prospex44

What does "wabi" mean?

From the Japanese "Wabi-sabi"

It centers around a view or aesthetic which is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete"

It just means some attractive wear and tear which might add to a piece's particular appeal!

Hey Prospex Interesting that the Sternkreuz xs 303.472 did not fit as it is the smaller of the two available - there is a 305mm and a 303mm. The 303mm fitted perfectly on the Josh 5512 that I sold you without adjustment and was perfectly water proof. I might have put it in the wrong packet - did you try the others? Good luck with the changes

Actually, it is entirely possible that i mixed the packets up!

You can indeed - stick it in a drill bit and use some sandpaper round a thin blade and just let it do the work. You actually get quite a good result. I found though that an early 703 is the best option as 702 is a fortune and 702 tube almost impossible to get!

I have to say, that is a great idea!

The modded 5513 again tonight!

Great to see these still being bought and built! Love the new crystal - I have a gen beveled service dome on my 5512 and yours looks identical. If you are going with a gen crown, switch your search to a 702. It'll cost you more, but they have a different profile than the 703 and will help with the stubby guard issue. Also be aware a gen tube will take a bit of work to fit the case.

Thank you Sir!

Yes i think the new crystal looks far better than the superdome.

As for the crowns, would you have any pics of a 702 crown in this case at all?

Is this the 5513 with gen construction bezel? I thought is only available with the higher priced Asian/swiss movement? I see this one also has the better pearl on the insert not the crappy little flat "dot" like they have on the cheap 21j 5513's at Puretime. (the one I foolishly bought!)

Yep, bezel construction is same as Gen, pretty cool considering the price point of these.

I believe these are all the same specs, just the movement differernce which equates to the higher prices.

As for the pearl, i think this was a recent upgrade to some of these vinatge models from Josh.

Looking good! I bought one months ago and changed the crystal and aged the bezel insert then wore it to work every day, now look at the state of it! I am in the construction industry though.

I really like that wabi'd look!

Besides, you can always "restore" it back to life with a new insert and crystal when the time comes for not a lot of money!

Adding to Andy's comments, swap the dial for a gen & it would fool me. But even as it is

Freddy, What is the crystal you have in your Comex? the one in today's Wristies thread? Is it like a Top Hat tropic? I really like it!

Adding to Andy's comments, swap the dial for a gen & it would fool me. But even as it is

Andy + Freddy - Thanks both very much. Looking forward to having a go at the case and CG's next!

Out of interest, what kind of money is in a Gen dial?

Great review for an awesome watch! Super photos also! Trust me, it won't be your last purchase! Reps have come a long way. Much thanks!

D

Thanks D,

Yes, to be honest, i am still pretty amazed at how much modern Reps have developed over the last few years!!

You know what that looks real good!!!!!!!!!!

Particauly for the price

where did that new crystal come from?????

Many thanks Andy! I am pleased with it so far!

I got the crystal along with my 5512 i got from another member.

It is a Sternkreuz tropic 19. The ref number on the crystal pack was XS 303.472. (C19230)

The crystal was a little too big, so i had to reduce the size along the outer edge so that i could get the retaining ring seated back down properly. But some Ploywatch brought that back to life!

Hi Guys

Just wanted to share my latest piece that arrived in the post just the other day!

It's a Rolex 5513 from Josh (Perfect Clones).

This is the $118 Asian 21J version. Seems like a very popular watch around here, and to be honest, i can clearly see why.

When it arrived, it looked a little too "Perfect" for my liking.

I had thought this would be my first Rolex Mod project, so i was planning some light mods to start off with.

This is it, pretty much straight out of the box and into the garden for some pics!

In amongst my list of mods i wanted to carry out on this one were:

1) Crystal change.

2) Insert aging

3) New crown and tube

4) Case & CG Re-shaping

5) Re-drill spring bar holes

6) Bracelet oiling

I have a new crown tube on order and i am trying to track down a nice Gen crown.

This is the stock "superdome" crystal that comes with it......

While some may like this look, i thought it was really spoiling the overall look of the watch, so i decided to change that first. I just think the crystal is way too domed!

In went a new domed Acrylic (though not quite as domed as the superdome!!). I put in a crystal that already had some "WABI" so i could try for the vintage "lived in" look! Then i faded the insert in some neat bleach and reassembled the watch.

The stock bracelet, while good enough, was a little stiff and squeeky. Just didn't feel right, if you know what i mean.

So after aquiring some good quality sewing machine oil (thanks to By-Tor for the tip) i gave it a good soak overnight and it came out like a different bracelet!

Feels completely different - better quality, more luxurious on the wrist. No more squeeks or stiffness in the links!

I am still awaiting some different sandpaper grades, so unfortunately, the case and CG re-shape with have to wait for now.

This is how it looks now.....

So there we have it! First mods of any kind i have done on a rep.

I think i may have overdone the amount of time the insert was in the bleach, but the more i look at it, the more i like it!!

Now just waiting for my parts to arrived so i can have a go at the CG's and case and looking out for a nice 703 Gen crown!

Thanks for looking!

5513 - New arrival for me today!

Datsun & Comex today

Wow, that is stunning. Lovin the Comex!

Sent from my HTC Vision

Wow, many congrats, this looks superb for the money! You mentioned the dial was from the Bay? Would you have a link to it at all?

This one again for me!

Love this one, looks amazing, congrats!

Wearing this one tonight!

Have you thought about a nice Leather Ammo?

I have used this ebay seller, who is based in Thailand, before.

I ordered a custom Ammo. You can choose exact sizes and lengths, colour, design, stitch colour etc etc.

It is perhaps quite expensive, but the service and end product were excellent!

Here is a link to an advert he has on the Bay, you can check out his store from there......

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swiss-Ammo-Strap-24-24mm-combatible-Panerai-/170758071064?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c1f96318

Congrats on an awsome pick-up! I think this looks amazing on the bracelet as well!

_{Still wearing the 5512, but it was a nice sunny day here (for a change!) so i got the camera out again!}

_{I think i have the Vintage Rolex bug, and i am really in a bad way!!}

_{Looking for my next one now!}

Gordon, I have to say, I really like this one mate. Very tool watch look to it.

How does it wear?

Sent from my HTC Vision

Frank, really stunning build. Many congrats. Looks amazing on the bracelet, but there is also something about the leather that I like!

Was the Gen movement hard to find?

Sent from my HTC Vision

Still this one for me today!

My vote would be +1 for the already mentioned Tudor Snowflake - would love to see those available!