Geof3

Maybe it's just me, but ever since this thing popped up in the Rolex world the discussion has been is it real, or memorex? I think we all know the answer. To that, I'm glad rolex never built it. It just an ugly watch...

In terms of dials, the middle one.

The biggest fail on your dial for me is the "ROLEX" the font just doesn't look right. And the whole dial seems a little out of proportion with itself. Might just be my perspective.

Love your Tupperware signature BTW!

Rep sunglasses? Really? Not a chance for me... For all the obvious reasons.

Have to agree... Not a great dial. Also, I've never seen a bezel age like that. They age/fade to a cool blueish grey color. I'd see if you could get a new insert, perhaps a gen already aged one, if it will fit that bezel.

Hey guys, where might one get the proper info to get a Justin 1016 case?

I've always had gens, still mostly do. Once I got into this hobby I realized, like others have said, that there is a level of "fun" one can have obtaining parts and building your own watch. Full blown rep, or no-name homage. Personally, I'm only interested in a rep, or Franken, of vintage watches that are unobtainium. I've always been a Rolex fan, mostly due to the heritage, more due to the timeless style of the watches. The newer models kill it for me, I would never own one, rep or gen. I would, however, do a rep of say, a Bond sub, or DRSD or something like that. It's kinda like having a Cobra or Porsche Spider replica. The current Franken I have now is a 5500 Explorer, gilt dial. Cool little watch that is primarily gen.

Where I have some difficulty with the whole rep game is with current models, whatever the brand. That's just not my thing, but to each his own. This is a very cool site that seems to lack the utter snobbery of other watch sights, where even a discussion of a simple modification of certain brands will get you tossed... Silly. When its all said and done, it's just a watch... that's it...

Nope--the Asian clone and gen parts both work exactly the same and pretty much seem to have the same level of finishing. They're stamped steel parts. It's just a consequence of the way ETA designed the keyless.

Interesting, the thread mentioned a poor quality steel used in the Asian counter parts... Either way, sounds like the OPs keyless is tweaked!

Seems the Asian clones tend to have keyless works/stem issues. There is another discussion regarding this and some that have modded their Asian with gen eta parts for the fix. Might be part of the problem. It's possible something broke in the stem/clutch system that caused your issue in the first place. As mentioned a fairly simple, but delicate, job with the proper tools.

This may be old news to the uber-experienced here on the forum, but learned something interesting today. Seems, Rolex makes two versions of the Tropic 25-12 crystal. There is a part number 25-12 and also a 25-12-5. Seems the 25-12-5 is a version with slightly thicker walls to accommodate worn bezels. I only wonder if the aftermarket crystals have the same choices. Anyway, this came from a local watchmaker who has both, I asked as I was not sure if perhaps Rolex had an "updated" version of this crystal, as they do with the Sub variants...

You can use a blow dryer but you may get split ends.

As long as he uses a pre-conditioner he should be fine...

Come on guys! That's the uber-rare frosty dial. Worth at least 20k all by itself. Just ask John Meyer!!

Wow, that gold Daytona is sweet. And I don't like gold watches. The blue sub is very cool too, same tone as the Tudor snowflakes. Very cool.

Ah, my first real post! :-) ETA standard grade movements are considered good, running 20 or so seconds a day. As mentioned, an automatic movement requires a bit of "runtime" to settle in to its own. Think of it like a new motor for a car. Everything in the movement has to mate with itself. Depending on how the watch is worn this can take a bit of time. As mentioned, 15 seconds is pretty good, regardless what the website says. None of the movements, eta or not, in reps are of high standards. At best these movements are standard grade, regulated to two positions. Decent builds, decent parts. When serviced, should last a long time. But, a little "off" in terms of sheer accuracy. Adjusting them is relatively easy on your own with a few simple tools, but if the movement is "bad" or has other issues, then it's a waste of time and the movement needs to be evaluated by a watchmaker.

With regard to the winding mechanism, you should be able to feel the rotor move in the watch when moving it around, possibly even hear it. If you have not fully wound the watch since you've had it, it would be difficult for the watch to wind itself fully from simple daily wear, unless you are very active. As mentioned, wind the watch 25 or 30 times and give it a good, full reserve, then see what happens. Good luck!

I am in on this as well. That 1680 looks great!

Hi, yes a noob to the site, but not a noob to watches or watch websites. I came by this forum through some interesting google searches regarding hands, dials for rep Rolex's. What a cool place! I just completed a Franken 5500 Explorer. Don't have a picture as of yet (I know didn't happen without pictures) but will post soon in the Rolex forum. Looking forward to TONS of great info (already helped me finish up my Exp) and hopefully being a semi-useful member!

g3