freddy333

You should set your camera to Macro or take the picture from further back (your point of focus is behind the watch). But it looks like the end links are either too small and do not extend the full distance from the end of the bracelet to the edge of the case, or, as Andy suggested, the lug holes are located in the wrong place leaving the end links too loose. Whatever it is, I have never seen that before & I would probably send the watch back to the seller. The only other option would be to scout around for a pair of better fitting end links, which will probably require a number of trial and error fittings.

The Newman made quite a splash last night, so I may wear it again tonight But banging around in the beater now

Thanks, Mezz. The last get-together I attended was attended by only 2 people -- DuDro & moi. In the meantime, here is a quick & dirty peek into my (strapless) Daytona drawers

Ziggy, all I can say is the days of the digital watch are numbered. But, then, you probably already knew that (the topic had to have come up during one of those 135 email exchanges).

It sounds like the springs inside the springbars (the small metal tubes with pins on the end that connect the end links to the lugs) have lost their tension, which is a common problem with rep watches. Just take 1 of the springbars to any watch or jewelry store (that sells watches) & buy a couple more (they may even give them to you since they do not cost much).

Just out of curiosity, how many times did you inquire?

Nice watch, but you must get tired of all that sun & fun & water & fun & sun...........

What is red, white & black? Me & Newman (on a hot, new Italian strap) on our way out to hear some cool jazz Everyone have a good Friday evening.

I am only an amateur, but I can easily tell the difference between an ETA & a vintage Rolex movement by listening to and/or winding them. And the difference in the fit & finish between the gen and MBW (even when modded with gen parts) is palpable when handling these watches. I can understand a watchmaker being surprised at how good your reps are, but if, after handling them, they thought your MBWs were gens, I would seriously question their experience level.

I hear your frustration & understand budget constraints. And you are preaching to the choir when it comes to a preference for vintage over modern. But......... Your kitty is so close to the entryway to a 14060 that I think you would be crazy to spend nearly the cost of a modern gen (which is likely to increase in the future) on a (rep) watch that has no real (legal) value. As an example, this 14060, which comes with box & papers, could probably be bargained down to your 1400GBP and there are others at a similar price level.

If you were talking about $1,400, I would recommend either a certain Vietnam-based (ETA-powered) rep or an MBW franken (the gen Rolex movement will set you back approx $1,200+ by itself). But if you have 1400GBP, why not consider some used Subs -- the gen kind? Prices for these generally begin around 1400GBP. Have you checked Timezone.com's Sales Corner or Watchnet.com? Or even ebay (but check & verify before buying anything on the bay)?

In honor of the annual snow shovel riding competition in Ambridge, PA, I decided to wear something different today

What is the 'interesting' part about it? It seems like a reasonable deal to me & the seller's description is perfectly accurate.

Yes, he has a number of new items, but all of the dials look like NDtrading. I asked him at one point if he would be willing to sell one of the 1665 casebacks separately, but he wanted $450, so I passed. Maybe if we could put together a group buy for 10 or 20 casebacks we might be able to get him to price them realistically? There are some other more minor differences between the MBW & Vietnam 1665 cases (most notably, the size & location of the lug holes are more accurate on the Vietnam case), but it is the caseback that sets it apart from the MBW. Like the gen, all the fonts on it are the correct size/style & in the correct locations. And after the dial, the caseback is the next most obvious shortcoming on the MBW, even when filed/sanded/buffed to perfection the MBW caseback still looks too modern & lacks the gens convex shape.

I have never tried to contact him, but I have browsed his site before (I like the web design). He is selling NDtrading dials (not bad, but I think the MBW dials contain lesser sins) without prices, but everyone seems to sell them for about the same price, or close. Some of his watches look pretty good. But like with Phong, you have to assume that they are put together with aftermarket parts since he sells them. I see that alot of the links on the site return errors. When did you try to contact him? Maybe he is not doing business anymore?

Sorry, I just met her on the street. Based on our brief conversation ('Can I take your picture?' ... 'Ok, does your watch have a camera in it?'), I doubt she (or her friend) will be running for governor anytime soon. But then I guess that may not have been what you had in mind.

As has been mentioned, we really do need to find a good Vietnam connection.

Tell your boss what you think of him, and the truth shall set you free. This again today

He may be wheeling & dealing to move some items, but here is the price quote from the website Sea-Dweller case (without dial) Model 1665, Fit Caliber 1570 Release valve Water proof Original crown & tube Original crystal $ 1450.00

I know the feeling.

I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine (which is my beater) Awaiting pictures of your new MBW.

You did well.

Ending the day (Wednesday) with a good book

Love this shot, Mezz. One of the best wristies I have seen.