freddy333

6542 = Tropic115 1675/16750 = Tropic116 Many otherwise credible sellers will indicate the same xtal for all vintage GMTs, but that is not correct. Because it is powered by a different movement & dial, the date window on the '42 is slightly shifted, horizontally, versus later GMTs. Using the wrong xtal will result in your cyclops being slightly askew of the date window. Not sure about aftermarket, but you can often find gen GMT xtals on ebay. Only purchase from established Rolex sellers (you can always check references here) & xpect to pay about $225-$300.

While facebook can be a privacy concern, it does not have to be since you control the info you place there, either when registering or posting. The trick, with everything online, is to be aware that anything you post online is both out of your control & permanent. If you always assume that what you post/upload will be read by your worst enemy & you avoid posting personally identifiable information (real name, location, contact info, etc), you can minimize the potential for privacy problems. Many government spy agencies operate on a need-to-know basis. That is, if the source requesting info does not absolutely, positively NEED to have it, then do not give it to them. I believe this is a good rule for all to follow.

ebay, but rarely. I have seen 3 different styles of cases (there may be more now) for 1165xx Daytona reps & the dimensions of each varies slightly. Due to this variability, you have to be careful buying gen case parts for them. The only way to know if a gen part will fit your particular case is to try it. If you search out my 'Perfect Daytona' thread, I posted some details that may help.

Looks good, but I am not certain you have the 1st gen secs @ 6 7750. These usually came only with the low profile cases, which can be identified by the thickened area of the case just below the crown, which your watch lacks (I removed this material on mine). Now reshape the crown guards, install a gen crown & keep an eye peeled for a gen bezel & you should be all set

I agree with most of the recommendations above, but, in addition, use a proper crystal/caseback press or a hobby vice fitted with appropriate die that fit the case & bezel. The bezel ring should fit snugly (so you cannot remove it by hand) but not so tightly that you have to force it on. If using a press, the ring should slide right on (evenly) with minimal pressure.

Ensconced in Italian Mystery today

Once a new crown design is available, Rolex usually replaces the old styles with the new. In fact, I recently came across a patent from Rolex for a new crown, which will likely replace the 704. The new 1 has a self-leveling system to maintain the coronet's orientation so that the crown always screws shut with the coronet facing up relative to the dial side of the watch. The gap between the bottom of the crown & face of the case may be due to the way the tube was installed. You often see that gap on vintage watches coming out of Rolex service, which is why I always (consciously) try to install tubes to mimic that gap since new watches (including reps) rarely have a gap there

Ditto.

Why not have 1 or both of your 2846s fixed? Just about any watchmaker in your area can work on them (check google/phonebook).

(Denuded - I removed the integrated headshell) Ortofon SPU Gold Reference.

Only some of the earliest 1680s would have come with a silver datewheel. Most & anything serviced by Rolex would have a white wheel. The font is the critical detail. Check out some gens & compare the fonts (slightly serifed) to yours. If it is off enough to bug you, search out a better overlay.

I agree. If you already have a gen 16520, why not build a different model (something you do not already have)?

Very interesting, thanks.

I felt the need for a bit of gold today

Ditto Ziggy. The Swiss are literally handing their business model over to the Chinese on a silver platter.

Not in Europe, but try here. I think you will find that, because they do contract work for the gen brands, most of the established professional dial restoration firms will only restore a gen dial.

Looks fantastic. I applaud those of you who build these Zenith-powered 16520s, but I could never justify 1 based on build cost vs cost-of-gen. There is just not enough upside for my money .

I know some like a 62xx Daytona with a strap, but the combination always makes me wince a bit. Alot like seeing my grandfather in his underwear (he was in the hospital). Modern Daytonas can work sometimes, but I think even they work best with metal.

The bezel function is correct for a 1665 & I would get the movement serviced. Virtually every professional watchmaker can service ETAs. Just phone a few in your area & ask if they will work on reps.

Gentlemen, for the last time, let's leave ALL of the disparaging personal remarks/attacks out.

The emotion this issue has stirred up makes it clear that, contrary to what some of us thought, there remains wide & varying opinions on what defines a watch as gen or franken or rep or fake. And until we have universally accepted black & white definitions, I fear the debate will continue.

Agreed & I apologized for that near the beginning of this (over-beaten, dead horse) thread. However, referring to this as 'fake' or 'replica' demonstrates naivete (or an anti-RWG agenda)

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