addingwatch

@RobbieG - The Lange Datograph is an awesome watch. If you are looking for one, I know two that are available at an incredible price right now.

I understand your issue and over the years I have gone a little crazy chasing perfection. As to your point though, if you put in the time and effort, it does not need to be that expensive. This repeater took a long time to find the parts, but I was able to get the project done for about the same as a VDB Angelus 6152. A true working repeater watch (that is under 50mm pocketwach size) is normally untouchable for any mere mortal. In the past, I have put together a very good working patek chronograph with a 18K gold case for under $800. There are so many unwanted 18K vintage watches that can be modified to build a classic. The key is starting with the right movement. As an example older Gallet chrono are inexpensive and have outstanding movements. Regards,

Most rose gold plating is no longer real gold plate. They use a brass + something mix that holds better than the old plate. Gold plate does not bond well with SS. Some of the watches look pretty good, but will not look right directly compared to the real thing. Regards.

Very good point. My first efforts were just redialing an old chronograph. After that you just engrave the movement. I have a Rolex 6036 that has been declared authentic by three large Rolex dealers, but I am still not sure. Regards.

@Fidestro - My purpose is just to share my addiction & love of watches with everyone else. I just like watches where the functions work correctly. The repeater movement is originally from a 1901 pocket watch. Rare in that it in addition to the repeater function, it also had a date capability. For it's age, it is amazingly reliable and accurate. The case was made in the 1930s for the movement. The dial I had custom made for the watch. Additional pics... Regards.

Another of my long hard project watches... Does Vacheron Constantine compare to Patek? You decide... 18K Rose Gold case - working repeater (beautiful chimes) with working date. Movement is accurate to about 1 min a day. Movement restoration was a huge pain. The date wheel had lost two notches and took six months to get a replacement. I will post movement pictures (if anyone is interested), but after all of the stir on my Patek post... Regards.

By the way - The picture shown on Phong's site is my watch. After helping on my project, he expanded to Patek. It was expensive, but no where near $15K. Regards.

Thank you RobbieG for your informative and intelligent questions. Also, I apologize if I have offended anyone. As I stated before, I have many PAMs (real & rep) and love them. I started the title with the "Best Rep" concept as a tongue & cheek comment. We all have our own favorite "Best Rep". My point was more that on custom projects that everyone on the board seems to only focus on PAM watches now. Even Rolex efforts seem to have died out. I am a fan of vintage Pateks, VCs & Rolex watches and I thought that the member might be interested in seeing my efforts over the years. My watches have been around for awhile and can be found described on the older TRC board. I had not expected to offend and had hope to get responses like "cool watch" or "here is a picture of mine - and it is cooler". The watch shown in the picture is a 1953 18K Rose Gold Patek 2499 and took over a year to build and get right. It took a long time to find parts and assemble the watch. The movement is complete and all of the functions work correctly. It is accurate to about 1 minute a day. It is the largest (38mm) of the old Pateks and with the plastic crystal wears big enough for modern times. I have also have a 1952 18K RG Patek 1463 Chronograph (which I like better than this 2499) & a 1948 SS Patek 530 chronograph. In the 70s, Patek (and all of Switzerland) sold its old manufacturing equipment. Most went to Russia & some made it to Vietnam. The movement shown was rebuilt (by a master) with parts from Vietnam. I have been a collector for a long time and used to have multiple sources for the parts, but now the only person that I know who can get them is Phong. As RobbieG stated - this is not the work of an amateur. I source & hunt and have the expert put it together. By the way - The Zigmeister's most recent 202a post is also mine. The PVD coating is from the original plant that did the original Panerai work. You have to get the color right. :-) Regards.

The point was not to insult PAM's. I own 6 of them (including 2 VDB specials). The point is to discuss Patek reps. I totally agree that there are no good china based Patek reps. Also, the movement has been serviced since the pic. Regards.

Definitely. Us oldtimer need to show the newbies the way. Feel free to add to my Patek - The best reps thread. The rep is so good, no one seems to believe me. Regards.

Gentlemen - It is a Val 23 based movement modified to the exact Patek standards. I have three of them (and no, they don't come from China). Don't you see, this is the point. Far better quality. All of the old masters have been forgotten. Regards.

What about the one I showed above? What PAM rep compares to it? Regards.

Rep quality has definitely improved by far over the years, but in the persuit of ever better PAM reps from China, I think we have lost our way. The Panerai fad lasted for a few years through good economic times, but it is over. Real Panerai prices have cratered in the three months and will continue to drop. There is only one brand that has survived the test of time and continues to grow (and increase in value). The best - most valuable brand and watch in the world is Patek Philippe SA. Nothing else compares... Also, the best quality reps in the world are Patek. The movements are better. The dials are better. Real 18K gold cases. Take a look below. It is a rep. Comments from any PAM people? Regards.

Patek is THE brand. In the watch world, it is the undesputed King. We have just become too complacent with PAM this - PAM that. Throw in an ugly Concord C1 and everyone seems happy. Also, we seem to have lost creative rep energy to RepGeek. For fun - I am going to try generate some Patek spin with some interesting stuff (maybe throw in something for the granddaddy VC). Anyone want to help. Regards.

Glad everyone likes it... Regards.

This Daytona 6239 was originally made in the 60's - early 70's. I actually had one of these in 2000. Your piece has a nice "used" tone to it. I would leave the bezel as is and not try to paint it. That rarely turns out well. A T-21 crystal would make a big difference as the crystal should not have rounded edges and be thicker, but I would measure the size first. It is unlikely that it will fit. The biggest issue is the thickness, this rep sits significantly higher on the wrist than a authentic 6239. Also, I can tell you from experience that this dial looks very good with a black alligator strap & buckle. Regards.

Very interesting. And very bright. Regards.

Depends on the brand you are interested in. Rolex & Cartier are limited to 10% (but they will add in extra gifts). Others will offer more. An autherized Colorado Lange dealer offered me 38% off last weekend. Regards.

Never underestimate basic black. Regards.

Just remember he grew up in the Illinois political machine; and brought it all to Washington. There will be a lot more "interesting policies & people" to come. Regards.

A little center post today. Regards.

This looks nothing like a real patek. If you want a complicated rep that is pretty accurate, take a look at some of the VC watches. The retrograde and dual time are very good. Regards.

Incredible piece. Regards.

40mm with the SS band looks good. It still wears bigger than most watches. Regards.

Incredible!!! Regards.