freddy333

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.

Where there is a will, there is a way. My 1665 & 5514 MBWs both came fitted with an ETA 2846, which I swapped-out for a 1575 & a 1520, respectively. Requires a bit of work (though less than some of my DWs ), but it can be done. At least, with these older MBWs (the most recent of which is 4+ years old). (In case you did not know, the 5514 is just a 5513 with the addition of a helium valve installed in the side of the case at 9 o'clock) There are a couple of threads describing the work involved that you can search out in the Rolex forum.

Nice valve shot, Ubi. Wearing my beater today & here is my valve shot

Ditto. They are wonderful movements. The main issue (besides being a bi-compax where the gen is tri-compax) is whether you can get an accurate dial to fit? Although I have never tried, I am pretty sure you can tailor a DW (or similar) 62xx case to fit the movement, but the dials they come with have inaccurately sized subdials & I do not know if their pinion arrangement matches either the V72 or 7750 (Seagull-powered rep at left, A7750-powered DW at right)

The crown/tube transplant is a given in the case of all reps, but I would select a rep before you consider changing the crystal. The crystal used on most of the better modern Daytona reps contains no obvious flaws, so I am not sure what you gain by replacing it with another aftermarket part? Read this

Contact & ask this seller if he still offers this watch with a Daytona 6263 Oyster dial/pushers instead of his custom dial? For the money, they are easily the best buy (& most accurate) 62xxs available (there are several threads in this forum detailing the Daytona version of this watch that you can search out). Also, the watch pictured in your post is not a Paul Newman. It is a standard 6263 dial.

Read this (last I heard, the original test watch is still running strong).

Stuck in 1972 today