jdavis

Where did you get it? What movement is in it? You will need to consider if the repair cost will exceed the value of the watch. If it has an Asian 2813 movement, it could be replaced for $20 and the GMT modified parts added to the new movement. If you have the skill to do it yourself, it might make it feasible to do. An ETA movement is far more expensive but, repairing the existing movement might be a better choice if you know a watch maker willing to tackle the job.

Here is one that should satisfy your needs

Alternative to The Zigmeister? I'm sorry to inform you sir but, from where I stand The Zigmeister has no equal and therefore there can be no real alternative. You may not agree with his business methods but you certainly can not argue with his ability and skill in the world of horology. Watch making is a dying trade in this age of electronic time keeping. The younger generations don't relate to a mechanical watch much less a manual wind model. Many don't wear watches and prefer to rely on "do all" electronic devices for the time of day. This is the future we face. If you know a good watch maker, it would pay dividends to forge a good relationship with him/her.

lanikia, you will need to modify your crown guards to get the correct shape. I don't think that a relume would look authentic since the genuine lume was tritium and would have lost its luminescence some years ago and the modern lume looks very different from the aged original lume.

I have read reports that the new Asian 7750 with 28.8k bph movement has proven to be far more trustworthy than the previous variations. If I recall correctly, The Zigmeister wrote a review of this movement and gave it a clean bill of health. Is this incorrect or am I missing something.

If the winding stem checks out OK, it could be that the threads on the case tube are damaged or stripped. Crowns and case tubes are a known problem with the Planet Ocean. If you just received the watch, email Jay and explain the problem. I am sure that he will take care of this.

This Omega was a gift offered by his employer as an expression of gratitude and respect for his years of service. It isn't something that was required or an obligation but, a gift. Too often I hear the "you owe me" attitude from people with regard to government as well as their employers. Enough never seems to be enough for many people and demands are endless. There are no guarantees for a reward for your services other than the agreed upon compensation for that service unless you are fortunate enough to be a CEO with a "golden parachute" in your contact. If this isn't your intended meaning, please accept my apology.

You will find that the latest versions of the Datejust are very close to the gens. As a suggestion, you might go to an AD and find a model variation that you like and then look for the rep. I ordered and just received a TT GMT Master II from Joshua with jubilee bracelet. It is the lastest case design unlike the photo on his site. Beautiful watch and superb service from Joshua.

The stem isn't difficult to remove. I imagine that Locktite or Hypo is used to cement the threads to the crown and it will back out easily. If you don't have a pin vise be careful that your grasping tool doesn't damage the stem.

As others have stated, going at this from the back of the case might be the preferred method if you can open the case. However, removal of the crystal isn't that difficult if you have a single edge razor blade and a crystal press. Insert the edge of the blade between the case and bezel and press in until it stops. Work your way around the bezel lifting as you go. Once the bezel is free, the crystal and crystal gasket ring can easily be lifted from the watch. After cleaning the crystal, you reinstall it and the plastic gasket ring onto the case by pressing it into place. Install the bezel over the crystal and using a crystal press with the die to fit the bezel, press it until it clicks into place taking care not to contact the crystal.

I used Gorilla glue to hold mine in place. Gorilla is incrediably strong and 100% waterproof according to the manufacturer. It expands as it drys and fills the void between the case and tube. I applied the Gorilla to just cover the threads of the tube before pressing it into the case and clamping it. You can trim any excess that may appear around the tube after it dries. The tube has been solid as if it was threaded into place for almost 5 months.

Don't think for a minute that you will be able to purchase that 2824-2 from Borel for $74. The prices shown are old and haven't been up dated for some time. The correct price will appear in your cart after you have selected it. The new price is a little over $120. If you have to hire someone to change the movement, the expense might approach that of a new watch.

Coeuss, if you don't want to cough up the money for an ETA movement, you can easily exchange your ETA for a CN movement with a bit of effort. The DG2813 is the ideal replacement for your ETA 2824-2 and it only costs $16 from Borel. Both are 11.5L in size so it will fit perfectly into your existing spacer ring. I replaced a dead ETA in a Sub with this movement so I know that it fits easily. The difficulty, as others have stated, is that you will need to acquire the hands and black date wheel for the Asian movement. Contact Jay (Silix) and explain what you are doing and what parts that you need to complete the swap. I feel certain that he can ship you a date wheel or overlay as well as the hands. BTW, I may have a black date wheel for the 2813 if Jay is unable to provide it.

I checked prices today and found that the ST18 is 60GBP=$118US from Cousins. The current price for an ETA 2824-2 from Borel is $122US (prices on web are out of date and are updated in your cart). Otto Frei is slighlty higher.

It is possible but, you are likely to scratch the bezel when trying to pry out the existing pearl. Use caution

I have never found anyone available for this On-Line chat feature regardless of the time differences. Email produces the best results..."nice day"

This has been an on going concern of many on most all of the forums. However, I don't see it as a big issue at all because, we all should be aware of the marketing terminology used in nearly every advertisement we see or read. Product knowledge is your best defense in the replica or any other buying situation. Establishing a good relationship with your collector, comparing collector photos with gen photos, searching for reviews on the forums, asking questions of your collector, never expecting perfection, and making your buying decision. It takes a bit of work but, by following this process and ignoring the verbal hype, you can reduce your chances of being disappointed and increase your chances of being pleased with your watch purchases.

I have found that the younger one is the more likely it is that he/she will be questioned about the authenticity of a watch. A person in his 20s might have a nice car and clothes and still be questioned whereas someone in his 40s or older will hardly get a second glance. Credit is easy to obtain in this day and time so a younger person anxious to impress can look the part yet be knee deep in dept. His peers will be quick to question his status symbols. I would not be quick to judge a person's ability to own an expensive gen watch by his appearance. It is still difficult to judge a book by looking at the cover. If you have "it", it isn't necessary to flaunt it. Don't flash your watch in an obvious manner. If someone asks, give them a surprised look and respond with "please don't tell me that this watch looks like a fake. I paid good money for it and think that it is beautiful". Most will apoligize for asking and quickly change the subject.

Rolex did change the model numbers by adding a 1 to some of the case numbers. Case numbers now have six digits rather than five. For example, the 16233 became 116233. I suppose that all case parts will fit either case save for the bracelet. I really don't think that your watch will scream fake at all. As you say, most non informed watch people won't know the differences in the first place. Besides, you could simply say that you replaced your worn bracelet with the new design. BTW, I think that your watch is going to look great. I love the look of the diamond dial. As an aside, when you asked your watchmaker if he could install your parts in your Eta movement, did you say E-T-A or Eta? I can't imagine any comptent watchsmith who hasn't heard of Eta movements. Perhaps he just didn't want the job. If he really doesn't know of it, you should move on with all haste.

I believe that the no spring bar hole case first appeared in 2002 and was a different case design from the previous model. The shape of the case was designed to better contour to the shape of the wrist. FYI, the last digit in your five digit case number would be "4" if the watch was shipped with white gold accessories. The "0" indicates that it was shipped as all SS. New style bracelets with solid end links will not fit the older "pin hole" cases due to the change in location of the pin holes. I have seen them fitted by using bent spring bars but the fit was imperfect. I would contact one of our collectors and ask if an old style "open end link" bracelet was available or, search for a genuine older style bracelet. Your watch will appear authentic and your patience will not be tried by trying to fit the newer style bracelet to the older case.

Looks as though another Ebay customer is going to get screwed on a fake Rolex Have a looks at this Ebay Rolex?. Over $500 and climbing

Current price is exactly $128.65

I'm in the US and have been able to obtain them from Jules Borel. The price has gone up in recent times but, I believe that they still are able to supply them. I don't know what "reasonable" means to you but, as of August 2007 the price was about $100 US. BTW, Jules Borel is a pleasure to deal with.

There are always two sides to every story. Perhaps the inquiry was made in a demanding manner or the vendor was knee deep in orders for the Christmas season and unable to ship as quickly as normal. Since we don't know all the circumstances, we shouldn't rush to judgment. Hopfully the vendor in question will step up to offer his/her side of this story.

I received correspondence from Ufanta this morning. He appears willing to take what ever steps are necessary to insure my satisfaction. You can't ask for more than that.