TeeJay

You might have stripped some threads from the stem or crown may just be a simple loctite job to fix it, does every thing look in order in the back, are there any teeth missing from the winding gears and are they all lining up correctly

Looking at the back, the gears look okay. No missing teeth or misallignment there... It really feels like the stem is not properly engaging into the movement itself to wind the mechanism 100% of the time. I might try pulling the stem entirely to see what kind of condition the end is in...

Nothing more than the result of distracted clumsiness on my part. I was winding the movement, momentarily distracted, and for some unknown reason, cranked an extra turn into the movement once it had reached it's 'maximum wind'

The crown made a crunching noise, then rotated freely (not engaging the winding mechanism)

The watch still works. It is still windable, keeps time perfectly, and still requires winding as per it's regular intervals, so nothing seriously amiss there. But. When winding, sometimes the stem will engage the winding mechanism, sometimes it 'free floats' till it re-engages the mechanism, and, since this accident, is resting in a slightly different position, as the CG lever now rattles loose, rather than it's previously solid 'lock down'.

What kind of damage am I likely to have inflicted here? Damage to the stem, or damage to the movement (or both) Would it be easier to repair the movement, or simply replace it?

Also, as a side question, if the damage is to the movement rather than the stem, if I was to replace the movement, would the existing stem (with crown mounted) be okay with the new movement, or might there be 'fitting/length' issues?

Thanks in advance

May peace be upon you, my friend. I look forward to the day, God willing, that you are able to return.

Best regards,

T

Surprisingly, the only watch that left me a little disappointed was the Breitling SFSO. Not that it isn't one of the best reps out there, its just that it did nothing for me when I put it on my wrist. I like it better on rubber or leather, but it has been relegated to being my "water" watch, and I hardly ever wear it.

Likewise, I wasn't impressed by it at all. I tried on a gen, and just didn't like it at all. At the time, I felt that the size of the dial, was too small in comparison to the size of the case itself, almost like putting a Submariner dial, in a Planet Ocean case I admit, a gorgeous watch, but one I didn't like once it was on my wrist, so I knew not to even think about buying a rep of it

No I don't think it was the size.. At that time I was going to the gym daily so I was more toned than now and I could pull it off.

Plus it was modded and lumed by Mark..

Could it be the gold hands? The domed crystal? Don't really know.. but I ain't trying it for a third time

Ahh, that's definitely making sense I admit, the 127 is a monstrosity of a watch in terms of individual details... The gold hands aren't as nice as regular black luminor hands, the domed crystal (when not exploding ) distorts the numerals on the dial, and makes it too big to go under a cuff with ease, the second sweep hand looks too small... So many issues which can be pointed out about it, yet for some reason, like peanut butter and jelly, it just 'works' (although of course, not to everyone's taste )

Might it have been the size of it? When I first tried one on, it felt ludicrously big (and for some reason, more so at night, when viewing only the numerals ) As the first one had an issue with the lever of the crown guard not closing fully, I sent it back to exchange with the PVD 111g I have. After a while, I also decided to give it 'a second chance' and ordered a new one, but this time, after wearing it a while, absolutely fell in love with it. I admit, I still think it looks large when viewing only the numerals at night, but, during the day, it just doesn't bother me anymore. All that's bothering me now, is that I need to get the dial re-lumed, so I can get the watch back from my watchsmith, and I'm really missing it

I am surprised that you did not like the VC, i dont have one my self but it always appeals to me

That makes two of us To this day, I still can't put my finger on why I actually didn't like it. For some reason, it just 'felt wrong', although as a piece, it was well made, and looked fantastic.

I tried on a gen Tag Aquaracer yesterday, and was totally unimpressed. I didn't like the clasp, didn't like the feel of the bracelet, didn't like how thick it was at the back, which made it feel like it was way off my wrist, when in truth, it was probably no thicker than the 104 I was wearing (which the sales clerk didn't even look at ) (the silly bimbo didn't even know what watch the Aquaracer was when I asked for it by name, and I had to point it out to her in the display ) But, those are all reasons I can explain and quantify. For the VCO, I can't do that. I can only say "I didn't like it..." but with absolutely no explanation or justification as to why

For me, my biggest watch disappointment has got to be the Vacheron Constantin Overseas.

Should have been a definite keeper, as it was a fantastically made, utterly elegant watch. It had features which I require in a watch, such as large hands and indices, it had a gorgeous texture to the dial, it was a brand that most everyday folks would never have even heard of, so it would never even get noticed, let alone called out, but, every time I put it on my wrist, my immediate feeling was "getitoffgetitoffgetitoffgetitoff!!!!!!" For some reason, I just couldn't stand to wear it

In the end, (after owning it for all of a few days) I sent it to a friend as a gift for their father, who, in return, sent me some awesome straps for my PAMs.

Here's a few pics of it from happier times

Okay, the kit list is building, and nearly complete. Well, it's a few things missing, but I think I've got the essentials. Let me know what you think....

Three 'bandana'-size cloths (for use as bandanas or triangular bandages)

A4-sized zip lock bag (containing a sheet of tissuepaper as kindling) (could be used as emergency 'food bowl')

One 'carrier bag' (without any holes in it. I figured it would do for an 'emergency latrine' )

One 'tool card' (Magnifier, compass, blade, can opener, multi-wrenches)

Four glo-sticks

One pack of 24 waterproof matches (in heavy-duty plastic waterproof case) which is attached to a luminous compass key-fob

Contents of three first aid kits (everything from plasters to condoms)

Packs of batteries for vest and hand torches

Two permanantly mounted downward facing LED (9 LEDs) torches (one red-tinted, the other with stock lens)

One 'windup' torch (3 LEDs)

One spare 'mini-maglite'-style torch (3 LEDS, with lens red-tinted)

One Stanley Knife with five spare blades

Two Sharpie pens (double ended - Fine and Ultra Fine)

One Butane 'blowtorch' lighter

One black pashmina

Platypus water bladder (2 ltr capacity, but only .5ltr useable capacity in the pocket) Drinking line is fed through the same elastic straps as the torches, and stows neatly under the padded collar

One ready to eat meal (Not an MRE, but a camping meal which is edible hot or cold)

One Spork

One tube foot powder

One 'poster tube' containing: 1000 rolled plastic bags, dry pair of socks, and two SS thermos flasks (one for drink, one for spaghetti)

One waterproof poncho

One pack of tissues

One mini 'tool kit' of hex wrenches and screw-drivers (to be upgraded to Leatherman tool in time)

To come...

550 cord

Stainless Mirror

Sun block

Insect repellent

What do folks think? Am I missing anything vital

Hmm, thats interesting TJ. I was watching a program on the Discovery channel, called 'Most Evil'. That particular episode was featured on violent sex offenders/killers. Some of these convicted killers, chose to have be castrated because they decided it was the only way these violent sexual urges would stop. There seemed to be scientific evidence supporting that theory.

However as you said, this has the opposite effect on some people, and makes them more violent. A more harsher punishment then seems to be called for..

I'm no expert in the field, so can only go on what I've read on the subject, but I'm wondering if it could be a case of, yes, at Point A they might choose to go down the castration route, thinking it will make them safer, but, when they get to Point B, their frustration has wound up causing the opposite effect, and they become more dangerous instead. Something which I think people sometimes forget, is that rapists don't rape for sexual pleasure, but for the sense of empowerment it brings, and that nonces don't go for kids 'to be grim', but because that is their sexual preference. A nonce can no sooner stop finding kids attractive, anymore than a straight guy could suddenly decide to become gay (or vice versa) Sex offences (from what I've read) are often much more psychological than people sometimes realize.

I was talking more along the terms of a rapist having his willy chopped off. I think that should stop quite a few would be rapists, child sex offenders etc. from commiting such crimes

Sadly, statistics have shown that castration does not deter repeat sex offenders, and, in some cases, makes them more brutal, due to their inability to 'function'... I agree, it's certainly what they deserve, but, in the long run, it's not the most effective punishment...

In the US at least many states they could get years in prisons and big fines.

Aussie land does not have that focus on animal abuse as the US and other countrys, one of my best mates have lived their now for about 2years and we talked about this episode.

I think a solid beating would be best and i em sure if the right people find out who then it will happen.

One guy in Holland got stabbed 15 times due his video where he tortures a cat, he did survive but i bet he will never do it again.

Animal abuse and future violence against humans is very close related..

Look at reports from FBI on serial killers that is disturbing.

Animal cruelty should have harsh sentence 5yrs minimum and 10000$ fines.

Me personal i look at animal abusers as pedophiles i em not talking about your football coatch at his early 30's banging a 14yr cheerleader i em talking about the pigs that molest children that are under the age of 10 sickos that should be dealt whit dark age style..

Precicely. Abuse or cruelty to animals should be treated as severely as abuse or cruelty to a child.

Does it, though?

If you're about to rob a granny, does the fact you'll do five years or ten years even cross your mind?

That's a bit of a loaded question... I doubt DS robs grannys, so he would not be able to accurately guess on what goes through the mind of a granny basher

Debates on the issue of law and order I've heard on the radio, have come up with a consencus that a prevailing attitude today is not "Should I do it?" [because it's wrong and I know it's wrong], but rather, "Can I get away with it?" [despite the fact it's wrong and I know it's wrong]

To answer the first part of your question, no, I don't think tougher measures would act as a deterrent for criminals, as in many cases, the maximum sentences are not imposed, especially thanks to the overcrowding of our jails. That is what gives these petty criminals the confidence to commit their crimes: The knowledge that if they are caught, they will likely not receive a custodial sentence, but instead, a community service order, or a fine, which, if they are claiming benefits anyway, they can pay back at

Here's what I hope; I hope they catch him (and soon) and his friend and deal with him under the laws and guidelines set by the Australian legal system. That'll show him!

ps. Yes, that was a subtle dig at those with no faith in legal systems to prosecute and punish the obviously guilty. If you feel laws aren't harsh enough, get lobbying your government instead of telling us, or study law and become a prosecutor.

It sure will

Fantastic source, thanks for sharing

That brings up a post I read before, where someone brought in an A7750 for servicing and the watchsmith said he had trouble fitting the parts back together. The thing about reps is that if the smith f*cks it up, there is no recourse. Who am I going to go to, the better business bureau? "I gave him my illegal, counterfeit watch and he messed it up!" I guess I just gotta find a good one sometime later

Errr, yes there is... I'm not too sure how things are in the US, but in the UK, people providing a service (in this case literally ) are bound by law to provide a satisfactory one. If someone does not provide a satisfactory service (such as a poor haircut) then the client does not have to pay for the unsatisfactory service, and has a number of legal avenues to pursue for reperations. This would apply totally in the case of taking a watch (rep or otherwise) in for servicing. The smith is being paid to service the watch, not to fuck it up. If they screw up the watch, the cost of repair or replacement is legally their obligation. If they say "Well the watch is a fake!" Just say "Are your qualifications also fake?" At the end of the day, gen or rep, the person is providing a service (servicing the watch) and must do so in a competent and professional manner. If not, they should either repair the damage for free, or, cover the cost of replacement.

I had a watch unsatisfactorily repaired by a local smith, and they agreed to repair it free. Admitedly, their 'repair' left the watch looking worse than the first repair, and, as they were then retiring (through old age) I didn't really have any option for reperation, but any other circumstances, I would have, so, don't let the fact that your watch 'is a rep' put you off getting it serviced. I took my 127 in for servicing, and the smith never said a word about if it was a rep or gen. Now, I haven't heard back from them that the watch is ready, but, that's because I still have the dial and hands to get re-lumed

I'm still wearing my latest star the 5513 guilt modded by Tribal ... did not take it of since i receive it this Saturday in NL

Laz

Absolutely gorgeous

No problem with Tony, just with silix but that another story.

Fair enough, I just wondered why you initialy suspected the seller of the Bargain Bond to be Tony

As for Silix, that does not suprize me at all, mon ami, I've a few stories I could tell about Silix myself

Awesome photos, thanks for sharing

That I would definitely agree. Infact, I won't hesitate recommending the gen watch. Sooner or later this SMP line will get discontinued and prices will go up considerably.

I guess gen is always the way to go in terms of precision and perfection to the gen

Interesting thought about it getting discontinued though... I think there'll always be a demand for the SMPs, not only because of the Bond connection, but because it's just such a damn nice watch

Not the closed factory version

But that's not really easy to aquire, is it

Maybe I should re-phrase my previous comment to "I believe all currently available are slightly off..."

I went with a co-ax SMP "red" with crap asian movement. AKA a bargain bond. The crown guards don't look too bad in the pictures, and I like the look of the new SMPs. The He valve is still off I think, but I don't mind that. I'll post pics when I get it.

Does the watch tell the time? If yes, what does it matter if the movement is Swiss or Asian? I've never had a problem with an Asian movement which I hadn't caused myself

As for the HE valve, I believe they all are slightly off... Such is the nature of the game

Who is the dealer? Rolex2U?

Do you have a problem with Tony's watches?

I can't believe I missed this till now

Absolutely awesome watch, M, it looks fantastic The straps really complement the dial

Actually, this time he is LR

The Silix rubber strap is designed for the Silix 45mm PO which has slightly different hole positions on the lugs. When these straps are fitted to an UPO, the strap will pop out between the lugs occasionally. Larger springbars help, but do not always solve the problem. For an UPO, he would be better to buy Josh's strap, which is much better quality and built to fit the UPO.

Ahh... Larger springbars is starting to ring a bell

Thanks for pointing that out, I stand corrected

TeeJay, you ain't never wrong.

Thanks, bro, I had a feeling it was restricted solely to the 20mm strap/lug space rather than the full 22mm variety, but I haven't read anything about anyone fitting that particular strap to the UPO, so didn't want to rule out the possibility I was wrong