TeeJay

Still not perfect, but it's not stopping, so at I suspect that was a jam rather than a problem with the movement 'losing power'. Here're a couple of pictures of it

I think I've solved the problem. The 'back' of the second hand had gotten slightly bent down, and had been catching against the minute hand. I stripped the watch, tweaked the hand, and it seems to have done the trick

Yes, I was careful not to mix the parts like that The stem for the sub actually broke off going back in, so has totally fouled that movement, but for

It's something I've had in mind for several months, but always had 'more important' watches to buy before getting into it. The result isn't entirely as planned, as I wanted a contemporary Submariner dial in the GMT case, but wound up having to use the vintage Submariner dial... Oh well, it'll suffice untill I can order more parts in to try again

So I decided to have another look at the watch, and I noticed that a piece of metal just beneath where the crown stem enters the movement had slipped down, so, a flick of a craft knife to put it back into place, and, the movement then engaged the stem IT'S ALIVE!!!!! Pics of the watch to follow in due time

Awesome What do the subdials measure? On Emily's, the '3' dial is a 31 day count, the '6' dial is a 24 hour sweep, and the '9' dial does a 7 day count (she's wearing hers right now as well ) As for myself, I'm wearing the Planet Ocean 45mm, and, thanks to a visit to Emily's scumbag dad (who has access to watch tools) I was able to loosen the case back enough to then strip the watch, blow out the lint, and re-assembling it, using my own tools to tighten the case back. I've used the same method to tighten the case of my 2531.80 (after replacing the bezel insert) and it was still water resistant, so chances are the Planet Ocean is still water resistant too

Indeed, I'm not too concerned, as I'm getting a new vintage dial from Silix for the vintage Submariner, and I can always order another Submariner and GMT Master II and try again. Oh, I forgot to say, by putting the dateless dial in the GMT case, I had to remove the cyclops, and, a cigar lighter (aka mini blowtorch) did that effortlessly

My GMT Submariner project... The parts arrived today, and, thanks to a set of rubber gloves, I was able to open the casebacks. Stripped out the movements and set about swapping the dials... The Sub dial's center hole wasn't wide enough to go over the extra width for the GMT movement, so I got a round file, and started twisting... I got a bit carried away and the hole wound up too large. Scrapped it. I then remembered the spare vintage dial I have from the Silix Rolex, so same procedure, stripped it and gently enlarged the hole, and, removing the locating pins, the dial went over perfectly. A tiny dab of superglue fixed the dial in place, the hands went back on flawlessly, so it was time to replace the movement in the case. This was where things really went wrong, as the crown wouldn't properly engage. The movement had worked after the hands and dial were replaced, so I know there wasn't any glue seeped into the movement, so I'm guessing something's fouled up the keyless works (if that's the right part) and it just won't engage the crown. Oh well, both watches were

Well, we have a resolution on the Rolex. Jay is going to ship a replacement dial, so that takes care of that issue Given that that means I will be keeping this watch, I bought a new leather strap for it this afternoon, and it looks much better than it did on the SS Bracelet

This was kind of a 'make or break' deal, as far as my opinion with Jay, due to the issues I had over my Speedmaster X-33. Four weeks after placing the order for the Rolex, I hadn't heard anything, so I sent a follow up email over the weekend just asking what was what. When I checked my emails on the monday, there were two emails. One saying that the original shipment had been confiscated by customs and that another attempt would be made, and then a second email with the tracking number. Now, I'd've been more reassured by that if I had received a tracking number for the 'first' shipment... My spider-sense said that that was the first shipment, and that my order had simply been sat on for four weeks. Had I not emailed, would I still be waiting?... Then there is the issue of being sent the wrong item. Impossible for someone who doesn't dropship, one could argue... And the issue of the missing bracelet I paid for... Sure, there was a replacement X-33 in the parcel, but that's something I was expecting anyway. (and redundant, having paid to have my original X-33 repaired, turned out all it needed was a new battery) The stuff I'd ordered and paid for was what I was really after. Another day without an email... That's very true, and something I've heard about happening before. I can understand Rolex having a policy that a serviced watch should be cleaned up to look like new, but replacing (potentially vintage) parts (especially without the owner's consent) is frankly, not cool... I think I'm going to have consider the possibility that I'm not actually going to get an email, and I'll be left with the watches... If that is the case, even if I was to sell both watches, I wouldn't be re-ordering the correct vintage Rolex as I no longer have confidence in the dealer. It wasn't a watch I desperately wanted, I certainly wouldn't've been wearing it, it was literally only bought as one for the collection, so I might just have to go without...

I find it's best to say upfront to a watchsmith that a watch is a rep. Saves the embarassment of being called out like that. That said, one snooty [censored] was giving me attitude until I said what a VC Overseas retailed at (she clearly hadn't even recognized it) and her attitude immediately changed... Silly [censored], if she's going to be that fickle in her opinions, she ought to at least know the difference between the replicas and the real thing

Still wearing the Planet Ocean 45mm I went back to the watchsmiths, but, due to them shipping the watches to their repair guy, they didn't have the tools 'in house' to either remove the case, or lend me the tools for it, and the repair guy is now on vacation till late september... I wasn't going to leave the watch with them that long, I'll just wear it and tollerate the speck till then, or find another way of opening the caseback... Might be time to invest in some proper watch making tools... Anyway, this is without a doubt the favorite of my collection. Sure, the 2531.80 and 2220.80 are more elegant, and actually go under a shirt cuff, but this watch is just awesome. Large, clear dial, visible hands, awesome design, comfortable strap (might upgrade it to a gen PO strap, not too sure yet), and yet, for all it's size, the watch does not look outlandish or oversized on my wrist, infact, I'd say it's the perfect size... Here's a none-too-clear pic

Thanks for the comments, folks. Indeed, this wasn't purchassed as a watch I intended to wear, but just as an addition to the collection. I knew that I'd have to swap the bezel insert, but had not realized that the bezel itself would be quite as it is. I guess that'll teach me to study the photos more closely. With regards to the bracelet, I'd always intended to replace it, I guess I was just a little taken aback by the details and dimensions of the clasp, I guess I've 'been spoiled' by my own Sub... Oh well. I might take some photos of it tomorrow, but as it's still in it's transit tapes (and will stay that way), I can't really see the point in that... Still waiting on a reply to my email to Silix... Oh well.

I received one today, and after the irritation of receiving the incorrect model had worn off, I had a look at the watch received. The case was noticeably different to those on a contemporary sub, and looked quite nice. The dial, although not having the numerals I wanted, had nice clear printing and was a definite high point. Bezel was noticeably fake as the 'teeth' weren't filed deep enough for a modern sub, or in the 'coin edge' style of the true vintage. The bracelet was an absolute joke, felt flimsy, sharp edges, and the actual dimensions of the clasp were way out... For the price, I suppose it was okay, and, if worn on an aftermarket strap, has the potential to be a very nice watch. I haven't really seen any other reviews of these watches, so wondered what others thought of theirs, or if they were keeping quiet out of politeness? Silix has had an email stating the incorrect model received, that I need the return address, and am willing to pay for the return myself. I'll keep folks informed.

I can't make any promises, as I'm not too sure of how my finances will be friday after next, but if I've got any spare, I'll send it your way.

Awesome photo

I wouldn't say 'bored', as I'll always enjoy watches and the community, but, in terms of purchasses, I have pretty much everything I want for my collection, so probably won't by buying many more in the future. With regards that Panerai, I agree with the consensus. fugly watch, and for a Panerai, that's saying something...

Okay, it's been a while, but I finally have the watch back from my watch smith. The problem with the X-33 (asside from the missing caseback faux-screws) was simply that it needed a new battery. Ironically, Silix threw a replacement in with the vintage Rolex I'd ordered, and that arrived today. Had there not been a bank holiday yesterday, the replacement would have arrived the day after I got it back from being fixed Anyway, the replacement also has a missing faux-screw, and a sticking second hand (another duff battery, methinks) and I was given the wrong Rolex, so they're all going back in the post (That is, the Rolex and the replacement X-33 are going back. I'll be keeping my now functioning one pictured below) Anyway, here're some better quality pics of the X-33 on it's new strap

Hee hee, to be honest, I wouldn't say deployants are fiddly at all, just a push of the buttons or a flick of the safety clasp, and job done... Butterfly clasps, I've always found rather prone to springing open when flexing the hand in, compressing the base of the bracelet between the heel of the palm and the wrist, but that's certainly not a problem the VCO suffers from Fantastic, that makes it all worth while It is, absolutley so Here're two to choose from... I've got to take the Planet Ocean back to the watchsmiths today (they were closed yesterday) as there is a speck of lint under the crystal from when it was regulated, and the back has been screwed down so tight, I can't release it with my (admitedly not professional) tools. I'm really hoping I won't have to leave it for work, or, if they're busy, maybe I could convince them to give me the case wrench and a screwdriver and let me do it myself, it really is a 3 minute job... But, just in case, I'll have the X-33 with me. Here it is with it's new strap (I'm going to order an OEM Omega deployant clasp to replace the existing buckle) I'm no Paneristi, but I'd have to agree with you there, they don't wear anywhere near as big as they can appear to. That said, the 45mm Planet Ocean still does not wear as large as a PAM, I guess it's just an optical illusion from the different case shapes.

Indeed, I'd recommend an Omega over a Rolex any day of the week As for your mention of GMT function, if you would actually use it, then yes, go for it. If it wouldn't be a feature you'd be using abroad, it'd be an unnecessary complication, so something the watc could do without.

Gorgeous watch and strap, but the dial is way too busy for my taste... I'll settle with a nice simplistic watch like a Planet Ocean or even the Aqua Terra any day... Awesome find though

Clive, why do you continue to refuse to accept the facts (or FACTS) which have been presented here against A&J? Are you calling Predfan a liar? Think very carefully before you answer that. To answer your question, how should I know? I am not promoting any particular dealer on this forum. I have pointed out who I have done business with, and then left people to draw their own conclusions about them. And what precicely is BS? As directed to Clive, are you calling Predfan a liar? Are you calling Sony a liar for when they posted a manipulative email Joshua sent them? As I said to Clive, think very carefully before you answer that. Oh, and to point out something you think is key. No, I have never purchassed anything from Joshua. The manipulative email he sent me was enough to make me wary of his business practices, and then Edge's thread, filled with information from Ziggy, who I suspect knows way more about watches than both of us together, then confirmed my suspicions. So, just so you can get your facts straight, no, I have never purchassed anything from either of them, but do not assume that that means that I have no personal experience with them. I have. I had a hunch, and it was proven right. Nice to see that you can debate a point without resorting to personal insults. Oh wait, you can't... Please see my above comment to Clive. I have dealers I prefer to do business with, but, I appreciate that their watches might not be up to the 'standards of perfection' that some people seem obsessed with, so I would not recommend them to anyone who wants a flawless replica, and indeed, have only ever named my dealers when directly questioned about them (privately) or discussed their service in relation to other people's experience. That is not favoring or promoting, that is discussing. Couldn't've said it better myself.

*Bows* I'm glad it arrived safe and sound, V, and it definitely looks way better on you than it did on me. Now, I'm not surprized you pointed out the quality of the deployant, as I noted in my review, the parts that make it up, are all first rate, but, would you agree with me that, while you wouldn't worry about the clasp popping open, it is a tad fiddly to open to remove? Glad you're liking it, and I hope your dad is as pleased with it As you pointed out me saying, it did nothing for me, I'm happy it's gone to a good home As for myself, I'm wearing my 45mm Planet Ocean, and it's not coming off for quite a while

Thanks for the pictures, that certainly answers the question about the notched section of a strap being tollerable, how does the other part of the deployant attach? Is it just a spring-bar through where a regular buckle would be attached? I don't think the thickness of the strap would be too much of a problem, as it's a fairly malleable strap, so I'm sure it could be 'convinced' to go into place... (assuming that the 'buckle end' would be compatable with the deployant...

Silly question really, but I was wondering if any one had a leather Omega strap with this deployant clasp on it? Would it be possible to fit this deployant to a regular 'buckle closing' strap? I've just got a really nice leather strap for my X-33, and it really looks the business, but, because of the length, trying to get the last bit of strap through the keeper is a real b1tch, and I figured a deployant would solve that issue. But according to the Ofrei site, it says the clasp will only fit on specific Omega straps for deployant clasps. Okay, I know that the 'tongue notch' in the strap would show part of the spring pin, but other than that, should a regular strap (in theory) be workable with that clasp? Thanks in advance