freddy333

Yes, but the tools are pretty much a staple of every professional watchmaker's toolset. & just about every pro watchmaker can - or, at least, should be able to - do the job for you. Alternatively, you can replicate the same finishes with the appropriate (for your watch model) Bergeon finish or Scotch-Brite pad (for a brushed finish), a Dremel & some green rouge (for a polished finish on stainless steel). Simply remove the bracelet & disassemble the case & mask-off (with masking tape or similar) the sections you do not want to refinish. I would recommend practicing on some unimportant parts before targeting your pride-in-joy timepiece though.

Just about any professional watchmaker can do that for you. Case refinishing (done after an overhaul) is part of basic watchmaking. Check with some local watchmakers to see if they are rep-friendly.

Phong's engravings are variable. Sometimes, they are nearly perfect, other times, they are laughable (& I am being kind). I am not even sure he does them himself? Unfortunately, I do not know of a 100% reliable engraver to suggest as an alternative.

Looks good, but are you sure the dial/bezel are gens? It may just be the pic, but the metal marker surrounds look a bit thick for a gen dial. Assuming the dial/bezel are gens, next, I would be on the lookout for either a gen or CHS ETA movement.

Ending the work week wearing my Pre-Comex

Depends on the condition of the gaskets and depth of tube in the case. Generally, anywhere between 1.5-3 is about right.

Phong's are probably the most accurate pre-assembled, gen-powered 6542s. NDT makes something similar, as do other franken sellers. I would recommend that you spend alot of time searching our archives for others' reviews before buying, as these watches tend to look alot better on the outside than they actually are on the inside.

Congratulations. Let the obsession begin.

Wore my steel '39 today

Both look good. But, sometimes, a change is nice.

Ditto above. Pass on this 1 & research some known gens.

Were it me & I was looking to buy it, I would start around $4k and be willing to pay as much as $7k-ish (though it may be worth a good deal more, but I would need to see good, clear macros of the movement & internal case). Get the movement professionally overhauled, polish or replace the xtal and all rubber gaskets and wear it as is. Do not change the dial, hands or crown, as replacements will all reduce its overall value.

MQs are usually more accurate dials.

Bart Simpson dial. Leave it as is, otherwise you greatly reduce its value & increase the likelihood of having it ID'd as a repro.

Wore my steel 6239 today

What? No one started the mid-week wristies? For shame. Wearing my Audemars

Stretch, as long as there is no visible wear on the individual links, does not bother me. If the bracelet fits & looks/feels good on your wrist, wear it?

The color of the (flashed) gold is not the salient issue that plagues these types of reps.

If you know what the gens look like (you have done your research, right?), it makes a difference. How much depends on your knowledge/experience level. Either would fool the man in the street or average Rolex owner (who knows nothing), but neither would fool a serious Rolex collector.

Loved it. Thanks.

Is the dauphine-handed Calatrava a new entry? I do not think I have seen that 1 before. In any case, I think it needs a yellow gold case.

Wearing the contestant at the left

If you want gold, you will be paying alot more than $1,000 for a 62xx Daytona. Try $15k-$20k+ & Phong. I would also factor in the cost of a complete overhaul by a professional watchmaker upon receipt of any fully-assembled franken you purchase as they often look much better on the outside than they do on the inside.