freddy333

Not sure which ebay clocks you are referring to (always good to include a direct link or pic from the auction whenever you reference a post, thread or auction), but I came across a seller selling supposedly gen Rolex AD clocks a few months ago. Looked new/aftermarket to me, but seller described them as 'genuine'.

My knowledge is limited to Rolexes (never seen a 'Rollie'), but it looks like either a rep OPD or aftermarket/repainted dial. Which pretty much depends on the movement inside the case. Always, buy the seller before you buy the watch.

I have never found balls/tape sufficient to remove a properly installed caseback. Balls & tape are fine for a temporary closure while working or timing a watch, but these are not secure solutions. As suggested above, you should always install a Rolex caseback with a proper caseback tool. A bench style is easiest to use, but the wrench style secures the caseback just as well.

I think the big draw for Apple stores is that new products generally appear there 1st & Apple people tend to be a bit rabid about being the 1st on their block to get Apple's gadget du jour. While there are a relative handful of rabid collectors, who do bite at the new product offerings, the vast majority of Rolex buyers (of new watches) are purchase-motivated not by new product offerings but more by life events (new job, new baby, financial success, etc). So unless Rolex plans to offer (popular) products through their boutique stores that will not be available elsewhere, I think it remains to be seen what they will actually get out of this endeavor in the long-term.

Just for the record, these are fantasy watches. The basic design has appeared, with various brand names (some gen, some fictional), for at least the past 15+ years. I remember seeing 1 of these (originally, with Vacheron branding) on 1 of the 1st rep websites I found in the mid-90s. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the design is a pretty common 1.

Ditto. In fact, I have never seen a gold GMT that had a bi-color insert (installed by the factory).

I believe it is in February, around the 14th.

I feel for you, Marty. I am pretty good at writing resumes. PM me if you want help.

Correct.

Looks to be the same very nice, but aftermarket 9315 that appears to be streaming out of Asia. Also, this particular seller's track record is sufficiently poor (283 previous sales -- a number of these sales being the same 'GENUINE ROLEX 9315 SUBMARINER BRACELET' -- with a meager 98.9% rating ) that I would thick twice before considering him for a gen purchase.

Ditto Ubi's comments. And for those of you who are searching for DW, he now has his own forum here on RWG (see Ubi's link above).

That goes without saying.

You need a 7mm Triplock (parts 24-703 crown & 24-7030 tube), which can be found on ebay.

This reminds me of the old adage, Be careful what you wish for, because it may come true.

For years, Rolex US has been receiving complaints about its poor customer service, to which it has turned a deaf ear. But if Brill's replacement came from a position that dealt more closely with customers than invoices, things might change. Of course, I would not hold my breath for this to happen, but, with a change in leadership, it is always a possibility. I can virtually guarantee that you will never see Rolex making Newman dials, big logo riveted bracelets or anything of that vintage available either over-the-counter or during service. If any NOS stock remains, & that is a BIG if, it is reserved for the most exclusive of VIP clients & would only be fitted in-house, never sent out or sold. No way, no how. The only possible scenario I can imagine (in my wildest dreams) is that, as was the case with the Prince (which has not sold well) & Milgauss, Rolex introduces a new version of the Daytona with a Newman-like dial & makes the dial available for sale through a new vintage service center.

Noticed that 1 as well. Definitely gen & from a reliable seller. Should sell for a realistic (sky high) price.

The dial looks correct & I would keep the existing hands (since, presumably, they are gens & fit the 157x movement). I would also figure a movement overhaul into your plans. I just hope you get what you paid for. The fact that the watch is missing the dial makes me suspicious.

Everything you cited stems from Rolex USA's (under Brill's leadership) overriding desire to keep gen parts out of the hands of franken-builders & rep factories.

Very interesting & also interesting that it caught mulholland's eye. I hope it turns out to be as good (& gen) as it looks in the seller's less-than-revealing pics.

It appears so.

It may be ok. Here is a gen I found in my archives When it rains, it pours. Here is another gen