dbane883

Perfect for a bike ride.

I called.. none in stock and those that have come in have had deposits to hold them.   20% required. roughly 1 month wait from time of order Im told

You have internet but no phone where u live?

Congrats.

I'll make some popcorn as we await the grand unveiling.

Just thought I'd post a quick comparison of a gen 16mm strap buckle with a Yuki buckle. I have used the Yuki's on several of my leather straps for years and they are very very good. But here's a few photos showing the slight variances. Please note that Rolex has been making buckles of this style for decades and have most likely used more than one supplier. As such, even gen buckles may vary depending on what era it's from.

What stands out immediately is the coronet. Yukis is a bit fat and less refined than the gen. Also, the gen uses a much more robust 1.7mm non-shouldered spring bar compared to the cheaper Yuki. Of course, no one will see the bars once installed in a strap.

Stamps on the back are a touch messy on the Yuki but again, will not be seen. There are several different gen layouts. The yukis are at least stamped. There are many other aftermarket examples that are laser etched.  But like most other rep buckles, there is the lack of space in between "ACERINOX".. which is an immediate tell.

There are also some subtle differences in the side profile.

So for 1/4 to 1/5 th the cost, Yuki buckles are a pretty good value.

Have a great day

5 minutes ago, JoeyB said:

I could spend the $12,000 to $100,000+ I didn't spend on a watch to buy my Mercedes SL550.

 

One can't argue with that!   

Quick update.

I've been wearing this 5512 with a genuine 7206 rivet bracelet with a "66" stamped clasp. That was only meant to be temporary as I'm saving that one for a future '66 Bart dial 5513.

So l've recently acquired a mint condition "62" stamped 7206 bracelet that now more accurately matches the serial date range of my case as well as the caseback. Now this project is complete complete. Really.

That's a 6542 GMT. What an incredible example. Good thing he doesn't wear it much. That's the original radium lume insert!

I believe so. It's rare that's for sure.

@DVNE, I don't think the original is "flawed", do you? :

So I've had this MBW 5512 sub sitting in a drawer for several months now and finally thought I'd do something with it. Frankly not sure why I bought it but I guess I was curious about the case as I've never worked on one before.

Naturally, the case is a bit blocky and needs some refinement. So I drilled the 1.25mm lugholes, marginally thinned the lugs, cut/polished bevels and replaced the crown/tube with a gen 703/703-0 and reshaped the CGs. I had a spare gen bezel assembly and service insert. Gen service crystal as well.

I find crystals in general fit really tight because the upper 1/2 of the outer rehaut is a tad wide. I actually cracked a CWP T19 (that happens with the Yuki cases as well sometimes). As such, I will have to mill the outer rehaut to gen spec at some point .

I have not yet tested to see if a gen 1520/1530 movement will fit. Likewise, not sure a gen dial will fit as I have heard that some MBW will accept a gen dial and some won't.

For now, just using the stock ETA movement/dial. Not sure what dial/movement I will eventually end up with but I'm leaning towards converting this to PCG as I've left a decent amount of meat to work with. Open to suggestions.

Here's how it looks now:

10 hours ago, Mendota Explorer said:

Where did you find the 16mm buckle? It looks like a good one.

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

looks like a Yuki buckle to me

For the moment, let's assume James knowingly sold Frankens as all original. When the buyer came back asking for a refund, you would think he would comply rather than be publically "outed" like this. It makes no sense unless he's super arrogant, stupid, or had no idea what he was selling. Under any scenario, the damage to his reputation could have been avoided.

On 7/19/2016 at 1:58 PM, Sogeha said:

Sounds like someone trying to make himself interesting and well rounded by power of chequebook, then as is often the case getting buyers remorse. 

I'm not sure about that.  The filing is pretty damning:

http://www.onthedash.com/docs/Bikoff_v_Dowling.pdf

Seems like the 6538 and the 666 Comex had aftermarket dials from the looks of things (unless they were swapped in the 2 years the guy owned them).

Regardless, he's a bit screwed going up against a billionaire in court.

28 minutes ago, ubiquitous said:

lol ubi.  WTF?

Can't see the pics but a thin case 1665 is a pretty rare watch.

Yes, I do believe Dexter is a member here.

Was it deleted?

Mr Dowling, are you a member here?

http://nypost.com/2016/07/17/billionaire-sues-uk-watch-seller-for-duping-him-out-of-700k/

Edit... Let's see how this all unfolds before passing judgement on Mr. Dowling.  Frankly would be surprised if he knowingly tried to dupe someone.  He has too much to lose.

No.

Yes.

yeah..   sadly he was caught a bit too late as he's sold quite a few watches.   I'm sure he will find a way to continue his nefarious business practices elsewhere or under another eBay name. 

I just hope he's not a member here.

Looks like he's using MQ 5512 cases and then shaping the pointed crown guards.. he's doing a poor job as well..the top profile is all wrong

Also..  look at the Comex Sub photos he uses on the home page of his website:

https://watchgroupcorp.net/

lol.