danielv2000

Update: I sent the watch off to The Zigmeister for the drilling. His opinion is that, as the metal is extremely hard, drilling the HEV is risky and not worth the risk of a complete tear-down of the case. Given the price of the watch and the cost of replacement gen parts, I don't want to risk anything! My question is this: is there an optical mod to do here? I've seen some trick mods where the HEV looks installed but its just the illusion! Help please!!

Agreed! Some people pay money to get that "natural" look!!

That's quite the economical build. Today, $1,100 covers the movement.

It's the Typo he is referring to - TWENY not TWENtY.

I guess Sarah Palin can no longer see Russia!

Well done!

The LEC on the rep is too big and visible. On a gen, it's only visible under certain lighting conditions or using a loupe. That's the only tell left, IMHO.

And, by the way, am I crazy!?!

Based on what you have, I would keep the 1680. The 16610 is too similar in appearance to the SD. My $0.02

Nice pickup. That's why I am perfectly happy with my BK Transformer for now. When I find a gen at that price point <$4k, I'm in. Less the sale of the BK Transformer, that's a great deal!

I like mine brushed...

I was referring to the old GMT Master. Not the new ceramic model. Nice choices. What's a Red Sub running for these days? There are 2 on VRF in the mid $8,000s

They are as rare as the individuals who would even know they are rare. I sometimes wear my cheap Comex and no one thinks its anything but a Rolex. I've never had anyone look at me oddly. That's what is convincing me to build a really nice 1665 Comex. Just another SD. On my list is a space dweller. Thanks to LHOOQ for putting that bug in me! I doubt anyone will ever know how rare it is.

I've noticed that gen explorer 2 prices are consistently priced in the mid $3,000 range making them an attractive option. I've also noticed that a GMT Master can be had for low $4,000s and on occasion, I've seen the very much beloved 1675 in this price range. These 2 models, given that I like both, are quite tempting given the price. Every time I convince myself to never back to gen, some logic in my brain kicks in that tells me spending $4,000 on a watch is not a bad idea. What Rolex is on your must buy gen list?

I think BK and TC watches are great out of the box. I haves owned several of BKs and they pass the sniff test. TC, I have only purchased loose parts but his reputation is excellent.

Very interesting. I had 2 identical black dial Daytona's. A Spinmaster 7750 installed DW dial and a Gen. I am not the pickiest guy around on these details but I could see it - clear as day! Maybe it's because I knew it was there. It's like the pearl on a sub,once you know it's slightly off, it begins to consume you where a gen insert is a must upgrade on any sub/SD. It's the OCD in all of us. Does anyone have a similar shot with a non-exotic dial? As someone has said,the outer track on an exotic dial might be helping the spacing.

I just cracked my laptop screen!!! Using my external monitor. What is a cheap source for a replacement? Given the price of laptops, looking for el cheapo option. It's a HP Pavillon. Thanks

Holy missing crystal, Batman! That's awesome. I personally love it. How many SDs do you see in the wild vs a Submariner? The average Joe has no clue about AR or no AR. The only thing left is that bugger of the LEC at 6 o'clock. Too bad the AR didn't remove it!

I wonder if its the same guy. In the picture with his kid, no watch on the wrist... Odd for a guy with so many!

Instead of criticizing everyone's builds, go buy yourself a gen and log in to VRF. This is probably the 3rd time I've seen you do this. Let's see your super 100% gen builds so we can watch in awe. The price of a Gen dial for these 2 watches is not even possible to determine as they are never available. That's why manufacturers produce accurate reps that fit on a gen movement.

Huge difference! Well done.

Let me rephrase. I suspected it was the same guy. 2 user ids from Israel pop up around same time trying to scoop up lots of watches... All I had was a supiscion. You betcha next time, I will share that with the admins. If I end up being wrong, so be it. Better safe than sorry...

I knew this guy was the same! God! He actually PMd me about a watch...

I was thinking the same seeing the picture with a mess of watches everywhere!!! Must take them awhile to sort through them.

Watch is off to the Zigmeister for some modding. Other than the dial and caseback, what else do you guys see as a way of improving the watch? I like the dial as is and after seeing a NOS caseback on a 1665 Omani dial over at VRF Passion pics, I'll stick to my NOS look!!