Toadtorrent

It depends on the country you're in. In Canada, I would recommend Perrin. Perrin's prices for the most part beat the US prices...and with exchange...wow! I don't know if they ship outside of Canada though. In the US...some go to either International Watchman for some tools (some are a little too cheap though like the screwdrivers) or Ofrei...other popular sources are listed in the Links section under tools or something at the top menu. Good screwdrivers are good...but can be a bit expensive.

Interesting. That's a funny story.

Man...if they could sort out the 2892 issue...the things they could do with copying the right movements. It's funny how the mind of the "cut costs at all cost" decision maker works. For a few pennies more, they COULD make a solid Seconds at 6...and with a little bit of effort ("little" being amortized over the number of movements that would be made)...they could copy solid, versatile movements like the 2892...but no. Hopefully though, the manufacturers don't just see people flocking to UN...but the RIGHT UN's...and not the ones that to me seem a little "Harlequin-esque".

It's been great seeing all the new brand and movement discussion going...much to do with RG's contributions. I do like the Love Child moniker...too funny.

Interesting. I passed that on to my mushing cousins.

Wow...the attendance looks good on this one. Wish I could make it over there. I haven't been there for a number of years!!

Ok...I think everyone's starting to feel your UN love here. Is it my imagination or have the number of Ulysse Nardin posts in the past little whilte increased exponentially??? If ever there was an RWG UN Ambassador...you be it!!

That doesn't sound right. Some of these movements die early some die late. A watchmaker could probably look at it and fix it...but I'm going to present a couple different options. If it's only 2 mos old...talk to your dealer about either a repair OR if you're doing another order, if he can ship a new movement and you do the repair Order a replacement movement locally if you can (much cheaper than China) and get a watch person to swap it or you swap it The movements generally only cost $10-15 assuming it's a DG2813 so you can replace with the same or a DG4813 and a swap will cost about $30-50 depending...or you can get some tools and try it yourself for fun (expecting to do a little damage but having fun in the process and learning a bit). You'll need to swap the datewheel. The reason I propose this is the cost of the watch is low...so diagnosing and repairing the movement is generally not too cost effective. Shipping back to China costs $20 and you'll be out a watch for 2 months...so...you'll need to figure out what you can tolerate. Yes, repair would be the "fairest" to you...but inconvenient...and still some cost to return ship.

From your local UN AD. It's not out in rep form in any quality worth buying. You can probably get a cheap $50 version from Dubai or some crappy dealer out there...but that would be wasting your money if you're going for accuracy.

It looks like a 2892 movement with the anodized bridges/plates (or whatever you call those parts) and rotor. Is this correct? I know it's not a rep...I'm just curious about the movement. RobbieG will have the answer here...does UN use their own movements for the pieces with complications and the ETA movements for the others...or do the movements with complications still use the ETA ebauches??

Welcome aboard. It sounds like you already have a decent amount of knowledge accumulated to know specifically what you are looking for. Hopefully you'll continue to share your experiences on your sterile PAM project. I would suggest posting a query in the Panerai section requesting the specific type of dial with pics that you are looking for...and if you know the exact case you want to fit and the movement...that would probably help as well.

There's not a whole lot you can do to prevent wear and tear on gold reps. Some say they have had a few years of decent appearance with pretty consistant usage...others depending on the climate and how hard you are on the reps have had them last for only a short period of time before they start looking funny. I don't know how hard it is to replate a two tone...that might be interesting.

You mean servicing PROPERLY is the best way to ensure movement longevity... A The Zigmeister Post on Bad Servicing

It's true. The polished steel adds some bling, but the stencil letters make it more sporty...a good balance I find. That's a nice sounding collection you have. I'm thinking I should get another Breitling.

Beautiful!!

Congrats on this one for sure. It looks fantastic. That watch always gets looks when I wear it.

Thanks so much for this Francisco. I love the videos and the photos of the steps. It's beyond my skills...but certainly interesting reading to show the level of work involved!!

Welcome to RWG. You just found yourself the best watch forum around and a collection of great watch enthusiasts. A look at the quality of posts here will make you realize you found the right spot for research and participation. Post your feedback on your buying experience and pics when you get it. Read the reviews here and you'll be finding that you start buying French cuffs to fit your soon-to-buy big watches.

Here's a dumb question for you. Why does Alum dissolve the bit, but do nothing to the case? Does the stainless steel chromium content make it more resistant to corrosion or whatever it is that the alum is doing to the high speed steel? Is the alum acting as a corrosion agent or catalyst or whatever in the system???

...that and getting it pressure tested before letting it taste water!

Great proposal. I wish I could participate...but mine are all rep straps.

The Skyland is an amazing watch. It's funny...I really don't notice it's big until I'm trying to get a shirt cuff over it. Are you making a trip to La Suisse for some gen croc?

I've bought tools from them. They screwed up the order but it all worked out in the end...but I ended up having to order more stuff from them to make up for the screw up (to avoid losing more money on return shipping). They were quick, prompt, and communication was good. The stuff that came was well packaged. No real complaints.

I didn't see you out today. I was out for lunch at Front/Simcoe...bloody freezing. Hopefully it's not too cold for that watch coming in from warm, sunny China. Too many layers on to show off that great piece. Congrats.

China...Oslo in winter...hmmm...could be condensation from assembly. You can on the easy end, unscrew the crown and pull it out all the way, stick it in a ziploc bag with some silica gel packs and put it in a warm spot to help the moisture get sucked out (not HOT...but warm). Going for AR is trickier as you have to store the movement, decase, and pop the crystal which all require specialized equipment (crystal ress, caseback opener...or duct tape)...and you have to find someone to do the AR for you (Chief is the Man). Good luck.