ubiquitous

Those are two very different choices there. Based on your current collection, I think the uPo would fit in a little better with regards to style and size. However, if you're looking for something different, the Aquanaut will certainly fit that criteria. The uPO is a watch that could stand some upgrades and the sort; the crown and tube being the biggest point of concern from a function standpoint. The Aquanaut may not require quite as much attention, but aesthetically it does have an incorrect ETA peeking out from the display caseback (not a concern if you don't take off the watch to show people). All in all... You may just have to get both. Or flip a coin

I think I agree. Looks pretty dang good!

An interesting pic comparing a 791x0 and a 792x0. Note the distance betwen the edge of the dial and the date window.

The watch pictured looks like a Day-Date II; I don't know if any of the aftermarket suppliers have any of the larger bezels for these models yet...

Sorry to hear, Marty

I only really wear the pieces I build myself. Of my collection, I have one stock rep and a couple of gens, but they are rarely ever worn. Gens are nice, but the projects I've put together have more sentimental value to me.

Is it an essential mod? I dunno... I think maybe for some applications, like a Panerai... Perhaps. Even in moderately lit rooms, the luminous can be quite visible on gens, especially if you've just come inside from a sunny afternoon. For other models, like IWC and the sort, it's probably a lesser priority as the luminous material they use isn't very strong. If you like vintage watches, it's a non-issue since most tritium dials and hands have already gone dim due to most applications approaching or passing the tritium's half life. And... Some people just like to have it for sake of having it done. Since super luminova doesn't deteriorate over time, it's a long lasting mod. Or, in the case of the gen Omega dial in my first post, it's a nifty bonus when you add such a dial into a rep case

Gee... I dunno.

vric, Your white dial is absolutely stunning.

Hmmmm... You could always ask the dealer you are purchasing from if they will sell you a spare fluted bezel. That would be an easier swap than cross transplanting guts from one to the other BTW, congrats on the new job!

I haven't spoken with Stampy in quite a while. Indeed... I do recall the great 25-39 find; Superdomes too! Pretty crazy how some of these things will just unearth themselves out of the blue. What's interesting to see is how often those tube rolls of crystals are discovered. I'm going to hit the phone book to start calling around to all the watchmakers in the area to see if any of them are planning on retiring anytime soon

I believe dluddy's 4th gen has a gen crystal on it. Should be a 1 for 1 swap if I recall correct.

I could kick myself... A few years back, some of the watch supply houses had old stock of 25-16, 25-17, 25-18, 25-19, 25-21, 25-22 crystals; the kicker is that they were priced at under $25! Wish I would have bought them out when I had the opportunity... Ah well... live and learn...

Main screen turn on....

Thanks Actually, not as bad as one might think regarding cost. Think I built that one for under $600; ended up selling it for $250 minus the movement.

I think once you have this thing restored and back together, you'll discover a special bond to it having rescued it from near-death

Best to just pair it with a gen 24-703-0; the combination will result in a perfect, guaranteed fit. Threading the crown on and off the tube becomes a rather enjoyable experience with that set up... Very nice, smooth, confident feel to it.

Another option is to build a 14270: -Gen 16200 DJ case -Gen 24-600 crown/tube -Gen 25-295C with cyclops removed -Gen 14270 dial -Rep Submariner hands -ETA 2824-2 All gen on the exterior...

Because the SELs are somehow very difficult for the rep factories to duplicate. And it all comes down to personal pref. I prefer folded end link bracelets, but I also prefer vintage Rolex over modern anyways.

Always glad to help! Hmmmm.... I don't think there are too many aftermarket options for these two tropic references; a quick glance through the Bay and Ofrei doesn't reveal much. I had a look through an old JB catalog I have here at my side; they list generic non-cyclopes for: 3 7 8 11 12 13 14 19 21 26 30 So, nothing there either.

Solid End Link (SEL) Basically a 3-piece end link comprised of three solid milled pieces of metal. Folded End Link A small sheet of metal folded over to create an end link. As for the crown; the details are just subtle enough that those not familiar wouldn't think twice about the rep crown. However, if you compare a rep crown to a gen crown, there are differences in detail and finish. While we're picking nits, the clasp isn't great either. Terrible? No... But not the most accurate to gen.

I believe they are as follows: 6205 and 6536-1 = 25-16 6536 = 25-18 Hope this helps, //ubi

I think he means 'BAD' and SEL refers to Solid End Link vs a Folded End Link. As for overall accuracy; the simplicity of the 14270 makes it a fairly easy watch to replicate accurately. The only things that could really use improvement are the crown and bracelet end links as rosnik suggested in his post prior.

Beautiful piece! If I could change just one thing, it would be to remove the 'REGULATEUR' text from the dial. But don't get me wrong... Having that text present doesn't detract from the beauty of this watch at all.

Post your project when it's completed, TeeJay!