jdavis

Well done Robbie G! Your article is both interesting and informative and brings issues to light that we all have suspected for some time. It should be interesting to read The Zigmeister's take on this subject from a watchmaker's perspective.

Much has been written about the gold issue and the types of gold offered on our reps. The consensus is that gold wrap can only be applied to flat surfaces and not complex shapes such as a watch case. In the case of the Day/Date, the links of the bracelet are likely wrapped while the case and case parts are simply plated. Plating is usually very thin (3 to 5 microns) and the 14k gold will be more durable than 18k because the allloy is harder.

I will use this one for my weekend dinner outings.

Does this mean that you will have the dials to sell as seperate items? If so, I would be very interested as I'm certain many others are also.

She obviously doesn't know a great deal about watches or replicas. You could purchase a good replica Daytona that looks similar to the one the she purchased. Wear it when you are around her and odds are that she will never realize that it isn't the one that she purchased for you. The down side is that if she thinks that you love the Daytona that she bought, she is likey to get you another . However, you might point out to her that you are very picky about your watches and how fortunate you are that she luckily selected the Daytona. As you restablish your relationship, you should explain a bit about the replica market and show her some of the higher quality watches. You can introduce her to the forum and to the dealer sites if she shows interest. She will soon understand the differences in replicas and you will have spared her feelings.

Mickey Padge has given you good advice. However, you should contact your dealer and request his advice regarding your return. Dealers are accustomed to handling returns and know the best and safest ways to accomplish them.

There is nothing wrong with buying a genuine strap from an AD. However, you will likely pay as much for the strap as the replica cost you and some will insist on installing it for you. I have installed a gen alligator Pam strap on my watch and it makes a great difference in appearance. A quality strap either gen or aftermarket will give your replica a far more convincing look than the rep straps.

I have slelected this one to wear for the next few days..

In that he is seeking the "best", the ETA is his obvious choice. I know that there is the possibility of getting an ETA clone but, it will still be a higher quality movement than the DG2813. The ETA clones are done so well (probably on the same machinery), that ETA parts are interchangeable and therefore it could be serviced or repaired with genuine parts. Since he plans to give this as a gift to his father, longevity and ability to repair should be high priority. If you have fear of an ETA clone, buy from a dealer known for top service and products and ask questions prior to your purchase.

True Shundi, they are similar. However, the one with the champagne dial is a Frankenjust

Joshua told me some time ago he thought that the insert would be "partial ceramic". I don't know what that means unless it has some sort of ceramic coating on the insert. The price was expected to be in excess of $400 US dollars. It will be interesting to see what is actuallly delivered.

Good catch Shundi Here is another to ponder..

This will be my choice for the weekend:

as to jdavis ... lol mate... i'll see wat i can do with growing a pair eh? .. nah btw which famous ppl are into watches? if u dont mind me asking [/quote Sylvester Stalone Glenn Beck Bill Clinton Brad Pit Kobe Bryant Phil Mickelson Just to name a few......

I doubt if the datewheel has jumped track. More than likely, the glue on the overlay has broken loose and the overlay is rubbing against the underneath of the dial. I have also found that in some instances, the dial is simply pressed too tight against the movement which can cause the binding of the date disc.

Congratulations to you and especially to Mrs. Stilty. That must have been an exciting and stressful experience that the both of you will never forget. I'm glad that all turned out well in spite of all.

Sounds as if you need to grow a set of [censored], my friend! Surely the GF and family have some hobbies that they are involved in. Besides, you are in good company because there are many famous and important people who are into watches. So...grow a pair and stand up for your own interests. Now then..dont you feel better now

I do visit and post on other boards from time to time but, RWG is by far my favorite and I am a daily visitor here.

I know an older guy who has a late 60's TT date model with a pie pan dial that he won in a sales contest years ago. He never sets the date because it doesn't have the quick set feature. He has to rotate the hands until it reaches the required date. He says it is a real PITA and he doesn't care since he doesn't wear it dalily. He also told me he had never had it serviced . I am surprised that it still runs because it has to be running dry. Some people just don't give a rat's patoot.

In what way do you need help?

Simonsays, you are the luckiest of us all. It sounds as though you have found not only a great watchmaker but a really good person as well. It just goes to show that not all people in that profession are quirks. Best to you and your new friend. Keep us informed as to how it goes.

Midweek switch from Rolex to Panerai. This one sports a gen black alligator strap

I purchased one of the first batch and couldn't be more pleased with it. Everything lined up perfectly and installation was simple and straight forward. The movement fit the Rolex case as if it was made for it. Have a look at my Frankenjust below...

The engraved inner bezel (rehaut) was first employed on the Air King and no date Submariner in 2004. Production of the engraved inner bezels for other models gradually appeared through out 2005. By 2006 the entire Rolex line had been converted to the engraved inner bezel.

I will be wearing my recently completed Frankenjust. It is all gen on the outside and is powered by an Eta 2892-A2 movement.