ubiquitous

Possible... But the perfect collection (for me) is always just right outside my grasp...

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.

Good video!

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...

Do you wear the MBW at all?

jdm's look to be the same as a specific individual's out of HK. The serif's tell the tale here...

Definitely square up the inside edges... But you're getting there!

That's just how genuine loose end links are. Have a look at genuine 16520's... They're the same.

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.

Coronet orientation doesn't really matter- There's no control over it

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)

I'd love to see a good 6542 done... Heck, we can even do the roulette datewheels for these too...

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!

Black dial today... Sweet! Very funky... I dig it!

Indeed... Somewhat of a shame to let all those good parts go to waste... I especially like the large CHRONOGRAPH engraving on the bezel...

What a work of art!! And all done by hand. The attention to detail and artistry... Beautiful! Very nice, Rob!

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

I've got a couple of 31 jewel Daytonas But I paid a little more than €400 for them Oh... And handwind Daytonas? Got one of those too...

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...

Sounds like you have a Tap 6 stem. You need a Tap 10 for the Rolex crown.