freddy333

I am very happy for you and I hope your new watch arrives before you spurt! I still remember what it felt like waiting for (what seemed like eons) my first rep to arrive back in the early 80's (yes, I have been collecting watches for a while). Ever the tinkerer, I immediately set about replacing the end links and clasp with gen parts (back then, you could walk into most ADs and buy or order Rolex parts right over the counter without any problem). Although I have since retired that original rep watch (I stopped wearing (yellow) gold several years ago), I keep the watch (which still runs!) around for posterity Today, with a few notable exceptions, I only wear stainless steel. Here is that first rep's modern counterpart (a 100% gen Frankenjust)

A quick snap of my latest Newman Project just before it hits the street

At first thought a Vintage forum seemed sensible. But the more I thought about it, the more I came to side with By-Tor, but not for the reason he stated. Considering that the majority of postings in the Rolex forum relate to vintage models (and mostly Subs & Seadwellers), I think that adding a Vintage forum would suck the life out of the Rolex forum.

Outstanding example and thanks for the link.

To understand a puzzle is to solve it. -- Mao Nice work, jf.

Speaking of rounds & flats.....I am loving my always centered and Rolex-serifed 3

Working He valve here

Thinking deep

Incabloc and Kif are the 2 vendors that supply most of the (escape wheel) shock absorption components for mechanical movements. Kif is generally considered to be inferior to Incabloc, and this has been the source of some debate since Rolex sources their shock components from Kif. The component's function is a bit complicated, but, basically, the escape wheel (the tiny wheel containing the hairspring you see revolving back-and-forth in a mechanical watch) pivots on a central staff that is seated in between 2 jewels (used to reduce friction) (this is a picture of an escape wheel removed from a movement (the jewels are not shown)) If the movement (watch) is dropped or suffers a sudden deceleration, the pivots, which are relatively delicate, can be bent, broken off or damaged. The shock absorber basically allows the pivots to 'float' a bit in an effort to absorb the shock and reduce damage to them. The tiny spring you see above the top jewel (the ruby colored part you see in the center of the following photo) returns the pivots to their neutral position after the shock subsides (This is an Incabloc shock absorber)

I completely agree with Tribal & Diesel. Don't be a wimp.... Get the MBW.

Actually, Dinh and others also offer Kif shock absorber replacement bridges and appropriate-looking Rolex branded 'V727' pillar plates here. And if I remember correctly, I think the 2 Daytonas that DW had for sale were also configured this way. But if you know what to look for, you can still tell these reps from the gen articles.

Tipping hat.

Vbarrett -- Sounds more like an allergic reaction to penicillin. Stay away from the moldy stuff and you'll be photogenically wristing with the best of them in no time.

Corgi -- It is just a stock V72 (you can tell because the movement has Incabloc shock protection instead of the Kif shock absorber that Rolex always retrofitted) culled from another non-Rolex chrono that had a couple of Rolex-engraved bridges added. I have some of these bits as well (for use on one of my DW Daytonas), but I do not post pictures of any of my watches--rep or gen--on TZ

I noticed that too. And based on the 'questionably' fuzzy photos, I bet the wife story was just an excuse to test the TZ waters to see if his expensive new rep would fool the pros. Sad.

For reference, Bob Frei is not a watchmaker, which I suspect is why he does not like being asked questions that should be directed to a watchmaker. He is a parts seller and is usually more than willing to check his stock and/or locate the odd part for you (a number of RWG members (including myself) can attest to this). But he is used to dealing with experienced watchmakers who know what they are looking for. So it is a good idea to research and know what you need when making inquiries. Otherwise, you are likely to be back here posting flames about the poor treatment you received from Ofrei.

My rule of thumb: Mostly steel & mostly Rolex (partial collection) But rules are meant to be broken

There is a link there for a couple of nice bezel inserts for Subs and Seadwellers (be sure to measure your current insert before ordering as these vary depending on the rep maker).

I found that site a few years ago, which was very inspiring. I made 1 valiant attempt at a custom dial, but ultimately gave up early in the process. Too much work, too messy, too expensive (unless you plan to go into business or plan to make alot of dials) and requires too much (artistic) skill (which I am seriously lacking).

I know a couple of watchmakers in the DC area. What type of watch & work are you inquiring about?

Look here

Stilty -- I posed the same question some months back and never got a definitive answer. The 2846 that came in my MBW DRSD hacked, but two 2846s I purchased from Ofrei did not. All three movements had the same markings and I did not find any variation of components when I overhauled them. Obviously, something must be different, but I never figured out what it was. However, you can achieve a pseudo-hack with the 2846 (and other non-hacking ETAs) by pulling the stem out to the hand-setting position (all the way out) and then pulling on it further while moving the time slightly backwards. This will stop the second hand and keep it still for as long as you keep applying (outward) pressure on the stem. With a bit of practice, you can easily synchronize your watch with another time source.

I have had a few 'odd' conversations with Bob Frei, but never a problem. I order frequently from them (usually by phone) and often receive an email invoice within a day or two unless items are back ordered or out of stock. If you would prefer not to do business with Ofrei, try either cas-ker.com or cousinsuk.com.

The one on the left And I will continue to wear it as a show of my solidarity for Britney Spears until she is allowed to drink herself to death (or I find something more meaningful to do with my free time).

Touche'!