TeeJay

It may have been an Oysterquartz, which is a gen that ticks like a quartz watch (because it is)

If that's the standard Oysterquartz bracelet, I still think it was a rep. The bracelet was literally like a Jubilee bracelet (as on the old GMT IIs) but with an Oyster-style clasp. Sadly, we never got the chance to talk watches, but I'm sure that the topic will present itself at some point in the future It wasn't even the color of the gold which made me think 'rep', because obviously, over the years, even a gold gen will start to appear 'muted'. It was just one of those 'hunches' from everything about the watch. Thinking about it, the fact his wife had once said to my mother in law that she had a few 'knock off Rolexes' should have been another clue for me

Of course, everyone knows that 'fake Rolexes tick', I just think the funny thing, is a non-watch enthusiast would likely ignore that benchmark in this case, as they would likely think that someone of that background would never buy a rep

I have to admit, I was surprised by what appeared to be a quick action, but, TT's posts have certainly clarified the situation, which prevents any kind of misunderstanding, and as with all such things, with clarity, comes understanding.

While I can appreciate that discretion could have kept these issues private, the full disclosure does prevent any misunderstanding, so thanks for keeping things open/transparent/understandable

The gold does fade but only on the inside of the bracelet and usually it's not that much. I wore the watch below many times (it was my first rep) and I personally think it was a tremendous piece, the yellow gold just shined on this guy...

One of the guests at my wedding had a really obvious rep similar to this. It had the diamond markers though, and the bracelet was some kind of combination of a Jubilee bracelet with an Oyster clasp, and it had a movement which ticked solidly once a second

The really funny thing about it, is the wearer used to be a Wing Commander in the RAF, lives in a huge house, and could certainly afford the gen if he wanted For me, that was the best indicator that people buy reps as much out of frugality with money, rather than that tired old excuse "they obviously couldn't afford the gen..."

I used to have a bong (20 years ago) that kind of looked like whatever that thing is the watch is wrapped around...

Sounds cool It was a close up of one of my most prized possessions: Duncan MacLeod's katana

Not exactly a wrist shot, but I wanted to mix it up a bit

An awesome gesture Whatever funds I have left when my bills are settled, I will gladly donate

Maybe it's Jetmid, working out of his private hanger

No surprise that I'm still wearing my GMT Sub, but, I had a little accident while tinkering with it... I was sick of the dial keep slipping, so decided to strip the watch and dial-dot the dial into place. A slightly over-enthusiastic hand removal led to the back section of the second hand getting bent over the main body of the hand, and the second hand now terminates at the circular pivot Looks a little weird with the shortened hand, but, the watch still works, and at least the dial is solidly in place I'll be sure to take better care during future projects

Great photo work, and a fine pair of watches

Yes its double AR coating but if members want single then that's ok too please just specify what you want

Cool I might well contact you in a few months when I get round to building V2.0 of my GMTSub

If I had the spare cash, and a watch I needed coating, I'd definitely be interested, but circumstances are against me at the moment... Best of luck getting enough to make it run

Out of curiousity, is it single or double sided coating, or are both options available?

I saw this watch being sold "ROLEX GMT II LV" from a private seller. It does look very nice but I'm assuming it's a fantasy watch.

Green GMT II insert

Trip lock crown,

16610 sub bracelet,

Noob sub style bezel,

GMT II C watch case

GMT II dial + hands

Maxi Dial

So am i right that it's a phantasy watch?

Sounds like the kind of thing I'd build I bet it looks awesome, the green GMT hand should complement the bezel insert nicely Are there any photos of it available?

I do not see how you can possibly call the GMTII a dress watch. On the other hand, I think most would agree that Rolex, with its current product lineup, has lost all pretense of being a maker of tool watches.

To be fair, I think Rolex is suffering a bit of Bush-itis (having their comments misread or misunderstood & then used against them).

The only comments I have ever seen coming from Rolex that relate to the quality or strength of their new ceramic bezels state that they are resistant to corrosion & ultraviolet light & scratch-proof

No where have I ever seen Rolex suggest that this material is 'unbreakable', impervious to impacts or capable of withstanding abnormal abuse (like being dropped onto a hard surface).

Oh man, I nearly pissed myself when I read the small print on that advert, as that is precicely the material I suggested that Rolex should be making the bezels out of due to it's strengthened structure Seeing as that stuff is used in applications like joint replacements, F1 brake discs and jewellery, it's clearly a pretty strong substance, so must've taken one heck of a whack to shatter like that Oh well

lug width is 21mm. i own the V3 Asian clone.

Steve

Thanks for the info, it's much appreciated If I were to file the sides down .5mm on each side, do you think that the spring bar channel would line up with lug holes on another model Sub or GMT II?

Although the photos were really great and did show off the Deepsea well, I still find myself not liking this watch at all. It's not in balance, the bracelet and end links being 20mm is just wrong for such a large thick watch, it looks out of proportion, at least to me anyway

Are the end links definitely 20mm? I have to admit, I thought they were larger than that... Awesome if they are 20mm, I'll get an Asian to salvage the bracelet from when I get round to my project

Reg, a guy who passes so many watches through his hands has got to have some variety. Looks good on ya. I just wish they would have gone all the way and made the whole watch a cool "deep sea" piece and not just the case. They are definitely on to something...

QFT, brother, QFT

I think if the dial had been enlarged to fill the bezel area, rather than the unnecessarily large rehaut, then it would be great. A truly 'plus sized' Submariner/SD, with all the benefits of that enlarged size, but, as it is, I think you're spot on in you assessment of Rolex's motives.

Of course, absolutely fantastic pictorial, so kudos indeed

300 m = 984.251 ft

Do you really beleve that you are going to get 1000 ft of water resistance on a rep out of the box? It doesn't matter if it is a WM9 or not they're all made in the same place. You'll be lucky to get 10.

Now all we have to do is sit back and wait for the 'I dived the Titanic in my SD' post.

Did you see the SD review which someone posted not so long back? The watch survived deep sea conditions without flooding or exploding during decompression, infact, the only damage that I recall, was case corrosion, which was also attributed to other conditions of the water...

According to the OP of the shattered ceramic GMTII bezel insert on TZ, Rolex glues the insert into the bezel (just like our reps). I do not know about anyone else, but this come as quite a surprise to me

That's very interesting, and indeed, kudos to the guy for insisting on picking up the tab, too many folks nowadays would just scream 'warranty' and refuse to pay, even if the accident was down to them.

Rolex have replaced several ceramic inserts... I need to have a real think about my project... I love how the ceramic insert looks, but I don't want a beater which can't take a beating

A method I've used, is a 'tap test', with the edge of the fingernail on the crystal. Sapphire 'tinks', mineral 'thunks'

One main problem for us is the high Google rating.

I was searching for genuine TAG Aquaracer chrono pictures... to purchase a genuine, and guess what's the first picture of the Google image search: My RWG rep Aquaracer Chrono review title photo. Ironic, huh... trying to find genuine reference shots, with a gen purchase in mind... and the first one that pops up is my own rep review!

Yes you heard it right guys... THE FIRST DAMN PICTURE that comes from the search string: TAG AQUARACER CHRONOGRAPH. So much for flying "under the rarar", eh?

I've told you before, bro, your photography is just too good

I'd've loved to have read the tread, but never mind... In a way, I say the less attention the hobby gets the better, but, from the other side, it would be nice for people to know that there is an option beyond AD price tags I'm sure anyone on TZ who read the thread and actually has an interest in reps, will find their way to the suppliers, where the elitists will just avoid them on principle... I can live with that outcome Knowledge for those who seek it, a nice hole in the sand for those who chose not to

Congratulations, T, best regards to you and your family

I've always worn a watch on my right wrist. I've never adjusted a watch while it was on my wrist, so that's never been a problem, and I've always been able to operate chrono pushers with my left thumb, so no problem there... I'd definitely agree with Robbie's post that it is easier to see a watch on the right wrist, and I'm all for ease

I do this frequently with many of my project watches (I have bought a number of reps just to get a single small part), but it is hard to call for someone else. Buying a rep is a great way to get pre-fabricated parts, but very inefficient from a cost standpoint. So I would just choose whichever option you feel gets you the most for your money.

Thanks for the feedback

I have to admit, I think Option One would get me the most, as not only would I get the dial and hands, I would also get the buckle from the strap which could be used separately, where as if I got it on the bracelet, I'd only be gaining a bracelet which I might never need, so be paying more, only to get less... I figure $108 for a specific dial, hands and buckle isn't too bad, I'm sure folks have spent much more on other parts, possibly even just a single part...

On Topic:

I'd be very interested to see pics of the shattered bezel. Not because I don't believe it happened, but simply out of morbid curiosity to see a cross section of the ceramic. I'm not sure what ceramic Rolex are using for the bezels, but I would suggest that they use Zirconia, as is used in jewelry (including rings, which have to withstand a lot of impact without shattering) as the metallic compound strengthens the crystalline structure.

I suspect, had the watch taken the impact 'face on', then the insert would not have shattered, but, taking an impact edge on, and the resulting shockwaves and interactions with bezel assembly/crystal etc, I can certainly believe that one would shatter under the right circumstances... Maybe I should forget my idea of using a rep of the GMT II c for my project, and just stick to an all black GMT insert I love how the ceramic insert looks, but, I don't want to have to worry about the insert shattering... Scratches and scuffs on an insert, I can cope with... That adds character... One shattering and coming out completely... Well, lets just say that my best man wore a watch which was clearly sans bezel to my wedding, and 'having character' was not how I would have described its condition