jdavis

You hate fraud yet and we participate in and encourage it with every replica that we buy. Seems a bit hypocritical doesn't it? I realize that this person willfully deceived his friend and that sheds a different light on this situation. Yet, counterfeiting certainly can and does lead to fraud also. (I am not trying to be offensive here. You comment just struck me as being funny.)

IMO...Differences are slight and hardly worth the bother. Keep the $40 for yourself

I have taken a proper size drill bit and turned it by hand to enlarge the insert hole. The insert stands slightly off the surface of the bezel which allows the bit to pass through the soft metal. With care you will get a clean cut enlarged hole that will allow the new pearl to be installed.

This proves that opinions are like noses , everyone has at least one. So,.....here is mine: Hublot BB (ceramic is best but too expensive) Tag Aqua Racer Super Sea Dweller Brietling SOSF Omega UPO Remember that there is something flawed about any and all reps, some are just better than others.

In my experience, if you live the life style that warrants the price of the watch you wear, few will question a good rep. However, there are those that are simply fishing or trying to appear smart. My initial response would be one of surprise. Then, I would quickly ask what would make them think such a thing because, I had paid good money for it and would need the information to confront the dealer. If he knows his stuff, he will point out the replica flaws at which point you laugh and congratulate him on his knowledge. If he is fishing ,he will most likely apologise and back off or possibly, hand you a load of crap about your watch. If so, act P.O.'d and ask him to accompany you to the dealer to explain why he knows you were sold a rep. Also, ask if he will be an "expert witness" if you decide to sue the dealer. 1000 to 1 that he will decline the offer.

You guys in Chicago are in luck! Here is a post from another forum that you should find interesting.... QUOTE If any one needs a rep friendly watch repairman, I know of an honest guy in chicago. He's fixed about 5 of my reps (PAM 195, chopard, tag, montblanc timewalker, omega). He's been making/repairing watches all his life. He even has a bce he can't get rid of in his display case. For those of us who has problems with our watches it's hard to find a repairman where we're not scared to have to give up our watch or get in trouble somehow. It can be hard to ship a watch back overseas for custom reasons or fear of loss or whatever. He's expecting some business from the forum. He's repaired a bunch of my friends watches already. If anyone is interested, his name is Imer Purelku. A very nice older polish (i think) gentleman. His number is 773-883-8679, call during regular business hours. He charges a fair price and guarantees his work. He'll tell you honestly if he can fix your watch or not. Not only did he fix the broken seconds hand on my 195, but he greased it, cleaned it, etc.. Mention "Marc" when you call....no, I don't get a commission or discount for this. I just want to inform those who need a good guy to fix their watches .

If you are able to get a Rolex AD to sell you a crystal. It will be a replacement crystal and therefore will have a small "s" beside the etched coronet. The numbers you are getting are pretty much the going rate. I had a chipped sapphire on my gen DateJust and was quoted $350 US to replace it. I ordered an aftermarket crystal and gasket from Jules Borel for $38 and replaced it myself. It has no coronet etched on it but, for $312 difference, I could care less.

Well done Stilty! It shows a lot of thought and ingenuity and it makes for a very professional installation. Thanks for sharing.

The Tudor watches use and ETA movement and therefore, the date window is farther to the right to align with the date wheel on the 28xx series of ETA movements. Your noob most likely uses a date disc overlay that is glued to the movement date wheel to allow the date to align with the Rolex window. Removal of the overlay should expose the original date wheel and align correctly with the Tudor window.

It is sad to say but, you have damaged your keyless works by pressing the release button too hard. It can be repaired but, some disassembly is required. Here is a link to a tutorial from RWI that should be of help to you repair of release mechanism

A good place to start your search is with the dealer who sold you the watch. Most likely he/she will be able to help you out.

Although the price may seem high to some, price tolerence is relative. It is a difficult item to source so perhaps it isn't a bad deal. It does show a bit of being overworked but, as previously stated, the age and associated wear could account for this. I would put it on the MBW and enjoy it.

Both Trustytime and Perfect Clones offer custom orders for customers who want something special or otherwise not listed on the site. The price you pay will depend on the custom work, parts, or special watch that you request. Email Joshua or Andrew for full information about the service if interested.

You guys have got to be kidding! Rolex has made so many variations of the Date/Datejust dials that it is difficult to make a definitive call. Overall the watch looks pretty darn good. BTW, the dial is probably the same for either the ETA or Asian movements.

Rates vary from shop to shop and many will not work on reps at all. You are fortunate to have found a willing watch maker to make the switch. The job isn't complicated and shouldn't take more than an hour to perform.

Wow, that crown lever looks lethal. I can see that it will take a bit of getting used to it as Italiano stated. Looks as if it might have been inspired by a WWII grenade No offense intended gentlemen, just a little levity. I hope that you enjoy your Cronofighters.

20mm but much thicker than the standard springbar

I assume that your Turn-o-graph is a replica. It is unlikely that your watch maker will be able to supply a new dial at all unless he has access to Rolex parts. A new Rolex dial would likely cost around $300 retail. Your best approach is to contact your dealer/collector and purchase a replica dial. If you don't know the dealer, I am told that Silix will sell certain dials from time to time for something like $25 plus shipping. I wouldn't send it by EMS due to the cost unless you must have it quick. Regular air mail will take a couple of weeks but is the cheapest method. Of course, if you plan or ordering a new watch, now would be a good time and the dial would come along for the ride.

You should hear from Jay or Angela within a day or two. He is "old school" he has a regular job as well as being a trusted collector. Don't worry, be patient, he will take care of you in due time. If you are looking for lighting fast response and the quickest service, Joshua (Perfect Clones) or Andrew (Trustytime) have no equals in that regard.

That is a difficult question to answer without knowing what case we are talking about. Some use a plastic spacer ring, some use a metal spacer ring, while others don't use a ring at all but are held in place by case clamps and screws. It is like asking a mechanic how to install an engine in a car. A VW engine may require one method while a BMW may require another method and material. I would suggest that you post this in the watch repair forum. Perhaps The Zigmeister or another expert will respond.

You had me going on that one! I swallowed the bait hook, line, and sinker and......I apparently wasn't the only one! Good one I hope your watch arrives soon.

I have a gold TT also that shows discoloration from time to time. However, it isn't as bad as yours. I am told that it is caused by hand oils that were not cleaned prior to the application of the gold. I have been able to remove it with Flitz metal polish. It is non abrasive polish and has not harmed the gold plating/layering on the band. The "rust" will return but, a light buff by hand will take care of the problem.

Bob Frei isn't difficult if you know exactly what you are looking for and have case numbers or part numbers when you place your order. I believe that he simply doesn't want to go to the trouble that parts hunting or guessing involves. This tees off customers plus, he adds a fee to check stock. IMO, Juels Borel offers the best service and has better prices. I have found that negotiating Borel's web site is far easier than most others.

This is the way I envision the production of replicas in China is handled. It may not be !00% correct but, I think that it is close. The rep industry in China is much like the cottage industries found in EU and the US before the industrial revolution. The "factories" are located in homes and other small buildings rather than a large manufacturing facility. Various components are gathered and sent to these backyard facilities then assembled in others that are scattered about by the so called "skilled Swiss trained" personnel. Assembled products are then disbursed to the dealers or sellers. There are no warehouses or formal distribution facilities for this trade. This system works well because it can be pulled down and relocated in a short time should the authorities decide to close in.

By-Tor....As always, an excellent review and superb photography. You mentioned that the date wheel and cyclops was too far to the right on one of Andrew's YM's. Have a look at the second gen photo in Scoopy's post. It appears to have the cyclops placed almost at the edge of the crystal. What gives?