freddy333

Beautiful, but what does this have to do with a fetish for the 1665 (Seadweller)?

GMTIIC crown should be a 704 (but a 703, which looks similar, will also work).

Looks like an Explorer II to me.

Beginning the work week still wearing my Bond Sub

Ditto above. I am not really current on the state of the art in flat-top 3 datewheel overlays, but a watchmaker can probably shave a bit of material off the underside of the datewheel to provide more clearance while the watch is being overhauled.

Looks very good. If you want to give it a bit more authenticity, consider installing a gen crown/tube & crystal. Were it mine, since a gold bracelet would weigh noticeably more than steel, I would also replace the bracelet with a nice strap (gen or Italian aftermarket) & Rolex clasp.

Just past midnight & wearing 1 of my Subs

Some of Phong's pre-assembled watches are indeed beautiful. However, from what I have seen, they arrive at your doorstep already in need of a proper overhaul. You can check with Ziggy on this, but I am fairly certain his experience mirrors mine. Some movements are over-oiled, others dry, some contain obviously home-made (not gen) parts, some have parts epoxied or soldered together, the list goes on. If you do decide to go that route, I would factor in the cost of a professional overhaul & get it done sooner rather than later (to avoid damage due to accelerated wear).

It currently resides here

703/704 = 24-7030 tube

Ending the work week wearing my trusty beater

Either wear it in the water or take it to a watchmaker who has something like this There are numerous threads on here (use the Search), youtube & on gen forums detailing the process of pressure-testing watches.

Cracks.

I have always thought Tudor's Mercedes-handed, Rose Subs are much prettier than Rolex's. Add a big crown & you have a real stunner. I am awaiting a made-to-order dial from Phong for my Tudor 7016/0. Unfortunately, the last 2 attempts left alot to be desired. But if his factory ever gets it right...............

Like 1 of these old tickers (not mine)

That has not been my experience. Polishing helps to improve clarity, but it cannot change the structure of the plastic material to give it the sparkle of a gen xtal.

I sometimes wonder if Rolex might have imposed a legal restriction (in exchange for financial remuneration) on agreements with some celebrities & high-profile individuals that block them from discussing details of acquisitions from or involvement with Rolex. For years, the source of the 65xx Sub worn by Sean Connery in the early Bond movies has been the subject of numerous hot debates within (& without) collecting circles & there have been numerous attempts to get Sean Connery to spill the beans (I know this from 1st-hand experience because I have a friend who knows Connery & he has yet to get any meaningful response on the subject out of the 007 star). However, he has said nothing. So, while it would seem logical that someone with direct knowledge of the albino 'Master would have spoken up by now, when it comes to Rolex, logic does not always work.

The threading on 702 & 703 crowns differ & you will need a 7020 tube. Sorry, but I think you may have to bite the bullet on this 1 (or eat the 702 crown in favor of a 703) . The '703's in these pics may be 704s (same appearance, but crown is solid (704) vs wrapped (703))