DemonSlayer

I'm happy for you T, congratulations to you and your other half.

I've got the same block but have yet to try it out. The white side is is the least coarse, used for superfine brushing.

I've also bought 2 abrasive flexible rubber blocks, like the Garry flex blocks. I love the re-finishing part of our hobby

In London, I would say that (second to Rolex ofcourse) Omega, Tag Heuer and Breitling are the most recognisable watch brands. I'm not yet working full time, so I can't give a more accurate observation of whats on the wrists of your average white collar worker, but most non-watch persons will probably know those mentioned brands, Omega being the most famous (due to James Bond of course).

In regards to Patek, Audemars, Vacheron etc. Forget it. Most will give you a blank look when you mention those.

You have a couple of options:

1)You can buy a replacement crystal, ensure you make accurate measurements such as diameter, and then you will have to buy a crystal press to install it.

2)You can take it to a watchmaker who is willing to work on it, he should be able to source a replacement crystal and install it for you.

DemonSlayer: How did you resolve the problem?

Its with a watchmaker

Thanks for that reply The Zigmeister, I had the same problem with mine, except I couldn't manually wind at all (possibly if I turned really hard, but then I was afraid to break something). Time and date could set properly, just no manual winding.

TTK is no longer a dealer here... long story..

Try repgeek, he's active there.

Daytona4me one of the admins on RWI and a respected member both there and here, mentioned some time ago that he is working on the development of a new movement with factories in China for a special project. He and Hont are quite close, from what I recall, he introduced Hont there as a dealer and taught him how to advertize his goods in a fair and honest way. I have a hunch that the dissection and replication of this MMD may well be that project. He also mentioned that the movements in our reps are ridiculously overpriced, as the new movement he is working on in conjunction with the factories is more complex than the current movements available, but on a run of around two thousand, the unit cost is around $25... remember I'm recalling figures from memory, the posts can be found over at RWI

AR

Thats likely his gen. He bought a gen UN MMD to likely get it dissected and repped, I think he just shot a small video of it showing it in all its glory

The quality of the rubber strap won't be as good as the "ultimate" one made for the UPO. Most dealers can get it, and its cheap too. I read somewhere that watcheden sells it. Good luck

You can PM him to ask if he takes international orders I'm sure he does, and the customs between US & UK is pretty much non-existent

This is as good as its going to get for the time being regarding 42mm PO's. Still, great lookers for the

A very nice combo I think. Thats also one of the things I love about PO's, the versatility; they look fantastic on steel, rubber, leather & nylon!

Well I guess they could have a "spy" of sorts take a cheap rep into his shop and ask him to repair it...

If he consents he either: Didn't know it was a rep movement (in which case, the Institute probably doesn't want him as a member) or he willing worked on a rep which has the same connotations and qualifiers as my first point.

If thats whats happening thats just a sad, lame thing to do IMO. I mean if we analyse it carefully, in what way are members of the BHI exactly going to benefit, in the real world? A pay rise? A free watch from Rolex for hunting down rep workin' watchmakers?

Michael Allen Watchmaker a member on this site, said he got those letters from the Horological Institute and Rolex as well. He told them that when they pay his mortgage and expenses...he'll stop working on fakes. He never heard back from them. Read his introductory post...quite interesting on this perspective.

I respect Michael Allen for saying that, couldn't have put it any better IMO. If the work just isn't coming in from gen owners, then what is a watchmaker to do? He needs to eat and put a roof over his head like the rest of us... A watchmaker has the skill to work on watches, gens and reps are both watches, nothing more and nothing less. Its about time Rolex & other gen companies realise that, as well as people who think otherwise.

Have emailed seller to see what they can do. Hopefully can get it sorted, and hopefully won't have any more 'teething' troubles with this watch and reps in general!

Thanks for all the answers and help by the way DemonSlayer, you seem to crop up on most of the random questions I've had recently

Thanks man! I'm more than happy to help members out, I've had issues with my watches in the past, and issues still pop up time from time. I've been more than happy with the help I've received on this board from various members so I feel I should do my part to help others out too

Best of luck with getting that SMP sorted out, its a very nice watch.

I wonder how they would ever know - do they do surprise inspections of his shop?

I too was wondering the same thing. I hardly think that "grassing him up" would be acceptable proof that he was working on reps, as thats just hearsay and its his word against the accusers.

This rep is known for being well constructed. It seems you either received one that was manufactured with inferior quality parts, or something happened during your ownership of it which is causing the bezel to fall out of place. Before you decide to permanently glue it in place, take it to a watchsmith and explain to him the problem and ask if it can be fixed.

If it can I would get it fixed, if not; then you have 4 option:

1)Glue it in place

2)Purchase a gen bezel which comes with the insert (expensive option but then you have a nice franken ) however you will need to be sure the bezel will fit

3)If the dealer agrees, send it back to him for repair or a new watch

4)Purchase a new rep watch head (this will probably be the more realistic option when approaching the dealer)

You mean the entire metal bezel just comes off by running your finger under it? If thats the case then it hasn't been installed in properly.

Check this out (from By-Tor's SMP modding guide):

Check that you are following the same/similar method as above.

Really pleased for you TJ and you EJ. Glad everything went great for you guy's, you deserve it!!

+1

I'm really happy for you bro Now you can look forward to the married life, theres gonna be ups and downs, smiles and frowns! But seriosly though I wish you and E a very happy marriage.

Now.. lets see some pictures

I heard the clip today. Took me by suprise as he doesn't portray characters who use the "F" word like this, but he had backing from Whoopi Goldberg, who said she understands what he must have felt like. The director of photography walked in a scene that Bale was doing with his co-star who plays his wife Katherine Connor.

I had a more detailed look at the engravings on your movement, and of gen, and amongst other things, I would say I'm 99% sure your watch has a clone ETA movement. Theres a number of issues:

1)The Kif Trior shock absorber on clone ETA has one notch for spring removal, gen ETA has 3. Yours has one notch...

2)The movement winding gear (gold gear under the large silver gear) is brushed on clone ETA movements, on gen its finished smooth. The gear in your movement looks brushed.

3)Your movement is missing the "DM" markings near the ETA logo, I have seen the same thing on all clone movements I've owned, gens always have the "DM" engravings from what I've seen.

Many thanks for The Zigmeister and his indepth post for the tells.

I wouldn't say the clones are that bad, they are certainly not

A very interesting watch indeed...