Toadtorrent

Interesting tale. I'm like you...there are fun, chunky watches that fire me up to wear...but the one watch that has a certain warmth and attachment for me is that 36mm DJ. This is the watch I remember on my grandfather who really introduced me to nice watches "up close". It seems so small and understated compared to something that has more presence like the Skyland or the Omega SMP Chrono...but there is a certain warmth and attachment I have to it, because of the memories it stirs. Because of its small footprint and understated design, it really is something I wear for me and not to make any statement to anybody else.

I definitely agree with Corgi on his summary. To add, for the buck, the SOSF (Steelfish) in the Breitling line, Asian movement is likely the best buy. The movement is cheap to replace ($12 + labour at $50 or you do it yourself) if it fails...so is good for a "beater" watch. There was one up for sale recently by a member...don't know if it's still available. Check the "Watches" section for member to member sales. It won't have the AR coating like the Swiss variety, but is 50% less in cost and a good entry point to a high end replica. The Skyland I picked up for $185...don't know what the current rate is. This was an amazing "regular" price deal from Watchstation...and as my review shows, is an amazing piece...and unbeatable at the price. Good luck.

Ain't that the truth. I have yet to get one done...but one of these days. I'm just looking forward to my first The Zigmeister lume job in Jan!!

Go Team Canada.

If you have an IWC AD, go there and see if they can source one. It will be a long wait to get one. I was told it would take 9 months+ to get a simple 3717-05 as IWC stock in Canada was low and scarce. To source a limited edition Cousteau at 2500 available pieces was really hard outside of internet dealers...and something this rare will be extremely difficult. A call to IWC directly might in fact be your best bet if you don't have an AD nearby.

SSD is bigger...noticeably bigger in feel and look...especially in terms of thickness...less in terms of diameter. When you put the 2 on, the Sub feels A LOT smaller.

If the rotor spins when winding...it's because of sticky/damaged click wheels. It needs to be cleaned and lubricated. The movement might have been serviced...but likely was not serviced properly. This might not have been to the knowledge of the previous owner, because clients requesting service are at the mercy of those who do the service, to know what they are capable of and what they aren't. Many "servicing" options provided by watchsmiths who AREN'T doing a conscientious and professional job will be quick dip and lube jobs which as The Zigmeister has pointed out, are essentially useless for long term movement maintenance. When getting servicing of an auto chrono movement, especially a rep A7750 movement, you really need to be armed as a consumer to know who to send them to and what questions to ask to ensure that the person agreeing to do the work is in fact qualified to do it, and will do a good job. Proper servicing involves a COMPLETE breakdown, ultrasonic cleaning and proper oiling. This takes a very knowledgeable watchsmith...and one willing to work with reps. Servicing takes a number of hours to perform and is expensive...but is what is required to keep the watch up and running properly with reliability. For more info on this particular issue: Power Reserve Issues and Rotor Spinning Needless to say, the master is The Zigmeister on these matters. Read the links in my Noob Guide for more info on A7750 issues and topics. Good luck

Welcome aboard. The questions you ask are very common Noob questions which will be answered by EVEN MORE reading of the Noob Guide linked in my signature. To make a long story short...read more...but I'll start you off here: Quartz movements tick 1/s...they are choppy and will NOT have a smooth sweep whatsoever Quartz movements on watches that are only automatic are a big "tell" of it being fake Quartz versions of reps are USUALLY quite inferior to their more expensive auto equivalents Quartz movement reps will likely be more reliable, cheaper to operate and maintain There are some good cheap quartz reps out there...you have to find them Read the Breitling guide pinned in the Breitling section Search for the best reps under $150 thread somewhere...might be linked in the Noob Guide...can't remember

I like the date too...but there's something about this one. The size is nice...bigger than one would expect...and the combination of the polished middle links is nice with the green making the whole thing stand out. It is quite a different watch for Rolex...that's for sure. Is the crystal "greened" by sticking a green gasket in, or is the crystal actually green tinted like some tempered glass being blue on profile?

I don't find the length to be an issue without side by side comarisons. For one, I wear my watches on the right hand, so the pushers are buried under a shirt sleeve 3/4 of the time and the difference is really minimal when you're holding the watches. On a macro shot, every issue seems blown up...but in reality, we're talking very small fractions of an inch variance in the pusher lengths. Great lume dots BTW...

I've waffled on this 3717...but I have to agree Lani...those pics of the 3717 look AMAZING. Great shots Chief and those markers look fantastic!!

To be honest...I don't think this one captures any of the beauty or "complication" of a regular tourbillon at all. It looks merely like dial cutouts onto undecorated bridges with cheap hands. It's not a hit in my eyes...

Kevin, Similar to your Idolreplicas topic...try using the Search Tool: Sinowatches Search Results Welcome aboard...read the Noob Guide linked in my signature...this will help you on your way.

I agree. It's similar to the pearls on Subs...notoriously bad. The solution generally, is to shop for a better aftermarket insert and Pearl.

Indeed. This place is full of amazing people...and TALENTED people as well: Watchmakers, writers, photographers, ephemera, etc!

As DS has said, the Asian movement is usually dry on the rotor hence the noise. While grease may silence it...according ot the watchmaking experts, they say it's actually bad for the movement. Look at the links in the Noob Guide linked in my signature, and look for the A7750 power reserve links or noisy rotor or something like that. There are a few links there that talk about the traditionally noisy rotor on the reps. I'll tell you now, an A7750 properly serviced by The Zigmeister the Master comes back quiet!!!

I am 100% with you on all counts here. Can you imagine a The Zigmeister full yellow lume job on this? SICK! I have to admit, this King pic of the back makes me like it more: The other pictures looked like a really cheap Chinatown glass snuff bottle with the pale, translucent blue. This pic with the darker blue looks waaaay better. Sunken subdials of course...very nice, very nice. AND...do my eyes deceive me, or is that an ENGRAVED rotor instead of some Dollar Store Peel-n-Stick????

Love this shot Freddy!! @ Lani...love your IIC as well @ Siesta...it's funny the Big Ingy dresses up well...but it's not quite a white tie piece...maybe you better go Lange shopping with Robbie!

As Shundi said...check the reviews and the member sales as they do come up every now and then. Read my Noob Guide linked in my signature...as it will have links to how to buy as a Noob, and what dealers are popular here. As to you seeing an ETA movement Carrera for $250 - $350...you're dreaming, the seller was high on crack...or more realistically, the site you were looking at is lying to you. The Valjoux/ETA 7750 SWISS movement costs no less than $450 WITHOUT the watch. Add in the watch and the cost of a movement swap, and MOST Swiss powered chronos go for no less than $800 and usually more. Sure you can find deals...but I'm talking a standard price. Read the Carrera reviews. All the collectors here can source the good one. You'll be able to find cheaper ones from other dealers on the web...but you take your chances and fly blind. Welcome aboard...and read the Noob Guide.

Great stuff!! A bit of work went into this one to source parts. Congrats.

Lan the Man...Fastest Trigger on the Island. I'll live vicariously through you on this one!!

The thread says it was bought from King. Go to the King gallery and you'll see more pics of the watch. Don't expect it will be water resistant...but if you're lucky and you get it tested, it may be. See my Noob Guide for links to threads on water resistance. It will be an A7750 with decorated rotor. Contact King directly for the price.

Is this the right datewheel for a 1655 project?? Either way, I would be in for 2.

Looking great!!

The Monster is a serious watch!! Mine was actually this vintage Omega: The watch that really started it off was actually seeing Bond's Sub on the Big Screen: