Texski

X, I saw your post on another forum, and I thought I would post the same here. It seems this problem happens frequently, as people have been asking me to source IWC crownsets to fix it. The problem is that the rep tube is too long, and I doubt that the titanium for the crown is not the best quality. As a result, they have been stripping. It seems like the Breitling Titanium Avengers had a similar problem. In a metal case, if the gen tube is too big, you drill out the hole to fit the tube. Then you glue and press the tube in. You cannot machine it ... or I have not found anyone to do this. The guys who had this problem returned their watches to the dealer for a replacement. I have asked a dealer to send me a caseset, and I have ordered a crown set. Until I can confirm this, I cannot recommend an IWC replacement. It would be nice if someone else had better news! Mike

It's a beautiful watch, and I think it is often overlooked. I have black dials available ... I'm going to have to check on this dial. Mike

So are you trying to get a watch to look like Lanikai's, or IWC's? Here's a couple of pictures for you of IWC watches. The IWC dial is a starburst design (second picture illustrates this best. One of the things I like most about IWC is the way their dials manipulate light. At one angle, it will appear a certain shade, and at another appear to be another shade. Do a search for IW378202 or IWC 3782 and look for the 02 version. The rep strap is poor quality anyways, so get the one you want. If you are concerned about accuracy, I can get IWC parts for you, even the strap. Mike

Lobster, thank you. FYI, I just talked to ChiefTang and he may be doing a run in a couple of months. Taka is sold out of the 3717's so you would need to supply your own crystal, and ship to EU. Mike

Chris, IWC saphires for 5000 series watches are very expensive. They are made in limited quantities, so the cost of manufacturing is more. Expect to pay $600+ The 3717 saphires are half as much. They really compliment the white-ish/silver of a Spitfire dial, but they come at a hefty price. 3717 Saphire and Crown Tube If you want IWC, PM me. Mike

Francisco, Thanks! Speaking for myself, I appreciate your experience and the knowledge you share. Systematic testing with good controls and objective results. This is another fine example of the work we benefit from. Thanks again, Mike

The dealer you choose will be the one to best answer your question. Tell them what you want, and how it is different from the other ones you have seen. If you choose a dealer that has great service, you will get accurate QC pics (of the actual watch they will send, and maybe even video), and you can ask about the color. Remember, not all Trused Dealer are the same in terms of service and business ethics. Good Luck, Mike

I have seen both on the same site. Look at Tony's Asian7750.com Portfino's Good luck, Mike

????! Look on Francisco's sub-forum. He did a review on a couple of AR treatments, and he recommended someone in the EU, besides 2Geeks, and Chief. If it's not on this forum, it will be on one of the others. If someone wants to send me crystals to review, I have the rep and IWC. Mike

2 Geeks There are other people who do AR. Just look at the other areas on this forum, maybe Mods. Good luck, Mike

@ Lobster, Are you an alias for Nik, or are you just shilling for him? M, A Taka crystal is going to be much cheaper than an IWC saphire. He has them ready to purchase, so you don't need to send and wait for yours to be done. You can sell the rep crystal on this forum. Ditto tomhorn about VAC. And since you are not going to do a movement sway, I would suggest that you send your hands, too. The lume will be consistent ... very nice touch. I think Vac may do the DDW, too. If not, there are some other guys who are more than capable. If you decide to go with IWC parts, and since you are "in the middle of USA", PM me. You will not have to worry about Customs issues. Keep us posted on your project, Mike

These pictures were taken with a 3G iphone. I can't wait to see it in the light. Good news ... I'll send updates. Mike

Anybody done this before? Gen tube in rep case? Thanks, Mike

Ken, While it does go in a different direction, I appreciate Carl's comment. Recently, I asked 4 dealers if they could get a Breitling Titanium Chrono Avenger. Two of them sent pictures, two of them said that it was available but would not sell it because of the poor quality. Your point, don't trust the dealers who are not on our list, is a good one. Carl's point, don't trust all dealers on our list equally, is good, too. Some of our dealers do not have an eye for the details, or need alot of supervision.

It's a beautiful watch. Unlike the bastardized IWC Chronograph Rattrapante Laureus Sport for Good Foundation edition I don't see how you could get details like the fine links of the band when you sell things like this! BAD IWC Rep on RWG

The case with the back is a IW371432 Portuguese Laureus addition. The dial is in the style of IW371401. This is what happens when 2 reps are left unattended and liquor is available. Or possibly when the factory owner's son is given too much responsibility too soon. A good rep dial and you have a daily beater until it needs service.

Forumfan, Your reservations are understandable. Just know that countless transactions have been made with the trusted dealer, using wire transfer. One of the most powerful tools you have if things go wrong is the members of this forum. We do ALOT of business with them, and they want to keep it that way. Just realize that you are dealing with another culture, and that you have can't treat them like the customer service rep for an American company in India. Depending on who you choose will depend on how fast the service is, the quality of the rep, and how much you pay.

Jorg, Here are some pictures of one being modded. I'd like to know how this turns out. 3714 on the bench Mike

Hugo, are you saying that a gen dial will not fit the rep movement? I saw your comment about the 3714 crystal ... it is either UV or 2K. Can you PM me?

Check with Tony Mark XV Spitfire White 3706 Spitfire Chrono Black On the 3706, dealers may not have them named correctly. Look for 39mm case, and then the hands.

It is in the style of the Gen. Good gen pictures are hard to find . . . or should I say, more time than I want to spend on it. Look at the one with the Red fabric The gen will have a dial that will reflect the light as if it has 'rays'. The sub dial will have pronounced concentric rings. The numbers look to be raised with lume. For $118, I doubt that you will get these features on a rep. Don't expect it to be a 1:1. I can't tell from Tony's photos, but it looks like the numbers are painted on the dial. Lay has better pictures, including a lume shot. Lay's 3702 With a limited edition made, most people have not seen a gen.

Actually, I think it is based off of IW371401. The most glaring will be fixed with a dial and correct hands. Back is wrong. Does that make this a Fantasy watch?

Beautiful watch. Crisp, clean lines. Nice pictures, too. What dealer did you get this from? Not a big deal, but all the Laureus (Laureui ?) I have seen have blue dials. I like the contrast of the silver, white, and gold. I might be able to get these for you. PM me.