Pre V

Thanks indy and Ubi! That was what I thought! Appreciate the reiteration of this fact. Yeah I am going back and forth with him these days....hopefully we can get this sorted out really soon as I really wanna strap an MC really soon. indy: yes I have to make sure that Phong provides the gen 7734 movement and I am sure that's the movement he provides on his offerings. On the same train of thoughts, Yuki seems to be providing the 7031 and 7032 cases, alongside with the aftermarket dials....wrong yes...the baseplates are a tat too far away from the minute markers, and that's a pure giveaway. Well, we are all after perfection. Just missed out an auction on a 7032/0 yesterday and I am beating myself over it. Called the dealer in HK and he wanted $ 16000 usd at least. Wonder if he did sell to the winner abeit it ended at $ 15656. I am sure he would. Was about to take a flight out to HK to pick up the watch directly...yes I am that crazy at this point in time to do so....however, I am still unable to liquidate my gen pams...so it's a no-go for me at the moment. So I have to resign to the fate that eventually, yes --- that a 7032 will find me instead of vice-versa. That 7032 was really in good shape, one that I will adorn on my wrists for a long time to come.... Monte Carlo fever...Snowflake 1978 Blue Dial this seller has too....Tudors, there can never be too many in your collection, right Ubi? Alrighty, I reckon I will stick with a Franken 7032 for now. Hopefully I can acquire a Steel bezel that will enhance this piece during this period of "holding out - waiting time for a gen". Cheerios and muchos gracias!

Anyone for a half-baked timepiece? this looks destined to be a talking piece... "Excuse me, did you design this watch by yourself? "

Hi Ubi, Lani, Freddy and all, I was just online researching on Tudor case specifications and confusion seems to be compounded by the minute. So I was about to splash a "supposed obscene" amount on a Tudor 7032/0 from Phong. However, I had to be sure what accurate engravings before proceeding so do need your help here. According to this Japanese website (http://masasima.hp.infoseek.co.jp/mywatch/rolexspec.htm), as seen in the picture below: The model number is engraved on the case --- ok this is a given. However, during a communication with Phong, he specifically specified that I could opt for a 7031/1 or 7032/1 engraving on the case. Now, if I am not wrong, there's no such referencing in the context of Tudor's factory specification spreadsheet. As quoted from this website (http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?p=671671) from a genuine Monte Carlo owner of 3, he mentioned: And as stated on this website: http://masasima.hp.infoseek.co.jp/mywatch/rolexspec.htm , there is clearly no specification of 7031/1 or 7032/1 as a "Model Reference". So my question is: Shouldn't the engraving be 7032/0 instead of 7032/1? That said, I have asked Phong if he was able to source for a more accurate Monte Carlo Steel bezel with Deeper and Bolder ink-engravings to bring this Monte Carlo historically closer to the gen. Bracelet: As seen on many websites (http://www.sheartime.com/new/st004), the genuine 7032/0 did not come with a rivetted bracelet, and instead a 78360R (sometimes 9315) serie Single Lock with 588 endlinks (sometimes 9315) . To be more historically correct, shouldn't the bracelet with the Monte Carlo come with a standard oyster bracelet? Always love the rivetted though... Will keep all posted. Thanks in advance for your input. Somehow, I reckon an engraving of 7032/0 should be more accurate....or is it not?

Beautiful family shots J!

I might have 1 or 2 CG screws around which I can spare. PM me.

Indeed Ubi! Wow, that case looks just about right, shorter lugs with squarish, sharper edge block. Is this a Jimmy Fu case? You got yourself a perfect canidate to house a FGD prevendome dial.

Simply beautiful Ubi! Top notch articulate comparisons as always, detailed images to eyeball... Can't get enough of FGD's dials and I must admit that I am officially over-obsessive with both his 1st and 2nd Generation offerings. Pre A 0001 and Pre V 203/A......now we really need someone to bring those manufakture of these PreA and PreV cases into reality. FGD 2nd Gen Prevendome 5218-201/A

Haven't purchased any timepieces from Chris & Co, but this reaffirms my confidence with EuroTimez as being a trusted and accountable dealer at RWG. Now I have a new avenue to be spending, splurging and splashing! All the best on your re-organized structure, always good to be forefront on your offerings and what's to come, that's the communication that consumers desire, and I am sure this will be a strong foothold for your business.

Yes I cannot be more than 4000% sure. Those pictures you see online are all after-market DLC or PVD coated, not originally from Officine Panerai. ---- this alone warrants that PAM 000 refers to a stainless steel model, with no specifications from the factory stipulating a DLC/PVD model. Therefore there is NO official PAM000 in DLC or PVD. When you DLC/PVD your genuine Panerai, warranty is void.

That is a PVD Base PAM 009. Manufactured in the year A Series and B Series. Closest to genuine, Davidsen will be your best bet as his PVD are matte finished. Cartel's PVD offerings are generally more shiny. With the OP Logo on a base (with indices 3,6,9,19), they are only available in Stainless Steel. Model reference is PAM 000 produced from G series onwards. No PVD or DLC offered by Officine Panerai unless you choose to take upon this finish yourself.

Thanks for the profile pic...Love the sterile look! Are the edges sharp?

This reminds me of an encounter I had with Philippe Dufour (http://dufourwatches.free.fr/), one of the highly acclaimed watchmakers of our time at Tempus 2007 Exhibition. It was early in the morning when I chanced upon Mr Dufour and we had a quick coffee together. In 2007, there was an explosion of large case timepieces from Panerais to U-Boats to Hublot. I asked Philippe about this apparent phenomenon and he just shrugged and said, "You know, big cased watches are indeed rising in the market and is a fashion trend -- it comes and goes just like any other labels according to demand. If there is a demand for big watches, there will be big watches made." This reminds me of how pre and post WWII watches are sized. Military watches are manufactured in above 45mm - 50+mm, often worn by fighter pilots as a hanging tool around their necks. From Omega, IWC to Seikosaka. The maximum diameter of Dufour's cases ranges from 34-37mm and he mentioned that these are "ideal sizes" for his movements. Bearing in mind Philippe wasn't a small man himself and he was spotting a 36mm watch on his at least 7 inch wrists. I asked him if he would produce his timepieces in larger cases and he replied saying that this is against his norms and that there was no need for that. So there you go....big are not necessarily beautiful, yes they do command attention and oversizing brings the proportions into distortions. I personally am venturing backwards in 38 or possibly 36mm, in a quest for the right size....non-sports models that is...

Thanks JJ! Just shot Yuki an email before reading your thread. Will do as advised. As my current MBW 1665 has the jewelryoutlet bezel, not too shabby but the pearl is still incorrect, I was thinking of that option. On the other hand, I will just purchase a Yuki pearl and wear the 1680 bezel out before any replacement. Thanks once again! Pre V

Greg Steven's 1st version Stitchless (circa 2006) Vintage Tan "Distressed" on a Pre A 0009 OEM PAV 99 on DLC 000G

The River Runs Through It....The Rolex Rolls With It.... The Adoration of Rolex runs deep within my veins, there's simply no substituted love, not in this lifetime, not the next.... Technology fused with the essence of Creativity recreates a new entity.... Rolex timepieces have served all of us well, in their own ways.... Our journey will end one day....Rolexes will be passed down to the next generation, and the next....and the...... A thousand miles....a million memories....revolutions of Rolex have digitalized in this day and age.... Shimmering glitter of the bezel reflects the deep cuts that signifies the workmanship behind every Rolex.... The state of Rolex sends me into a state of trance....a love that will never be lost, only to be gained, in exponential proportions.... A teller of time, in various parts of the world, a tool that accompanies men in the deepest ocean, a proven legend that will prevail the tides of time.....

Thanks docblackrock! Appreciate your advice. Was about to plonk down some dough but since you mentioned that, I will stay aware. Cheerios!

Upon comparing Item number: 350187181542 with Item number: 250420660927 from jewelryoutlet555, it seems that the SD bezel insert is more historically correct for the 1680. Got a SD bezel fitted on an MBW 1665 and wondering..... Anyone knows if bezel insert for 1665 will fit a 1680? "on an MBW" Thanks for your input.

1) lug holes drilled to fit genuine 2mm spring bars 2) Genuine crown and tube that's what I can see thus far... Love ur Comex!! One of my favs!

That looks like a mini-sub right there... Just wondering if you are getting a customized case from Phong. Since your dial is gen, the diameter should be 27mm. So there are no fitment issues right? I need a 1570 calibre but am skeptical about finding a gen dial to go with it.... still on the oldskool trail of BMWs...

No expert by any means... If you are looking at building a Franken Rolex Vintage, your best bet would be an older version of MBW case. (any model mid-2007 and before --- either from George, luckky or Rabbit on MBK's 1st floor - Nah Piak) Apparently, the newer version of MBWs have seen problems faced by collectors on plexi-glass, bezel inserts fitment issues. If you have the cash, go for Vietnam produced cases but that will set a big hole in your pocket. Dials wise, there are debates to Vietnam versus MBWs....in terms of spot-on accuracy, sadly there's not one out yet. Variations in letter print, clarity, size, depth....the list goes on and on...

how about the association with the chime of an old grand...."Self-DingDong" It's amazing how collectors are smittened by rare mistakes in a production...myself included.

The lowest priced brand new Milgauss I have seen in the past 2 months was around USD $ 6000-6200. This is indeed a classical modern Rolex, gotta love the green sapphire. One of those pieces that is on my shopping list for quite sometime. Been observing the prices and hopefully will be able to snag one up. Wear this Gaussy in good health and spirits JJ!

Love Rolexes and Tudors since I was 8. Never diminished, in fact the feeling has intensified with every second passing by. Perhaps you should pick up a book or read up on Rolexes before making up your mind that fast. It's the historical richness and achievements behind a brand that attracts me, as much as the physical attributes. Learn about the processes and workmanship at Bern, vicariously through words and pictures....speak to some watchmakers there, take a trip, fly there....and open your eyes. I will not hestitate to buy a genuine Rolex if its within my means to do....sure many out there feels the same way. In the world of reps, Rolex is the most replicated brand. There's a good reason for it. Sold-out? Maybe in many one's eyes....not mine.

What a beautiful strap and perfect companion for your Pre A 0009! Now that's what I call a Strap-Project!

To put it in short: I was never really gone, same applies to the love I have for Rolexes. It was purely a fast distancing in action and am I glad to be able to bridge this widening gap. It was about close to a nearly a decade when MBWs exploded into the replica scene, offering collectors the optional luxury of incorporating genuine parts into their classical Rolex Vintages be it 1680 Submariners or 1665 Sea-Dwellers. While this may not necessarily apply to the newer or "Neo-MBWs", the lucky ones have been blessed by the influx of such offerings into our collection. Just take a look at Ubi's threads, read into his writings and works on vintage Rolexes and this literary experience will drive your inspirations to another frankenized dimension. Frankens or Genkens, depending on which angle you are looking from, are being built all around the world as I type this posting out. Wherever you may be, our love to create, incorporate and gravitate assorted genuine parts to the highest level of perfection binds all of our work together, in mysteriously ways. Rolex, in particular, is a world-renowned brand with historical riches that flows down generations beyond words. Love it or hate it, with every Rolex being introduced into our world, there is bound to be a direct love-at-first-sight situation....as is happening in our Modern world. The arrival of my one and only (for the time being that is) MBW took place a day ago. (Thanks Robert!) This double-red is an old-skool MBW with a Superdome Clark's tropic fitted in, and an aftermarket Bezel. Was this timepiece destined to be in possession? What would I do with it? Question is only how far I am able to go as far as percentages are concerned. A 1570 movement perhaps....my mind is spinning round and round, just as the rotor is inside of the case -- wristed at the moment. A comparison shot between a Z-series SD vs the MBW DRSD. What beholds of my Franken project dwells in the New World.....for it will be a masquerading experience....Hopefully in time, a Part II shall arise with new updates, parts and finishes.