ubiquitous

Vintage is always nice.

Both are good. Just depends on what your preference is. With regards to legibility- The white dial may have the slight advantage. But aesthetically, both are quite nice.

I'd be in for a black/black coramid one....

Sign me up!

Excellent work!! Glad to see people giving this stuff a try!

The genuine T-21 makes a huge difference!

i was gonna say... the rolex emblem on you dial looks a little bit fatter than simons... why didnt you get a genuine dial? is your bracelet genuine too?

Genuine dial is something that I am searching for, but, not always easy to find (especially at the right price). Lots of aftermarkets and redials out there... So, I took what was readily available.

Bracelet and endlinks are genuine.

I'm not convinced that the case was an actual MBW- In my opinion, it looks much different than the MBW 1665 cases I've owned. Shape of lugs (profile/curve/etc), the bezel doesn't look tall enough...

Most likely, a reproduction of another sort. But certainly not genuine.

(just my opinion).

Manuel-

You are correct- The 1680 MBW cases are marked 'POLEX', but the MBW 1665 is simply marked 'REGISTERED DESIGN'-

Link for some case characteristics.

Looks genuine... I'd be very surprised if it was not. I'm not well versed in 16570's, but the things I'm looking at are the bezel engravings, dial, hands, and overall precision and small detail that just doesn't say rep to me.

I'd like to see images of other angles

Just a comparison shot....

My in-progress 16520 frankenstein (still holding out for the 'right' El Primero movement to take up residence inside...)

Darth's genuine 16523-

To be fair- All the parts on mine are genuine, except the dial (which is a reprint on a genuine Rolex dial base). Sometimes the frankensteins just cannot be detected... Even when the case back is removed (genuine rotor and bridges can be fitted to complete the look).

Careful folks... It's a jungle out there...

Sounds like the datewheel overlay is simply misaligned. It can be removed and straightened... Or, you could simply get an MBW

Lookin' good Joe.

Back in my past life when I was involved with gens, I showed a very uppity uptight snob of a purist colleague of mine one of my genuines, telling him it was a fake just to mess with his mind. He stammered, and said 'of course! I knew it was from the moment I saw it'. I couldn't help laughing in his face about that one, especially since he was *the* self proclaimed expert. Now, I show him my MBW's and say... Real? Fake? His response is a flustered look and hurried walk past me. I love rattling some cages!

That 1665 COMEX looks familiar...

I always have a good laugh when I read people on the gen forums writting things like 'All replica owners, buyers and advocates are just as fake as their watches'... That is the farthest thing from the truth. Folks here are amongst the most genuine I've known- We have compassion and community... Just as much as anyone (and maybe even more so than some). Sure, we might purchase replica watches- We all have our reasons and purposes, but that fact does not make us any less worthy or credible as people and individuals. A common interest has brought us together- A love for watches in general. But the people here... The genuine people, the members, the friends... We all make this a community, and ultimately, a family.

My hat is off to you all.

Best regards,

R

That's a genuine 16523.

You guys know my stance on vintage vs. modern

Tribal,

You have to use the razor to work the ring up. Push the razor blade between the case and ring- It's a very tight fit, and might require some effort. Be very careful when doing this, and if possible, use a razor blade with a handle. I'll try to post some pics tonight.

Regards,

Randy

Tribal,

Very nice!! I really like the white font 1680... It's a nice change from the Red, and one you don't typically see repped very often.

with regards to changing the crystal- I use a razor blade to wedge between the case and the crystal retaining ring. Work the razor blade going around the diameter of the retaining ring, and before long, you'll have enough of a gap to fit a thicker blade in. Keep working with the blade until you have the retaining ring removed. Then, it's a simple swap of the crystal.

Now, getting the retaining ring back on is a different story. Do you have access to a good crystal press?

Ken- Happy anniversary to you and your missus!! Here's to 9 great years, and many more to come

Dutchy- Ken's watch is indeed a very special watch and one that I know he holds dear. Think of it like an heirloom being passed down. If the watch does indeed pass hands, treasure that one, and, maybe someday you'll pass it on to someone else as a gesture of good faith, gratitude and community.

I just leave my scratches as they are. Every day use tends to result in knocks, dings, scratches, etc. Gives it character

After all, these are supposed to be 30+ year old tool watches with colorful histories

The watch is ticking away just fine! As a matter of fact, I gave it to my friend last night, and he immediately strapped it to his wrist!

Same old...! My daily wearer... My faithful companion, and my old friend.

Maybe this pic is more appropriate since it shows my PN dial with the 6265 bezel instead...