Toadtorrent

Welcome to the forum...have fun reading and searching around here. We have lots of reviews of each of the watches in question. I'll modify this post with the links when I have time (hopefully later today)...but to be quick:

• 3714 Porto Chrono - bad movement...beautiful watch...lots of reviews on troubles people have had with this movement killing the watch early...unless you want to spend around $1000 USD to get a gen movement installed or other mods to keep the movement alive...stay away
  
• 371701 - a classic...great watch...look for reviews as they have changed the dial over time so that the current dial can't be modded as easily as the old ones (not an issue for you)...but the lume is not great on these
  
• 3719 Slevin - I personally like the 2006 Cousteau the best...but the Slevin is a great watch...poor lume on the bezel
  
• Cousteau 2006 - This is my recommendation...best design of the series...poor lume though out of the box
  
• Cousteau 2007 - great design too...not as fashion "flexible" because of the orange but beautiful...crappy lume though
  
• Cousteau 2008 - Don't like the design as much
  

Like J said, the swap can be a straight one, but only if you get the right cannon pinion height. I'm not sure all vendors are aware of the variant. If you can get a tech sheet from them, you might get lucky and know which one you are getting. in advance before ordering. The 2813 should be a direct swap though.

Big congrats on that one.

I don't know if he's committed a crime, but I want him excommunicated immediately.

Love it!!

Redwatch and I picked up our staking sets for <$100 + shipping which was expensive. Check the Bay for prices to see what they are...

The caseback opener if generic Chinese or Indian made would likely be about $10 - 15 (check International Watchman and The Bay for low end models and Watchbitz for better version pricing)...at least that's what I've paid for the 2 I own.

I have no idea about the Bergeon tool.

When you polished off the engraving on the rehaut, did it take enough material off to cause problems with fitting the dial??

Very nice piece, and I do like the GMT IIc bracelet touch!

You my friend, have the makings of a great member of RWG. Glad to have you here!!

This design has got to be one of the most comfortable watch designs around. Great watch. What colour is the lume at night on this one...it's green I assume.

...just shouted an answer in the box

Very cool...love the provenance.

Very interesting. My wife's ETA 956.112 quartz movement did the same 5 second sweep thing and that was the indication of a FUBARD movement...things you learn, eh?

My Grail...

This is the exact one I want...

Man...can't stop looking at this. Wish I had the funds to get one of these masterpieces!!!

Wow...that is exciting. I think something like that DEFINITELY needs to wait for a gen Laureus dial!!! Something as rare as a gen case, NEEDS a rare gen dial!!

The sweep hand is "ticking" nicely now that I've re-input the calendar data...

That's really funny about the sweep tied to the calendar...weird. Great news to have it up and running.

Thanks all. I bought the watch.

Awesome...great watches.

Good thing...I couldn't source a replacement movement anyways. Do you have a pic of the watch? I'm curious which one this is. Is the second hand moving properly??

Some stuff that may be useful:

Problems with 8F33

The movement is technically no longer made, but I'll see if I can source one and get a price for you.

Whooah...slick!!!

I have an old Seiko Perpetual Calendar 8f33 powered watch which I just changed battery in. I thought I swapped it out pretty quickly but the sweep hand increments in 5 second "batches" and surfing I've done indicates the calendar data needs to be input. None of these net hits have indicated how to do it! Anyone here know the secret? The watch has sentimental value which makes me want to keep it around...

I had an ETA quartz with just the date do the same thing...I just replaced the movement...$28 for the replacement movement. If you can figure out the movement #, they are pretty easy to find.

I can see if I can source one if you want...feel free to PM me.

The gen 1655 and 1675 used both the same case, the crownguard shape was slightly different depending batches, same for later Explorer II and GMT II cases

Understood. Thanks for the clarification. I thought they were the same case...didn't realize the difference in manufacturing on the rep case.

I usually sign-up and enroll to watch with the opportunity to bid...

Good job Star69 ! I noticed also in the background of your photo your tools and equipment... I am jalous

you are right about the 1655 case, it has the crown side slightly thicker than the opposite,

I show you some pics I sent to Chiman in a pm to explain what I did - also with a dremel - using grinding bits then high speed silicon polishers for the finish

VERY interesting...and very illustrative post. Are you saying that a GEN 1655 has the crown guard side thicker than the opposite, whereas a GEN 1675 is the same thickness?

If so...I did not know that...thanks for the confirmation.

I love this place...the knowledge is phenomenal.

That is completely awesome!!! I would use the gen hand...but an aftermarket gasket.

Thanks gents, I just remembered i had a non-trusted dealer source me a Rolex Turn-O-Graph. 3 weeks later an hour marker fell off. I email the dealer and within the week he sent me a new dial on him, and didn't ask for anything back. I guess every dealer is different.

I've had both experiences. I've had dealers send parts out (Peter and Josh)...and I've also had to pay shipping back (Josh and Andrew). NOTE...same dealer had offered both solutions...depends on the situation.

If the watch is fine and the strap is buggered and you can remove it, ask the dealer if you can just send the strap back as the watch is fine, and get a replacement.