TeeJay

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

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

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

As many of you have read, once my finances improve, I have plans to build a V2.0 of my GMT Submariner. Obviously, this involves buying several watches and swapping parts around. In some instances, all I want from a watch is a few parts, so from that point of view, I want to get the most for my money. Now, I have two options... Option One: Vintage Submariner on a Rolex-buckled NATO-esque strap $108 Option Two: Vintage Submariner (as above) but on a bracelet $118 All I really want from this particular watch is the dial, second hand, and hour hand. The rest will be surplus parts. Given the discussion about Rolexes on Tropic Rubber straps, I was wondering if it would be better value for money to buy the $108 watch, so I could also use the buckle on an aftermarket Tropic strap, possibly even for a different watch, rather than buying the $118 watch, which would only be providing the dial and hands (although it would mean a spare bracelet should the need arise...) What do folks think? I'm thinking Option One would be better value for money, I just wanted to hear the thoughts of others

Strictly speaking for non-watch interested folks, I would make this my top five of recognition: 1. Rolex 2. Omega 3. Seiko 4. TAG Heuer 5. Breitling (visually, if not by name)

I didn't use the hyperlink, I just went direct to eBay and logged in, but there was no issue at all. I think it was just a simple case of simple phishing from Nigeria...

It's okay, it's an old account which is no longer used, but thanks for the technical advice

I got an email the other day from 'paypal.co.uk' stating a 'security issue', and advising me to log in immediately... Of course, I wasn't falling for the phishing trick, so deleted the email and just logged in as normal, to find, as expected, no problem whatsoever Those Nigerian boys don't give up

I really wouldn't like to say for sure.... At a guess, I would think that the main hands make the 24 hour sweep (would make sense, given the 24 dial markings) and I'd guess that the sub dials are the day/date/military time markers often seen on low-end chronos Of course, if you shoot an email to the dealer, I'm sure they'll be able to give you a more accurate answer [Edit to add] Looking at the pinion for the main hands, there appears to be a 'dark ring' between the hour and minute hands... Looking at the GMT pinion of my own watch, which has both the 12 and 24 hour hands, this 'dark ring' is not present, so I suspect, that in this instance, it is a case of the 'hour hand' simply being fitted to the GMT section, rather than the 'hour' section of the movement. Probably not the most technically accurate description, but I hope it makes sense

Thanks for the vote of confidence, my brother I live by a very strict policy of "look but don't touch" I've been very much the same with everything my whole life, watches, clothes, foods, movies, you name it, there might be 'something new' which might attract my attention, but it never goes beyond 'looking', and it's the old favorite which always wins out in the end In a way, my beater should be the SMP I bought with my inheritance money, but, that doesn't have the GMT function of my hybrid, so my choice is one of function over form, and, I don't think anything can top the satisfaction of utilizing something daily which I built myself, to look and function precisely as I intended (well, as much as is reasonable )

Thanks bro, I think it's one of the best shots I've taken, it's certainly the one I'm the most pleased with Before I really got into collecting, I tended to buy a new watch every year, so would simply wear that watch constantly, and I think that habit is why I change watches so little. Special occasion or particular circumstances, sure, but for the most part, I tend to just wear one watch and wear it exclusively, so when it came to building this hybrid (and planning V2.0) I wanted to build something which would give me the most versatility in form and function... Lume, diver's clasp, GMT functionality etc... Okay, a date window would be nice, but, I do prefer the look of the dateless Rollies. I think what I've built gives me everything I need, V2.0 will just be to 'iron out the kinks' and improve on what I've already done (such as larger hands)

Still wearing it

Absolutely, and, to flip that around, as you said, just because it's a rep, doesn't mean it's not quality or attractive

Since the mental downsizing, and then forced sale of my collection, this one has really stepped up to the plate as my daily beater It's got a couple of nicks out of the edge of the crystal, a scuff on the bezel insert, and will hopefully pick up a few more knocks before I get round to building V2.0 later in the year when finances allow Here's a few more pics of my hybrid

You're not wrong there, bro I like to think that there's a difference between 'affordable', and 'crap'. Eg. Tesco's generic brand cola (appx .50p) = Affordable. Sainsbury's economy cola (appx.20p) = Crap. Some of those watches fall in the former catagory, many fall in the latter The thing that got me with that list, was they put the Tag on there as the 'money's no object' option, when for a thousand less, someone could by a perfectly good SMP Yup, I hope whoever wrote that gets canned...

Top Ten Watches for men Erm... Yes... Well... :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I very rarely (read almost never) buy from anyone else. If you have reasonable expectations of the product, I can't see you being disappointed

Most of the dealers have the 20mm Seamaster straps, although I have to admit, having seen a 22mm force-fit into place, I'm pretty tempted to try a 22mm myself

You're not wrong there, my friend

Well, that's not to say that I wouldn't like them, but I don't think Emily would approve

Thanks, bro, that's a truly awesome thing to say, and very much appreciated I'm hoping to get the album up at some point tomorrow, insha'allah