freddy333

It sounds like you are being blocked by your firewall or browser. As suggested, try another browser. If it happens then, disable your firewall. If that works, you will need to add an exception for rwg.cc in the firewall's whitelist or the preference section that lists URLs that are automatically passed by the firewall.

Although unlikely, it is possible that the fingerprint was the result of a chemical that someone had on their skin when they (inappropriately) handled the crystal. If that was the cause, then your only option is replacement. Unless the crystal is a very odd size, a good watchmaker should be able to replace it with a generic if an OEM is no longer available.

That said, it is more likely that it is just a fingerprint that needs to be cleaned using standard crystal cleaning methods. Find another watchsmith or, better still, contact Raymond Weil & see what/who they recommend.

Sorry to hear that your experience dealing with Cathy has not fared as well. That seems to be somewhat standard within the rep world.

But good to see 1 of the old rwg gang again.

1 hour ago, Nanuq said:

I have a 1963 Colt Python in .357 magnum.  Or you can buy a new Taurus .357 magnum for $330....Is it ten times better as a pistol?

Exactly. Similarly, both a new Prius & a 1961 XKE will get you to the store, but 1 will always make you feel like gold & the other just makes you look fashionably green.

p.s., I'm jealous of your '63 Python (been considering 1 of the new Pythons, but have too many things that already go bang to justify the cost)!

3 hours ago, Timelord said:

We obviously control the market when considering  an idiot like me spent all his youths savings on both a submariner and a presidential where I could have been wiser in my spending!  Rolex is a great timepiece, but not necessarily reflective of their asking prices at authorised dealers!  My opinion only!

Of course, you make some good points. However, if you had purchased non-Rolex diver & formal watches in your youth, how much do you think they would be worth today? In contrast, how much is your vintage Sub & Day/Date worth today?

These, of course, are rhetorical questions because we all know that Rolex watches generally gain value over time & those cheaper, ETA-powered watches generally lose value. We also know that 1950s Rolex watches are timeless & remain relevant & stylish today. Although there are some exceptions, most of the cheaper watches from the same time period are not. And that is why so many 'crazy' people think Rolexes ARE worth the (albeit often crazy) price of admission.

5 hours ago, GShocked said:

 

I respect Rolex for their contributions, but they haven't really innovated much (other than mainsprings) for a long time.

I guess if you gage watch innovations by the month or require, say, a minimum of a dozen innovations/year, I can see your point about Rolex not having innovated "much" for a long time.
However, I think your premise misses the point. Here is a listing of some of Rolex's innovations to come to mind, most of which we all rely on today --

The first waterproof wristwatch (Oyster case & Twin Lock crown)
Easylink
Glidelock
Datejust (date function)
Day-Date (day/date function)
Helium escape valve (with Doxa)
Perpetual rotor
Parachrom hairspring
Paraflex shock absorber
Cerachrom (ceramic) bezel insert
Syloxi hairspring
Chronergy escapement
Everose
GMT function (with Pan Am)

Another Sub owner chimes in on why he owns a Rolex --

1 hour ago, Timelord said:

Consider Seiko with their 1960-1970s calibers which were also well engineered.  Yet the prices were not to the same exaggeration that Rolex charges for their product!!!!   Surely a lot of behind the scene work happens from designing, prototyping, production setting etc, etc, and etc.  

Seiko definitely makes quality timepieces, but I think they lack the aesthetic finishes (albeit not to the level of Patek) & technological advancements that often appear first in Rolex. 
I have always seen Rolex as the wrist watch equivalent of Mercedes-Benz -- not the highest-end, but offering breakthrough technology along with a wide range within the high-end. Seiko, in my view, is more akin to Acura -- very well made, but generally lacking the distinction & exclusivity that Mercedes offers. I think that if you compare the sound/feel/experience of opening/closing a door on any mid-line Mercedes to any mid-line Acura, you'll appreciate that there IS a difference. Of course, whether that difference justifies the price differential is a personal question. Similarly, operating the crown on any new/properly maintained mid-line Rolex offers a feel that is not quite the same when executing the same operation on a Seiko. This is not to say that Seiko is lacking, they are not; just that I think Rolex offers an overall aesthetic and user experience that is superior to most other watch brands. Again, because beauty is in the eye of the beholder, your mileage may vary.

And, to be frank, when considering any form of jewelry one must always factor-in the brand recognition, which, as we all know, is off-the-charts for Rolex; & that is 1 of the reasons many of us are attracted to the brand.

2 hours ago, Nanuq said:

Doxa SUB 300 "no T" Sharkhunter with US Divers logo.

I think that needs either its OEM steel bracelet or a bright orange strap. Doxas are like Lambos -- either go B-I-G or go home.

1 hour ago, GShocked said:

I'd actually be afraid to have one on as its not so much a tool anymore. It'd be like getting an expensive painting ruined.

That is another reason Fleming's Bond would likely not don today's Sub. The current politically-correct Hollywood Bond.......... 

11 hours ago, GShocked said:

Rolex are a status symbol, James Bond had played a part in that, before Bond Omega had been the "King" in status.

oh and another thought to add...realistically James Bond in real life is going to be using a G-shock MTG or Mr.G 

I think a real Bond would not wear any watch today. There are plenty of other sources for time & I think he would want to be encumbered with as few gizmos as possible. Of course, there was Fleming's comment about 007 using his Rolex Sub as a 'knuckle-duster' in a fight, but that was back when Subs were tools (not VALUABLE jewels) & men were men (rather than 'social justice warriors'). 

8 hours ago, Timelord said:

I love the way she  parrot phrases” it takes a whole year to make a Rolex”. Really ?  who would fall for that ?

I had a relative who worked for Rolex NYC for many years in the 1950s as a master watchmaker (I'm an amateur watchsmith, but have been collecting since the mid-80s). Things may have changed today with CNCs & other modern manufacturing systems, but at least between the 1950s-1970s, the understanding within the industry was that Rolex watches required a year or so to go from design to finished product. If Hodinkee says that remains the case, without evidence to the contrary, I am quite prepared to accept that as fact. Your mileage may vary. Of course, with Rolex just about anything is possible. So never say never.

14 hours ago, rionrlty said:

This applies to the back cover too on some of the reps.
It appears that the discrepancy is mostly, if not all, in the bezel. I would love your opinion on the subject. To me it appears to narrow in appearance. I'm including some photos I just took. The watch looks great otherwise. I'm wondering if I could find a replacement bezel replacement that would be larger. I had a picture of the bezel profile, but it won't upload to the forum for some reason

As you mentioned, the casebacks are generally deeper to accommodate the 7750's taller profile. However, there have been multiple versions of the 7750-powered Daytona rep & at least 1 of these had a lower profile caseback, close enough that you cannot tell the difference when viewing the watch on a wrist from an arm's length away. It has been too many years to remember the exact details, but Ziggy, Bytor & myself  each posted threads detailing many of the variations, including casebacks, bezels, dials, movements, etc. You might want to search those out as I think they remain the de facto guides for these reps. Obviously, in the intervening years, some or most of the sources & links may no longer exist, but I suspect the reps are probably still out there if you have the time & inclination to search them out.

As for the dimensional differences between gen/rep ceramic-bezeled Daytonas, again, I have little experience with these, but some other collectors who have been more active over the past several years might be able to answer your question more specifically. My Daytona interests remain in the past --

I am not intimately familiar with the current ceramic bezeled Daytonas, so I cannot answer your question with any authority. But the 4130-powered steel-bezeled Daytonas had a noticeably lower profile than any of the rep bezels I have seen. Also, some of the rep bezels had a small channel around the underside of the bezel's inner circumference which allowed them to fit over a complementary bump-out that surrounded the dial opening on the case. Otherwise, the gen & rep bezels had similar outside/inside diameters.

Gen 116520 bezel left/rep right

13 hours ago, Alan72 said:

Its a mix of parts, phong/Vietnam 6538 case,insert and Vietnam 6200 dial , Vietnam 7206 bracelet.
Movement is actually a tudor 390 ,it did have my decal tudor dial originally but I fancied a change

What Nanuq said (assuming you have the cash, time, patience & alot of will power) & well done.

For those who do not know, I think this short video offers a great explanation. Enjoy.

16 hours ago, GShocked said:

I just feel like mechanical movements are going to keep getting more expensive and entry level models are going to eventually start out at 1500-2000 once inflation kicks in more.

If you trust the government, current Inflation will be "transitory" and ease by year's end, so it should not be a problem.

But, back on earth, with governments spending like the drunken sailors that they are, inflation is likely here to stay for the foreseeable future. But, even without that, values of most collectible watches have been rising steadily since I got into watch collecting back in the mid-80s. If there is a global economic meltdown (possible), then I would expect vintage watch prices to fall or at least level off for awhile. But, otherwise, and again, it is more likely that the $1,500-$2,000 you balk at today will seem like a bargain this time next year.

6 hours ago, jcagara08 said:

the bulova moonwatch (in SS bracelet) is IMHO an example of this, (still I am on the hunt, I know I am late)

I think 1 of the best bargains in vintage watches is the original HUMMER, the Bulova Accutron (Spaceview). These can be found for under $1,000.

2 hours ago, Nanuq said:

If I had an old school MBW Sea Dweller it would be another story.

Yeah, but once the MBW is kitted out with OEM bits, the story has to take a different turn.

35 minutes ago, Nanuq said:

It’s a nice discussion of the early days of sat diving and mixed gases. That’s where this one came from, my buddy was there in those early days and this one spent months with him outgassing in chambers.

How you are able to keep that beauty in such minty shape is beyond my pay grade. 

My ticker never spent a second in chambers, yet it looks like it spent all its time in 1 (& went through a couple of wars, too boot) --

Lugging the boat anchor around the house for a 2nd day

Some of you might enjoy this --

8 hours ago, swdivad said:

I don't know about you guys, but I'd love them to rep this rep!

I have not perused the recommended dealers' listings recently, but I believe pretty much all Subs have been repped. If you want this particular model & do not see it listed in any of the dealers' catalogs, email them to see if they can acquire 1 for you. These days, I think it highly unlikely that there is a Sub that is not available as a rep.
Happy Hunting!

I think The Miguel proves the point. Mickey Mouse is an international icon & no one is going to miss that watch. Most collectors, I am speaking empirically, envy these watches.
Nanuq should post some pics of his Doxa, which is another of those watches that is stunningly beautiful, HIGHLY collectible, but not priced into the Rolexphere (i.e., with a bit of saving, they are within reach of most average people).
There are many VERY cool '70s watches that can be had for less than $1,000.

Update -- Interestingly, I see that 1 of the 'reasonably priced' watches I have previously recommended to people has apparently gained quite a following &, therefore, significant demand.  The Heuer Skipper used to be 1 of those under-the-radar gems that could be had for less than a grand. I see it is now selling for nearly 10 times that amount!

Which brings up another watch collecting axiom -- no matter how crazy the price is today for a cool vintage watch, it will likely multiply by this time next year.
Here are a few other cool 70s watches that are, so far, undiscovered gems --

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.



If you don't see anything from Swatch that speaks to you, spend some time perusing ebay for vintage watches. If you buy based on what speaks to YOU, rather than a price point, you may find enlightenment.......& contentment.

This article may give you some inspiration --

Talking Watches with Brad Farmerie

& its companion video
 

First, the admission price to Oysterquartz today would likely start at $20k & go up from there. Second, you lose exclusivity by diluting product lines with too many (or too affordable) "entry-level" offerings. Third, I think there are MANY wonderful watches, albeit mostly quartz-powered, out there for the truly astute watch collector. A case in point - Swatch has made some truly beautiful watches, some of which are now quite collectible.

"The Swatch Sistem White Automatic SUTW400 Automatic Unisex Watch is an inexpensive, fun watch that fits the bill with budget watch lovers as much as it earns appreciation from veteran, mechanical watch connoisseurs."
Swatch Originals Sistem White Automatic SUTW400 Unisex Watch: Luxury with a touch of fun


The old standard applies - always buy what you like. That way, regardless of how history treats your watch's value, you are happy.