vailcoast

Panerai153, Would you share from whom you purchased the base GMT rep and who is the modder that will be working on your watch? Was the base watch represented to be a "one to one" with all external parts to be interchangeable with genuine parts? My plan is work with the two tone version and swap in a genuine bezel and crown. Have you noticed any problems with a quality rep bezel or insert in 18k plate as compared to a genuine 18k bezel?

I'd like to start on a project to purchase and build either rep GMT Master II 18k/SS 16713 or newer 116713. My initial thought is to get the best available Noob or comparable GMT Master II 18k plate/SS watch. It would need to be a 1:1 so that in the future I could add genuine (or quality aftermarket) parts; i.e. genuine 18k bezel and 18k crown), to enhance the watch. It needs only to have a genuine ETA movement and does not need to be cloned to look like a genuine movement. Once the gold wears from the bracelet, I'll consider either a replacement or get an aftermarket 18k/SS bracelet to complete the Franken project. Are high quality reps of the 16713 still available? Though I've not seen any on any of the TD's websites, I ask because getting either genuine parts or quality aftermarket items seem easier than obtaining ones for the newer 116713. Finally, the watch will need service to make sure the movement is working well and also to replace the factory seals and re-glue and seal the crystal. I would like the watch to meet or exceed 100m in water resistance. (Is 100m unreasonable?) I would appreciate any comments, criticisms or advice you might have to I don’t neglect to consider something important.

Done. I enjoy the information and the contributions of the experienced members.

I'm impressed by the detailed knowledge by the longstanding members and their willingness to impart it to the Forum. I have been reading alot and look forward to selecting a high quality GMT model to be modded to insure water resistance to nearly 100m and to clear up any appearance issues.

I purchaed my Breitling Antares, Zodiac Sea Wolf and Bertolucci on eBay all at about one-half fair value. Patience and liking obscure watches are a virtue.