TeeJay

I'd agree with that completely

Still not finished, but really starting to come together now It's a good job I didn't have to build this to keep shrapnel out of my heart

Fantastic Am I right in thinking the Sub on the tropic strap has an HE valve? Is that a type of transitional model between the Submariner and the Sea-Dwellers, or just a custom build?

I'm sure I've said before, but what the heck It's the first letters of my first and middle names, spelled phonetically

Thanks, amigo I know what you mean My method was using the screwdriver I use to swap PAM straps round, rested one edge against the side of the crystal, then traced the other side across the insert, but as you say, they're a little long (although, as above, not as visible with the naked eye). I then put a few 'strikes' across the insert (like at the 7 position) to represent impact damage If I was to do another insert, then I'd not make the radial scratches as long, I just figured that might be the safest way for a novice to put some scuffs in, without going OTT and ruining the insert I just had a thought, do you think that fitting a bezel like you used on your GMT project might help improve the vintage appearance of the watch?

Thanks I've got quite a bit of work planned for it which should hopefully make it a bit more socially acceptable than it is with its 'blacked out' GMT II dial That said, the quality of the lume on the rep dial is pretty good Just wearing it near a window, or going outside for a few minutes, and it glows brightly going back indoors... Holding it to a lamp for about two seconds, and it glows like a torch I know it's never going to be a 'perfect rep' in terms of replicating a specific model, but as I was saying to Freddy, I just want to build something myself, that isn't going to look 'box fresh' when I wear it. Having hit 30 and got married, I feel comfortable to wear a Rolex, but even if I had the funds to get a gen, I think I'd feel more comfortable with something 'inherited', rather than a brand new one

Ahh, gotcha

Ahh, I'm now seeing coded DW reference (or maybe just spaced from pain meds) so I'm guessing that's the source

Indeed, and as before, if Rocketeer has some kind of watch shop, I don't think that such behavior would be considered not worthy of the law's attention... Local papers frequently warn people against 'cowboy operators' and such scams, which this kind of thing could certainly be considered. I know that the fact it's been done to rep goods weakens the case to a degree, but, I think the fact that the case revolves around services offered and not provided, combined with the potential to affect members of the general public, might mean that at the very least, Rocketeer might have to answer some official questions... As folks have said before, these may be reps, but we're not paying with rep money

Do you think this watch came from Phong?

I doubt the AR fraud cases would get 'laughed out of court'. As I pointed out above, someone might have received the replica watch unwittingly... It is not a crime in the UK to own replica merchandise. It is a crime in the UK to offer services, take payment, and then not provide said service. Given the nature of the scam which has taken place here, I highly doubt Rocketeer will be able to bleat "but they are fake watches! Who cares that I ripped them off??" and be let off blame free. His actions (from what I understand) are a deliberate and premeditated act of fraud. Again. That is a crime in the UK, and legally actionable. To put another spin on this... Rocketeer is (from what I gather) a professional watchsmith? (of sorts?) Who is to say that he does not also scam customers who come to his shop with 'legitimate business'? If he's prepared to scam people who consider him a friend, who's to say what he's capable of with the faceless public? No, while a complaint to Trading Standards might result in the complainant getting their watch confiscated (unlikely, but possible) I think the complaint itself would be investigated due to its potential implications to members of the public who might employ his services... That said, any kinds of threats or violence could also be acted upon by the authorities...

What's the ticket price? As others have said, the PVD coating shouldn't be quite that polished, but other than that, it looks okay. I have a near identical watch (more matte finish to the PVD) which my wife bought for my birthday a few years back. My personal advice on it as a watch, is that I found it hard to match to a wardrobe, as a watch that thick and black, is not exactly subtle on the wrist, so it actually got very little wrist time... In terms of overall watch, I really enjoyed wearing my PAMs, loved the large, clear dials, and enjoyed the ritual of having to wind the watch daily. My humble suggestion, would be to go for the same watch but with a stainless steel case rather than the PVD, simply because it will be more versatile to match to a wardrobe [Edit to add] Here's a quick wrist shot of mine... Ignore the time, I set it to 10:10 as the movement is dead (my fault )

Here're a couple of photos without flash There was an earthquake during the shoot....

Any time I'm not normally a fan of the TT look, so you know it's got to be good if it wins me over

Oh man, that is classy Best of luck with the sale

Wow... Whenever someone makes a "My new watch arrived but doesn't work and won't wind..." post, I'm going to think of this... Absolutely crazy... Thanks for taking the time to document such findings, it's certainly interesting to see how and why a DOA watch is DOA...

Thanks for the feedback, guys Freddy, I understand what you mean completely I'm not really going for any particular model of watch, I just want to build something myself, but not have it look 'box fresh' ZM, I'll try getting some natural light photos tomorrow It's funny, in the first photo, the flash really highlights the scratches in the insert, which, with the naked eye, are much less noticeable, yet in the second, almost totally whites them out The crown-side of the case also has some gouges applied, but I've worked on the idea of the watch being worn on the right wrist, so figured that there would be more impact damage to left side of the case, compared to the right side

If the hands actually reached the indices, they might not be so bad....

Given my potential plans for the project sub, I want to start making it "look it's age" a bit... Ignore the dial, the dial will ultimately be going, my focus is on the case/insert. I don't want to pop the pearl out, as I consider it a functional part of the watch. I haven't bleached the insert, but could do so in the future. Thus far, I have used a small screwdriver to scuff up the insert, and taken the blade of a pair of scissors to the case to put some gouges in. I then went over the sides with a 4 way nail polishing board to 'blend them in' a bit, so they don't all look like they've been freshly done, or make the watch look too 'over-abused'. I guess my goal is for the appearance of a 30 year old watch which has been banged up a bit during wear, but generally been well treated, not totally destroyed/beaten up... What do folks think? More abuse? Suggestions will be gratefully received

That's a fantastic restoration

Happy birthday, I hope you're having a good one

That's some good karma, amigo

I believe it is indeed a gen. Nice purchase, my friend

That's looking good I'm tempted to try the reverse of that process as a project