freddy333

You are one lucky sod, Euno, and exactly right about those gems stemming from Rolex's inconsistency. James Dowling posted a rather interesting comment on TZ this morning about the unreliability of Rolex specifications when discussing model variations. It was in response to the question (cross-posted elsewhere here) about the existence of a Pt Datejust.

Rolex movement parts do not generally fit on an ETA. You will need to find an aftermarket datewheel overlay (I think cubic-works.com has some, but I do not know if they have the correct one for your movement or watch) or an ETA datewheel with the correct font for your ETA model calibre.

There have been a few similar posts on TZ over the years.

They usually have sizing holes (like a standard strap) in the material through which you slip the tong. The problem I often have is trying to remember how to fold the clasp & where to slide the strap through? But, like me, you will figure it out when you see the strap. It takes longer to explain than to do.

Only when testing or repairing a watch. Otherwise, I have finally learned to ignore the second hand when setting the time.

Based on my 3 purchases from Ali, I would not be surprised if the numbers on the insert are off-center or rub off or have the wrong font, etc. What would surprise me is if he actually delivered a good, quality part that matched his description of that part.

Sporting time today (Gotta fix those ghastly 3/6/9 index markers)

I agree......or disagree, depending on the point of view. Either way, I prefer to see a woman wearing a smaller, more delicate watch. You can call me old fashioned, but you cannot call me trendy.

Mrs. Peel, you're needed.

Actually, that was the only scene I liked from that movie. The rest was a cartoon. Slightly better than the Roger Moore rubbish, but it fell far short of Connery's worst 60's & early 70's efforts (excusing his Never Say Never Again mistake). While I think Craig's a great actor, the rest of this flick made me pine for George Lazenby.

Me likie Datejust with scratched gen dial. Look real. Look good. Look like gift for Chief.

Was most of that year spent tracking down the parts? I would love to see some clear full-frontal photos of your project. All of the vintage Daytonas I have come across had low profile cases with pointed tips at each end. Your case looks different than mine. Did you grind down the pointed tips at the end of the lugs on your case? I agree with you about the pusher & crown holes in the case being wrong, but the rep factories ALWAYS get at least 1 detail wrong on everything they produce. Literally. And I think some of them do this on purpose. Although I have not done anything to mine, I have a couple of ideas on how to improve or fix the holes -- One way would be to weld some additional metal over the pusher & crown holes and then file/sand/buff/redrill/retap them to the correct size/shape. Another thought was to fill the holes with gray-colored epoxy and then file/sand/buff/redrill/retap. Either option would require some additional work (and risk), but, if all goes well, you would end up with a more accurate looking case. While I wish the case were made better, most people (unless you plan to sell or have your watch appraised by a Rolex specialist) will not notice it. At least, that has been my experience with this project watch & in the years I have been wearing Newman reps. My old Lemania/Venus-based 6241 is more than a few years old and, even with all of its obvious flaws, it has never been called out (but the flaws are so obvious that it would have only been a matter of time & I was always conscious of this whenever I wore it) (This is the strap that will ultimately be paired with the DW 6241 Newman above) On the other hand, the flaws on my new 6241 project watch (and its 6239 brother) are relatively hidden by the crown & pushers. But I do not plan to sell or have the watch appraised (or closely inspected) by any truly knowledgeable Rolex people. Also, I have seen 1 gen Newman on TZ that had similarly larger pusher holes in the case (I think it may have belonged to one of the Rolex Moderators, but it was a long time ago). I suspect that it was either a Rolex service replacement or yet another example of Rolex's habit of mixing up parts between model versions, as has been well documented in the case of vintage Subs & Seadwellers, especially for the Comex watches. So I would not let the holes bother you too much.

Corgi -- I can see your point, but I am sure glad I got here before you did.

Thank you for the compliments, Bertieng. Is the picture in your message your project watch? You are correct about the pushers and the cut of DW's cases. In fact, I can tell you horror stories, but do not get me started. Instead, read this. It will be very helpful & should answer alot of your questions. DW's cases vary in a number of parameters. My first Newman project, a 6239, was a nightmare, while this one was a relative walk in the park. I posted a number of messages in the Rolex forum about the process, which you should be able to find via the Search.

Thanks, Euno. I thought you would appreciate it. After all, it was your input that convinced me stick with the lizard strap for the 6241. But I really need to keep the watch on the bracelet until I get the 6239 done (still dealing with the movement/case locking tab issues). I tend to prefer bracelets over straps and that way I would keep the 6241 (on strap) for more formal events and use the 6239 (on bracelet) for less formal and daytime wear.

To the best of my knowledge, Rolex never produced (for commercial sale) a Platinum Datejust. They did produce a very small number of 18k white gold versions on 18k jubilee bracelets, very briefly, during the early 80s. These were distinguished by their sapphire crystals (while the standard Datejust at the time donned a plastic crystal) and solid 18k end links.

I think it looks smashing, too. But, then, I am partial to steel Datejusts.

While test-fitting my collection of gen & aftermarket Tropic 21 crystals on the 6241 Newman Daytona looking for the best match, I was amazed to find that the flat, beveled gen crystal gave the watch a rich, jewel-like appearance that none of the other crystals (including a rounded gen T21) could match. Although I tend to prefer rounded crystals on most vintage sport Rolexes, this watch quite literally snaps into focus & exudes a whole new presence when capped with this particular crystal (unfortunately, the photo does not begin to capture the synergy of this crystal/watch combination seen live) Curiously, I located a similar 6241 on Antiquorum that is fitted with the same crystal and, by sheer happenstance, the perspective in the Antiquorum photo & mine are nearly the same. So I thought a comparison of Lot 159 vs my DW 6241 would be insightful (pay particular attention to the images of the numbers from the left side of the running seconds subdial that are being refracted in the bevel of the crystal (at about 82 in the tachymeter)) Overall, it is quite striking how very similar in appearance these two watches are. I should also mention that I took the watch out for a test drive to a popular upscale restaurant & bar last evening (I am still fine-tuning its timing). The wait for a table was so long that we decided to eat at the bar, which was filled to capacity with lots of Rolex-wearing yuppie types (myself included). As I sat eating my salad, I began to notice that some of the people who were standing next to me were peering, in a quite obvious way, at my watch, which would occasionally pop out from beneath my shirt cuff as I reached for my glass. After a few minutes, one of the suits broke through the hushed whispers of the group and asked to see my watch. The look on all of their faces pretty much told me what I already knew -- my Newman project was a complete and unmitigated success. After resetting their collective jaws (which had collectively dropped onto the bar), we began discussing watches and each demoed their respective Pans and Rolexes & relayed stories of previous collectible watch sightings around the city. It goes without saying that I had a nice meal and the Newman was quite a hit (Euno -- As promised, this watch will soon be fitted with my black Rolex lizard strap. I just need to sort out the ongoing movement stabilization issues in the 6239, so I can swap the folded link bracelet over to that watch). I love these watches. _________________ I know I posted this elsewhere, but I think it merits repeating: Thanks to all who posted photos, tutorials, comments and inspiration along the way. But, most importantly, special thanks go to Ziggy, DW, Ubi, Tribal, Alligoat and especially Avitt, whose painfully beautiful 6263 & 6265 were the catalysts for this project. This watch could not have been completed without your kindness, support & assistance.

I will add a bit to Kruser's comments -- The biggest issues with the 7750 (chronograph) movement relate to those that have been modified to relocate the running seconds hand to the subdial at 6 in order to mimic the function of current Rolex Daytonas. This modification involves the addition of several additional gears (without the proper additional jeweling that is normally required), which places undo stress and friction on the entire engine and is known to cause premature breakdowns in many cases. The second issue with (non-seconds at 6) Asian-sourced 7750s is their general lack of proper lubrication and poor overall condition when leaving the factory. However, the basic design is sound and these movements tend to be quite reliable after a thorough teardown and overhaul by a competent watchsmith like Ziggy.

Not direct swaps, but as long as the sizes aren't too dissimilar, you can often broach (enlarge) the holes of small hands to fit larger pinions or squeeze (reduce) the diameter of the holes in larger hands to fit smaller pinions with a pair of smooth-jawed jeweler's pliers (and a delicate & steady touch (but I would recommend a bit of practice on scrap parts before attempting to modify your target hands)). You will need a set of broaching files, which are like needles that cut/smooth a hole as you twist them inside it.

Offshore is probably correct, but I will add my 2 cents -- Since you did not state the brand/model of the watch in question, please take this as a general guide, but genuine Rolex movements (like that used in the DayDate) should change instantly within a minute of midnight. If the date changes quickly, but either more than a minute before or after midnight, then the hands may need to be reoriented on the dial (an easy fix for any watchmaker). But if the date takes more than a second or two to change, it is probably not a Rolex movement (or the date change components are in need of cleaning/servicing).

On average, (without running the chrono) I get between 40 hours and 2 days on my 7750s (including 2 secs at 6 models)

And is there a reason why these high-profit shenanigans comes as a surprise to anyone??? Archi, we live in a place where this stuff was invented......and practiced on an hourly basis.

Euno - Having seen some of those gorgeous timepieces in your collection, I think you deserve your own forum (which I would visit regularly, even if only for inspiration).

Yes, that was my point. Although it has become Daytona lore that Paul Newman wore a Daytona in the film, the photographic evidence would seem to contradict this, which is why I described the story as an urban myth.