TeeJay

Interesting discussion I think if all brandings were to be removed, and the gen and rep compared to each other purely 'as watches', then the gen would benefit from higher grade materials in construction, which would make the piece more costly, but, I would question whether that made the watch itself more valuable, simply because the difference in material, are largely laboratory observable only, and at the end of the day, a water resistant SS watch, is still a water resistant SS watch, regardless of the grade SS used... Without any branding, it would be interesting to see how much a consumer would be prepared to pay for the watch with the higher grade materials

Thanks, bro, it's very much appreciated

Indeed, as the old saying goes, "it's good for what ails ya" Thanks indeed Absolutely, it's been a huge weight on our minds, simply because of the implications not only to Nicola's family, but also for our godson and how it would affect him. As you say, medical science is amazing Even a decade ago cancer pretty much meant a trip off the mortal coil, but things have certainly advanced and improved Always my pleasure to share good news Hardly the clearest of pics, but a heartwarming one to see uploaded to her facebook yesterday

It looks fantastic, and the color of the dial is gorgeous

Just wanted to draw this thread to a close, saying Nic has had her test results back, and been told no cancer (From comments she made, I think they did a full hysterectomy, but that's not the kind of thing to really ask) I'd just like to thank everyone who wished her well, the good wishes were very much appreciated, and I'm sure the prayers were all helpful Many thanks, my friends

Looking good, a fine acquisition indeed I've found 4-sided nail buffers and toothpaste good for buffing up crystals, and, even if you can't get the crystal back to 'factory perfection', I'd bet it'll retain enough scratches to make it look worn, used, and have plenty of character

Thanks for the feedback If the cash comes through in time, I might just have to make the order and see what happens

I felt it was an interesting comparison, given that at that time in his life, John was not a Rolex owner, and had not gone over to the Dark Side of Rolex Elitism... Of course, some might say it is impossible to compare a $300 watch and a $3000 watc, but we all know that Subs used to sell for around the $300 mark back in the day, and are probably only actually worth that much now, in terms of a 'water-proof SS watch', regardless of the over-inflated pricetag Totally agree with you I remember reading a while back about someone who had spent the past decade thinking they owned a gen sub, only to send it in for servicing, to be told it was a rep As you say, how did the feeling of the watch change on their wrist from one day feeling like it was a luxury timepiece, to another day feeling like it was a knock-off? I'd bet shit to gold that in the owner's mind, it felt totally different and de-valued, where in reality and an assessment by anyone else, the watch wouldn't feel any different on the wrist at all... I have to admit, I think I'd also be ashamed to have to say 'yes' to wearing a Real Rolex, unless, it was given to me as a gift. I certainly would never buy one for myself, and I suspect my friends and family know my views on watches enough to know that I wouldn't want them spending that much money on me in the first place, but would be happier with a rep

Absolutely, it's not just a restoration, but a total transformation and rebuild, and it's made the watch very much your own

Interesting link, but damn, what a trashing. Have to admit, I've never found John to be anything but courteous, friendly and helpful in our past correspondences. I wouldn't go so far as to say he was a friend, as we haven't spoken in years, but he was certainly the kind of person I could imagine myself being friends with. I thought the self-promoter comment was a bit harsh, but again, I haven't seen enough of his behaviour on forums to comment on that. I can think of one watch 'enthusiast', who I would consider the king of self-promotion (and a Grade A ass-hole to boot) but I wouldn't ever start a thread to flame him... I thought it was interesting that someone pointed out John's critique of the quality of the Sub bracelet, as it was a point I had always agreed with, until I came to appreciate the Sub's origin as a tool watch, rather than just a luxury timepiece. [Edit to add] Just saw the second link, and having seen this comment: "Amazing how a person that has never held a Rolex in his hand until a few years ago now is a self proclaimed Rolex expert." All I can really say is that everyone has to start learning somewhere, and some are faster learners than others Time to read his Invicta review

It's certainly sounding like they've improved their practices since I last ordered from them, I might have to give them a try On another note, after the madness which has been the last 8 weeks, progress is being made on the dial design, and I'm hoping to have it completed in the next few days Can't apologize enough for it having taken this long.

I know, it's a dirty word... As a company, I think they have well and truly lost their way...

Wow, it's been quite a journey, but what a result

I totally understand what you mean, I think the thing which surprised me about it, is that the site has always been such a positive representation of Rolex (maybe they were sore that the Seamaster topped the Sub in the comparison ) and only ever promoted the brand and it's image. Now if they were to have gone after Rolex2U.Com and shut them down, I could totally understand it, afterall, it's not only using the name, but selling the reps, but John's site, well, that was just a harmless reference source If that had been me in the Rolex boardroom, I'd've said to bring him on board, send him new models to review and photograph. As mentioned above, being taken 'off the air' like that, given his clear loyalty to the brand, would have definitely stung, and I feel very sorry for him to be treated in that way.

Well, this is the thing, accuracy has never been one of my key priorities, the issues I had with the watches I previously received from Silix, was that the Sub was the wrong model from what I'd ordered, and the X-33s had real cosmetic flaws, ie missing faux-screws in the caseback, and nearly flat batteries. It was more poor quality/sloppy manufacture (compared to other watches I've bought), rather than inaccuracy in replication which annoyed me in those instances, not to mention never receiving the Jubilee bracelet I'd ordered, but, I put that down to the nature of the game I guess you're happy ordering from them as project donor parts, and that's reassuring, as that's essentially what I want the SD for (just need the mid-case/bezel assembly) The Air-King just caught my eye, as I haven't seen many of those available. I might see how I feel when the cash comes through, and if it comes through before the SD deal finishes, I might give it a spin and see what happens Thanks for the feedback

That definitely sounds positive, thanks for the info Hoping to be making progress on the Daytona project soon

Oh absolutely, I appreciate it's like the rumor I've heard that Disney will not allow characters drawn in hospital wards. As you say, I bet it stung a bit, especially given what a staunch supporter of the brand he has been, I just really don't like to see that kind of corporate behavior in action

The issue I have, is that I received drop-shipped watches which were not really up to the mark of something which had been QCd, as well as not receiving other goods ordered, so my confidence in them is not good, and in the past, I have even advised others to stay away from them based on those experiences, and similar experiences from others. However, the SD being on a monthly promotion, I'm thinking is too good an opportunity to pass up, hence my dilemma. I know businesses can and do change, I'm just wondering if they have...

I just went to check a reference number on John Holbrook II's reference site, and was confronted with this page. I cannot believe a company would be so pathetic, so petty and so precious about their name, that they will not allow someone to quite correctly label a private website 'RolexReference'. Knowing what a totally classy guy John is, I'm not surprised that he complied with their request to maintain his relationship with the company, but damn that is a low thing for them to do to such a loyal customer and staunch ambassador of the brand. It was his site which first educated me in the basics of the Rolex line, and I think it only right that he have named his site as he did. I have to admit, if I were John, I would certainly find my appreciation for the company tarnished by such treatment. *sigh* Not that I likely ever would have brought a gen Rolex, but from now on, I will certainly only ever wear rep Rolexes as a private protest.

Remember a few years back I said I would never use Silix ever again? Well, I must be getting soft in my old age, as the other day I was browsing the site, and saw a couple of 'must buy' watches... A budget black-dialled Airking, and a Sea-Dweller (Not a DSSD, but the 16600) on special offer. Now, I'm hoping to have some inheritance money through, which will mean projects can finally be finished, and I'm wondering, should I give Silix another try as a source, or should I stick to my previous position and leave well alone? Thanks in advance for any input

I would give a +1 to both the Chanel J12, and also the Hublot Big Bang Aspen, as my wife wore those watches to destruction, and hasn't liked anything else since...

Something different for me today, a very much appreciated and generous gift from maxman Haven't been able to wear this strap in quite some time, feels like reuniting with an old friend Many thanks again, amigo :drinks:

Damn, that's a nice conversion Kudos to the Master

I mostly use mine to time cooking times for food [Edit to add] While the use of the tachymeter is indeed as Freddy described, they are only useful for timing/speed calculations between a known distance with known distance markers. Randomly starting the chrono while randomly cruising down the freeway (as opposed to track driving) may not produce accurate results

I do like your rough sketches