TeeJay

I love the off-white color of the dial on the left, it's so much more subtle

Building and Modding is where the fun's at, bro

I'm learning from the Master

Exactly... The engraving on the caseback might well be kosher, but I do wonder if it has undergone artificial aging by someone who is really skilled at it, maybe that's just because I'm looking for flaws due to suspicion about other things... The one thing about the clasp which doesn't seem quite right to me, is that there is no 'nail indent' under the safety clasp for easy operation, although maybe Rolex didn't initially consider that detail, until the now-familiar oyster clasps I think this may be one of those things which is never truly known...

I think I'm going to go for it All I need to do now is start watching the bay for a black on silver Tudor Chronograph dial (I want to stick with the color scheme of the Daytona dial I have now) when I can afford to buy one

Looking at the photos on the other site, I'm really in two minds as to the legitimacy of it... On the one hand, the watch does seem to be of the correct age, but on the other hand, I know that it is possible to artificially age a watch to a similar appearance... It's the caseback engravings that I'm most curious about, given how the numbers appear more worn away towards one edge, rather than in the middle, which I would have thought would have had the most wrist contact over the years... As you say though, could this simply be a fabricated story, similar to the Rolex/Tudor marine prototypes, or, even if the history is accurate, maybe the watches given were only standard issue Rolex, rather than custom and someone has merely usurped the story to qualify the clasp... So many inconsistent practices in Rolex history, such as replacing some parts, using up spares and changing details mid-production run, allowing watches issued to people 'for evaluation' to retain original parts etc, this may well be a mystery which is never solved

If the clasp was some kind of prototype, and only fitted on literally a handful of custom-issued watches, would it show up under regular inventory? I'm just wondering, if maybe it was a prototype part of which only a few were made and fitted on those water polo team watches, and when those watches were returned for servicing, as per Rolex SOP, might the clasps then been replaced with standard oyster clasps (assuming there were no other of that clasp produced beyond the original run)? I'm just thinking of reasons why the part has never been listed in catalogues, yet still have been produced initially

What a project, and stunning photos, congratulations on such a fine piece

It's funny, when I first saw the modern oyster clasp a few years back, I wasn't keen on the pattern to blend with the links of the bracelet, but now, it looks funny to see a clasp without them Fascinating origin behind the clasp's release, cool bananas indeed How much might you be wanting for one?

Ahh, I think I'm seeing the point you're meaning Maybe the Cartel are just too 'small fry' for the decent factories to do business with now I agree, the folks who are scrutinizing gens would not be buying reps, what I was meaning, is the folks who are looking for 'the best sub', and want to buy something indistinguishable from the gen. More seasoned collectors appreciate what is available, shortcomings and all, where those who just want 'the best sub', are more likely to be expecting 'perfection' from an inherently imperfect product, and then get their boxers in a bunch when said item arrives and is imperfect, thus not living up to their expectations... I guess as with all things, it's just a case of waiting to see what time brings

Thanks, bro, I'll give them a look I think you guessed what I had in mind

I know what you mean, if it's not seen, it's not really an essential fix, and it looks fine as it is

That's true, such as the recent ploprof hubbub, but I would point out that that is a very niche market watch, which I would not expect to sell as well outside of collector circles, as more basic models, such as Subs, SMPs, DJs for example That's precisely what I was meaning. Sure, there are the travelers who would go to the MBK mall, for example, but also, there are the ones who go to town markets, or approached by beach vendors, who, while could possibly access the high grade stuff, might not, due to people being less inclined to 'impulse buy' an expensive watch, but quite happy to buy a cheaper one To be fair, I have rarely had any real QC issues (other then my experiences with Silix) I often wonder if people might be having unreasonable expectations for what they're buying. I'll never forget how someone was once laughed off a Rolex forum for complaining about how the second hand did not line up perfectly each time

That's fantastic, thank you Might I be right in thinking that the 3LZF2 has a datewheel?

It might be that as collectors have bought the decent models, there's no demand for them anymore, so they're going towards stuff which can be sold in bulk for sales to people on vacation who aren't looking for a perfect watch, just a little memento of their holiday...

I was just wondering if anyone with an account at Cousins could check on a couple of prices for me? I've tried registering with them myself, but every time I try and log in, it always crashes my browser If anyone could let me know the costs of an A7750 with 3,6,9 subdials, and an A7750 with 6,9,12 subdials, it would be very much appreciated

Welcome back, amigo

Awesome idea, bro My only suggestion would be to shave a quarter off the transition link on the 'shield end' of the clasp, just so it's the same size as the other links in the bracelet, then it'll completely blend right in

Unique, and very interesting

Looking good Personally, I would suggest losing the Circle T as well, simply because people will always associate that with the historical Tritium marking, rather than representing Tritec, but other than that, looking good I love the dive mask logo, that looks really sharp

My iPhone is always in my pocket. The only times it's not, are if I'm bathing, swimming, or sleeping. If I'm doing any of those, it will either be in my pocket, wrapped in a towel on the pool decking, or by the side of my bed, which funnily enough, is what many have said in the past about when they wear or don't wear a watch. The only time I really take my watch off, is to repair or modify it (and if it's a long process, I will wear another while working) I never take a watch off if I'm in water (probably some past-life trauma ) and always keep it on at night... James Bond wore his watch in bed, I learn from the Master

Very nice, I can't wait to see the next phase of the project

If you can do it for less than it would cost to keep a regular residence, I say go for it At the moment, it's still cheaper for us to be at home, but if the opportunity ever arose, I certainly wouldn't mind giving hotel living a try Glad to hear you've been taking it easy and enjoying what life has to offer

Maybe not the result you'd hoped for, but the AP band really looks the business on the case Excellent work indeed