dbane883

The fun part is sourcing all the components. Frame from China, brakes from England, shifters from US, Etc. goal was to be under 20 lbs.

I built my own carbon fibre mountain bike about 3 years ago. Went with a 1x10 system. Hydraulic disc brakes. Hard tail, front fork is rigid carbon fibre as well. Even the wheels are carbon fibre. At my age, it's more than fine.

Here's how to approach it: "Sergio, I love you like a brother, but I have to tell you that you just got taken. Immediately head back to the seller and reclaim your money. This might hurt, but you will thank me later."

Are you sure the 6000 tube requires a 3mm hole? I'd be surprised. I'm pretty sure the correct tap is a M3x0.35 tap. This would imply a drill bit size of 2.6mm, not 3.0mm. But then again, I don't recall ever installing a gen 6000 tube.

well.. unusual back on that dial.. possibly a gen plate.. but looks to me like its a re-dial. someone oversprayed what I imagine is supposed to be a matte/satin lacquer... then was pad printed on top.

Interesting. cant get over the comical lughole on the right. I think I can drive my Tacoma through that.

I mentioned once in another thread that installing 8mm tubes can sometimes be a pain. This is especially the case since most are tapping case with the wrong tap. But assuming you have the right M3.9/4.1x0.30mm tap, getting the tube to seat properly can still be challenging. Typically a triangular, square or pentagonal tapered file is used by watchsmiths. For a couple of years, I searched for the right 8mm tube wrench to no avail. But last month I stumbled across a set of installation bits for torquing the tube into place as well as the "reemer" to cut away the inside teeth of the tube. Not easy to find! Normally the bits would fit into specific Rolex tool handles that look like this: As you can imagine, they are not cheap. So here are the results of my homemade handles, which I think will do the same job. Made from left over scraps: Perfect fit. It will be a relief not having to use ghetto files. The innards are scraped away with the broaching bit which is just the right diameter to provide clearance for the crown stalk.:

Are you certain the MQ case back will fit the phong case? I know for a fact that MQ 6538 case backs will not fit a phong case. Not sure if that's an issue with their 1665 cases.

I just noticed that your insert is not fully seated into the bezel. Particularly around the 43-44 min area. Make sure it properly pressed in.

What do you mean by "gen custom dial"? You took a gen 5513 pre Comex dial and printed the Comex logo on it?

I think we are missing a key piece of information... Which watch did you sell??

They write that it's a gilt dial...it is not. It's pad printed with gold ink. Plus some of the lume markers have WG surrounds. Hands are great though. But where are the lugholes?

You will need a gen dial,or clip the feet of the TC dial and secure with dial dots. Hands will have to be replaced with gen hands ($300-500) Crown and tube do not need to be replaced, but you will need a new stem. A Yuki or gen 3135 will fit in the TC case. A competent watchsmith should be able to do all of the above.

If the "fading" is a result of out gassing of the plasticizers used , then there will be a thin film of residue on the surface. I think simply wiping that off with a mild vinyl cleaner could work too. If not, a vinyl restorer would be next step id take.

My guess is the fading was a result of the chemicals/PVC used to seal the canvas has outgassed. I'm sure the quality of the inks/vinyl used by the factories is different/inferior to gen and varies from rep factory to rep factory. Might want to try a vinyl restoring solution like: http://www.rubnrestore.com/colors/ I wouldn't use shoe polish. This might sound crazy, but maybe even Armorall might work. Test in a small area.

wtf... you must have really small wrists! jk Nice haul!.. how much are they worth if you sold them, if you dont me asking?

The CWP T19 is about $70 plus shipping... Its a superdome profile and the best aftermarket one that I have seen or used. Definitely worth the money. A gen service crystal does not have the same profile, but great if the single radius profile is what you prefer.