Mapman57

Congratulations - nothing better han finishing a project and 'being happy' wih the result! I am pulling together a 005 just now so am on the same journey...........that PVD is rather nice and distracting

Marty - I believe its over on RG in Jos Nana's 'comparison to Gen' thread.............

Excellent - many thanks!

I am looking to buy some aftermarket four hand sets for a Rolex GMT 16750 build but can only find them for genuine 1570/3135/3035 movements. Does anyone know of a source, or will any of these fit a gen eta, or asian modified gmt movement? I have found various threads on this, but it is not completely clear to me what goes with what and what can be achieved...... many thanks,

Its all rather cheap and tacky compared to this 6204 - please note the original retail price tag that is included on this one? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270674351911&ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT

Sent you a PM with a suggestion also ;-)

From jewellerstools by any chance? Makes a world of difference to the watch when combined with reshaped CG's - good luck!

Takes it to a new level Grifter - that is so good - fantastic project!

Thanks guys, I certainly will not be trying to do that! When its stripped down I will try to measure and advise. Anyone know of a supply of a 4 set of eta 2836-2 GMT hands for a 1675 or 16750 build?

Imagine that..............sounds like the PT 1680 after the plastic retention gasket is shot! ......and that equates to more than 100 collectible pieces. WOW probably the largest exclusive private collection around...or maybe not! Kinda makes me feel better for having too many vintage Rolex projects on the go.......

Slightly off piste but.... Will eta 2893-2 GMT hand set fit a eta 2836-2 GMT movement?

Hhhhhm never seen a bezel assembly like that before on a no CG case. Does any one here by any chance know of any other reference material on this case/bezel combination? I will try to track it over on VRF.....and pointers much appreciated

I have faced this problem also and found that as others have said cleaning the contact surfaces of the friction washer, underside of the bezel ring and upper face of the retainer ring is a critical step. I had success when I soaked the friction washer in wd40, then cleaned the inside of the bezel ring with the same material and a toothpick as Andy said. Only the tiniest bit of glue or gunge can lock it up. When I reassembled, I put the slightest pin drop of wd40 between the layers to act as a lube. Also, its wise to check that the edge of the retainer ring does not have any nicks in it - perhaps where aomeone has tried to prise it off in the past? Take care though, as you say above, if you reduce the OD of the ring by a tiniest fraction too much - it will pop off! Then you have the opposite issue - exploding bezel assemblies! Whilst having a conversation in my office corridor one day, I looked down and saw what I thought was a friction washer on the floor? I picked it up, pocketed it and commented to a business colleague that it looked like a watch part. Fifteen minutes later, when asked the time, I was horrified to see my 1665 bezel assembly was missing!!! The friction washer in my pocket - was in fact my own!! OUCH

Ha ha ha....Hi Nanuq - I clocked your offer and its a very generous and interesting one. The price is extremely fair compared to the market - but a little out of my budget just now! But if there are NO other options........'I'll be back'.

Thanks for all the input guys - still looking. No surprise there .....

Wow, too late I guess? I will gladly purchase, or make a donation to the forum or whatever if there are no other takers. Fingers crossed.........ha ha ha!

Yep - I concur with that! I will look at Cousins UK............... This gen is out of my league! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-Rolex-Submariner-5508-6536-1-Tropic-16-crystal-/130384500668?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e5b8597bc

Ubi - thank you ever so much for that rapid response! I will now investigate further, now I have a clear direction to follow. Do you know of any aftermarket suppliers such as Clark, Ofrei or Cousins? I can check through their catalogues. Thanks again

Yeh Freddy, precisely......my comment on 'good and fast' service was a little ironic. I have not bought anything too expensive, or GEN looking at all! But delivery was fast!

Hi all I have a number of builds underway and need some guidance on the Tropic/crystal reference used for the vintage 6205 (Merc hands) and 6536 (small crown pre 6538) Rolex Submariners. All information and knowledge welcome.....

This trader has been selling these constantly for months - and other vintage bracelets also, many if not all are sold as NOS! I have tracked many of them to see where prices end up. Heres the latest one, that is used and appears to be genuine? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GENUINE-ROLEX-9315-SUBMARINER-BRACELET-/280594380944?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4154ba7890 If they are gen they are coming from a limitless source.......? I have bought items here and they have been good and service is fast.

If you know a friendly watchsmith you can follow both routes. Ask him to remove the crown and stem (as Dizzy has indicated) and you do the CG mods yourself. I leave the crown, stem and movement removal to my watchsmith. I will do the case work mods and other bits; and normally let him rebuild the tricky bits. But you need a skilled collaborator who will work for modest rates! Good luck..............keep searching and trying. I was amazed at what could be achieved and how gratifying it is to do the work and to enjoy the result. Sure you will make some mess ups along the way....who doesn't?

Wow....that looks mint!? Flawless bezel ring and crisp dial............

Good advice Andy! Always drink lots of beer before you get the movie camera out

Great investigative work Freddy. I have been tracking vintage folded and rivet bracelets from a number of HK sellers for the past weeks and concur with your findings. Or, maybe there is jus an endless supply of 'as is, the same' vintage gen bracelets in the Asian market? In the same way, there is also an endless supply of 20mm Jubilee bracelet '55' endlinks........can this really be so? Maybe there is? Now, who are we to complain about replicated items But if passed off as gen, then maybe we can For me, I plan to monitor somewhat longer...........