collector21

Thank you, gentlemen! (Well, it seems that it's time to go back to that Archimede gen....)

Paul needs to align his on-site prices with the advert he posted here! The web site shows prices that are all over the map, which is confusing, at best....

Does anyone make a really good rep of the IWC Big Pilot?

Okay, now this is actually worrying: Angus gets two-fifty for his Marina Militare--that thin "crystal" is a deal breaker for me. As Chris states, the plastic would be all right were it thick and strong like the original, or at least 3mm thick. I'll only buy the thing if the dealer mods the crystal in the right direction (ain't holdin' my breath...).

Say, Quark, what is Cape Cloth?

Much appreciated information, Finepics--thank you!

Well said!

Say, Finepics-Master-of-the-Lume, when you say that the crystal in these watches is a "double dome", what does that mean? Are there two hesalite crystals back to back? Oh, and by the way, Paul carries a version with the Asian automatic (whatever that might be), which has a mineral crystal, while Angus has the two-and-a-half times more costly model with the plastic crystal in question, and a Swiss 6497, which he is convinced is actually Swiss. FYI, my British brother....

Wow, triplehp, what a stunning watch! Joe has had my Cartier Santos 100 for at least two and half months, but I stand behind him, because I know he's been through a really rough patch. Joe is an honest person, a good guy through and through. And I am so happy to see that he built you a world-beater--enjoy your gorgeous watch when it arrives!

That's a beauty, CG--thanks for showing it to me! The model that I'm considering has applied lume, rather than the vintage sandwich dial. What movement does your watch hold?

I am seriously considering a Marina Militare Vintage PAM. The thing has one period-accurate drawback: the "crystal" is made of plastic. What do you think of this model? It is supposed to have a genuine Swiss movement, and the respectable dealer who would sell it to me insists that it is a gen-Swiss. Do any of you gentlemen own the watch in question? If so, how good are the movement and the lume? Is the crystal a delicate pain in the a--. Also, does the Rolex logo-etched crown on the non-CG model screw down, or does it merely click into place like any "normal" watch crown? Any comments on the Marina Militare will be most appreciated.

Elegant, intelligent response, as usual, The Zigmeister. The 183H with the bona fide CN6497 isn't long for this world, and when it finally breaks, which will be soon enough, I will send it to you in the Great North for some quality investigation. The wire lugs had to be medium-bond Locktite cemented in place, for reasons we both know, which means that Aaron's superb vintage brown gator will ship with the thing, as well. And if you can isolate the malfunction and provide a lasting fix, know that many fellow members, me included, will be grateful to you for offering a chance to save their investments.

I'm glad that you stand by your review, The Zigmeister: proves you are a man of honor. However, two failures out of two is the kind of batting average even the Sultan of Swat couldn't dream of.... This movement isn't ready for the show. And Honda does make great cars! But the CN6497 is the equivalent of GM testing their vehicles on customers--these movements will continue to improve over time. I just don't want to be part of the R&D team at $250 a pop.

He did, and goodness knows, the guy is usually spot-on--but as Finepics stated, the CN6497 is beginning to show its true colors. It sometimes takes a while for a series to break down...after all, assembly quality control and the quality of the parts themselves are just not up to ETA standards. I own two 183s, a G and an H. The G was touted as Genuine Swiss, the H, as a Chinese 6497. There is no difference between them, except for the finishing on the plates. I submit that there is no such thing anymore as a Genuine Swiss 6497 in a rep: all the hand-wind movements are Chinese, and the luck of the draw will determine whether you get screwed or not (wretched pun intended). One thing is certain, I paid $265 for a POS, and $110 for a second POS (POS #1 is beginning to grind away in similar fashion to POS #2). Do the math, and tell me which POS you would prefer to own....

Lord Clive: your humility awes me! Gentlemen: the Chinese 6497 is a POS!!!!!!!! Stay away from these movements--they aren't worth the powder to blow them up.