freddy333

As far as I know, the 1560 did not hack & was in production until the mid-60s.

The protecting spring for hairspring (part 7971) is only used on the 1560. The 1530 is the base for a number of 15xx movements, which is why the pillars on some 15xx movements appear to contain extra/unused holes/features.

I seem to recall that Phong (or another 1 of the aftermarket/franken sellers) was selling a nice-looking Moonphase for about $10k. A little rich for my blood & I shudder to think of what it looks like under-the-hood, but if you need to satisfy an urge

Wearing my Bond Sub today

In my experience, all you can do is research the hell out of the 5514 (google, tz, vrf, etc), so you have a firm target in mind. Then, buy the best parts you can find (at the time) & be prepared to be replacing parts as better parts come along. The rest can only be answered by you.

Thanks All. It looks like it, but I have never seen 1 in the flesh, so this will be a learning process in more ways than 1.

These Rolex 'clone' movements are just Asian-made ETA-clones with a couple of Rolex-like bridges installed. Overall, they tend to be a step below the standard ETA clones & 2 steps below Swiss ETAs. Were it me, I would opt for the Swiss ETA (but be prepared to receive an Asian clone anyway).

1st, I have to get the roulette datewheel installed to complete the Pan Am GMT. Then, continuing the albino theme, this is next on my to-do list (Datejust-style 6202 Turn-O-Graph) Someday, once I figure out a plan of attack, I would like to do a proper Moonphase. Possibly, yellow gold.

L is absolutely correct - the 18k DJ is the proper timepiece for a formal affair like a wedding, where your adornments should be understated & take a back seat to the bride & groom. Have a good time.

About a year ago, with the completion of my 6536-1, I had constructed all of my grail watches But, now, with the (near) completion of the infamously mythic Pan Am GMT (my Phase II 6542), I think I have to define a new level - Űber Grails - those ultra rare & mythic models that include the likes of the gold Moonphase & albino 6202 (TBA)

Some say 36mm watches look girlish (too small). I run counter-clockwise

I am not a big fan of Natos, but I love the watch. Strap on an appropriately aged Oyster & you have a classic that will never go out of style.

Ending the work week wearing my

Not positive, but I believe it is '72-'73.

Thank you. It really is 1 of the most beautiful watches I have ever seen, so I can understand why people are so taken with it. I cannot understand why Rolex never produced a retail version of the 6542 with a white dial. The combination of white dial, red & black Perspex insert & beveled crystal makes this watch look clean, fresh & decidedly modern (especially for the staid 50s & early 60s). The bracelet is gen, so its finish ought to be superb (but I may swap it out for the same early 1960s gen jubilee that I have on my Phase I GMT - not sure yet). And you are not the only 1 who considers it the ultimate grail watch. An Italian (gen) watch club has already sent me a handful of kudos. A special thanks has to go to By-Tor, who convinced me (almost 3 years ago) of the need to add a GMT-Master to my collection. Prior to that, I never liked the GMT, with its 'clown-like' colored bezel. However, once By-Tor's reviews started to have their effect on the WIS part of my brain, I came around & it was only after a couple of false-starts attempting to procure a credible non-ceramic GMTII that I decided to embark on the road less traveled (the Perspex path), which, ultimately, resulted in the creation of a true grail watch. So, thanks, By-Tor.

Details, details...........

A few new/better pics - for your entertainment, of course

Ditto Ubi.

Never got a good enough look to be sure, but I would doubt it is a rep.

Bidding seems to have ended with 0 bids. So either the seller received an offer he could not refuse or someone cried foul & ebay stopped the auction . From what I can see (relatively low number of previous sales, none of which involving Rolex watches/parts & some dark/de-focused pics), I suspect the latter. That aside, I am unconvinced of this dial's authenticity anyway.

Not a classic, but good. Very entertaining. Diaz wears a Sub, which was also nice to see.

Pretty good movie (Knight and Day). The watch.......well, we all know about the watch & I am pretty sure she owns it since she has been photographed a number of times (not in a movie) with it.

Just returned from a late showing of Knight and Day (it is now well into Thursday morning) wearing............what else?...........