Seanpnichols

I am a member there. Thanks!

Thanks for the tip. I've checked out Athaya's site and found nothing but a few watches for sale. Is the crown something I would need to ask for in an email?

Thanks djulink for the movie clarification. It was pretty late here when I posted that. And I will certainly consider the bigger dial from Raffles, as well as their hands, unless I find something better suited to my needs. Your 5508 looks great!

Thanks! I actually wondered about that. I did not see a 28mm on Yuki's site, but I just sent an email asking for one. If Yuki does not have one, can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks everyone for the wealth of information here. It’s great to see so much helpful information and so many choices depending on skill level and attention to detail. After much consideration I have decided to embark on creating the James Bond “Thunderball” Rolex 6538, with the dark brown alligator strap as opposed to the three color NATO strap that everyone uses. I would really appreciate your opinion, advice and guidance regarding my choice of parts. First of all, I am not looking to create something to win a contest or fool an expert, but rather something that looks nice, appropriately aged and similar to what my namesake wore in “Thunderball.” I would really like to keep my costs down and would not mind skipping a few details like making bevels on the case. The parts I have chosen include: Complete Watch (JB 5508) from Tiger Concept for $109.00 http://www.tiger-concept.com/watch.html Yellow Lume 27mm Dial w/Hands from Yuki for $112.00 http://www.yukiwatch.com/catalog/item/8677972/9638403.htm 8 mm Brevet Crown from Rafflestime for $30.00 http://rafflestime.com/signed-vintage-brevet-bond-milsub-crown-eta-dg-movement-8mm/ Crocodile Watch Band, from Esslinger for $12.00 http://www.esslinger.com/20mm-brown-leather-watch-band-1-3-1.aspx Rolex Buckle from Esslinger for $24.99 http://rafflestime.com/signed-buckle-20mm-nato-style-watch-band-strap/ I plan to lightly age the case with coins screws and nails, and use a Dremmel to create beveled edges. I also plan to age the dial with a light coat of Krylon Clearcoat before the oven, and hands with light brushes from sandpaper. Since I am not sure how to get that sweet aged “Tropical” brown look on the dial, I may try to find another one or perhaps have someone to modify it for me, hopefully here in the US and without having to spend a fortune. How does my plan look so far?

Thanks Fitmic. I've been thinking the same thing recently. I wouldn't mind a new insert and a maybe a new lume job, just to spruce it up until I get an ultimate version.

After being super disappointed with a recent purchase of an Omega Speedmaster “Moonwatch,” replica which I will discuss in another post, I am the proud new owner of a rep of an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 45mm with a black rubber strap, as seen in Casino Royale. Its the low-end asian version, nothing ultimate about it. Even with its many flaws I am very pleased with my purchase. First of all, hats off to Andrew of Trustytime. My transaction and correspondence with him went as smoothly as I have heard. I am still impressed at how quickly my emails were responded to. This sort of behavior really makes me want to buy more stuff from him, and really soon. Secondly, this watch is really nice, despite the many flaws which are only in regards to accuracy, not necessarily the craftsmanship or the function of the piece. And while these flaws may be noticeable to severe enthusiasts, not including myself as of yet, the average person will not notice them, in my most humble opinion. The nice thing about these flaws is that they may be addressed or upgraded with relative ease, over time or relatively quickly. As I point out the flaws please feel free to suggest actions to take and vendors to contact. Crystal – needs to be replaced with a sapphire version with AR coating. Not sure how I want to proceed with this yet. Either have an aftermarket or an original crystal installed. I hear that there may be a problem with the fit. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Bezel – Insert needs to be replaced mainly because of the center pearl, and I think the numbers are a tad thin. Should I get one from eBay or Amazon and install it myself, or have a modder in the US do it? Lume – Dial and hands need to really be brighter. Should I have it relumed by someone, or purchase an original dial and hands? Who could do the relume here in the US? Case back – I would love to have serial numbers engraved where they should be. Is this something that a modder could do, in addition to any of the other work I need? Or could I take it my the local engraving shop in the mall? Needless to say, I am concerned with the cost of these upgrades, and if it would be cheaper to just purchase an upgraded model. Overall, I'm very happy with this purchase and will certainly appreciate any advice.

Wow Bnes! That is one fine looking watch! Ballpark figure, how much does something like cost?

The replacement Omega Speedy is on its way, and Andew from TT confrimed that he has the 6538 in stock. Will critique the Speedy in another post and will continue the hunt for the 6538 here. Still doing research on building a 6538 eventually and may need advice on rep parts, gen parts, etc.

Hey vinniegeorge138, I just got an email this moring saying the same thing about the watch not being available. I was also offered a refund but decided to go with a replacement Omega Speedmaster instead. Hopefully we can call it even because of the troubles. I also know of another site that has the 6538 and they're actualy a trusted dealer here. http://www.ttw888.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_11&products_id=6694 Until we're ready to start building our own, this may be our last resort.

I've always thought the strap was black, until I saw the pics I posted above. I always thought Sean's hair was black but I see its dark brown also. And one thing I really like about the strap from TT is that it has all the correct Rolex markings on the inside. I've found some interesting gen straps on ebay.

Watch is on the way, correct NATO strap , 18mm and 20mm, on the way, person to do a few modifications already contacted. Now that I've pretty much decided to go with the dark brown crocodile strap I need to actually find one. The best one I've found so far, with the Rolex crown on the buckle is from TT. But its way too light. May have to learn how to darken it maybe with dark brown show polish. Any suggestions about the strap and/or color?

It seems that someone else had the same idea I have about the strap in "Dr. No" being dark brown.

Here are a few pics from "Dr. No." The strap is really looking dark brown to me.

I just noticed something pretty interesting. I've always thought that Sean Connery wore a black croc/alligator/leather strap on his 6538 in "Dr. No," and "From Russia with Love." But after looking at these pics I'm beginning to wonder if the strap isn't actually a dark brown instead. Thoughts?

I've placed my order as well and sent payment today. I've even ordered my first Spring Bar Tool to use when I receive the black "Dr. No" crocodile strap.I'm about to order from TT. This may be fun. lol Good to hear about the quick fixes on the hacking and clicking.

I was also concerned about the incorrect hacking, bezel direction and clicking. But I figure these things would be addressed once I send it off to get modified. I am concerned now that since I just went through a lengthy process of registering and tried to order from Theonewatch, I'm taken to a window that says "We are sorry to inform you that: This transaction from www.theonewatch.net is counterfeited and rejected by the system. What does this mean???

Great looking watch Joey! That's exacty the look I'd like to get. Did you purchases it like that or did you get a base model and do lots of mods? Please share with the group.

Sweet! I'm learning that many of these dealers carry product from the same factory or the same dealer may have more than one site. I can get a little confusing if you're a stickler for detail like I'm trying to be. I think this may be a great one for me to start off with, until I gather enough nerve to actually build one. I already have the corrct 18mm NATO strap on order as well.

Isn't that the exact same watch I found on TT's site and posted a pic of earlier but cheaper? Even the the pics are the same.

cc33, you suggested that I "wait until the dealers have the better 6538 back in stock." Do you have any particular dealer in mind so I may contact them?

Is there any particular vendor where should I get the basic watch body from? Are the 1680's from TT good enough to start with or should I just get all the parts from a parts vendor?

MD2020, that is one great-looking watch! And thanks for the advice Panerai. I've read about some mods that seemtobe almost from scratch. Out of my league so far but I hope to get there.

Hi folks. New guy here with first post after my introduction earlier. I'm about to purchase what I think is my best choice for a replica of a vintage James Bond "Goldfinger' Submariner. Its Trusty Time's model ROLSUB054. I'd love to hear some opinions about it first like how happy have purchasers of this watch been overall. Also could I find a more accurate one somewhere else and what sort of mods should I consider if I want a totally accurate timepiece. Also, any hints about aging it would be appreciated. Sean

The links to the watch in this discussion are broken. Does anyone have a pic or am unbroken link? Would love to see this watch sinceI am in the market for a "Gooldfinger" Submariner.