TeeJay

A fine strap for a fine watch

I voted yes, as I think everyone should be able to benefit from being a member here. But. I can understand that there would probably be someone who would cry foul if a mod was to win, so I can totally understand the mod's choices to not enter into raffles etc to maintain that impartiality.

Hey brothas & sistas.

How is the new Datejust II 41 mm compared to the gen? Is it a good rep?

I saw the real deal at my Rolex AD and it looks really good IRL.

Experts..please chime in!

I don't know the gen well enough to say if it's a good rep or not, but it looks like a nice watch in its own right, I'd say go for it

That's a fantastic watch, I love the tuxedo dial An awesome purchase, I hope you'll enjoy wearing it

Some awesome watches and photos so far

No change for me, but here's a half-assed lume shot

Well, if you want to use the Yuki bracelet, as it is currently, you have no choice but to leave the lug holes small. While small lug holes are an indicator of a rep, the riveted bracelet that most reps come with is a far more obvious indicator. So if I were choosing between the 2 poisons, I would definitely opt for the Yuki bracelet with small lug holes. Later, if we figure out a reliable way to enlarge the end link tubes, you can always drill out your lugs & fit the proper 2mm springbars.

I agree, definitely the lesser of two evils to go with the Yuki bracelet and case 'as is', as at least the quality of the bracelet, will compensate for the hole size, rather than the hole size trying to compensate for a less accurate bracelet

When I ordered the 1st ROLS176, it was the only Sub with the proper low profile case. However, some time afterwards, a number of their other Subs were relisted with similar dimensions (& pics). Both of the ROLS176s I got (the 2nd purchased several months after the 1st) had the same 2 model numbers between the lugs. So you may have gotten 1 of the other Subs.

That might well be the situation, if I recall, I ordered mine when Silix first made the offer of a group buy for reduced price on them. The watch received was the incorrect dial variant, but in time, the watch has certainly proven a valuable addition to my collection, in that it allowed me to get into the vintage aesthetic and modification...

I really need to find my camera, as I want to get some photos of the vintaging I've done to the NATO Snowflake's bezel insert. Very subtle, and not in the same league as my previous abuse, but this time, with small 'impact marks' (created with the edge of a screwdriver rested against the insert, and then tapped on the top) in line with the scratches on the crystal. The effect I was aiming for, was occasional 'accidental damage', rather than decades of aging or significant 'wear and tear', so I'm really keen to get the photos up to get some feedback on the project

I just enlarged the exiting hole. The original hole is only off-center when the wrong end links are fitted (as was the case for the Silix). End links are made to fit a specific case (or set of cases) & lug hole position. As I recall, the ROLS176 case I used for my initial 6542 project had '6542' etched between 1 set of lugs & '6538' etched between the opposite set of lugs. So, while the case was designed for 1 set of end links (when it was being used as a GMT), it ended up getting another set forced onto it when the case was assembled as a Cartier Sub

In that case, I think I might be tempted to try the bracelet with the case as it is, rather than enlarging the existing holes.

That's interesting about the case etchings on yours, as on mine, it has 16110 at one end, and R863698 at the other...

Yes, mine arrived the same way. The Silix watch is a POS & I knew that when I ordered it. But since I only needed the case, which was going to be seriously modified anyway, the bent springbars that came fitted (which were to be replaced with the correct 2mm gens) were not a problem. The reason for the bent springbars is that the end links they use were not made to fit this watch. This is fairly common with reps, because they use the cheapest off-the-shelf parts they have handy at the factory to reduce costs to Walmart levels & just make them fit. Of course, this also reduces quality to a similar level.

I'm glad to hear that it wasn't just my watch which had the bent springbars, that certainly makes me feel more comfortable about installing a different bracelet I've still got the mid-70s end links which were fitted to the vintage sub, I'm planning on using on a future watch, either a Tudor Sub project, or a 1655, but I haven't quite decided which. I think most likely a Tudor project, as I love the Snowflake dial in my Project NATO (I'm just not so keen on the NATO strap) so I think a Tudor Sub (on SS) would get some good wrist time and be a good combination of parts:)

Actually, as it is, the Yuki bracelet should fit your Silix case perfectly (assuming there is not too much variation in the manufacturing process - always a potential issue with aftermarket parts), because it comes with small lug holes to fit the thin aftermarket springbars. As long as you are aware that the small lug holes are a dead give-away, I would definitely order 1 of these bracelets right away.

Thanks for the recommendation, I might well consider adding one to my 'to buy' list. I know I want to install an MY 'coin-edge' bezel to the watch, I guess a 'period correct' bracelet would also be a good addition, and a little abuse vintaging should blend it in with the rest of the case Out of curiosity, when you had the lug holes drilled, did you just enlarge the hole overall, or was it done 'off-center' to re-position the hole for better end-link compatibility?

Not easily. The end links on the 7206 (& a number of other riveted & folded link bracelets) are semi-permanently attached to the bracelet. And even if you are able to get the existing end links off, you then have to locate a gen pair to re-install & I do not recall ever having seen a set of fixed end links for sale separately. Further, you end up with hinges looking like this

Under nearly all circumstances, there is never any reason for this area of a bracelet to be damaged like this. Unless, of course, the entire bracelet looks the same. So, when searching for 7835s, always look carefully at this hinge (& ask for good, clear pics if they are not provided, which is itself a good reason to suspect monkey business). It is a tell-tale sign of a franken-bracelet & a considerable number of the rivets & folded links I have been seeing for sale on ebay (even from generally trustworthy sellers) are frankens. Buyer Beware.

That's a shame indeed. Nothing more frustrating that getting something 'nearly there', but not being able to complete on the situation. I'm not sure if this is a situation you've experienced with your low-profile case, but with my Silix one, I cannot re-install the original factory bracelet, as it was held in place by severely modified/bent springbars, which got chucked out long ago. This is why my vintage sub has the modern end-links: That is the only bracelet end-links which would fit onto the case... I'd be interested to see if one of these bracelets would fit to the case, as I haven't drilled the lugs, but given the other situation, I'm concerned about if it would actually fit...

I hope you manage to get the situation resolved, I guess if the worst comes to the worst, you could always sell on the bracelet you have

Here's a replica photo...

I am glad to hear the thin springbars work for you. But if these 7206s have been around for a year & a half, why has no one ever mentioned it? There have been numerous threads discussing how crummy the 'rivet' bracelets are that come with vintage Rolex reps & asking if a source of something better exists. The answer, until last week when I discovered the pics of the 7206 on Yuki's site, had always been that no one is making any good rivet bracelets.

Anyway, the thin 'bars do not fit an accurately made early Sub or GMT (I have tried the thin 'bars in both my gen & Silix-modded 6542 cases). The lug holes in these watches are made to fit 2mm 'bars. The thinner 'bars look wrong (their pins do not fully fill the lug holes) & the end links are too loose.

Unfortunately, I just received a reply from Yuki & it does not sound like they can (or will) correct the end links. They offered me a free pair of thin springbars, which do not properly fit my watches.

That's a shame Might you be able to swap the endlinks for a set which would fit the 2mm springbars?

Spoken like a Pro! I love it!

My take......don't be so Anal like some folks! If it's close enough, it's good enough, my mantra! Just get some good straps for your PAMs and they're good to go!

My bro is speaking the truth here. Don't get too caught up in the minor details, and simply enjoy each watch for its own merits When I first got onto the forums, I couldn't see myself ever wanting a Panerai. Not long after, that was all I wore for about a year... Now, I'm back into Rolex, and by extension, Tudor... the 111h is an awesome watch. My only different recommendation, would be the 112, which has a '9' instead of a second sweep hand. I never had one in my collection, but always wanted one, so might indeed treat myself to one in the future. They're a watch which can take some getting used to, but once you're 'in the zone', you will be hooked, and it's just a case of finding the right watch/strap combination which works best for you

Exactly, it is the nature of the beast. Most people soak their rep bracelets in an attempt to loosen-up the few links that slightly bind (due to imprecise machining/assembly). Every link in a stretch bracelet binds & lubrication does little to change the way they feel. I guess if you like to wear bracelets tight against your wrist, the stretchability would be a welcome change. But, if you are like me (I wear my watch so that I can slip a pinky finger in between the bracelet & my wrist), the binding nature of a stretch rivet is just something you put up with in exchange for authenticity (which, for me, ranks above all else).

I like to wear bracelets quite loose myself. I think if I could get a stretch bracelet loose enough through added links, then I'd probably be prepared to give one a try. My previous reluctance to try a riveted bracelet was the lack of diver's extension, but if the stretch can provide that facility, then I could be tempted to reconsider at some point

Quite the contrary. In fact, the 7206 is 1 of, if not the most uncomfortable bracelet there is. The discomfort is not so much from the pinching (which they do), but from the fact that the springs maintain tension to keep the links drawn together, which leaves the links somewhat stiff & less pliable. These bracelets feel kind of like a cheap rep bracelet where the links bind a bit, making the bracelet feel stiff. This is 1 of the reasons I use only folded links on my Daytonas (62xx Daytonas were available with either folded links or rivets).

I must have miss-remembered, but I understand what you mean about the tension between the links. I guess because the tension comes from the springs, there's not really anything you could do to relieve it, where a regular bracelet can be lubricated...

Yep.

Hit (Report) in your PM and the Admins will Ban them. Already did that, so need to spam the moderators.

There is really no way to stop a new user from signing up, then launching into SPAM mode. Unless, the admin team can restrict "0" post people from sending PM's.

Well, other than blocking an entire IP...

I just got one as well

Believe me, even an expert will have trouble ID'ing this bracelet if seen in the right context (like attached to a gen watch or sold by a generally reliable seller, who, himself, may not know). This thing is that good.

I know what you mean about the context, I think it's safe to say the line between 'replica' and 'aftermarket replacement' has been crossed with that piece.

The intended purpose for the stretch-ability is comfort. In hot weather, when your wrist tends to expand, it allows the bracelet to expand so the owner does not have to manually enlarge the bracelet at the clasp & then reduce it when his wrist contracts again. I could also wear it over a wet suit or use the stretch to remove the bracelet without unclasping it. But, if the the internal springs on the rep bracelet are similar to the springs on the gen, I would not exercise the bracelet's stretching limits too far or too often. 1 of the reasons I paid $1,200 for my last gen is because the springs are all in perfect working order, which is rare for a 7206. The springs on most of these bracelets tend to wear out or break over time or if stressed frequently.

That's interesting that it would stretch enough for removal from the wrist, but totally understandable that it's not an ability which should be over-taxed... Am I correct in thinking that you've said that the stretch bracelets are the least comfortable? If so, would that be due to it stretching, then 'pinching' on the wrist?

That's a shame about the tube sizes, but the two bracelets are indeed scary-close. Not being a vintage expert, I wouldn't be able to tell the two apart without being told which was which. Possibly, in a side-by-side comparison, which might show one as having more wear than the other, but, by itself, (and knowing that there are sick individuals out there who scuff up watches for the fun of it ) I could easily see myself believing someone telling me it was a genuine bracelet...

Out of curiosity, is the stretch on the bracelets enough to be able to remove the watch without using the clasp, or is the idea simply as a 'comfort thing', to allow for wrist expansion/contraction from heat? Or, another idea, is that how the watch would have been put over the sleeve of a wetsuit, without a diver's extension?

Awesome post, and a fine watch The Planet Ocean is a fantastic watch, I'd certainly say an acceptable alternative to a Submariner, it's certainly as versatile in terms of strap tolerances

Awesome watches, amigos

The new bezel insert arrived today, and Emily convinced me to install it in the NATO Tudor, as opposed to the red-quarter insert which was installed. I did really like the red-quarter, but the monochromatic look's also got something going for it

I gave the insert a very mild buffing with a nail-file, to take off a little paint at the edges, but it's a barely perceptable vintaging, and not really visible at all in this photo... I really need to find my digital camera...

I was thinking about! I have a bottle, but I think I should get a waterproof one! I think Loctite makes one!

Thanks!

No problem, amigo, happy to be of help

Indeed, different, but nice

Sorry to hear about the flooding... Could you not epoxy the crystal into place rather than returning it? I wouldn't like to say what kind of depth rating you might achieve, but the crystal on my vintage sub is epoxied in place, and that stands up to both the faucet on full force, and strong swimming, so maybe worth a try?

Very tasty, my friend, very tasty indeed

Doc,

Who is Mr. Slimeball in Texas?

-Bryan

Faisal Ali aka warehouseoutlet on the Bay. Not someone I would want to do business with again, even in desperate circumstances...