freddy333

With the exception of the now-defunct Maybach line & some of Rolex's custom models, neither brand makes claims at being the ultimate or pinnacle in their respective market. But I think your example of the new Sky-Dweller makes my point. The Sky-Dweller, like the new S-Class, contains alot of advanced technology, which comes with a high price tag. &, although Rolex & Mercedes both produce more affordable models (Explorer & C-Class), both are generally purchased by the well-heeled & those that aspire to be well-heeled. Similarly, over the years, both companies have had their detractors - claiming they produce garish products targeted at an unsophisticated clientele, but they have also been criticized for just the opposite - being too conservative & staid. It is difficult to be all things to all people, especially, when you have so many competitors, all of whom are looking for an angle to grab market share from the leader.

It looks like a photo of a rep. I am not that familiar with modern Sub reps, so I cannot tell you which rep it is or who it comes from.

Looking good so far.

I am not familiar with the brand, but, in terms of numbers, it is likely rare. However, in terms of its value to collectors, it is probably not high (ie, it is worth what you paid for it).

Rolex & Mercedes hold similar positions within their respective markets & for the same reasons. Both have long histories (they began at roughly the same time), target high income earners, have long lists of notable patents & inventions, & maintain aspirational status because of their relatively high price & level of quality. While I ultimately disagree with Rolex US's decision to restrict the retail sale of parts, I can understand their reasoning.

As they say in the 'Benz world, a cheap used Mercedes is the most expensive car you will ever own. Like Mercedes, quality & prestige are expensive & that is part of Rolex's appeal. If Rolexes were cheap to maintain, everyone would have 1, so no one would aspire to own 1.

Back in the day, DW was a godsend to vintage Daytona lovers. He supplied reasonably accurate cases @ a reasonable price that fit (though, sometimes, requiring a bit of prodding) gen parts. Before DW, there was no real way to construct a credible 62xx Daytona without spending alot of money. But this business is tough & he went through alot of rough times along the way. Hopefully, he will reappear sometime.

Gentlemen, please keep it civil, regardless of who you think started it. DO NOT PM me about this! As far as DW goes, I do not know why he went AWOL. Very strange since, up until he vanished, I considered him a friend & a very honest & honourable fellow.

1. 1575 datewheel 2. 1575 in old MBW mid-case (may require some grinding of case interior, where/how much depends on your particular case) 3. As far as I know, serial numbers are fixed on MBWs. 4. Easy, if you have access to an engraver.

All of the watch parts houses sell tools. For starters, try ofrei or cousinsuk.

Very nice choice. Well done.

I think you went a bit too shallow on the DRSD thin case's rehaut, but, otherwise, well done & good luck on the last franken build.

Sorry, I misunderstood the reference. In the case of Maron, he, like most of the big name auction houses, is not infallible. As to the alignment issue cited above, I have a handful of others in my pic archives with slightly misaligned text (the dial looks gen to me)

Either Yuki or, if you can locate 1, an old MBW are your best options. But, as is the case with all aftermarket Sub cases, the final result is only as good as your ability to turn a modern case into a 50+ year old antique.

Because some consider his dials to be the best aftermarket options available. Remember, though, that these guys are selling illegal contraband & they are made by for-profit dealers, not critical collectors.

Yes.

Yes.

Because these cases lack proper QC during manufacture, it is always possible that your case was made incorrectly. But it is just as likely that you have the wrong case (the V72 & 7750 cases only differ between their interior dimensions & look the same on the outside). Why not just ask DW for a replacement case since the movement does not fit your case?

Remove & reinstall the auto-wind module, gently making sure the module properly mates with the movement & is rotating the 1st wheel before tightening the screws.

Now, that is a set. Pure & simple.

More specifically, you need to see the 1st wheel (mainspring barrel) turning relative to motion from the rotor. There are usually 1 or 2 intermediate wheels between the auto-wind & barrel, which may themselves move but may not be transferring motion to the barrel.