Toadtorrent

Swap should cost about $30-70 or so...depending on who does it. Shipping back will cost you about $18...I would take the case set. To do the swap yourself will mean you need to get a few things like Rodico for removing fingerprints, blower for dust, and something to open the caseback (like duct tape balls, rubber gloves or an actual tool...your choice). You're not removing hands...so it's relatively low risk, but many have buggered their watches the first time they've removed the stem. Stem removal is easy. Stem re-insertion is a bit trickier...something to consider. For your first watch I would try and find a little corner repair store...explore if they are rep friendly and would do a case swap of a chinese movement. If they are agreeable...try it out. It's a low risk task for a watchsmith, as you aren't removing hands, working on the movement, etc...straight swap. The repair stand might not want to work on reps...be prepared for that.

Yeah...this one looks much better than the Nato. Personally, I'm not 100% sold I could pull off a red threaded strap though...too "Formula 1" for me...I like the yellow on your avatar pic though...

The issues with watches, is that there are different lubes needed for different parts. Use the wrong lube and you actually will make the motor work more by gumming it up. The amount of oil used requires special oilers...they can be had for cheap...BUT, you need to take the movement apart to get the oil in the right spot. Cleaning is also an issue. It's an unfortunate evil with mechanical watches...they are wonderful little ticking marvels that are fun to look at and listen to...but they do require care and maintenance...which costs both time and money. This applies to gen movements as well. A gen watch SHOULD be serviced every 5 years...not many people do that as it costs a lot of money...but it will prevent premature wear and tear and the cost of expensive replacement parts by premature part failure. Gen watch bad maintenance is also more forgiving in that the watches start off clean and properly oiled...whereas Asian movements don't. You can take your chances with the A7750 movement...don't bother servicing, and you may get a number of years without problem...or you may get 6 months...it's a crap shoot. With servicing, you'll get at least 5 years of reliable service. If you want low cost, and no maintenance...unfortunately quartz is the way to go...and you just don't get as nice watches in quartz as you do with the high end mechanical reps or gens out there. Please read the Noob Guide linked in my signature...there is some useful information that will help you understand what you can expect from your watch.

That is a funny one R...very funny indeed. Great write-up and photos of course. Thanks w0lf for prodding El Zig, and thanks Zig for doing this up!!! It's good to know that it's at least a reliable movement...just needs the usual work done to it.

Awesome...bring it over here...we love stuff like that!!!!

I like cheap Chinese Junks...

That's right Bob...did you get my PM complaining about some user named Nanuq who's always putting posts like that up here...raises the prices for everyone...you people on the mod team should do something about members like that. Now I kind of want to join there, and see if I can get banned in the shortest period of time.

It does unfortunately look like spots on the AR. Sander would know if this is a problem with this model. Your dealer may be able to send you a new crystal, and you can take it to a watchsmith to do the swap...that would be pretty cheap...or do it yourself. It's a nice watch...goes well with the props in the photo.

Nice shot! Where's it taken??

Look for Domi (Bricciola) or Francisco in the EU...

I was there a couple months ago...would love to have hooked up...have fun Chief!

Aesthetic vs. pedigree or the true "emotive" value of owning a gen...the finish, the "whatever". Remember...no matter how much modding you do...a rep will always be a rep...even a super Franken rep will still be a rep in terms of "return on investment" of a gen in the open marketplace. The issue is of VALUE. A gen will always be a gen...but is it worth it at what...25% premium over a top notch rep? 50%? 300%? Vintage Rollies with GEN movements, crystals, bracelets, dials, hands, datewheels, CASEBACK, and EVERYTHING but the case so functionally, aesthetically and operationally 100% genuine, but still with a rep case might cost $3000 - $5000 to build, but the gen may cost what, $150,000??? You keep trying to get someone to say that they are unequivocally the same (a handpicked and upgraded Asian vs. gen movement)...but they aren't really...because of what you noted, Cotes de Geneves, rhodium plating, engraving depth, etc...but is it good enough? I think so...so do many...which is why we have reps...and why we have rep buyers who upgrade to buying gens.

PM Concepta...

Any of the recommended dealers on this site can get one. They come with a problem of the 6-o-clock subdial not being functional like the gen...please see the tutorial in my signature for more details on the difference and the "fix"...it's the post with Seagull ST-19

Hey...it's been 3.5 hrs since the last post...where are the pics???

I'm in Toronto...let me know if there's any way to help... You gotta tourby?? You better post pics of it.

:pardon:

The issue is that the movements used CURRENTLY in the moon watch (not currently available...I'll explain later) have a wider subdial spacing layout than the gen (either the Seagull ST19 aka Lemania/Venus manual wind or a7750 modded movement). There is a current version of the A7750 with a narrow subdial spacing movement which would produce an accurate layout, but watches using this movement have been limited to the PO Chrono, a Constellation double eagle or something like that...and possible a couple others...but not the Moon watch...stay tuned!! BTW...the incorrect subdial spacing ones are still really nice watches...and with the Seagull movement, although it uses an "incorrect" display back...gens did in fact come with a display back in 1967, and the Seagull movement is really quite nice to look at.

Love it...that's the spirit!! HAH HAH.

I love this reply!!

I thought these were the pix from the last Platinum GTG...

Dig that bezel lume...is this bezel lume upgrade like the Cousteaus??

Old Spice Girl

Funny...that's a good score...I can't tell if it's blue or black though with the pic...gen croc always rocks IMHO...

Why are you all being so critical...nobody even posted pics...don't judge before you see the goods. Thanks Mods and T for keeping on top of things.