freddy333

Most obvious tell, for me, is the plastic wrapping, which I have never seen on a modern gen Rolex (but I have seen on nearly all rep watches coming out of Asia).

Well, right or wrong, things have definitely changed when it comes to Rolex & their parts supply network. Back in the 80s, when I modded my 1st Rolex watch, the only hindrance was the cost of the part. You could walk into any AD & purchase whatever you needed over-the-counter. Today, US ADs are no longer permitted to sell parts (& many no longer even stock them).

Yes.

I generally agree with Ubi here (& for the same reasons he stated). But, were it me, I would hold out for a watch from a reliable seller that comes with (original) papers. Alternatively, considering how much fakery there is with vintage Rolex Subs, I would only buy with the (written) understanding that you will get the watch authenticated by Rolex. I would then walk it right over to the closest RSC for a full overhaul.

I generally agree with Ubi here (& for the same reasons he stated). But, were it me, I would hold out for a watch from a reliable seller that comes with (original) papers. Alternatively, considering how much fakery there is with vintage Rolex Subs, I would only buy with the (written) understanding that you will get the watch authenticated by Rolex. I would then walk it right over to the closest RSC for a full overhaul.

Beginning the week wearing my OPD

In honor of 1 of Newman's favorite events (which, sadly, he will miss), I am wearing this today

Ronin is right (I stand corrected). I responded from memory instead of checking. Rolex specs 4 different calendar rings for the 1575.

The calendar ring is made for a specific movement, not the watch. In theory, the calendar ring on a standard 1575 (the '75' denotes the movement has a date complication) should fit any of the aftermarket cases made to fit a 1575. If you use a different movement, then you may run into problems.

No gilt, steel & I think you convinced me to leave all the hands (including the ss hand) as is (unpainted steel). Thanks.

Thanks for the thoughtful comments. Here is a new pic with its sweep seconds hand installed (temporarily) I am debating whether to paint the ss hand white or leave it as is (a number of 1950s Rolex sports watches (like some 6542s) had white ss hands)

The auto wind components are the parts that get worn/damaged by frequent (manual) winding. Remove those parts & you remove the problem. This of course assumes that your movement is in otherwise good condition (rep movements rarely are until/unless you have them serviced).

Wearing my beater while working on 1 of my GMTs

Phase III is not likely. Unless, of course, I find (& am willing to pay for) a gen dial & insert (that is all that will be aftermarket in this 1).

Sorry, but I have to disagree with you, Chief. I believe that most collectors will pay more for a properly refinished/restored watch (at right) than they will for an unpolished watch (at left) Again, the key is in doing the job right so the watch has its original lines & textures & does not look as if it has been (over-)polished. As long as you are detailed in your requirements (never assume anything), most RSCs can handle this without a problem.

I just copied the pic. You can check his website. But, knowing Phong, I would guess he charges more than other sellers.

Not me, but I would expect he has more. DW does not generally do 1-off's.

Beautiful. Wear it well.

While waiting to leave for dinner, I swapped the DJ hour hand for the 6542 sweep seconds hand & thought it made for a nice motion video (the 1 thing I find that my Canon A80 is sadly lacking is HD video ) Motor has now been running, without incident & on a single, 40-turn wind, for 32 hours. This thing is shaping up better than I had ever expected. I just hope the dial turns out to the same level.

Off to dinner with 1 of my Audemars Have a good weekend.

The earliest versions were silver, later were white & white is what Rolex fits during service. So either is correct (Silver)

It looks very good, but I am not that familiar with Tudor chronos (never liked them), so I am probably not the best judge of this 1.

I believe he bought part ownership in a factory & is working on marketing his own watch (in addition to his well-known Daytona kits).

If the case is refinished properly, it can increase value. Otherwise, not.

Another Update - I just spoke to the dial refinisher & they expect to have the dial completed by the end of next week (if not before). Along with the dial, I provided them with a number of macro pics (coronet, text, index markers, etc) & they feel that the result should be very close to the original (gen). My previous experience with this refinisher was that they did exactly that