By-Tor

Here is more great info about this model (and the whole history of the GMT transition years).

This is an interesting model. Not many Rolex people know that they briefly produced a GMT II with Submariner clasp and thicker case. These are not yet highly collectible, but I believe they WILL be. This particular watch isn't in very good condition though. I'm actually surprised how old the dial looks, despite the watch being only from 1983. Nothing wrong with the watch though, I'm sure it's genuine. See The Fat Lady here.

Forget the "Zenith" bs... there has never, ever been a otb replica watch with Zenith movement. It's all lies and bs of the scam sites. You know how much a genuine El Primero costs? You arrived to the library... don't be silly and keep asking where all the books are. Just start reading. My signature, for example, has links to about 50 replica watch articles (hundreds, if you count the links in the main guides). Good luck!

You thought wrong, they're a scam site... just like Idealwatches, Bestswiss and all other Grade AAAA+ Swiss ReplicaCenter scammers.

I drive a 2006 model Mercedes E200 Kompressor. It's very good car but quite sterile and boring. It's not mine (technically), it belongs to my stepfather's company. I would never put that much money on a silly car. I'm not a big "car person" but if I had to buy a car for myself, I'd probably buy a original OLD Audi Quattro. None of the cars today have the same spirit.

Aquaracer for Tuesday.

I'm thankful for the fact that most of my close relatives and friends are healthy. I'm also thankful that I came to my senses and didn't completely ruin my own health with the extreme sports I used to practice in my youth. Too many people neglet their health and don't respect it enough... until they no longer have it.

Thanks all. Somehow the straps don't seem to "grab" me at all. I simply don't feel comfortable wearing them. Planet Ocean with a rubber strap, yes... maybe. If someone has a good 2XAR UPO for sale.

Just for the record: Here are the gen prices of the platinum models (thanks hk54ca): Oyster Perpetual Day-Date. 0 36mm, platinum. bezel set with 24 baguette diamonds. 31 jewel chronometer movement, synthetic sapphire crystal, with President bracelet 83206 . . . . . . . . . . with 8 round and 2 baguette diamonds set on dial and President bracelet 83206 Please refer to model 118239 for a complete listing of available additional cost dials. 101,150.00 103.650.00 President Karat" bracelet 84209 83,200.00 Oyster Perpetual Day-Date "Special Edition", " 39mm, platinum, bezel set with 40 diamonds, 8 round and 2 baguette diamonds set on dial, 31 jewel chronometer movement, synthetic sapphire crystal, with Oyster 20mm bracelet 72746 .. . . . . . with mother-of-pearl diamond dial and Oyster 20mm bracelet 72746 Please refer to model 118239 for a complete listing of available additional cost dials. 81,750.00 83,650.00 Oyster Perpetual Day-Date. " 36mm, platinum. domed bezel. case lugs set with 32 diamonds. 31 jewel chronometer movement. synthetic sapphire crystal, with President bracelet 83206 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............

The lugs remind me of a AP. Congrats Richard! And once again: You have to post pics of your entire collection sometimes.

There aren't many watches that are worth buying as gens (not counting the real "high horology" pieces that can't be repped). But Speedy Moon is definitely one of the best gen purchases I can think of. Can't really find many watches that have so much traditions and history on them.

I love that shot! Great idea to use the arctic sea map in the photo setup (for this watch).

Starting the week with my beloved Polar Explorer. Don't know if Rolex ever made a more beautiful watch than this... Will probably change to my new acquisition later on...

Agreed. This is a big disappointment, if this is really the "hot new SMP" they were talking about.

Spoken like a true addict.

The dial color on the rep is simply stunning (imho)... too turquoise or not. And once again: the DD/DJ line has hundreds of different dial variations. Not a big deal (imho). But of course: Blue dial is rarely the best option for the rep buyers (if accuracy is the only thing you're looking for). Same issue with many other reps too. Personally, I always have a soft spot for blue dials.

This is my current collection of watches. I always tried to keep it in 8 pieces but "slipped" a bit. Then my Rolex-only collection. I've owned reps of almost all Rolex sports watches, but at the end of the day these 5 are the "must haves" for me. 1 gen, 2 frankens and 2 super reps. The only Rolex in my collection that I don't passionately love, is the GMTIIc. But it's a great rep so it deserves a permanent place there... 4 out of my 5 Rolexes have the 4th hand. I wouldn't mind getting the upcoming classic WM9 SeaDweller, but I think black steel Sub will suffice. Daytona... hmm... it's a nice watch and everything but I doubt it'd get any wrist time over my Ebel, SMP Chrono and Aquaracer. Some summaries of the watches: SFSO ETA: Well what can I say... one of the best reps ever done. I don't wear my SFO every week, but when I do I'm always genuinely impressed of it. The blue dial on the rep isn't exact, but who really cares... it's one of the most "believable" and accurate reps ever released. Classic Bond ETA SMP: The gen isn't too expensive, but I somehow feel "connected" with this rep. It's one of my first ever rep purchases and the movement is simply superb. Definitely gen Swiss ETA. One of the best timekeepers I have, and very rugged and nice tool watch to boot. Funny to say something like this of a rep, but it really is built like a tank. I often strap this on when I'm doing some construction work at my summer cottage (or anything physical, like jogging or riding the fitness cycle). Bond 7750 Chronograph: Still one of my favorites. I love everything on this watch: the size (perfect), thickness and the wrist presence. Maybe my all-time favorite chronograph watch (along with the Aquaracer). Ebel Discovery Chronograph: One of the new purchases. I wanted a white dial chronograph watch, and this filled the gap perfectly. Outstanding rep and an excellent looker. This is probably going to be my first choice for the dress duties. Gen 16710: Maybe my all-time favorite watch. I don't think gens are worth the ridiculous money they cost, but this one I simply HAD to buy as a gen. "Ceramic" GMT ETA WHS: I'm still not completely "sold" to this new model, but I like it more and more every day. The rep is a classic... and as a GMT nerd I had to buy it. TAG Aquaracer Day-Date Chronograph 7750: I've always been a big fan of this watch. And surprisingly, I love it more and more every year. Definitely one of my "bread and butter" models. Parting with this one is absolutely out of question. I doubt there has been a week that I haven't worn this one (after I purchased it summer 2006). Maybe my most-worn watch in the last 2 1/2 years. Damn, I think I'll put this on right now! Franken-Explorer II: This rare CHS version has been equipped with genuine dial. Dluddy built a similar beauty just recently, and this is my most prized rep possession. I love the white Explorer II, and I would definitely buy this as a gen (if my franken wasn't so damn nice). We all know the movement is a timebomb, but this devil keeps on working flawlessly, still after 3 1/2 years. If it ever stops, I'll replace it with WHS ETA. The hand stack is pretty much meaningless for me. Black Explorer II: The most underrated and most overlooked Rolex rep ever. The legendary black Noobfactory model. I'm surprised how much I like this watch, and how much I like to wear it. I'm a huge ExpII fan and I simply HAD to get them both. WM9 Submariner: My newest acquistion. You all read the review. Everyone should have one Sub, so why not get the second best one available? Second best to gen, that is. These are pretty much the watches I like to wear, and can't really think of many others that I absolutely want. I'm aware of the fact that my collection is quite unimaginative, but hey... I only wear steel sports models like these. No straps for me. The BCE has always been on my list, but I'm not too crazy about the polished bracelet. Another watch I have considered is the Omega AT... and if they'll ever release a better 42mm PO, I'd get that one immediately... other than those, I'm not really looking to buy anything new (unless something irresistible comes out).

Excellent post... thanks man! IWC and Sinn definitely have a lot in common (design wise).

Interesting. People kept saying that the Noob is smaller, but when I compared the GMT from the same factory with my gen 16710, the size was exact. Not just "almost there" but 100% there. All other "truths" about "significantly better" bracelet and "clearly different steel color" turned out to be mostly bs too. The gen wears bigger yes, which is mainly due to thicker bezel (imho), not due to wrong dimensions. Not saying you're wrong though... this might be true for the DD/DJ models. Anyone else can confirm this?

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: All threads in my review section are now OPEN! That means you can post replies to the threads and comment them as much as you want. There are no duplicates or closed threads anymore, except for the few stickies in the brand subforums. All comments are welcome. Thanks guys!

Really cool watch. Thanks for this review and pics Raymond. Much appreciated!

Many thanks guys! I corrected the information (and the title picture). This gen counterpart is only available in platinum. Shows how much I actually know about these dress models.

Thanks all! Though hk45ca says that this dial variation is only available in platinum, not in white gold. Can someone confirm this?

Beautiful "nature" shot! The double AR really makes this watch shine.

Thanks my friend. You're way too kind... but 1. She wouldn't wear a Rolex (although she really liked the watch). 2. She's still very happy with her TAG Link. And you know... automatic watches are too complicated for women.