TeeJay

My Swiss Cheese memory hasn't let me down on this occasion It really is an awesome watch, all the more so by what you went through to re-acquire it

That's quite a photo, what caused the lighting effect?

Awesome photos This has just reminded me of something... Is this the watch which you finally tracked down after selling its 'repair center twin'?

That's very true... Even when one thinks that they're happy with a watch, eventually, the idea to mod the watch might creep in, or, another watch will become the object of 'the hunt', so the enjoyment of the original watch can wane...

My advice would be to ask you these questions, and hopefully the answers will give you the advice you need 1. Are you someone who frequently rotates your watches, or do you tend to wear one particular watch the majority of the time? 2. Do any of the watches have sentimental value? ie gifts from friends/family/partners If you don't frequently rotate your watches, and they don't have a lot of sentimental value, then I would say sell them. Another way you could look at it, is if a particular watch does have sentimental value, if you sell that watch, then it has still provided you with the money from its sale, so you could then put that towards a new watch, as money 'in the spirit of the sentimental value' Best of luck with making your decision, and welcome to the forum

That's a real beauty

As for myself... Well... Let's just say that if this watch was a child, it would probably be on the 'at risk' register... Fortunately, my wife's been kind enough to get some parts on order for me (well, a cheap Asian sub I can dissect ) [Edit to add] This is a one-off photo to show the abuse I've inflicted on the 'hand side' of the watch. I can't describe how utterly wrong it felt having a watch on my left wrist Oh well, enjoy the photo

Have a safe trip, my friend, and lots of underwater photos of your sub in action, when you return

You're absolutely right, that's the only thing which enabled me to tell which was which, and even then, only because it was a side by side comparison. If it was a case of seeing them independently of each other, I don't think I'd be able to. A fine watch for sure

That's a good price I'd say the two on the left are the gens (but I'm probably wrong )

I'm really glad to hear thing sare improving

That's a fantastic collection, I think vintage subs really have an appeal all of their own I remember reading about a collector who was restoring a 1680, but considering selling it, as they weren't really a 'vintage guy' (I think their pleasure came from the restoration itself, rather than owning the end result) Am I right in thinking that the watch in the middle is the fantasy model? I can understand why some folks don't like buying fantasy models, but when it's self built, I think they deserve a seperate catagory of 'customized', rather than just 'franken' or 'fantasy', simply bcause it meets the builder's personal specs and requirements Thanks for sharing

I don't think I've really handled enough reps of different brands to really have a personal opinion, but from what I've heard people saying, the Rolex Datejusts can be the most convincing as there are so many variations, it's impossible to pin them down... From the photos I've seen, I'd definitely say that the Ebel Discovery 1911 is on a par with the gen, and I'd say the Rolex Explorer II is pretty close as well Anything else, I think potentially needs some kind of modification to be 'passable', so not fair to judge them with the watches which are close 'out of the box'

Look at what happened when I tried to 'bleach' my sub insert with kitchen cleaner Wouldn't've been so bad, but I did three short soaks (about 90 seconds a time) in the intent of not doing what I've done The problem was the first two soaks, only made the insert look blue, rather than grey/black, so I thought I'd give it another go Next time, I'll know not to go that step too far, but as above, if I'd've done that to a WM9 quality watch, I'd probably not be so philosophical about it I think the Explorer II would definitely be a good project watch or even parts source, as I believe they always put movements with an adjustable GMT hand in, where the GMT Master II, they can get away with the ones that only run a 24 hour sweep in synch with the main hands... As long as the parts are interchangeable, I think the possibilities are good

As above, I hope that this can be resolved amicably and in a gentlemanly manner

That said, they're an excellent way of honing one's skills If I'd've had project failures with Swiss watches, I'd be seriously annoyed about the lost cash... At least Asians are easily affordable and relatively disposable if something goes wrong, and, if it goes to plan, then you end up with the watch intended

That would certainly be what I'd've thought to turn it into

Didn't have any bleach under the sink, so I thought I'd give oven cleaner a try instead

I couldn't've said it any better than my bro already has... I really hope this can be arranged amicably Best of luck

I always had a hunch that a stealth Radiomir would look the business on the dive strap Good to see you posting again, bro, I hope life's been treating you well That's an awesome blending of styles, I really like it Not like I have much choice in my wrist-wear, it's a good job I'm not someone who frequently swaps watches

You know the plastic inserts which come in shirt collars when they're packed from the store? You might be able to get something really thin like that down the sides to work the pins without scratching up the clasp Best of luck

Thanks for the comparison, I'm definitely much happier with what I've done with that as a comparison What's the vintage on that? Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give it a try

Well, at the very least, it's recognizable, even if not pronounceable by all

I know what you mean, I didn't want the watch to just look like it had been totally abused and carved up, I don't think I've ever seen a vintage watch actually look that severely damaged... (as above, the first photos really do not accurately capture what I've done to the case, the last ones are much more accurate to a 'naked eye view') What I was bearing in mind, is that the case is repro mid-50s vintage, so that's a lot of milage for a watch to go through, even with a careful owner, so I figured that it had to have at least a few substantial dings on the lugs. I'm not trying to go for a particular model of Sub, more a Frankenstein's monster which will appear to have been 'patched up' over the years with whatever contemporary parts came along, but still pretty much in a constant state of use. I think the aged 1680 dial (when I can get hold of one) will be what gives it that real vintage flavor, and of course, the insert will need bleaching as well, but I'm really happy with the progress so far. I think getting hold of a repro 50s bezel will really be the icing on the cake

There is that expression about the right tool for the right job... Personally, I go with whatever I've got to hand ( I have to admit, the gouges I inflicted on the case (especially the lugs) with the scissors, are the ones I'm most satisfied with in my 'vintagizing' project ) [Edit to add] I've studied under the Master, at Nanuq's school for watch modification