ubiquitous

15 ft? You need more practice! I'm now able to spot fakes from over 3574 ft.

It's strange... Some of my leather Panerai straps (e.g. my MF Natural) has a very strong scent to it's leather... And, it's at times almost a little... fishy Not a huge deal... But sometimes it can be a little overbearing...

You can coat the entire surface with paint, and wipe off the excess from the very top surface. This will leave the paint in the engraving recess...

Just for grins, and to see if I can still do the bezel aging correctly, I thought I would give this a try for old time's sake. I spent a few minutes digging through my parts bin, and sure enough, I had an old MBW insert just sitting around collecting dust. Perfect for the experiment.

Mix up a quick batch of solution... And a few minutes later, I had this...

To be continued....?

Slowly getting used up

Mmmmmmmmmmm...

Well, a genuine crystal can certainly fit most rep cases, but without a retaining ring to properly seal it, would you trust it? Especially if you're using a genuine 1575?

Cost is high for parts; cost for an MBW seems more realistic. But, for what it's worth, I do have an extra retaining ring and bezel... No washer spring tho.

I hope he's scotchguarded that strap!

Of course I am!

RT's advice sounds the most logical to me.

The MBW difference is the construction of the watch. MBW's use the same system to secure the crystal, bezel, etc. as genuine. No other vintage Sub or SD reps on the market have the same features.

The retaining ring, bezel and insert are all transferrable to other watches, as long as the genuine crystal fits the rehaut lip. Since these are tension fit pieces, they press right on. But if the crystal doesn't fit then it's not going to work. Of course, the other concerns are 1) finding these parts, and 2) the parts alone can cost as much as a complete MBW watch anyways, so it's better to just start with an MBW.

Just my thoughts on the matter...

Well.... No offense was meant, but we all know that no matter what, at the end of the day, we're still dealing with reps!

I think my point is to set your expectations accordingly. When you're dealing with reps and mods, etc. you have to remember that a lot of the process is performed by hand, and by humans. The precision and accuracy that is achievable with human hands is quite amazing- especially when you consider that any slight imperfections will only be noticable under a loupe. The genuines have the process automated and performed by machines; the objctive is to mass produce quickly, and the precision achieved is a result of mechanized production.

But, if you're concerned about what the finished product looks like udner a loupe... Who exactly are you trying to impress? Who else, besides you, is going to be inspecting these that closely?

A rep is a rep is a rep

I have to wonder what 'chad's' true intentions are. He seems awful concerned about making his watches look EXACTLY like genuine. Hope that his plan isn't to SELL them as genuine....

Sometimes the case hole for the tube is just too small to even fit the tap. So... You must drill the correct diameter hole for the tap to fit in order to cut the new threads. Think of it this way- If the tap doesn't fit, then the tube's not gonna fit either.

This is not always the situation, but not all Sub and SD cases are the same (variation across manufacturers can be common). And yes... You must be very careful not to drill too large of a hole. Once metal is gone, it' gone.

It's a Daytona weekend for me...

16520 frankenstein with El Primero 400

DW 6263

Soon I'll have my Swiss V23 transplanted 6263 back in my hands to add to the mix...

Egads.... My eyes!!

Any price restriction that you would like to stay within?

A HUGE congrats to you and your son, Bob!! That is a wonderful achievement! Milestones like this are memories that will be with you always.

All the best...

R

Awww... Gee, thanks gang!

You know, you guys are like family to me

Ahhhh... Yes, Dr. Odets' infamous Explorer review. There have been many theories on Odets qualification (or lack thereof) in even taking such watches apart for reviews. It's been said that he takes watches apart, and then sends them in to be reassembled by the manufacturer of said watch. Whether there is any truth to that or not, I am not completely certain...

In my times and tenure on many different watch forums, I have found that the most knowledgable and scrutinizing eyes for detail were actually found ... Here. On the replica boards! But.... I have also found that the friendliest, and most generous of people are also here, and this is what really makes the rep boards a pleasure to visit. The genuine forums tend to be full of ego, snobbery and elitism. If I had a dime for every condescending email or message from M. Sandler, I'd have quite the sum on my hands.

But, anyways....

I wanted to share a case of generosity that was bestowed upon me. Little, ol' ubi. A very generous soul, and genuinely great individual (you know who you are) presented me with my very, very first Rolex book/guide on Monday. This is my first ever printed reference for Rolex I've ever owned; up until now, everything has been in my head, or scribbled down in a composition note pad that I collect thoughts and notes in. The book... The Best of Times by Dowling and Hess. It's a fantastic read, great pics, and whatnot... But even more, the book is actually autographed by Dowling. Very neat! This shall remain a valued and cherished addition to my Rolex watch collection, and I am quite humbled by this kind gesture.

Some of the most genuine individuals are here... There is no doubt about that.

Cheers,

R

Can we give this one a rest already?

Kos-

Excellent choice- It's a beauty!

Admin.... Wish you would reconsider. Perhaps give it a few days before saying goodbye?