Caci

OK, I contacted Ebay seller "watchny" whom had a 6365 bezel for sale (titled "Aftermarket") to see if he had a 6263 bezel. He said "I don't sell replicas"... Can't wrap my mind around that one. Is "watchny" a seller, or just a mfg., appearing for sale, from time to time?

Daytona came in today - has a few issues - minute recorder is not advancing (I didn't spring for $400 Phong service). It stutters at 57-58 seconds but does not complete the jump unless you tap the side of the case. Doesn't seem to be any crud & minute recorder train moves freely. Perhaps minute jumper adjustment or issue with chrono-wheel to sliding-gear wheel? Also, buffed out a few light scratches on the crystal and after rinsing, condensation inside!! I was told it was water resistant... I swapped in a meatier caseback gasket & will be careful. Anyway, received my gen 78350 bracelet yesterday (557 ends) and it fits pretty good. Here is a summary of the parts/costs: Paul Garnier "SCUBA" , Belmont Industries Valjoux 72 $200 Daytona "Kit", Case, back, crystal, dial, bezel, crown/tube & pushers (dial, pushers, crown/tube not useable). $650 Useable Dial $200 Jensen/Phong Pushers, Crown/Tube $450 Assembly by Phong $400 Gen 78350 Bracelet w/557 ends $380 Total = $2280 (+ some shipping) And, whatever it costs to service V72... I'll post photos soon. Chris

tomhorn, Where might I find one? Chris

On its way...

I've been offered a tritium Service Dial (different seller than the one in previous post) for a very reasonable price and am looking at that option. I'd have to sneak up on an Original Dial (like I did on these hands) to afford that option. Dial arrived.

Yeah,,,,,,,, That's a nice one! And thanks for the help. Chris

Nanuq, That is a great observation. Here are some additional photos, taken as perpendicular to the tip, as possible. I've also included a close-up of the pointer, currently on my watch. Guys, I just re-re-re-referred to the Dial Archives on the VRF and, in looking at both 6542's & EARLY small pointer 1675's, can find examples of both shapes on watches proclaimed to be originals. There are ALSO, numerous photos, in the Archive, where it is stated that Service Hands are shown, and they do seem to be almost always Isosceles (and frequently, with thin metal frames). I'm REALLY confident that these are from a 6542 or early 1675, based on this situation: I got these from the son of a recently deceased watchmaker, whom found them in his Dad's parts. They were in a box, from a watch parts company. Pretty easy to surmise that these were take-off's, as the parts box is labeled "1570/1675". I'm not even convinced that they DIDN'T come off a 6542, as I'm sure "6542 replacement" hands were not available from them. Thanks again, for all of the great input, Chris Freddy, Thanks for that advice. My seller is beyond reproach. Chris

I've been offered a tritium Service Dial (different seller than the one in previous post) for a very reasonable price and am looking at that option. I'd have to sneak up on an Original Dial (like I did on these hands) to afford that option.

Got these yesterday.

I think that's a great idea, however, I'm afraid mine is a model they've stopped supplying dials and (correct) hands for. I will call them Monday, and let you know how it goes. Chris

Thanks, still weighing my options.Gonna be a large watch "dump" on the 'bay this weekend. My ID, same as here.

Thanks, seen that- not feasible at this time. I'm on-the-cheap, for now.

Thanks!

Meadowsweet, Thanks for the reply. For right now, I'm just interested in a decent looking Dial & Hands. I would consider a re-fin of mine - if I can be assured to get MINE back. Can't be just a re-lume (plots not aligned). I can't swing restoration right now -- been offered a NOS Service Dial for $2500 (probably a good price) and, as you mentioned, Bakelite bezel assembly is $$$$. BTW, MANY Bakelite bezels were replaced with aluminum inserts - due to fragility & radiation concerns... With due respect, just because the hands & dial are "SL" (or just Luminova) does not mean that they are not original - definitely can have been refinished - years ago - I've had it for 12. Case, movement, date wheel, back, bezel & insert are genuine. Crown is replacement (underline), as it lightly drags on bezel in a few spots (originals had chamfer to clear bezels). 1967 rivet bracelet... Thanks again, will contact your recommendations.

My second topic... I have a real 6542 from 1959. The dial is a terrible refinish and I just cannot stand to look at it anymore. Just check out that 7 o'clock plot! As this is a real watch, with a 1030 movement, the dial used is "snap on" style, without feet. I know that members here are really concerned with accurate representations and was hoping for recommendations for a dial/handset (small 24, of course). I would like aged appearance, but not the "yellow" or "cafe latte" (a bit overdone for my tastes). Slightly tan is really representative for the vintage Rolex(s) I own (and have owned). Luminova is fine, as I actually wear this one! I have seen posts of really nice dials, but would like some firsthand use or feedback. Thanks, Chris

Sogeha, Thanks for the reassurance! I spoke with Jensen Dinh this morning and all is good. The "INSTALL" figure covered complete assembly of the watch and I am very happy with that number. He said that while the case was a little thicker than their current model, the movement fit/alignment was perfectly fine and it's a very nice case. He also said that my dial & hands were good. This is relevant because, for what he quoted for the "full meal deal", I would be in for about $1000 (about 1/2 of his Complete Watch Kit), not including COA & Assembly charge. I feel his $400 assembly charge (pushers, tube, dial, hands & mounting) is VERY reasonable. As stated, previously, I'm going to hold off on the case engraving/ stamped caseback & movement conversion, for now. So, in the famous words of Winston Wolf in Pulp Fiction: "Well, let's not start s***king each other's d***s quite yet." I may be in this build pretty cheap, as I bought the Garnier for $200, the case kit for $650 & the dial for $200 (10 years ago...) If it turns out OK, I'll post pictures. Thanks, Chris

I'm new... I joined to gain some insight on replica construction. I bought my Daytona 6263 case/dial/hands from Tony Vittimberga In 2006, and they had been sitting on my watchmaker's (ex) bench untouched, for all this time! I just got them back, recently. I'm now faced with the dilemma of having the watch built, not knowing if it is even viable. The case was received with plexi, pushers & crown/tube installed, with a Bakelite 6263 bezel installed. I had already obtained a very clean, nicely running V72 in a Paul Garnier "SCUBA" (white w/black subs). When I got the "kit", the 1st issue was that the dial feet were in the wrong location for a V72. 2nd, the pushers shafts were too long to allow insertion of the movement (not to mention, retained by e-clips & cheesy). I was able to get a properly fitting dial & ordered a pair of "OEM fit" MK 2 pushers from an eBay seller. No longer having anyone local to assemble - or for that matter - even know if this would go together, I turned up Jewelry & Watch AND Vintage Watchmaker, sending inquiries to both about having my parts evaluated. Vintage replied 1st, so after a phone conversation, I sent it to Jensen. He's had it about a week and said that his father was going to look at it. I now know that his dad is Phong & don't have any problem with that (that I'm aware of). In addition to having them check out my parts for compatibility, my other criteria was a functioning, water tite watch. The quote that I received via email was pretty expensive and includes: Replacement of the pushers, crown/tube & an "Install". They were recommend a COA (at a pretty high price), with a 1 year warranty. Options included a new, marked caseback & engraving between the lugs - which are not on my case, nor anything I really want. Now, if the "Install" includes assembly of the watch, I'm OK with the price - their $250 pushers and $200 tube (don't know if they're using my Gen Triplock..) seem to be in line. I have NO IDEA as to the origin or how accurate the case is. I have to assume several things: 1. They know that their pushers can be fitted. 2. They know that the movement/dial fit the case (depth, stem/pusher alignment, etc.) They made no mention of the suitability of my handset... I've asked Jensen to call me, as I think this all needs to be hashed out. Any constructive input/advice is appreciated. Thanks, Chris