TeeJay

Thanks, I felt it was about time that people were able to see the dial properly, and as the GMTII case was sitting around, I felt I'd rather mentally shelve the project for the case, and put it to better use with the Tudor dial I will eventually get the Military Snowflake project finished eventually, but for now, I'd had enough of the NATO strap I have to admit, it's a real coin-toss between wearing the Tudor and the vintage sub now... The vintage sub case and bracelet are more comfortable to wear, the Tudor dial is clearer and easier to read... Sadly, combining the Tudor dial into the vintage case looks totally wrong

Indeed

Essentially, Rolex steals the aftermarket parts the owner has (obviously) paid for, then charges them for installing 'in house' parts. I remember years ago when my dad took a car in for some basic repair (I forget precisely what) and while the car was in the garage, they took the liberty of fitting a few new parts for some slightly worn ones (as Rolex is renowned for doing) (and did so without consulting my dad, or obtaining his consent to do so) I don't think I've ever seen him as angry as I did when he saw the 'extra expenses' added onto the bill. I forget the exact outcome of if he made them replace the original parts, but I know the car never underwent an 'official service' again... To be fair though, the Daytona and Milgauss all actually serve a functional purpose. I admit, the LV is slightly different, in that being a commemorative edition, it is a matter of personal taste, but the DSSD, is simply an over-engineered monstrosity of marketing... The only positive thing I would identify about its design, is the glide-lock clasp. Everything else, such as the blue lume, is pure aesthetics. It's not as if the dial itself is even any larger than an LV dial, so from that perspective, a totally missed opportunity to have a genuinely larger (so more visible) dial installed... Of course, I'd like to meet the skin-diver who pressure tested it to maximum rating I know my Tudor's not in the same league as yours, as the dial is only a reproduction rather than gen, but I totally share the sentiment there, bro It's going to be a long-term project, possibly as long-term as my GMTIICSubDweller project, but I quite agree, in that I wouldn't wear either watch into a Rolex AD, as they wouldn't appreciate either for what they are...

Oh man, that is sweeet Not something I'd likely wear myself, but wow, it looks awesome, thanks for sharing the pic

Maybe that wasn't a speck of dirt under the crystal afterall... Awesome link, my friend

I know that feeling I think the time has come that I need to add an AP Safari to my collection (when I can afford to do so ) We have them were I live too...

It wasn't a problem with the strap at all, but what happened, was not too long after I received the strap, I had to take the watch in for servicing, and it was gone about 8 months. By the time I collected it, it just didn't feel like 'my watch' anymore, so, with my need to raise funds for my wedding, I sold it off with the rest of my collection. I do occasionally miss it when I see the 127 crop up in wrist shots, but, given I'm in 'the Rolex Zone' at the moment, I don't think I could comfortably wear a watch of that size again

100% improvement, my friend Now you can see the hands clearly, but the watch still looks like it's taken a flogging

Interesting news indeed There's been a rep of the DSSD with ceramic mid-links for a while now

I like the sound of a green-dialled Doxa As you say, that's the kind of thing which would get someone called out on a forum, but, those doing the calling out, would be missing the point of how cool the modification actually is

I can't help with the watches, bro, but good to see you posting again

I think with full disclosure, then such a sale should be permitted, but realistically speaking, it might well get pulled. Let's not forget though, that 'small part', is what turns a bracelet, into a functioning time-piece I think the context would be decided by if it was indeed a gen which had had to have an aftermarket movement installed, or if it was actually a self-assembled composite watch

I can't believe that I've had the project in planning for over a year now, and the only part I have for it so far, is the bezel insert... Funny how things can get in the way of a project It'll certainly be interesting to see how things do change, especially with regards the UK's involvement in Europe... As you say though, much more important fish for them to be frying than a few moody bags and watches

I knew reps were illegal to own in Italy, but didn't realize they were illegal to own in France as well... Interesting I think it would depend on if the parts were indeed genuine Rolex issue, or aftermarket copies. In theory, I could build my project out of 100% genuine parts, I'm just not comfortable calculating how much I would have to spend to obtain said parts Indeed, rep parts, they possibly could order destroyed, due to their counterfeit nature, but, I would suspect that a compromise of 'sterilizing' the parts, might be accepted rather than outright destruction. Of course, purely hypothetical, as I can't see my project landing me in a court room

I think that's one of those watches which I will always like the look of, and appreciate, but likely never actually wind up with in my own collection...

Don't get on too well with your mother in law

Ahh, I see what you mean. I think the intent of the end look for the project would be the determining factor. (as well as 'personal use' v resale intent) A completely fantasy project (such as mine), I think would probably be allowed in so much as it was not copying any existing specific model of watch, but, Rolex would probably be able to order the watch 'sterilized' (and certainly so if it was to be sold ) as it would be a misappropriation of their trademark. If it was a case of only using sterilized parts, then the watch would be in the same legal status as Alpha Watches. It would be a homage, not a replica. The inclusion of the brand-name would be what would determine replica or homage. If it was a franken built from 100% gen pieces (no aftermarket stuff at all) and to an existing design (DJ or Sub) then I think it would come under the 'forgery' classification, so tolerated for 'personal use' but not at attempted sale... Artistically speaking, some forgers will deliberately include 'flaws' into their works, so people who truly appreciate the works, will understand that they are not by the 'copied artist'

I tried on an Aquaracer, and a white Exp II following By-Tor's reviews, but, as I've told him before, in real life, the watches just did not live up to his awesome photography, and I was left feeling 'let down' by them That's how good his reviews are

Looking good I loved the carbon strap I had for my 127, I just hardly wore it...

Interesting question... Personally, I would think it would be along the same lines (legally speaking) as an artist who forges a masterpiece: They might not have manufactured every component part themself (ie mixing the paints, making the canvas) but they did 'arrange it in a way that resembles the original'... Of course, that's just my .2c A totally custom build, on the other hand, such as my planned GMTIICSubDweller project, I would be quite happy to stand up in court and challenge Rolex to prove that they ever made that model watch... Legally speaking, I think they'd be able to insist the watch was 'sterilized', but in terms of actual features and functions, I think I'd have them over a barrel

I'm sticking with this

Absolutely fantastic photos, thanks for sharing Here's wishing you both many years of happiness

You're very welcome, nothing I like more than seeing some true vintage wabi-sabi

But does that only apply to when items are being physically brought across the border, and while subject to customs checks, or does that extend to items which are already across the border, in someone's possession, and then 'somehow spotted'? As Freddy mentioned when posting the video clip above, the watch was not seized, and, now I think about it, as far as I remember, neither was OJ Simpson's Rolex seized when it was discovered to be counterfeit, but I believe, was returned to him