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BULL!!! I only came across this site a few weeks ago!! So, how come I'm here posting Now???? DUH

Nobody's "dumping" on "your" community. However I AM questioning it's value; which, given the fact I'm being asked to contribute to it, is my right. So far WHAT value have I had? when, after contributing, I asked a SIMPLE technical question I got "go look it up on google" and when I raise some perfectly valid issues I get "go start your own forum" Why would I be visiting this site? Simple; I actually HAVE a life, so do my brothers and sister and none of us particularly has the time to spend trawling 'round markets sorting out the wheat from the chaff. Yes, I have contacts, and YES, if I wanted to I could probably even stock up and start dealing myself.... EXCEPT I already own and run a business; I'm Managing Director of my own registered Company... And you can even check it out with Companies house... If you care to email me I'll give you the details.... And frankly, I'd need to be selling thousands a of watches a week to match the turnover and income I get from the job I've been doing for the past 28 years So!!! A fascination with watches is a VERY small part of what is an extremely busy life. THAT is why when I'm not bogged down with work I spend a little of my leisure time doing something completely different... It's FAR more efficient to find online dealers. People make all or part of thier living doing the sorting out for those of us who simply consume the end product... It's also FAR more efficient to gather the combined experiences of a worldwide group than work in isolation.... As for Richard's comments. Did you actually READ what I wrote? TWICE I said that the figure involved WASN'T the issue.. NO I'm NOT discounting the cost of running the board. which is WHY i paid my 10 euros BEFORE I started to take part in it. Equally well I could site FAR busier boards that don't require such a contribution.... Now, given that my experience so far has been a) a snippy reply to a perfectly civilised technical question a distinct LACK of substance and now c) A piece of downright insolence from a MODERATOR of all people you'll appreciate that I am now EXTREMELY glad I didn't pay for a year's VIP membership! What's it worth? Not a lot As for you two-tone. The only person who has spread excrement of "your" very own slice of personal power that you call a "community" is yourself. As a moderator the rational, conscise and intellectually sparking way in which you've dealt with my comments speak volumes about you and your community. It was SO incisive of you to pick up on and offer cogent counter to the points I've made. So I've failed to make the distinction between admin and dealer? NO! SOMEHOW I don't think so..... I notice that STILL neither you nor anyone else haven't explained the coments made to the OP. You know, the ones to the effect that if he wants to know where to buy a watch he should upgrade???? Why don't I start my own forum? I spend my working life producing television, video and multimedia content. Why the HELL would I want to come home at night and start faffing about with this sort of trivia??????..... But hey; Two-Tone; tell you what. Why don't you take "YOUR" personal private community over which you hold such IMMENSE and awe-inspiring power and.... #Well you know where you can shove it! NO doubt all the hunyaks will be out with the daggers and cat-calls.. I really don't give a toss.... THIS?? is your "community" Well bright spark, given the 'welcome' you have in store for new members you better start a breeding programme; otherwise your poulation can ONLY possibly go into decline... If you were brighter than a 5 watt lightbulb you'd realise that ANY community depends on new blood to sustain and expand itself... But if you prefer your own personal cabal fine with me! I'm scrambling my password and deleting my bookmarks to this site.... It's obviously a complet waste of time and effort. TT; have the 10 Euros with my compliments.... No doubt it represents a week's wages for somebody!

Oh I've had my moments. ALMOST bought a beach-buggy once... The fact it was in baby-pink gelcoat put me off though I suspected it might get me the wrong sort of attention... And oddly; before I got my first Landrover (back in '86) I DID consider a VW bus... Even back then though they were silly money here in the UK...

As with all classic cars there will be particular enthusiasts groups and forums that can answer your questions. Often, when considering the purchase of a classic, it's worth joining the owner's club in advance of purchase. they can often tie you up with a local enthusiast who will 'mentor' your enthusiasm.... A lot will depend on your location. Here in the UK most of these vehicles rusted away decades ago... Never been into VWs but I'm lead to believe that there are air ducts in the body that are rust traps... The air-cooled engines are strong units though. I've run a number of classics over the years and the current toy is an '83 Porsche 924; actually it's more of an everyday driver; my other vehicle being the Landrover I use for work... Good luck with your search..

Just came across this post and thought I'd add my own experiences..... About two years ago I reported a whole series of very obvious scams on ebay..... Ebay acted; but THEN turned on me. I have NEVER listed or sold a rep ANYWHERE. But suddenly Ebay started ending MY auctions because I was supposedly breeching one policy or another. One particular come to mind where I was listing a particularly cheap quartz watch. At one point I was told it hand been ended because it was an 'informational product' and was under the wrong category.... I was given the usual run-around by Ebay; passed from pillar to post.... I ENDED the madness by 'phoning them up from my business address. I happen to run a video production Company. I told them that I was researching an expose' on their activities and cited this particular issue... At first I was met with incredulity.... But my Company IS real; it's listed at Companies house, and I am known as a documentary maker. I guess they checked! Guess what? They ate pie! Promised they'd investigate and deal with the individuals responsible.... But I wonder how many others who don't happen to have a production Company at their disposal Ebay have bullied into submission... My point is that with Ebay, routinely reporting scams is just as likely to get you into hot water than actually running them! If Ebay weren't into cloaking themselves in a sham veil of respectability it would actually be a MUCH safer place for both consumer and seller. As it is they're actually ENCOURAGING and supporting fraudsters by censoring those who don't mis-represent their reps.......

OK.... Well these are fair points; but if VIP membership DOESN'T get you access to more dealer information what were the initial responses to the OP about? As for the membership fee... Well, I could cite other boards which are FAR busier and manage without fees of that magnitude; I'm not suggesting the management are wrong t0 make such levies; if nothing else it'll keep the jokers out... And, as a private forum it's up to them what they charge. ..and up to us what we're prepared to pay or not. As I say; the actual amount is not relevant.... I simply found myself labouring under an illusion... How I became lead towards that illusion is another matter; and in the final analysis an unimportant one.... As I say if the dealers want a slice of my cash let them roll out their wares. Admin have verified my email address and my 'plodpal' account. Narikaa (for one) would be able to verify I'm a bona fide buyer... I really DON'T see why these guys aren't all listing their sites in the links section... Especially since I've seen other members offering items on private sale...

The amount is simply NOT relevant..... What I DIDN'T realise was that the 10 Euros I was was charged WASN'T going to give me access to a reasonable list of reputable dealers. The way I read it VIP membership was suitable for those who wished to sell or trade.... I keep everything I buy; it either becomes part of my collection, is dismantled or given away... The only watches I ever sell go through the bay and are the 'chaff' from batches I've bought for parts or because they contained a gen vintage watch I was after... It's a bit like paying the admission charge to enter a nightclub THEN finding once you're in that there's another charge to access the bar.... While all the time there are people wafting delicious cocktails under your nose.... Personally I'm looking for UK/EU dealers since I wish to avoid the trials of shipping high Quality stuff from the far East. But the bottom line is that I AM as far as the dealers are concerned a paying customer. If THEY want some of the 1800-2000 POUNDS (that's 3600-4000 dollars) that I personally spend on the hobby annually then I don't feel I should jump too many hoops.... 10Euro is a reasonable price to pay for a list I feel. 30??? Nawww! So no, I personally just don't feel it's worth upgrading. Paying a charge for the privilege of spending my money? Hmmm... FWIW I told Costco to get lost too! I don't make too many buying errors. There are a couple of guys I deal with in the UK. I have two brothers in HK who are cops, and a sister there who is a market trader. My sources in that part of the world wouldn't DARE risk crossing me I've a friend In northern Thailand who can source me good pieces. If I buy from elsewhere I generally buy for the parts value and experiment. And pay buttons! As for the rest of the board facilities; well most people seem amicable enough, and there are things to be learned just by reading and looking... And I fully intend, where I can, to bring such hints tips and advice I can to the board.... But I personally just don't feel it's worth upgrading from this perspective; it's an exchange of information. Certainly the bijou flea-in-the-ear that my simply asking a civil question induced (A simple technical question; NOT "where can I buy etc") shattered any illusion that it was somewhere that was likely to provide a source of rapid and definitive advice..... And as it happens; whilst I eventually gained some information from that particular exchange it turns out that the whole story is potentially a bit more complicated.... C'est la vie! But another reason to make me disinclined towards shelling out again... As I say, just my 2p's worth....

A newbie's (to the board; but long-time rep collector) 2P's worth on all this...... From the outset I think you have to recognise that this hobby and the trade that supports it is essentially illegal! And people really HAVE to be somewhat 'guarded' in their approach to it; ESPECIALLY the dealers.... Frankly, if you 'walk into' a forum and find the dealers laid out like an open shopping mall you're asking for trouble! The guys who want to stay in business work HARD to make sure that none of their customers becomes inclined to blow the whistle.... And a big part of that is being guarded in who they sell to! To find most of the information on who the dealers are I think you need to upgrade to VIP status. Upgrading to ordinary member allows you access a 'links' section which has just a very few dealers in it. The 'Reputations' section (which, I assume is where all the really useful info is) is still closed off.... Personally, and this IS just personal opinion, the very short list of dealers in the links section is of limited value; though if you had absolutely NO idea where to buy a rep, it's a starting point. There are other means of finding dealers. I first came across Narikaa for instance on a certain online auction site; and no it WASN'T the dreaded 'bay! Dealers (apparently) are generally referred to in posts either by their own names or sometimes trade names; either way links to their websites seem to remain shrouded in mystery except for the few in the links section. The 'cognoscenti' seem comfortable with this but as a newbie to the forum I've found it impossible to figure out who is who or how to get in touch with the ones I'm interested in.... Much as I appreciate the need to be 'guarded' in this trade that's not to helpful... I'm afraid the fascination with watches (rep and otherwise) is just one tiny facet of MY life.... And life being too short to 'stuff a mushroom' it looks like dealers I knew about before joining will continue to get my money! Which is a bit of a shame. Personally my list of trusted dealers has NOT been boosted by becoming a member here even though I'm aware that there IS at least one UK based seller I've not used before.... They regularly show the watches they have; and many look interesting, but no link no sale! I've seen a couple of items of interest in reviews and posts; but frankly am left disinclined to make enquiries in case I get shot down in flames! I've made a SINGLE technical enquiry since paying my membership fee and pretty much got a 'look it up on google' reply..... (as it happened I HAD already! which is WHY I asked for help!) Though to be fair one member DID chirp in with some of the info I asked for.... Frankly though the experience has left me disinclined to seek assistance again. Reading through various threads it seems I'm not the only person to have got such a reaction to a perfectly civil question... Quite rightly it appears that 'trading' is the preserve of VIP members..... I can understand this for sellers; but why anybody here thinks it's useful to restrict the buying audience???? As a paying customer there is a limit to the number of hoops I'm prepared to jump to look at anyone's wares. To be fair there is a HUGE amount of useful information here. And out of all the other similar forums it's the least obstructive and least unhelpful. If you want to buy AND sell VIP membership is probably a good option. If like me you're interested in buying only you may be less inclined to incur a repetitive fee, however tiny. You pays your money you takes your choice; and I think it only fair that if you are going to take something from the forum you make some small contribution. Certainly ordinary membership will allow you to get the 'heads up' when things are going awry; and to that extent this is the ONLY rep forum which I read regularly, EVER post on and have ever felt inclined to donate any money too.... But personally, I WON'T be upgrading to VIP status.

I've had a couple of nice reps from Narikaa..... ALWAYS quick reliable transactions. Any time I've ordered something it's been on my wrist the next morning. And, as an example of top customer service, when I damaged one I was particularly fond of (it has a uniquely pretty dial) he even arranged for my favourite dial to be fitted to a replacement watch.. Quality wise I've had fair to excellent, NEVER had a faulty watch. MY only slight 'observation' (not a criticism as such) is that I personally would like to see more solid steel and high end ETA and quartz based watches in his range...... My favourite for instance turned out to be coated brass (although it was never mis-represented and was sold at a price entirely appropriate to it's construction) OH for the same thing in solid steel! Thoroughly decent bloke... I'm rapidly getting to the stage where I'm trying to ONLY deal with guys in the UK..... And really need to find more options.... It's a pity in many ways it all has to be so cloak and dagger; Even when I see recommendations here I've often NO idea who people are talking about or where to find them! PT for instance...

I have a couple of genuine 'Dates' of early 70's vintage. On each of them when the date gets up to the '20s' it's too far to the left....

I'm about to do that very same task. There IS a tutorial on the process on the board which helps. I believe you have to re-thread and countersink the hole to take the genuine tube..

Rather than a watch knife I've been using an old credit card which has been sanded down on one edge to a 'wedge' shape or 'knife-edge' The thin end is slipped in and the card worked round GENTLY working the bezel up as you go..... I have to say it's not the quality of the pearl I couldn't live with; more the TERRIBLE quality of the print on the bezel as seen through a glass... Another issue I have is the 'sloppy' nature of the bezel once fitted. FAR too much lateral play which gives the whole watch a cheap feel. I assume adjusting the retaining spring might help but haven't worked out quite which way to bend it. I even contemplated making a new spring out of something like an old guitar string....

Metric has it's place for some things.... But I still prefer to know how many miles I get to the Gallon (even if we can't quite agree on what a gallon is) and to drink my beer in pints.... Sometimes you're better off with your own standards; even if no-one remembers what they are

The Zigmeister, with all due respect, I'm sorry but you are mistaken in your first statement. As it happens I've just retuned from my local branch of B&Q, and ALL they have are metric bits? The reason for this is simple. I'm in the UK. They stopped teaching me 'feet and inches' when I was six... Which was 38 years ago! And numbered drill bits; whilst possibly available here , are not something I've ever encountered. There isn't a Sears for a couple of thousand miles! What's 'everywhere' in one country isn't necessarily so in another.... Much as we might resist the influence of the EU on Britain has been to eradicate much of our imperial sizing. I think at one point they were trying to make it ILLEGAL to buy Oranges by the pound! Insanity I know. But to be fair it makes engineering more of a level playing field EXCEPT where you have to translate between metric and the various flavours of imperial. A wise engineer measures twice, checks his dimensions, measures again THEN cuts! Now, no doubt someone can direct me to a local-ish source of these numbered drills. But in 30 -odd years of tinkering with everything from model steam engines to Landrovers and Box Brownies to Arriflexes I can't even recall ever seeing one! As for dimensions given in fractions of an inch... These are something my 65-year old Father (a qualified electro-mechanical engineer and former lecturer in that discipline) even has to consult his 'little red books' over..... Whilst I can tell you that Glasgow is almost 40 miles away and my office needs a 15'X20' carpet ...any division of an inch other than 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 is actually REALLY hard to visualise for me! Conversion charts (in general) tend to vary a bit depending on who compiled them and by what method. Some adhere to satutory standards; which is fine except satute varies from country to country. Some seem to compiled by a wizzened ol' guy using the slide-rule function on his watch!. Others seem to be devised by chopping the limbs of minor local potentates and cutting them into increasingly smaller pieces. I guess that's where the I.S.O. step in.... Thank you for confirming the tube thread size. That, in all sincerity, does help immensely as it clarifies otherwise confusing data from other sources. A certain 'batty' materials house supplier would like me to spend almost sixty quid ($120) by the time shipping is added on his 'special' Rolex case thread tap... If this is a simple 3.0mm metric thread then he can go Regards and thanks Q

'twas one of the first things I did. (Unlike some I only ask for help where I feel my own efforts are inadequate... You'll find this is actually the first question I've ever asked here!) ... and one finds several different charts which seem to not-quite agree with each other. which to believe? I stopped and asked when I happened upon the 5th differing opinion! Add to that the need to convert from fractions of an inch to millimeteres (with the possible mathmatical error involved) and, with such small scales involved, we have a recipe for relatively serious error. I've involved myself in various projects on a similar scale relating to optical equipment, and know only too well that minor cumulative errors can lead to pieces being ruined. Ideally I'd like to find out what Rolex's own specifications are for the necessary holes and threads, AND buy the appropriate tools for the job. Thank you for clarifying the tube number Ubiquitous; much appreciated. Regards, Q