freddy333

st4 -- Thank you for those new pics. Very helpful. Unfortunately, although your case DOES have the correct model number, it is not the right size or shape for the 6542. And if I have to choose between a properly engraved case over a properly sized/shaped case, the size/shape gets the job since the engraving will never been seen (since it is hidden under the end links). I am still waiting for info on a couple of other cases that look promising, but the Silix case I posted above is looking better & better.

You had me going there for a minute. I was hoping you had the whole shebang. I already have a 2846, but not the GMT parts (or a spare 2836-2). However, my experience with Asian 21J movements has actually been quite good, so By-Tor's suggestion of using that may be a good stop-gap solution. I also just received (preliminary) word that the bezel may actually fit the Silix case without modification to either part. If that information proves to be correct, this project is a GO.

Sounds good. Does $33 total via paypal work? If so, PM me your paypal info & I will get the funds to you. Thanks.

Good work, Lani. Do we have a date set for Chief's AR run?

As much as I love the chs GMTIIC for its construction accuracy, it is definitely not a watch that holds my fascination or sees alot of wrist time. Like AllergyDoc, mine spends most of its time swirling away (gently) in my watchwinder. Were an intervention required, the GMTIIC would not be the catalyst. But these might be

Thanks for the vote of confidence. Does your 2846-2 already have the GMT module fitted?

The U-Boats look like they might be the next 'Hey, look at me!' fashion trend now that Panerai has become yesterday's news among the fashionable elite.

Thanks Stephane. Nice shots. Nice to see a watch case getting a tan.

Same here with my chs If ever there was a rep that deserves a permanent slot in the Replica Watch Hall of Fame, it is the GMTIIC. Easily, the most accurately constructed out-of-the-box rep I have purchased (or seen) in over 25 years of watch collecting

Either is a good possibility. But with Rolex parts values consistently heading skyward for the past several years, it is also possible that the dial was purchased solely as an investment. Barring any cataclysmic worldwide event, I can imagine the value of that dial quadrupling in 10 years. So that 18k paid the other day could well be worth $70-$100 (or more) in 2018. But I would still put my money on the dial ending up replacing a GW dial in a watch that gets resold (on the gray or black market) for $80,000-$120,000, which is not a bad return on your investment.

Close, but no cigar. I think that particular case may be too thick for my purposes (all but 1 of Silix's CG-less Sub cases look like yours) & the '6452' engraving (unless you mistakenly juxtaposed the 4 & 5) is not the correct model number anyway. The gen 6542's case is relatively thin (low profile) But 1 of Silix's CG-less Subs is definitely 1 of the options I am considering. The profile size & shape of his rols176 case looks pretty close However, all 6 or 7 of his CG-less Subs are listed as being the same size (38mm x 48mm x 12mm), which cannot be correct since rols176 clearly has a lower profile case than any of the others. So either that picture is wrong (always a 50/50 chance with drop-shippers), or his stated case dimensions are wrong. Either way, the key to whichever case I use is whether it will fit the bezel I pictured in my original post. Until I find a case which fits that bezel, there is no project.

Most likely, the dial was purchased for the same reason all Double-Red dials get purchased -- to transform a standard gen GW 1665 into a far more valuable Double-Red. And considering that a Double-Red went for $200,000 in the April Antiquorum auction, a mere 20 grand for a gen dial with James Dowling's credentials behind it, seems like a steal to me.

Agreed.

PM sent.

That is a good idea, but I will probably end up using whatever movement comes in whichever GMT rep I get (for the case).

Another work of art by the master. Wear it well. p.s. Are you sure the clasp is vintage or is it new stock?

Assuming the AD follows through (following the Russian adage to 'trust, but verify', I would call the AD to remind them to phone Rolex on Monday) I would be surprised if you did not have your watch back, in new condition, within 2 weeks.

I have R.I.P.'d my share of gens apart to power frankens, but the frankens are always constructed mostly out of gen parts. If that is your intention, then rip away (even though Air Kings are 1 of the most beautiful & classic watches anyone ever made, regardless of their apparent lack of record-breaking valuations). But if your plan is to put the movement into a rep case, I would have to sort of side with Dimer on this 1. How about posting a good, clear pic or 2 of your AK?

Welcome & congrads on your 1st rep. Nice choice too. In my opinion, the bezel is not that bad. At least, not the 1st thing that catches my eye as being suspect. Better bezel inserts & pearls can be had, but it all depends on how much time & money you want to invest in a rep. The more obvious flaws to me are the too-large laser etching of the coronet on the crystal at 6 o'clock (it should require a loupe to see under normal lighting conditions) & the bracelet, which differs enough from the gen bracelet as to be noticeable if you know what to look for (search google for some gen Rolex Sub 93150 or 93160 bracelets & compare the details of your clasp (the size/shape/location of the coronet, the finger indent for the flip-lock, the varying thickness of links from end links to clasp, etc.) to those of the gens. If you want to go crazy ($800+), you can source a gen bracelet for your watch, which I think will improve not only your rep's appearance, but also its fit & finish (which no rep can fully replicate). And you can always use the gen bracelet on a gen Sub head if you go that route in the future. Search out By-Tor's reviews of the GMTII (there are a few of them & all worth a serious read -- you can find links in his tagline).

That is Mr. Slimeball for you. I would consider us all lucky if he actually delivers what he promised (which would be the 1st time in all of my dealings with him).

Now that is a grail watch!

And many happy returns Mickey.

Been alot of that going on recently.

Gen. I copped it off 1 of the regulars (who owns alot of gen Rolex rarities) on TZ.

Lani - Arrived home late Friday night & just saw this. PM me with your pp email & funds will be sent immediately. Thank you!