jmb

Ouch!

The "Noobfactory" makes very nice watches so you chould get a nice one.

Crystal profile added to OP... Highoe, I've seen that and think it's really nice. I have some possible dial projects I'm thinking of tackling. I bought a high res thermal transfer printer that can print opaque white and I have some hair-brained schemes floating around inside my skull!! kbh, I've seen people who abbuse the hell out of backs and have never figured out how a REAL watch would get that beat up on the backside if it's worn! I may put a ding or two in it... Thanks Hike, I'm glad you "talked" me into putting on the riveted band... Mr. Goat, this version has a working He valve. At least I assume it will work as it's constructed correctly.

Yeah, I thought about the CGs after I got it back together and was too lazy to de-case it again! Someday when I get bored I need to do that. The case and dial are as received except for re-drilling the lug holes. I got the watch from trevorwatch.info. I suppose the admins can censor out the url if I'm violating anything...

Mine don't glow at all. I guess I need to lume the 3, 6, and 9 markers blue? Right now mine don't glow any color... I have some very fine blue lume powder from Glow, Inc. I've been itchin to try...

Unapproved dealer, PM sent...

A while back I posted about the $85 DRSD I picked up and since then I have made little incremental upgrades and fixes. I think I have it just about where I like it. I started off by changing the "late model" style pearl with the acrylic pearl from Clarks, I then enlarged the lug holes and fitted the correct spring bars. The crystal that came on it was too flat and the transition between face and sides too abrupt so I changed it out with an aftermarket T-19 from wholesaleoutlet990. I recently let Hike talk me into putting on one of the riveted bands I have and I think he was right, it looks right at home. So here's the breakdown: Watch - $85 2 Spring bars - $4 Pearl/shipped - $17.50 T-19 Crystal/shipped - $14.90 Riveted Vintage Band - $50 Total cost - $171.40 I suppose that it might be "more correct" with a "Super Dome" crystal (which I have) but I like the looks of the T-19 better. Here's how it turned out. Shots taken against a split pecan log background for Lani's viewing pleasure! Crystal profile:

Thanks for the replies. I had seen B100s but they are tube-type, correct? I just snagged the B200 off flea-basy for $305. This taking a week to regulate an a21j is for the birds!! Guess I'm gonna have to sell a couple of "unneeded" watches to help pay for it...

Am thinking about getting one of these and was wondering how much a used one would cost me?

Yeah, I like that one too and might make the "Super Sub" into one if I ever wind up with a spare a21j GMT movement. The cheapo DSSD has a one piece back and is a bit thinner and lighter so it's not as "clunky" as a "correct" one.

Yeah, it is quite the beast!

They actually "wear" quite nicely. I bought one of these a while back from a different dealer and had fun with it making it into a "Super ColaMariner" and "Super Sub". Never been such animals but I think it's fun to play just for the helluvit!

Is this not supposed to have lume at 3,6, and 9? I thought mine was defective and was fixin' to put some lume on them...

This is a Ladies Datejust, movement is much smaller than Sub movement. I can get the watch with ETA movement for only a fwe dollars more than ofrei wants for the movement so I will just buy a new one if I can't find the correct a21j replacement movement...

+1 on the heat. Maybe use a soldering iron, torch would be kind of overkill! ;-)

OK, my wife's favorite watch (black dialed SS Ladies Datejust) is getting somewhat unreliable and it's time to start looking for replacement a21j movement but I have no idea which one/what size, etc. Also, if I was to get an ETA 2671 (probably cheaper to buy new watch as ofrei wants $140!!!) and set of hands would that be more or less a direct swap or are there other mods that might need to be done? I envision clipping the dial feet, attaching dial with "dial dots", sourcing and installing ETA hand set, trimming ETA stem and attaching crown, transferring over date wheel overlay, stuffing it into case with existing plastic movement holder/spacer. If I am way off-base here please let me know. Thanks in advance...

This is the wrench I bought, it works nicely: http://watchbitz.com.au/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=137 I'll have to check my tubes but this is what I've been using: http://cgi.ebay.com/SS-7mm-Submariner-Watch-Crown-For-Authentic-Rolex-Part_W0QQitemZ230423177721QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a64aa9f9

I got it from ofrei.com...

I had no trouble with this on my a21j Noob, direct swap. I think I remember having to "prune" the stem a few thou but that was it... I get "aftermarket" ones from parts4rolex on e-bay, they are aftermarket but look very good. I think I posted a thread with some pics after I put one on my Noob a while back...

That looks very nice and an excellent price for one with ETA.

It was assembled and when I took off the back I noticed what looked like bits of a tiny O-ring inside so I figured it'd be better safe than sorry. Also, the circlips that prevent the pushers from being able to be pulled out were not installed. Again, this was probably not a big deal as most folks not grab them and start pulling but I figured I'd feel better with clips! Cousins had a nice assortment of these tiny circlips for just a few bucks so I'm all set!

Hmmm, I was afraid of shattering the crystal. I think I'll try one this weekend...

I figured I better "overhaul" it as I found a couple little rubber bits floating around in the case! Dang, them O-rings and clips sure are itty-bitty suckers! Glad I have a stereo microscope or this hobby would be a "no-go" for me!

The taps are available from industrial suppliers like MSC Online and watchbitz has a nice (at least I like mine) inexpensive tube wrench.

Just exactly how did you get the cyclops off in one piece? I've read about soaking in acetone, smacking it off with a wood chisel, etc. and also read from others that the same techniques didn't work for them...