freddy333

The magnification looks pretty good, but the crystal lacks the clarity or sparkle you normally see from a gen crystal.

Generally, the entire chrono seconds hand is painted a contrasting color from the dial. So, if your dial is black, the hand should be painted white. If your dial is silver, the hand should be painted black. On some watches (mostly black dials), only the tip is painted (white), but that is the exception rather than the rule.

'1:1', 'perfect' & all similar marketing hyperbole is just that - marketing hyperbole. There are no reps that match their gen counterparts 100% & while there are a few very accurate cases (some MBWs & Vietnamese made cases come to mind), I would not assume that rep case parts are direct swaps for gens.

Watchmakers in the family.

Ziggy - Your index ought to be included (as a prominent link) in the confirmation email new members receive when they join RWG. I think that would help to eliminate alot of the same basic questions being asked over & over again in the forums.

I think it all depends on how much effect the spiky global economy has on each rep sellers' bottom line. I think the global economy is tied into the fates of the US 'Big 3' auto makers, so you have to take their futures into account (& whether President Elect Yo-Bama decides to bail them out when they go belly-up). Should make for interesting conversation while sitting in gas lines next year.

Still wearing my voting day watch, but seeing the new world in black & white

For the watches indicated by the OP, By-Tor's review is, as far as I am concerned, the last word on the subject. Of course, you must ALWAYS take a reviewer's opinions with a grain of salt, because his sensitivities & preferences may not mirror yours. The line, 1 man's trash is another man's treasure, should always be kept in mind when reading a rep watch review. Do YOUR homework (learn as much as you can about the specific gen watch you are interested in) & then begin the search for your best rep.

Yes.

Every little bit helps, but I think Borel is still probably the best (non-Rolex) source for gen Rolex parts.

Ditto.

Low RPM only (to avoid burning or burnishing the metal).

Not a datefont in sight

Yes & yes. I find a dremel fitted with a cloth wheel & green rouge alot more effective in providing a professional looking final product. But Cape Cod & similar polishing cloths (like those you mentioned) will certainly work.

Sorry, I have no idea who they are. I just met them on the street a couple of years ago & asked if they would provide the backdrop for my wristie (as I recall, 1 of them thought the camera (which I was clearly holding) was in my watch).

Beater today

Thanks, but there are no rivets on me.

I have never seen stainless steel leave oxidation marks on skin. Some other metals, yes, but not ss.

Try clear nail polish.

I would not put too much effort (or hope) into the post office, but good luck.

Very sweet. I would definitely go with Clark's crystal. If it is too tall, you can reduce its height by rubbing its base against fine sandpaper.

In honor of the election, I thought something with patriotic colors was in order. So I wore this today (Just fitted with a freshly restored Rolex 6251 jubilee in place of the nice (but generic), Italian-made Milano.........1 step closer to Valhalla)

Great tour, Flex. Thanks for the pics.

Have you considered a battery-operated mechanical (not quartz) clock? These have been around for a long time, are cheap & have sweeping seconds hands. You can even buy the movements online or in hobby stores & make your own. I have 1 that I made 25 or 30 years ago out of a rare (but badly scratched) rare record. Unfortunately, the second hand fell off some years ago during a move, but it keeps good time & only needs its C battery changed once each year.

Great find & do not lose that watchmaker.