freddy333

Good luck with that.

I am sorry to hear about your injury, but is the problem with 40mm+ watches due to their size or weight? If it is a weight issue, why not just replace the metal bracelet on the larger Sub with a NATO, Zulu or rubber strap, any of which should reduce the weight to below that of a braceleted 37mm Sub?

I believe TJ is using Acetimer watch winder cases. They made a few different models in various sizes, number of winder pairs & wood finishes. I have a few of them myself, but unfortunately Acetimer's website went AWOL several years ago & I have not seen any for sale since then. They really are beautiful cases & the winders are quiet & work well, but their motors tend to fail after 10 or 12 years. In fact, I have been looking for replacement motors for 1 of my cases, but none of the motors I have received have been the correct type. To date, I have not found anything similar to the Acetimer, especially for the prices they originally sold for.

Interesting project. I can assist with the total height measurement (w/gen xtal & MQ(?) caseback) & assuming it is still there, I believe Nanuq or Ziggy posted an extensive thread detailing the dimensions of the MBK 1665 that should answer your other question. I believe Bytor posted a good review of the original MBW/MBK 1665, which contained dimensions that may be useful if you can find it. Also, there may have been some dimensions posted in 1 of my early 1665 franken builds, if you can find them. I hope this helps --

It has the makings of a future collectible & I like it.

Wearing the Big Kahuna --

Wearing the 116710LN --

Welcome home. If your old reps please you, then there is nothing to do but enjoy them. If not, then you may find some of the recent 'super clone' reps a worthwhile upgrade. As I discovered 2 years ago after my own hibernation from the hobby, the rep world has definitely advanced from where it was even 10 years ago. You might check out some of my recent GMT 116710LN or Daytona 1165xx threads to see how much the state of the art of reps has progressed. I can tell you that it has truly been an eye opening experience for me. & a very pleasurable & costly 1.

Whichever 1 I liked the best.

Wearing 1 of my Subs today --

I cannot help with Raffles, but gold plating is relatively easy. However, due to the expense, unless you have multiple watches to plate or plan on going into the plating biz, it is usually more cost effective to have a jeweler perform the gold plating for you. You are likely to spend close to $1k on a decent gold plating system & alot less to pay a jeweler who already has the equipment.

As always, because ALL reps contain inaccuracies & different people have differing sensitivities to different inaccuracies, it is impossible to give you an answer. However, if you have not already done so, you might find this thread helpful in making your own determination.

You might want to read up on Rolex 'clones'. My 'Big Kahuna' threads might be a good place to start.

Still wearing my GMTIIC