JoJo35

Now you'll need to find a dial, an insert with the correct pearl, a set of min and hour hands, and a vintage crown. What mil serial range is it? ...I hope you didn't pay too much

Why not? PS: I have a good dial if anyones interested

PS: Here's one that sold just shy of 100k, albeit in a higher market: http://www.sothebys.com/app/live/lot/LotDetail.jsp?lot_id=159451252 Nanuq.... double grey??? C'mon, you of all people

This is a patent pending watch & probably worth 80 to 100k. Maybe even more in the right market

Been there, done that. I would recommend that you research the watches that fit into your budget first. After that, try to pick an exact watch you're looking for. Let's take the 1680 as an example: for 5k the red dials are definitely out, but even considering the white dials, which Mk white dial are you interested in? What serial range? bracelet/head combo? insert, crown/tube, crystal, service history, provenance? If the answers to the previous questions didn't immediately pop into your head, you'll need to do lots more research. Good luck with your search! JJ

Hmm... don't like either one

Don't forget that the 5513 and 5512 are totally different watches. I think a much better comparison would be examining different versions of each separate watch against its own reference. As far as the 5513 goes, IMO the NDT dial is the best rep currently available. If anyone's interested, here is an up close pic of one. Cheers, JJ

Sorry, panerai153, but perhaps you haven't had any dealings with Mr. Slimeball? I cannot recommend anyone to buy anything from him; besides, those 580's look nothing like gen. As far as I know, no one makes rep 580's that have the proper 2mm diameter tubes for gen springbars. The easier option is to find rep 580's and grind off the smaller tubes so the gen springbars will work.

I agree, prices for lumis won't be going anywhere for a long long time.

Fxr, The 382's were originally fitted to 7836 bracelets used on GMT's For a sub you'll definitely need 280's or 380's I came across an oddity along the way of collecting gen pieces, and bought an original USA rivet bracelet with permanently mounted 380 endlinks. I've got it posted up in the fs section if you want to take a look at what they look like. Cheers, JJ

FYI, 280 and 380's are rarer than hens teeth. I can't recall ever seeing any of them offered other than what was already mounted on vintage bracelets.

Awesome story and beautiful watch. Wear it in the best of health my friend

Hi Nanuq, I'm a little late responding here, as the other members have already answered most of your questions. I do however have a brevet crown I'm selling (pics are in the fs section). Contact me if you may be interested, we could talk about a fair price

The difference between the mbw and the vintage gen are obvious. The mbw is a copy of an even older vintage insert. Search around on VRF and you'll see what I mean.

I think I saw that sub on Canal St. last summer

St. Patty's day almost over, and no green yet? I switched from my green sub halfway through the day, and wore this one through the afternoon

"parts"

Awesome job, love the 7020

Pry up with a razor, just be gentle with it.

...sudden change of heart? PS: Although the underline 6mm crown is a correct service part for the 5508, the original crown for a '58 would be this one:

Actually, I'd pick a better subject to use as your inspiration... A little early for an exclamation Radium lume??? Doesn't look at all like most radium dials I've seen Hands don't match patina on dial Incorrect insert Bezel appears to be replacement

I see you're a new member, welcome aboard! Do you have any idea how much something like this cost?

PS: Here's a thread I started a couple years ago about this watch. I ended up buying it soon after I posted that thread, and then just by chance, along came the opportunity to buy a gorgeous gen 6263 that I couldn't pass up. I was still in the "gathering" phase of this project when I bought the gen.

Basically, I shelved this project after I bought my gen 6263. Now I'm after something else Justasgood... shhh... quiet!!!!

Thanks for your input guys. There's lots of gen parts in this one, including a gen dome Tropic 21, and pushers/crown (not to mention other special parts ). I have a gen black dial for it, and gen hands too. I'm considering another rare gen piece, so my reps are all going to be parted out