freddy333

Additionally, I think there are 3 main points to be considered when comparing Asian-made copies/clones of the 775x (I have limited hands-on experience with the 6497) with their ETA-made counterparts. 1st, there is little or no QC involved in the manufacture of rep movements or installation of them into rep watches. 2nd, there are definite qualitative differences in the materials & workmanship that go into the A775x. Some of these may affect the movement's ultimate longevity, some may not. Time will tell. 3rd, there are some design differences between the Asian & Swiss made 775x, which means that some parts are interchangeable & some are not (if you need an itemized listing of differences, you will need to research these on your own). Overall, at least in the case of the A775x, I think most here would say that, properly serviced by a competent watchmaker, the A775x is nearly as reliable as the ETA. And, considering the cost differential, a good & reasonable alternative.

Ending my work week wearing the (nearly complete) 'Graph

Correct. Try ebay or the sale sections of TZ or VRF.

Good point & this thought occurred to me as well. However, having broken my online WIS cherry in the early days of TZ, I was able to find my way into their vintage Rolex forum (from the modern forum) without much ado. So I do not see the segregation as being a potential impediment to anyone. It just makes it easier to satisfy 1's yearnings for a particular horological kink as the need arises.

1 of the more thought-provoking threads to appear on TZ in recent days & Dave 'Mr. Numb-scull' Knoll once again hamhandedly locks the thread because he does not like the tenor of the discussion (instead of simply requesting posters maintain a more cordial/respectful tone). I thought it worth reposting here so the topic can be discussed without repression -

Thanks, Stephane.

Contact DW to see if he is still offering his A7750-powered 62xx Daytonas (I posted a couple of threads detailing my modified DW 6263 a couple of years ago that you can search out)? These have the correct asymmetrical pusher arrangement & case size/shape. Although the subdials are slightly smaller than on the gen watches, they are close enough that I can wear my 6239 & 6263 without feeling like my fly is open. On the other hand, if you want a 62xx Daytona that is (externally) nearly indistinguishable from the gen, you have only 2 choices - buy a gen or build your own V72-powered franken, which is expensive (about $3k+ for parts if you include gen components), frustrating (search out any of the threads detailing the construction of a DW Daytona) & highly recommended (if you are prepared to accept the previous 2 issues).

Gen Rolex crystals tend to be noticeably clearer than most aftermarket crystals. Clark's T39 superdome is the only exception to this (general) rule that I have found. Viewed from the side, the Plexiglas appears clear versus the ever-so slightly milky white translucence of most aftermarkets. Gen Rolex xtals also tend to sparkle very brightly when sunlight hits them in some angles. This is a much less reliable tell, since the differences are subtle. This is similar to the skill many journeyman gemologists develop for being able to gauge a diamond's quality just by looking at it (with the naked eye). Once you develop the sense, you just know a gem when you see it.

Not my style, so I do not really follow pricing trends for this type of dial too closely. But I would guess its value, like most of the more common dials, lies somewhere between $150 & $250. You might check ebay to see what the recent final sale prices were. I think that would be the best/quickest way to gauge its value (what people are willing to pay for it).

The last time this idea was publicly proposed (a couple of years ago), the idea was rejected because the Mods were trying to reduce (not expand) the number of forums on RWG. Perhaps views have changed since then?

Based on the 2nd pic, it is aftermarket. Possibly, Clarks, but impossible to say without good, clear macros of a Clarks sitting next to a gen (Clarks is very good). Note the band of defraction about 1/3 of the way in from the perimeter. You do not see that on the gen. I believe I (or it may have been Nanuq) posted a set of comparison pics a few years ago that illustrated this.

I noticed an increased number of package inspections a couple of years ago (& posted something on the subject at that time). I am (pleasantly) surprised they did not seize your rep.

Just perfect - 35mm x 13mm.

Must be an optical illusion. The (silver) dial is about 27.9mm dia. Thank you. Wait til I get the 7205 & replacement handset installed.

Thank you.

If I remember correctly, the original MBW 1665 was $450. The 1575 was around $1,000+/-. The dial + reluming was about $500. Assorted other gen parts (xtal, crown/tube, bezel/insert, etc) another grand or so. So the watch cost around $3k to build.

1stly, LHOOQ. Nicely done. Thanks, everyone, for all the kind words. I do not think you generally find these types of watches very often. At least, I have only seen them pop-up once or twice in the gen forums (& I have never seen 2 that look the same, which makes construction both easier (you have a bit more latitude in parts selection) & far more difficult (no single blueprint to copy from)). So you either have to lay out a big wad of cash or spend alot of time researching (perusing gen forums, numerous books & major watch auction sites), searching (TZ, VRF, ebay & various other parts sources) & constructing. And even if I had the extra 30-to-40 grand laying around, (I am sure Ubi is nodding his head in agreement) I think I would still opt to build my own instead of buying 1.

All gen except for the insert (CWP) & strap. This is also the 1st A series (bubble-back style) calibre I overhauled & I am not happy with its accuracy , so I may re-overhaul it . To do - Replace hands (en route - current hands turned out to be too short & in poor condition) Replace strap with a gen rivet 7205 (en route) (Possibly) Replace the 6mm Twinlock with either a 5.3mm Twinlock or a 6mm Brevet (not enough info on this model to say, for sure, what the original spec called for ). These will complete the project.

Wearing this while working on this (more details coming soon) ___________ Update

I know what you mean. I often wonder what I have missed out on because I did not login on a particular day. p.s. I just posted a preview of my latest project that might interest you.

What is it?

No, I had to remove a small bit of metal from the 1575's calendar ring to allow the movement to fit all the way into the case. I also had to remove a bit of metal on the pillar plate adjacent to the Hev to allow for valve stem clearance (Rolex had to do the same thing in the gen watch). I should also point out that the 157x has built-in screw locks that fit/press into the threading on the inside of the case to lock the dial/movement into place. Because I had (previously) installed the working Hev, which provided an indent for 1 of the screw locks to fit while inserting the movement, I did not have to provide a separate indent (most Rolex cases contain a small, semi-circular indentation through which 1 of the screw locks slide to fit the movement into the case. Then, you can rotate the movement around to fit the stem. Otherwise, I do not recall having to do anything else within the case to get the movement to fit or the stem to properly align

For anyone looking for install a 1575 into an older MBW case, start here.

It all depends on where I am headed. But, in general, I do scratch my head alot & then, if I cannot decide, I put on my beater & get on my way

Good points, Ubi. But it still seems to me that a market's rise or fall is wholly dependent on perceived value by a large group (the herd). And this perceived value likely has little to do with the real or assigned value of a thing. This is why a simple flower can be worth a pittance 1 day, be worth the price of a large estate the next & then nearly valueless the day after that.