gillorin

I think the tabs are definitely in the way looking at mine next to me. Just curious why you need the crystal out? This was supposed to be a '300m after resistant rep' and many claim it passed the test, so it's probably a chore to get the thing apart. If you do end up getting the crystal out, make sure not to just press it back in, but use a little crystal cement to give it some WR back. Also, take photos of the crystal please! It's supposed to be 5mm thick, and I haven't seen any photos of it, so I am curious to see if it lives up to that claim Good luck!

Lots of people have great luck with the Asain movements. They are usually very reliable and robust. They do lack a little refinement, as the Swiss movements tend to have a smoother sweep and feel a little nicer while winding, some are quiter. If you get a good movement from the start (Asian or Swiss) it should be plenty accurate and last quite a while. It really comes down to prefrence at this point- but a lot of purists love their ETA's. With the quality being the same in a lot of reps now it's really a tough call and comes down to personal choice.

I think Fireman Fred was saying that the OP's watch was the c.522 and meant 552. Both have center seconds though. But yes indeed the 552 is awesome, the movement that they used in the bulletproof original Seamaster 300.

yeah that's a doxa sub 250 I think

I think the 522 is a center seconds movement and the inscription says 1960

A 34mm Seamaster Is it auto or manual? Likely caliber 268 if manual, or cal. 491 if auto. I have a Seamaster with a 268 in it and it keeps great time, and is one of my favorite watches! Enjoy it, very timeless.

Sharp engravings, numbers perfect distance from the subdials, date font (can be modded, but still), and also dial printing is perfect.

Yeah that is a Link Chronograph he's wearing. You can tell it's a quartz by the subdial layout. Lots and lots of watches gen and rep use this base movement, so it could actually be a 100% correct watch (in our dreams right?) if they decided to do this. My best guess is they won't though, reason being they already produce Link quartz chronos but with the same subdial layout as the autos, and it even says automatic all over it. Would be cool though, they do make a decent Formula 1 using this movement.

Love this watch Your lume looks just like the indicies on my gen white SMP.

Hello, I have been an on again off again member of rep forums since way back to when Chino ( I believe?) ran his. Posted a lot in the very early original RWG days, on TRC and have been pretty dormant for the last few years, only checking in once in a while. Have had quite a few gens and reps, and always interested in watches in general

Always been long debated, but at first people were talking about having your watch get seized by the AD for it being counterfeit. That's illegal, but it definitely could have happened, and the patron was just too scared/embarrassed to do anything about it. My thought on the subject is that they see so many, and really aren't 'impressed' by anyone wearing one, that if it looks good from a couple feet (likely as close as they will get) then they wouldn't doubt it. If anything it makes you look like more of a potential buyer as you already have a nice watch. But as far as servicing or anything along those lines, I would always suggest sticking to a trusted local watch smith. No real reason to tempt fate, right?

I think you're right about the bezel being plated. Most here probably don't know but the very first good PAM reps were actually brass, stainless plated and cost a bundle! That made a few people mad.

I was member 500 or something there Good forum.

Yeah unfortunately the bracelets Rolex stuck on their watches until very recently and a few still now, just make a lot of noise. It's one common complaint even with huge Rolex fans, some of their bracelets just don't feel proper on a multi thousand dollar watch.

Wow V awesome strap. I have similar taste in that I don't like all yellow stitched straps, but your idea is great and the watch looks fantastic!

Try picking up a second hand Omega Seamaster.

The engraving was first put on the redesigned DateJust and Turn O Graph at BaselWorld 2004, then 50th anniversary GMT II at BaselWorld 2006, then others models followed suit.

2000 and below had lug holes and non solid end links, 2001 had lug holes and SEL, 2002+ is when they dropped the holes and started etching the crystal.

Can't beat that guys elvis-haired motorcycle helmet! (or his TW best Subs back in the day)

The do tend to feel a bit wobbly. If your dial isnt moving also (would be a sign of an improperly secured movement/ring) then it's probably just like the rest of them. You can install a genuine crown on it, but you would also need a new stem and tube. Not expensive parts altogether but it's sort of a project. I think you will just be happy with it the way it is

check out www.adrive.com great for hosting large files.

The original 'Bond' SMP Chrono is a very accurate copy, if you're not dead set on black. Has it's faults like screws in the bracelet and the ever present misaligned bezel (easy fix) but I have owned the real thing and never will again because of how good this watch is.

Well, it does look like a nice movement. I do seriously doubt that the fine machining and decoration would take away ALL of the stampings. That could be plausible in a case where some factory got ahold of some nickel ETA's and decided to fancy them up, but I don't think so here. Might be a Seagull.

I have seen junk replicas in Chinatown, nothing worth going for though. I did hear about certain jewelry stores that carry a selection of the stuff we are sold, but you have to ask and I never got the names of the stores either. Worst that could happen is you pop into a few of the watch shops and are told no, but you might be led in the right direction. Good luck and report back! Enjoy SF!

It's not illegal in the US to own a replica watch. If this happens they are breaking the law, same as stealing.