Watchmeister

It is pretty clear from what you have written so far that you have a strong preference for a BCE and chronos in general. If you still feel that way and are nervous about the movement I might suggest you wait for one to come up in the trading section. Many have been previously serviced by folks. Alternatively you could put out a WTB for an Evo which has been serviced. Many folks have them and may want to sell it anyhow to get that new watch (or pay bills). You might even save a little money. And by the way even ETA 7750's can have problems. Chrono's are more complex movements with multiple poits of contact (pushers ). I have had to have many ETA's serviced. In fact all movements should normally be serviced every 3-5 years (rep or gen). And on Rolexes, other than the Daytona, most reps use a 2824, 2836 or occasional 2892.

If no one responds you should write to your favorite dealer and ask him to source the hands. With a gen dial and all that work you have to finish this one.

FGD- Absolutely beautiful watch. Wear it well.

It is actually quite brilliant and mean spirited on their part - it ensures revenue to either their AD's (whose sales have fallen precipitously in the current economic environment) or their own service center. The one which makes me scratch my head is the requirement of the Panerai shop to show up with proper papers in order to service it. I suppose it implies they don't trust their own staff to identify fakes.

I love their watches as well. But I wouldn't hold my breath for the rep.

You better love it because you will own it - forever. On a serious note, since you are not trying to create a gen (rather you are destroying its gen qualities) why don't you save the gen case set just in case you ever change your mind and buy a new SS rep case and send that out for proper PVD. That preserves maximum optionality just in case you ever tire of the Darth Vader look.

You could always set up an RWG auction with a floor and that way you and the forum win. It is a beautiful dial but just remember that the dial requires the gen movement so it will be a limited audience. Try here and then try Via Paneristi as the natural buyer is someone who already owns the gen. The PR movements come up very infrequently without the watch.

I have played with a number of them and IMHO the best one to start with is the one which comes on the cheap Asian version. The reason is that the Asian has the crown too close to the case so the lever on the CG is that iota longer than the 117 cg which enables you to put it on a 117 swiss version and file down that case tube that little bit to get the right distance between the crown and the case. Also certain modders can make you a better pin and rebrush. But the basic cg is pretty darn good.

Congratulations. Looking forward to seeing the finished product. You show me yours and I'll show you mine.

VDB- Loving this one. And I agree - the crown looks great.

Actually I am hoping that with the current economic downturn and folks thinking twice before spending $588 that the dealers and manufacturers will listen more closely and make small changes to improve the watch.

I am betting 40mm 310. Love that 162 though.

Here are a couple. Yin and Yang: Fiddy (First generation genuine on the right): Marina: What are you actually looking for? That would be helpful.

Or you can always sign up for the BKLM/WM9 Ultimate SD but it is apparently some months away

It might help with a couple of extra details. Two or three sub-dials? Plain or textured dial? 40 or 44mm? 310 is 40mm and is deceiving as the crown is much better proportionately versus standard 40mm luminors. If it is two-subdials 44mm there are a number of possibilities beyond the 212 and 213 (extra button for flyback). If it was 2 subdials with a pair of blue hands it might be the 308. It could be 286 or 253 if it had 1 or 2 blue hands and extra button on left side of the case. I would start with Panerai's website though since the mini-fiddy cases are relatively new so most watches are still made or at least replaced with a later version. Best of luck. Oh yeah, next time take a picture.

Big thanks to all on this one. It did truly turn into a collaborative project. And a thanks to all those patient purchasers who put up with my travel schedule.

Another vote for the Skyland V2. It even has the correct aesthetic and composition black coating.

T- Very nice MM set. Wear them well.

By-Tor Thanks so much for a fabulous review. The funny thing is the gens at the AD have not inspired me to buy a Rolex in a long time but this review has. And finally, when the next Noob asks where to get the best sub I can point them to this review. That in and of itself is priceless.

By-Tor Thanks so much for a fabulous review. The funny thing is the gens at the AD have not inspired me to buy a Rolex in a long time but this review has.

Best of luck with it. Just remember that before you pick who to approach half the battle is getting someone who is capable of and willing to do aesthetic mods. Most smiths are competent to service a movement and polish a case at best. Also be forewarned that smiths who are authorized repair folks for brands are more likely to have a moral objection. And last but not least that smith is unlikely to be able to get spare parts if you are dealing witha non-ETA movement or brand name movement.

A work of art dine by a true artist. Wear it well.

Your 24A looks fabulous. Wear that one well. It certainly is one to be very proud of.

I spoke with the smith and I am going to make 10. The cost will be $55 plus $1 or $2 for shipping. I am not making money on this and this is not intended to be a group buy - simply taking care of myself and other vintage fans. The intention is to purchase standard Cortebert 616 stems and retap to 1.2 (normal handwind size). I will not request any money until they are in hand and ready to ship. I reserve the right as to who they go to. If this works out like clock work and people want additional I might get him to do another run but no assurances. I have PM's in hand which would theoretically account for 10 but please reconfirm you want them at that price via PM. ATB- Kruz

If you really want cortebert stems pm me and I will get a price for however many folks want. I don't promise anything but i know I am going to need at least one for the upcoming Kevin cases.