Here's an idea- Why not start with the 16600 Sea-Dweller. The ever elusive modern SD that is missing in most people's collections? Do a true 1:1 of that, and I am sure you'd make some people very very happy.
Okay, they're really more like commercials, but still quite interesting to watch none the less...
Link
There are three videos in this link-
904L Steel
Ceramic Bezels
Everose Gold
Each has interesting technical overview, and also provides a little insight as to how Rolex manufactures their parts and even smelts their own gold.
I typically offer up the fact that the watches I have in my collection are self built. That usually perks people up and initiates a whole series of questions and intrigue.
Errrr... No ofense, but I'd much rather take my frankenstein Daytona, made with genuine parts (i.e. case, dial, hands, crown, tube, bezel, and Zenith El Primero 400) over an Invicta or Steinhart any day...
Mine:
Genuine:
Hmmmm... Tough call. Can you afford to forego some of the MBW mods and use that money to buy an HBB second hand instead (while keeping the MBW)? For me, it's always tough to determine if a watch is worth keeping unless I have it in hand to try on, wear, etc; I don't have enough fingers to count how many times I bought a watch based on pics only to have said watch fall short on expectation when received (and consequently sold). I feel that the HBB might fall into that category...
Just my $0.02... If you said that the MBW never gets wrist time, the answer would be a little easier...
Ahhhh... You can buff out the scratch with Brasso, car polish, or.... Toothpaste (yes, toothpaste). An acrylic crystal with the scratches buffed out will still leave a slight presence of it's scar if the scratch was deep enough, though I feel it adds a bit to the authentic look and character of a vintage piece.
My son will have his choice of any of my watches when he turns of age... My daughter is welcome to watches in the collection as well if she feels so inclined Just hope they leave me one to wear. Just one... That's all I need...
Until then, they're both too young to even tell the time. So for now, they're all mine...
(MWAHAHAHAHA)
You mean this beauty??
Sorry, buddy... I don't think I could ever part with it Being a very special one of a kind from a individual who is equally one of a kind, I just don't think I could let this one go. I'd never be able to find a replacement!
I still have my Nauti; a wonderful gift from Sir Omni, which I will treasure always
Speaking of the PP Nautilus; I was at Borders the other night browsing books and noticed that the most recent issue of Watchtime has a feature on the Nautilus with the new 44mm 5980 gracing the cover. The more and more I look at the Nautilus design, the more and more I love it
First and foremost- Nice watch, Dirk. Always a big fan of your work And always eager to see what you'll put together next!
With regards to the 1665- The engravings on this MBW/WM/WBM/BB are actually correct; no POLEX on the lugs (that's only the 1680).
Looks good, Falco... Nicely done and a nice combination of parts.
I do believe that this is one model us vintage fanatics are sorely lacking in our world of good replications; maybe one of the factories will take the hint and offer up a quality rendition of the 1655 with the ability to accept genuine parts? One can only hope...
BTW... I love that McQueen burn out pic at the end... Awesome!
Agreed; the appeal for me was the ability to put my work and effort into mine. Chasing down parts is also a good portion of the fun.
Now that I think about it, it's why I enjoy this hobby as much as I do. If things were perfect out of the box, the fun (for me) would be gone...