TK471

A couple of years ago I bought an Asian Rolex TT Sub that ran for quite a long time. Years, actually, and was always pretty accurate. The gold started to rub off the bracelet, but no biggie, right? Aside from a couple of cosmetic differences (ok, a LOT of differences) it was a pretty good rep. Last year my mother, not knowing what she was looking for, brought back some horrendous quartz sub that wasn't worth the "metal" from which it was hacked. I think the bottom line is you have to know what you're looking for.

Surely our man Zig can figure out the rhodium problem?

The SFSO gets my vote.

I'm surprised the BB was there. Most of the stuff I've encountered on Canal was REALLY, REALLY bad.

Remember the guy that did try to pass one off? He took the actual Panerai E-series movement out of his 113 and transplanted it into a Fiddy case. Posted pics on P*neristi. They called him out instantly on the serial number. Bottom line, you cannot fool the cognescenti with these things.

I wouldn't worry about the movement. Any one who knows what they're looking for isn't going to be fooled by the "correct" replica movement, and those who don't know what they're looking for won't care. This is a quality movement that will serve you for a long time. From the front, the watch looks amazing.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the transplant. I know you expressed some reservations in the other thread about this watch. I didn't know you had one inbound. That Honpo truly is amazing. It makes me appreciate it even more.

I just got one of these myself. It's a great looking watch, but the stock lume, while good looking, is hardly effective. I think it's off for a custom lume job. I'm amazed at the stock crown, too. Very nice. One thing, though, there should be no AR on these crystals. I owned a C series 001, and it had none. Maybe when I have it lumed, I'll have the AR remove as well. Bottom line, though. Very nice watch.

I can't get this one off my wrist. Custom mini-fiddy, work by Flavor Flav.

Thanks, Tom! I should have it today!

It does look nice, but it's going to look even better with one your 6497s!

Sweet Mercy!!!! That's a beaut!

Thanks to Flavor Flav on this one. I can't wait to get it back. List of what I've got: 1. Mini-fiddy case from the Prince. 2. Low-dome acrylic from cousins UK (37.2) 3. Davidsen 45mm cali dial 4. Davidsen 45mm blued hands 5. Movement -- Asian 6497. I may still switch it for a Swiss, but it's going to be one with some decoration. I'll get it from Tourby just as soon as he's got some available. I used the one that came witht the watch, though, because the Officine Panerai stickers could come off easily, and it's pretty nicely finished (looking, if not in quality). Flav serviced it for me, and he's going to keep it a few days to make sure it's working well. Ok, the pics. I think it turned out pretty great. I didn't want the Panerai caseback on it, I wanted it truly unbranded, but the JimmyFzu casebacks I bought didn't fit. Oh, well. It is what it is, and I'm really, really happy with it.

There is no one better than Rob at reluming those sausage numerals. His work is flawless. When he tells you to expect some inconsistency, he's just being modest. Your watch looks great. Congrats.

The gen of this is fantastic. One of my top 3 favorites.

Hey, Kruz. Jennifer says Rob has the crowns in. I'm sending him my 188 tomorrow for the crown install. OEM crown and OEM crown guard... I can't wait to see how it looks. Thanks for your help!

We could get a few members togther, and all of us will be wearing something you worked on! PS, I can't wait to meet Jennifer, too. She is always wonderful to deal with.

Maybe a trip up from Richmond, VA would be possible...

With a pin fix and a relume, this watch is awesome. Great strap, too. EDIT-- the last pic looks like the pin fix has been done...

She's coming home to a new owner. I can't wait!

I will take one to fit the HBB. Will these fit the 7753, or is that a different size?

This is interesting. It's exactly the problem that I'm having with the Big Bang I just received (I mentioned this watch to you in an email, Rob). I can't hand wind it at all, and the power reserve is garbage. I can get it to run for a bit by moving it back and forth, but it won't work with any sort of reliability.

Wow! Great job. This one exceeded my expectations.

Way too cool. I've got a 188 that's going to get some similar love at the end of the month. I've got a new DW coming, KRUZER sourced OEM crown (he gets all caps now out of respect), updated dial, OEM crown guard. Should also be hot.

I'm definitely in. I've got a 7753 188 going to The Zigmeister at the end of June, maybe mine can be a test case. I (or he) can let everyone know how that goes. Email sent. Thanks, Z.