, D. I ended up going with a 2824-2 with this one as the stem lines up center with the tube. However, if I can find a perfect NOS dial, I may look into doing a genuine caliber 3000 instead. We'll see Danke, sir!

Hey gang, Thanks for taking the time to post some replies As always, the kind words are much appreciated! Well, you do bring up a great point, Stephane. At 36mm, the case is a bit small by today's standards, though it wears great on the wrist. I think it is a very handsome watch given it's proportions; however, if one is used to wearing PAMs and other 42mm+ sized watches, this particular design may feel a bit small (naturally). Thanks, T. After seeing your 14270, I've had the Explorer on my mind ever since. I'm glad to have finally added one to the collection Looking forward to seeing yours completed! Thanks again for the kind comments, fellas! Humbly yours, R

Wow! Just wow!

The provenance and history of this piece is particularly amazing. I am not sure if I can divulge any more information beyond that, but what this watch represents is incredible. For the winning bidder of this watch- You will be owning an amazing piece. I'll leave it at that...

It's been a little while since I've built anything new; after a long hiatus from watches, I got that itch... The urge to have something new, and different than anything I'd built prior. To foreshadow this a bit... Sometime back, I had seen Stilty's fantastic franken project, and was smitten ever since. So, when the time came to start a new project, the answer was easy- A 14270 was the clear choice So, where to start? Usually, I start with a dial, but in this particular project that specific element was proving to be difficult to source. So, I skipped ahead and kicked this one off with a case instead. The basis for this one was a genuine 16200 DateJust case, complete with crystal, bezel, etc: Nice silver dial with this one, though of no concern to me since it would not be used... Okay, so here we go. First thing to do is pop that cyclops off and add a gen 6mm Twinlock crown And a couple of quick pics to show some details of the case... After some diligent searching, patience paid off. I found a dial, albeit not exactly perfect. Some small, superficial surface scratches, which are of no concern to me; this will be a watch for wearing, not fretting over. Pics don't reveal those scratches, and it's difficult to see them otherwise. Dial test fitted: And test movement fitted: For this particular project, I modified an old movement ring I had to fit the case. Time consuming, but worth it in the end: And finally, new movement arrived and hands were fitted. Watch is currently being stress tested for the next few days, as per typical post-build routine. More pics to come Thanks for looking! Cheers, R

Hey gang, Thought I would sneak this one in at the very last minute, with a little help from our moderating team (thanks, guys!). I know the POTR auctions have drawn to a close, but I felt that the following watch was very fitting for the cause, and wanted to bring this one to the auction block for bidding (Sorry it's a little late; I haven't been terribly active on the forum, and I missed this entire discussion until just a few days ago). At any rate, the watch in question is the infamous RWG Collaboration Watch, limited in series (this one is #014/100) and complete with inner and outer boxes. This watch has never been worn, sized, with the plastic wrap still on the band. The conception and execution of the RWG watch has quite an interesting history and past; I won't digress into those details here, though for those of you who feel compelled to do so, I believe the origins and endeavors to get this watch delivered can be researched here on RWG This watch features Omega Railmaster styling (specifically in the case, dial, hands and bracelet), and is powered by the ubiquitous (heh heh) ETA 2836. I believe the case measures in at 42mm, excluding crown. Terms and conditions -No starting bid or 'reserve'. -Auction will close at approximately 6:00pm MDT on April 5th, 2008. -Shipping fees are on me if within the CONUS. If shipping internationally, I will discuss shipping options with the buyer (I will help cover some shipping fees). -Winning bid will pay POTR directly in his desired method of payment. -Upon confirmation of payment, I will coordinate shipping. Any questions, please feel free to ask! Best of luck to all!

Have to agree... That WG fluted bezel really pops! Gave this one to my Dad after building. These 16234's are such understated classics! Looks great as always, T!

Starting the week off with this one while I have it out of the safe deposit box... Tues and Weds are undecided...

That's a rather tastey duo! Very nice...

Well, I don't know if I qualify as an expert, but I'm certainly familiar with these. Typically, the cases that I have worked with for these 16520's are made specifically for the El Primero 400 movements. They are quite nice, though comparing with my gen cased franken Daytona, there are some very slight differences. As for the case featured in this thread... I'm not certian if it is one of the MBW cases or not. It looks very similar, though if Ziggy had to do some custom fitting work to get the movement to seat, it's possible that it may be of different origin. My black dial Daytona is one of the MBW sourced cases; that one was pretty straight forward regarding install/fitting (i.e. no machining work required)... None the less, you have a great watch. BTW, sourcing a genuine dial and hand set is not so difficult these days, especially if you are after white. I see those for sale periodically. Black dials, however seem to surface less frequently... However, the dial/hand sets may add another $1500 (or more, depending on dial type and who you're buying from) to the total. Not a bad deal if you are dealing with Euro or GBP currencies And, worth the price paid, in my humble opinion... Again, great Daytona! Ziggy did a fantastic job on it!

You know that I'm always more than happy to help you, kruz. Just a phone call away... Zig- The subtel details can oft times be difficult to spot. I'm familiar with the differences as I have both the gen dial and the same dial you have in hand, so comparing both side by side makes it especially easy

BTW... I have to agree with repaustria. That looks like an MBW case to me. Especially the valve. All the VN cases I've seen have a different valve (size and shape).

Heh... You must have been reading my mind! I was just posting my last reply as you posted yours Keep up the excellent work!!

As I just re-read the initial title, I can also attest that the dial is not genuine. Compared to genuine: The differences? -The shape of the coronet at 12:00 is different. -The lume recesses on the markers/indicies are much thinner on genuine. -Fonts are different between the two. Genuine is much crisper, and precise. -Subdial rings are slightly beige-ish on the genuine, with the fonts slightly thicker. -The black dial itself is actually a metallic dark brownish-grey in person. This is difficult to capture in pics, but very apparent to the eye, especially under sunlight. -SWISS MADE is slightly too large, and in silver font. In all actuality, the non-genuine dial is the one that is provided with the case kit as standard. The back does have the correct markings, however lacks the trademark 'finish' that I have come to know with genuines. Not a bad dial, though I am sure that the owner will want to swap to genuine sooner or later (the difference, once seen is amazing). None the less, still a very nice watch!

GTG's are always a great time Looks as though there was quite the variety there in terms of watches. It's nice to see the diverse nature from one collector to another, and it's also nice to see some watches that one might not have seen or considered prior. It's one thing to see these things in pictures, but quite a different story to see a watch in the metal. Nice write up and pics!

Gorgeous job!! This one is a real work of art, ZZ. Some lucky owner is going to be very happy when this one lands at their door step!

Ziggy- You've been busy lately!! Some very interesting things brewing in your shop! Very nice!! But, I suppose it's no secret that I love these things...

The usual for me... Friday: Saturday:

I wasn't feeling the Da Vinci, but after seeing this pic, I feel I may need to readjust my opinion on it And I'm very much so loving the Aquatimer...

IWC's released a new line of retro inspired pieces to commemorate their vintage pieces/heritage. The majority can be found on their website; of those pieces being released, these are amongst my favorites... 'Vintage' style Aquatimer 'Vintage' style Portofino Typically, I'm not much of an IWC kind of guy, but these are