Toadtorrent

Older movement was a Zenith El Primero 400 used until about 2000. Yes...this movement was running at 36k...but Rolex modified it to bring it down to 28.8k. These can be found in Movado, Ebel, Tag, etc donor watches or movement sets and used to build Frankens. Ubi summarized things in this post far better than I've seen it done elsewhere (look for his reply)Ubiquitous' Reply to Daytona Movements Question: These Frankens are easily built and can be slapped together in a matter of minutes as described here: Ubi's Post on Building a Frankentona

They look to be the same watch. The cases are certainly the same. The dials look identical. You are mistaking sharpness and photo quality for differences in detail quality of the dial. The movement will be the same for sure. To find out if the movement is ok...you should read reviews on this movement (SEARCH for reviews on the Lemania, Seagull, manual wind movements). This is your job and to me 80% of the fun of buying reps is the hunt and search for information yourself as you'll find with anything and reps especially, it's not quite as simple as going to Wal-Mart and buying what you want...and bringing it back if it doesn't exactly meet your expectations. To help you out a bit...the movement is generally considered to be a solid movement that does not require servicing right away. All mechanical watches require servicing on a regular basis if you want them to last awhile (e.g. 25 years vs. 2 years). Read the trade reviews on the dealers. ALL recommended dealers here have their issues. You have to decide which issues you are willing to live with and which you aren't. In spite of the issues, the dealers here will provide better service and support than what you'll find outside of this forum...and will give you peace of mind as you can read about user experiences ahead of time by reading the posts here. If you are in the EU, read the posts on customs seizures (using SEARCH) and you'll find you should only buy from EU based dealers unless you're willing to take the gamble on legal issues and customs seizures. I've ordered from both and have no issues that weren't addressed. Others have ordered from both, and have had issues. Do your due diligence and search. These fake croc straps all suck. When you see them in real life, you'll realize just how much they suck. Budget for an aftermarket strap of better quality or glazed gen croc strap and put on the buckle from the rep strap. There are FEW rep straps that are worth keeping. The Breitling straps are some of the few. Most of the sport diver rubber straps are ok...but 99% of the leather straps that come with the reps suck. There is no rationale between why one dealer charges more or less than another. I'm not sure about the WG plating on them. The questions you are asking are the questions all of us have asked when we started in the rep game. "Who has the best XXX?"..."Which dealer is the best?"..."Why are prices different?"..."What do you think of this movement?"...etc, etc. The info you need to develop as a buyer to get in the game informed instead of disillusioned is unfortunately, quite staggering. I had the same questions when I started...and I had some patient members guide me along the path where most would just say "use search Noob". Good luck...and to guide you on your way, do yourself a favour and read the Noob Guide linked in my signature. It will answer almost all the questions you are likely to have in your buying process. Don't be offended that people aren't giving you the answers you were hoping for...as most people consider these questions things that have been answered a million times already in the forum, and feel that your responsibility is to search for the answers first. Read, search, learn...and remember to share back...it's the community that makes this place great.

Great shot. I've always liked the IIc. Taken as a design unto itself instead of the "next generation" of GMT from a brand with a somewhat conservative approach to style, I thought it had a sense of presence and class that made it one for the collection.

Don't hold your breath. They probably have a rep of it somewhere...but it is probably of such bad quality that you would never wear it. Welcome aboard. Read the forum posts, and you'll realize what works and doesn't work in the rep industry. Read my Noob Guide to get yourself running (linked in my Signature) into the world of reps and rep buying.

That's a great story. It's a rare treat to meet somebody new who has an INTEREST in watches...let a lone a passion and a collection to match. What a fantastic opportunity.

So...soo...magical...it makes me want to cry...but I don't want to wreck the view.

Updated to provide link to Nakortheblue's post on the Totally Crazy Hours movement (with Crazy Date).

Do you think the posts at the date #'s 30 and 10 might have acted as rivets to the top plate?? I'm curious where the tension came to hold this on. The posts there and at date #16 look to keep the top dial from rubbing the gears below it. I wonder if these were press fit onto the posts and held in place by the screws as backup. BTW...what colour were your hour and minute hands. If they were blue...I might be interested in buying them off you.

That's probably more the sounds of it. The movement should not need running to break in if properly machined and oiled...but because of shoddy assembly, dirt, metal flakes, etc...running it helps push the dirt to areas that affect the watch less or the metal shards from jamming things up. Running dry, un-jewelled movements gets some good old metal-on-metal acclerated wear going too, that probably helps "smooth" down jagged edges that make the movements choppy too. Temporary fix? Yes, often. Time bomb for reliability? Absolutely.

Thanks for posting that. It does make things look clearer. 3 months unfortunately is past the warranty period for most dealers unless you have a sales history with them and they want to keep you on the good books. If you contact Peter (Watchstation), he will likely be able to get a replacement movement for you. The Crazy Hours movements (without jump date) were $40 when I ordered them from him I think...in that neighbourhood. You could order a couple movements for backups with another watch to offset shipping. BTW...you obviously figured out how to get that top plate off...but how was held on? Was it glued on?

Nice composition and layout. Great stuff...keep 'em coming.

Advanced version of work out can be found in the GGG thread.

You're absolutely correct. I was thinking of the old school thought before The Zigmeister posted this: Proper Link to The Zigmeister's 7750 User Guide

You are completely correct there!! It's amazing how "different" they feel after servicing...smooth, solid, silent!! Everything you hope for!!

It is a for profit business where unfortunately they being in China, can control things a bit. I remember back in the early days, I had asked that when they posted the return for a watch being repaired if they could throw in another order of mine into the return shipping. They said if I did that...I would have to pay the return shipping. My theory was, that if they were going to pay for the return shipping anyways for a warranty return...why not encourage me to put in an additional order now...but they have their shipping rules. You can hate them for many things (like QC problems)...but not for consistency I suppose. Keep the Skyland. I love mine...wear it all the time. Stick it on a leather strap and it is an amazing piece!! It is truly an excellent rep.

Agreed!! I think it's kind of silly that IWC wouldn't lume the 3 additional hands. I mean...who doesn't need to use their chronos underwater...or in deep dark caves? Well...maybe not me...but if I paid $5,000 for a watch...I would like to know that I could if I wanted to!!

I can't remember what is correct or not for the 2006 CD but I can tell you, your blue lume work is AMAZING...and the orange glow on the chrono seconds and chrono subs is awesome. The little bit of orange glow is most excellent!!!

Don't worry...it won't be a paper weight. Often the watches need to run for a few days to get "broken in". Try running it as Josh said in the position that works for a couple days...or try wearing it for a couple days contiuously if it runs while wearing it. If it still is having the same problem...I think you should contact Josh and re-word your email. It sounds like he is mistaking your request to exchange the watch you have with either a new one or another model. This they usually don't allow. If you ask if he will repair the faulty movement because the second hand is getting stuck...that he will do for sure. Another option is to buy a replacement movement...and do a swap (movements cost about $120 - $150 and a swap can cost $100)...almost the cost of the watch I know!!! The other option is...if you think it's a watch you want to keep...you can have it serviced. Look for links for people who do servicing (there aren't a huge number of them) of A7750 movements in my Noob Guide. A7750 movements to be kept reliable, are recommended for complete breakdown, cleaning and re-lubing at around the 1 year mark. Some never do this...and their reps may last <1 year to a few years without problems...it's all luck of the cards!! This happens. All of us who have bought reps have had to mail them back for one reason or another...it's unfortunate it may happen with your first one...as it means nervous sweating and worrying about arrival in China..and it means usually a 2 month wait...but very very few have had problems. I have not. This is where seasoned rep veterans say you have to have much patience with the replica game.

Welcome aboard. You found your replica salvation. Read the Noob Guide linked in my signature and you'll hit the ground running. Read, learn, search, share!!

I'll bet this one will be a super cheapie listed as "Asian 25J" or something with faux chrono. The Subdial layout is definitely not for a functional chrono...making it a low priced Top Gun fantasy.

Amazing Amazing news!! Big congratulations.

...weeeellll...now that we have consensus!!!

No sweat. Welcome aboard. Make sure to share your experiences back with the forum to keep it alive...and read my Noob Guide linked in my signature if you haven't already.

Do your search here for collectors/dealers and member experiences with them. If you don't find the site you're interested in used by members here...use your judgement...but don't be surprised if you get ripped off. We have recommended dealers here for a reason...namely because the forum is aimed at protecting people from getting scammed either by over-pricing, overt mis-representation, or payment with no product. In the grand scheme of thigns...saving $30 on a watch should not be a big deal for free shipping. Go for peace of mind and buy from a well reviewed dealer with a known history and known issues. All dealers here will reship if the item is stuck in customs. As to a real Swiss ETA movement...read reviews here...and you'll find there are copies of Swiss movements out there. For the most part, the dealers themselves don't know the difference between the gen and copy movements...and there's debate on the forum over what people receive. These are the joys of the counterfeit underground market. So...if you pay for Swiss...assume it might not actually be a gen Swiss but an Asian copy of the Swiss movement...and be delighted if it turns out to be otherwise. Chris at Eurotimez supposedly checks to ensure you're actually getting a real Swiss movement. Welcome aboard.

That's an interesting piece. Not surprising that not many watch companies are in there. All the other companies besides Rolex (for the most part) including Cartier, Hermes, Bvlgari and Tiffany, have diversified product portfolios (e.g. jewellery, clothing, shoes, accessories, etc) which places them in more spots in fashion mags or store shelves...so their market penetration is greater as their brand is seen by more sections of the buying public...vs. just those looking for high end watches. That's why Patek and Lange, etc will not be known by the public as they only do watches...and super high end watches at that.