ubiquitous

There's just something about the vintge SM300... Amazing watches with tons of character. The lume is still barely there... Just faintly so. It's days of having any torch-like attributes are long past gone.

I think you were extremely fortunate in your timing!

I have had a very difficult time wearing anything else as of late. I've tried putting other watches on, but none felt quite right until I slipped this one back on the wrist...

I inherited a 'throw away' case that had the lug holes drilled too large. But instead of junking it, I asked my buddy J to fit some solid lug bars and managed to convert it into a 5517 MilSub gift for Justasgood...

Gorgeous! Well done, sir; your work speaks for itself!

What an interesting design. Quite intriguing. The Walnut's a nice look, but at the same time also reminds me of the wood panneling found on the side of a station wagon The teak has a bit of a cleaner look, I think; I also like the direction (north/south) of the teak's grain, as well as the contrast of the grain. Adds just a bit more depth and character. But overall, both look nice.

Nice word play re: 'rise'

The height is the only difference between H1 and H3. Otherwise, they're the same.

The watch will function fine with or without a seconds hand fitted (or any hands for that matter). It makes no difference either way.

Looks fantastic, Paul! Great work on this one!

I think that there is also an interesting trend taking place where current buyers are not exactly pleased with some of the new designs that Rolex has been introducing as of late. As such, people would rather buy the older, more classic designs that Rolex has been known for instead of buying their newer, chunkier watches that have left many feeling luke warm about. As a result, the market may be responding to that kind of activity as well; vintage pieces (pre-80's) have enjoyed an escalating trend of growth in perceived value for the last 10 years as the public at large became aware of the collectable nature of such watches. As many vintage pieces have increased beyond the levels that some would consider a reasonable entry point, the attention and focus may now be turning to the models produced in the late 80's - early 90's era as those have been overlooked in many instances since vintage has long been the primary focus. In other words, there have been a lot of relatively decent priced watches that fall into this category, and these transitional pieces may be enjoying a bit of increase in attention as well now.

Bingo. That is in fact the release.

I have to admit- I could spend hours just watching the light bounce off the markers and hands...

I've found it difficult to wear anything besides this one as of late.

Same old stuff... 1016: -Genuine dial -Genuine hands -Genuine caliber 1570 -Genuine modified 1600 case -Custom jmb bezel -Genuine 25-22 crystal -Genuine 24-600 crown -Genuine 24-6000 tube 6265: -Genuine service dial -Genuine service hands -Valjoux caliber 72 -Phong case -Genuine 25-21 crystal -Genuine 24-703 crown -Genuine 24-7030 tube -Genuine 78350 bracelet 16520: -Genuine dial -Genuine hands -El Primero caliber 400 -Genuine 24-703 crown -Genuine 24-7030 tube 5514: -Genuine dial -Genuine hands -Genuine caliber 1520 -Phong case -Genuine bezel -Genuine tritium insert -Genuine 25-19 crystal -Genuine 24-702 crown -Genuine 24-7020 tube -Genuine 78360 links -Genuine 580 end links -Genuine 93150 clasp 1803 SS: -Genuine dial -Genuine hands -Genuine caliber 1556 -Genuine service Day/Date wheels -Genuine modified DJ case -Genuine 1600 bezel -Genuine 25-135 crystal -Genuine 24-600 crown -Genuine 24-6000 tube -Genuine 78360/558 bracelet And when I get around to it... 1665: -Genuine service dial -Genuine service hands -Genuine 25-39 -Genuine 24-703 crown -Genuine 24-7030 tube -Genuine insert

If you have the entire genuine bezel assembly, then yes- The case will accept those genuine parts as a 1:1 swap. If you try and mix and match the gen bezel ring to the WM9 crystal retainer, then it will not retrofit properly. But you do need certain tools to do the job, as you would on a genuine 16610 (or any watch for that matter).

There is indeed a difference between old and new tubes. The new tubes have the fluted flange at the crown side opening of the tube whereas the old style has the fluting at the case side base of the tube (inside the portion that threads into the case). So, the diameters are different.

If you had to, you could use a rat tail file in a pinch to remove old tubes. However, nothing beats having the right tool

The swap would ultimately be a 1 for 1 exchange with a genuine crystal ring. The WM9 crystal ring has to be reduced at the O.D. a slight amount if I recall correct; the genuine bezel will not snap on. At least that was my experience with my old V1.

I hear that you also bowl overhand.

This one today...

Thanks, gents From a distance and on the wrist, the white dial definitely flies under the radar; it's quite inconspicuous. Once examined up close and in person, it definitely reveals it's true character. The black dial piece is a little more apparent when viewed from afar, mostly thanks to it's contrasting day and date windows. @specialvat- Both the black and the white DDs have Rolex caliber 1556 movements fitted. Both have pie pan dials

Very nice indeed!

I've contemplated doing the same from time to time... But ultimately decided against. Kind of hard to give up the pieces that I have, especially after all the time spent in collecting parts, researching and building. I suppose one of these days, I'll just have to take a break from project pieces and just buy that one watch that I always seem to pass up.