UmpaHimself

Actually, the way I understand it, the guy who wrote the article owns all three of those watches. Wow, that is a great looking dial for sure. Would love to see how it turns out.

Right, I'm sure they added it quickly. But I still love the look. Panerai never had much on the dial either.

Ah I see. That's unfortunate. I'm sure it can be machined but how and by whom, I can't say.

If you have ever done research on red subs or on Rolex period you have probably come across the Rolex Passion Report and probably this article: http://rolexpassionreport.com/174/evolution-of-the-red-rolex-submariner-ref-1680/ It took me a second to realize that the example he showed of an early sub was missing the chapter ring. But once I saw it I couldn't look away. Now I am obsessing over this watch. It just looks so damn clean it's amazing, and the richness of the matte texture is simply stunning. I find myself repeatedly going back to that page and drooling over... well, let's be honest, all three subs he shows are fantastic examples but that early prototype dial is something else. If I can find a reasonably priced rep or "refinished" dial with the older style spaced out text, I am going to try and finely cover the chapter ring markers with a fine tip felt artists pen like a radiograph. Just look at this baby

That dial is stunning. Must be gen. Isn't the HH case made for the gen movement? Sorry I don't know much about them.

It's an ETA 2892 (non chrono) with a DD 2054 chronograph module added on. Here is some info from TRF: "The Eta 2892 is a perfect normal, low profile, automatic high beat movement but not a chronograph. On top op this movement there's a extra plate with a chronograph parts placed on it. This is a completely different idea of a chronograph movement in comparisson to a 7750 or the high end chronograph movements with column wheel. The Valjoux 7750 is much more reliable as the 2892 with DD. All the cheaper Swatch group auto Chrono's use this movement and module. Of course the watch is assembled and QC by Rolex in their headquarters that might be the part to pull over potential buyers. Redirecting the counters on Valjoux 775X and the date at 6 would've been virtually impossible." Also other members are saying that the additional module is very difficult to service. Most private watchmakers won't do it. Some have also said it's easier and not too costly just to replace the module ($150-$200). I'm sure it would be fine but those are good things to know going in. If you are not dying to own one then you might want to stay away.

I think it's great looking. A little in your face with all the blue. I had not noticed that they added a date to this one. The crystal doesn't look standard on the one you show though, I don't think it has a mag cyclops from the factory. Not sure about the movement either. After writing this I realized I am not much help Sorry

Not really that I've seen.

Thanks for the info. I'm going to have an excellent relumer next door (Kenny) tackle it. Hopefully it will be looking much better soon. The seller included those hands, they weren't mentioned in the eBay listing. Idk if they are for a Rolex cal or what but I'm using Clark ETA hands

Smart move. The MBW inserts also sit nice and flat. Them and Yuki inserts are closest to gen IMO. The cartel inserts have too much of a cone shape with the center sitting much higher then the outer edge and the WSO have a super narrow triangle at the top. Order the "Generic Illumines Dot for Bezel Insert" from Ofrei.com and enjoy. FYI on two of my MBW inserts I had to slightly widen the pearl opening with a rat tail file.

Yeah, the MBW is a great starting case but not the best available. At the same time, Yuki is asking $650 for their case + $70 for a custom engraving (just got a quote a few days ago). I guess it depends on what level of perfection you're looking for. I think for an ETA movement, the MBW might be a better bet, especially if for another $300+ the Yuki still isn't perfect. The MBW will need to have the crown/tube swapped, crown guards reshaped and lug holes drilled (if you care about those things). But it's more of a refinement, not a complete rework like a cartel case would need. Plus, you could always sell the dial and movement of the MBW and get some of your $ back too. As far as a bracelet goes... good luck. I have not found any rep to my liking. They all have sharp edges or poor markings. I have not tried a Yuki bracelet yet.

I prefer mine on a 9315 or 93150 bracelet unless it's going to be a gilt dial. The bezel comes off super easy exactly like all the videos you see. Slide something under and pry up, it should pop off at a certain point. I wouldn't change the bezel or insert on these. I don't find the WSO inserts to be very accurate. The triangle is too narrow and the pearl is not great. I have been keeping the MBW insert with the kissing 4 and installing a Orfei pearl.

Just in from StoneP, very nice!

Stunning. The finish really is something else. Not your run of the mill coated PAM. And the strap really sets it off. Congrats on it's completion.

BTW that issue with the M in Chronometer is just dust. Just wiped it away.

I just purchased this service set of a 1680 insert and dial. The dial looks a little different from what I expected. The surface of the dial kind of reminds me of the Yuki I just bought. Not as grainy as I expected. The white print definitely looks much better then Yuki though, much finer. The seller did not state this as a refinished dial, just as a service dial that had possibly been relumed. What do you guys think? Did I get a legit dial? The insert looks 100% gen service insert to me.

The rule of thumb is, if it looks good to you, accept it. No rep is perfect and if every member here pointed out all the flaws you would never buy a watch. Just make sure nothing is falling off, crooked or missing and you should be good.

These are two of the 4 MBW subs I bought. Great for modding. Red sub has a gen service insert so takes gen parts really well. Inside of the CG shape is better then any I've seen. You do the mods you would have to do to any rep sub and I think besides a Phong case this is the closest you will get to super rep.

The MBW is no good?

I believe I bought one of your straps for an Omega Globemaster. Welcome

Hard to say under that crystal. The lume doesn't look terrible.

Fit perfectly. Better then the MBW insert

A few nights ago I came across a new in plastic service insert for vintage Sub models. The seller wanted $240 OBO but since I haven't seen any insert come close to that price I bought it right on the spot. It does have some interesting differences when compared to the rep inserts. First of all, the inner diameter is a touch wider, so it fit the taller crystal on my 1680 perfectly unlike the stock MBW inserts that were sanded down to fit (at least that's how both my 1680 white and red came) and thus had a bit of the bottom corner of the triangle shaved off. So for that reason alone it looks much better. I had been wondering why gens had this more pronounced look where the insert meets the bezel. My MBW inserts definitely sat recessed int he bezel, but still looked different. Now with this service insert in hand I realize it's because there is actually a beveling on the outer edge of the insert. The font looks a touch different but we all know there a many differences in insert fonts depending on the era. The finish looks very similar to the MBW but there is a difference in the pearl. I am not sure if the Ofrei pearl is slightly larger or the gen pearl sits higher in the triangle... or both. Take a look at the pics to decide for yourself. Gen insert on the 1680 Red, MBW w/ Ofrei pearl on the 5512: