TeeJay

I feel u TJ, the new glidelock bracelet is really nice!

@ all thx for the nice comments...

cheers Laz

I'd almost be tempted to get one, but I don't think the actual dial size is any larger, just the case, hence the chunky rehaut to 'fill the gap', so visibility wise, I don't think I'd be gaining anything, but I do like the new clasp... Do you think the end links could be filed down to fit 20mm lugs?

My thoughts exactly and I couldn't agree more.

That was why when I bought my MBK 6538, I wanted it with the 3-6-9 dial. I've always thought the literary Bond wore an early sub like that.

Absolutely, definitely an early Sub. My hunch is the 1954 pre-Sub, simply because it was not named as a Sub, and I think if it had been named a Sub, I believe that's what Fleming would have written.

I had asked for a 3-6-9 dial when Silix did the run on vintage Subs, but wound up with the dateless 'baton marker' dial instead Oh well, maybe for a future project or purchase

That's an awesome watch, by the way, I trust it gets plenty of wrist time

I agree 100%.

The other thing to remember, is Bond was a product of the mid-50's. What was happening at that time? Scuba diving was becoming more and more popular. Fleming, living in Jamaica, enjoyed scuba diving. He even discussed in interviews his friendship with Jacques Cousteau. Rolex was reworking their watch line-up with the popular sports models. Sure, Fleming wore an Explorer, but why wouldn't his alter-ego wear something a little more sophisticated and cutting edge...

Precisely The Explorer is a land-based watch, the emerging Submariner, water-based. I don't deny that Fleming most likely considered the Explorer initially, but I suspect he then changed his mind while writing, for the pre-Submariner, and simply never told his friend. And of course, if his friend wasn't a watch enthusiast, the minor detail of the dial printing would probably never have occurred to them I just think the description is too close to the pre-Submariner to have been refering to the Explorer, as with everything else, when Fleming intended to 'brand-name drop', he did. So I think Fleming had intended it to have been a specific naming of the watch and, as the only name/print on the pre-Submariner is 'Rolex Oyster Perpetual', that's precisely what he wrote

Thanks TeeJay! I've been hanging out at RepGeek.

The quote from OHMSS...

"Bond surveyed his weapons. They were only his hands and feet, Gillette razor and his wristwatch, a heavy Rolex Oyster Perpetual on an expanding metal bracelet. Used properly, these could be turned into most effective knuckledusters."

After Bond escapes and debriefs with M at Quarterdeck (M's house)...

"Bond lifted his right wrist. Remembered that he no longer had a watch. That he would certainly be allowed on expenses."..."Another Rolex? Probably. They were on the heavy side, but they worked. And at least you could see in the dark with those big phosphorus numerals.".

This had better be his watch...

In my opinion, why wouldn't Bond be wearing a Submariner, he was trained in the Navy.

No problem, amigo, good to see you back here

Thanks for finding the quotes, I was positive they were in OHMSS

I believe that this would have been the watch in question.

The 1954 Pre-Submariner. As mentioned above, the only print on the dial is "Rolex Oyster Perpetual", and indeed, "Big phosphorus numerals" (rather than 'large, luminous numerals' as I mis-remembered it ) As above, I feel that had Fleming been refering to any other model of Rolex, he would have named it, rather than going with what could be admitedly be mistaken as a simple description of the watch, but which I believe to be, based on the history of the Submariner's evolution, a specific identification of a specific model of watch As you say, Bond was naval trained, so a diver's watch would make sense

Of course, only the man himself will know the true answer, but that doesn't take away from the fun of discussing the subject

Indeed, the Breitling Cosmonaute

This is a great discussion....

Having just finished reading On Her Majesty's Secret Service, this is what Fleming writes just previous to Bond leaving for Switzerland, doubling as Sir Hilary Bray...

"'Yes,' said Bond dully. 'I've fixed all that. And I've two new suits with cuffs and double vents at the back and four buttons down the front. Also a gold watch and chain with the Bray seal."

Is the gold watch mentioned the same as used in his escape from Piz Gloria?

"and, finally, Gillette through his fingers of the left hand and the Rolex transferred to his right"..."the Rolex disintegrated against the man's jaw"

Fleming doesn't give any clues as to what was actually worn. But, because OHMSS was wrote during the filming of Dr. No, I would be lead to believe that he wanted Bond in a Submariner, just like his on screen persona, Sean Connery.

In Live and Let Die, Fleming mentions a Rolex while Bond is making his way towards Mr. Big's hideout.

"He looked at the Rolex watch on his wrist"

LALD was published in 1954.

The plot thickens....

Miguel, I haven't seen you posting in ages, welcome back, amigo, I hope life has been treating you well

With regards the highlighted text, if you look back a bit, to where Bond is planning his escape in his room, he assesses the tools at his disposal, and I am sure the watch is described as a 'Rolex Oyster Perpetual on an expanding steel bracelet'. I haven't got a copy of the novel I can lay my hands on, but I am convinced that that is the description given of the watch, and at another point, is the comment about the 'large, luminous numerals'... I don't have a perfect eidetic memory, but some things, I do remember very precisely, and I'm sure that those descriptions are in OHMSS rather than one of the other novels

Awesome shots and watch

I just wish the lug width was 20mm so the bracelet would go on other Subs

Wear it well

Just to illustrate the point, here're the two watches in question:

As mentioned above, in OHMSS, Fleming at one point, wrote "Rolex oyster perpetual", and another, "Large, luminous numerals". Now, someone might argue that he was describing the watch in terms of it's brand, case and movement. However, as I mentioned above, Fleming was a chronic 'brand-name dropper'. Every minute aspect of James Bond's tastes, was always described in 'brand-name' terms. Thus, I do not believe that the above quote is a description, but a brand identification. One of those watches, has, "Rolex Oyster Perpetual" on the dial, and nothing else, ergo, it is, a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, not, a Rolex Submariner. When that watch was made, there was no such thing as a 'Rolex Submariner'...

Again, that's just my own personal theory, and people are free to agree or disagree with me, but I believe that the evidence is there to support it. As above, it may have been that Fleming initially planned to have Bond wear an Explorer I, but simply changed his mind while writing, to give Bond a watch more in keeping with his naval experiences, and, for someone who drops brand names on all other aspects of Bond's tastes, it would be inconsistent to simply describe something, when it is branded, and identifiable by that brand name... That's not to say the friend is wrong, as that might have been all he had originally been told, so from his perspective, that would have been true to him...

I just read in WatchTime magazine, that although Bonds' model watch was never formally mentioned a close friend of Flemings has come out to say that Flemmings intention was for it be an Explorer I.

not sure if you guys figured that out yet or not. but the magazine also mentioned the clues left by Flemming in the novels.

I would disagree with that friend's interperetation.

In the novelisation of OHMSS, Fleming described Bond's watch as a 'Rolex Oyster Perpetual', with 'Large, luminous numerals'. Now, while that description could apply to the Explorer I, I disagree, for this reason: Fleming went into great detail describing Bond's passions. His cigarettes with the gold stripes, the Red Stripes he drank with Scaramanga in Jamaica, the car he not only drove, but also customized, voiding the manufacturer's warranty (I forget the model at the moment) so bearing that tendency in mind, if he had wanted to say Bond wore an Explorer I, I think he would have simply said, "James Bond looked down at the Rolex Explorer, the large, luminous numerals letting him know-"

Now, before the Submariner was actually called the Submariner, there was a 'pre-Submariner', which was not identified thus on the dial. The dial did not have the currently recognized 'dots and sticks', but luminous numerals, and, the only printing on the dial, was 'Rolex Oyster Perpetual'. The Explorers of the era, were already branded as Explorers. It's an interesting theory. It might well have been that Fleming's first intention was for it to be an Explorer, but he simply changed his mind while writing. As above, given his attention to detail of other things, I don't believe that he would miss the opportunity to do likewise with another thing, and I believe that the pre-Submariner fits the written description better, than the Explorers of the day

A tie without a tie pin.. ... a suit without french cuffs and a nice antique pair of cufflinks may as well wear a gym shirt ma brotha ... .. gotta be "Daper" on that special day .. if not for you for the future Mrs. TJ ..

I hear what you're saying, my brother, and I know what you mean, all my thoughts and efforts have been focussed on wearing an outfit which will make me look a presentable groom for my bride. Due to the hairstyle, I needed to know what I was wearing would look okay, and I felt that Morning Suits, cravats, etc, wouldn't look right, without the 'business hair'/short back and sides to go with it... As I was explaining to Nikki6 in PM, clothes are my 'artistic blindspot'. I simply can't choose clothes to make an outfit to look good. Every item of clothing I own, every combination I wear, I lift right out of film/TV, as I have more faith in the wardrobe departments, than I do in my own judgement in that area

This is the look I'm going for, (not that I'll be garroting anyone on the day )and I think the shirt and tie I've found, are reasonably close

I guess my outfit would be considered 'smart/professional', rather than 'upscale/formal'. The shirt doesn't have French cuffs, but, I can wear cufflinks with it (and have a nice set I can wear)

Now all you need is a nice tie pin.

JTB

I have to admit, I've never really been one for tie-related jewellery... To be honest, I'm pretty 'take the or leave them' when it comes to cuff-links too

OK...this forum is amazing. Generous members...appreciate and gracious contributors. When you start losing faith in humanity...a small pocket of hobbyists restores your faith in humanity.

Great stuff.

You can certainly say that again, bro

Tj i will get in touch tomorrow, i have a bit of interest

Cool I'll PM you the site address. Absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with me, just something I happened to stumble across on another forum

Such as the Rolex coronet, or the Quantum of Solace logo. Would people be interested in having such a thing etched into their crystals? Would it be a mod people would be interested in having done? I've just come across a potential source to offer laser etching, but wondered if anyone would actually be interested in such services, before I get this person's hopes up with the promise of potential clients

Yay? Nay?

'Tis true - Planet Oceanitis is an affliction of which I suffer. Although the correct term in polite company is Tangerine Diveratis.

Ahh, but there're two distinct strains... One where the sufferer is compelled to wear a Planet Ocean, the other, is when a watch wants to be a Planet Ocean I was referring to the latter strain, rather than the former

All joking aside, it's a gorgeous watch

i hope im not going to lose any friends because of this

Of course not

[Edit to add]

The previous post I made, which has been deleted, was not meant as an attack on anyone, just intended as a helpful look into the realms of a private business owner's approach to enquiry compared to consultation, as I think the two are distinctly different, and even the most well intentioned folks might not always realize that. Sorry if it was felt I was treading on anyone's toes, that was the last thing on my mind

GAHHH Planet Oceanitis!!!

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm not just being a noob and failing to search, just hoping for a second opinion really as to whether it's the bezel or the watch face/movement itself that has been incorrectly fitted. Hopefully it's just the bezel which I can fix!

Perhaps you guys could have a glance at these other pics and see what you think is up?

Yes, the bezel insert is off. With the right tools, it will take you about ten minutes (if that) to fix it. PM me if you need the instructions (which are posted in the Omega Section) It is certainly not worth the hassle of sending the watch back to China for such an insignificant issue (which can happen in gens as well)

Dont care about the fix. Wouldnt accept it. Send it back. However if it is a known fault maybe go for a different model.

Bro, please tell me this is a sarcastic comment.

Looks good T, you sorted a watch yet ?

Thanks, bro I'll try and get a better shot later on to show the knot better. I had planned on going with the Full Windsor, but it just didn't look as good with the shirt as the Shelby, so that's the choice for me Indeed, Nikki6 very generously offered to loan me a watch, and then upgraded his offer by making it a wedding present, so watch crisis over

I was right about the tie though huh?? Even if I can't see I still know style baby!! lol

You weren't wrong, bro It blows the other tie clear out of the water

Please excuse the unshaven neck, and wonky tie, but this is just a quick and dirty photo of the combo I've settled on for my wedding. I picked up the tie today for

Thats the spirit gentlemen! I know that watch will have a lifetime of significance for Teej, not only because he wore it on his wedding day, but because of the spirit in which it was acquired. Good on all of you!

Indeed, I couldn't have put it any better myself, thank you very much, everyone who has, in whatever way, be it advise, gifts or purchases of my now disbanded collection, allowed this wedding and reception to go ahead as planned From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

And this is why I love RWG haha.... congratulations TeeJay...can't wait to see the wedding photos!!!!

I have a feeling they're going to be spectacular, given the location

Dammit.........I had access to 500L of beer too!

HEHE!

I wish!

Never mind :lol

Just one question, does his daughter feature at all in his will or did he stiff her there too?

Ken

Absolutely no idea, my friend... A lot of his assets were actually in his wife's name, so whenever the child support agency tried to assess him, he could plead poverty... So from that point of view, he would have a hard job bequeathing her anything, which is actually not in his name It'll be interesting to see what happens, that's for sure

Well, I'm not going to go quite that far

Have a great day.

No problem, bro, and no worries, the offer is gift enough

Thanks for the good wishes

TeeJay's not that far from us either!!!

And I've seen Bibbs's watches too, they are VERY nice........and i mean NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE.

Teejay, you could be in our neck of the woods within the hour!

No worries .. just thought as you are close-ish.

Drop me a PM if you change your mind. And good luck with the wedding, I only got engaged on Wednesday, and am looking for a rep PAM for me and the best man.

(both are black dialed)

Thanks again for the offers, amigos Nikki6 has upped the ante even further, and incredibly generously donated the watch to me as a wedding present There's not much which can be said to that kind of generosity

Sorry to hear of your experience TJ.. but I wish you both calm seas and may the sun always be in your face and the wind at your back...

best wishes to both of you !!

If I could've sent a card I would have.. hope you and E can have some joy from a small Wedding gift from Hawaii

Aloha~Cheers .. and plenty of little TJ's

Lani

Just one of the many challenges we're given to overcome It really does feel like a weight has been lifted from our shoulders. The atmosphere feels calmer, the air itself seems clearer. That can only be a good thing Indeed, the gift is much appreciated As for plenty of little TJ's, having spent just over a decade zapping my nuts by keeping a cell phone in my hip pocket, I think cloning is the only way we'll be having biological offspring

I know the GMT Master IIc is kind of boring to most of you, but I just got this new one and I am still amazed by the quality. Will wear all weekend and probably after.

Never boring to me Having seen the gen 'in the flesh', I'd definitely say that that's the Rolex which lives up to it's brandname expectations