too distressed ?

[rag9fx]

Hi Guys,

I've been lurking around for a couple of weeks i haven't really been on the forum or looking at watches (rep or gen) since '08...

and to say the least its amazing what i've missed in the rep world particularly the WM9's that i've been seeing. (note to self...must not impulse buy)

Recently i've been getting bits and pieces together to finish off some projects that have been sitting about- notably my 5517 which was put to an abrupt halt after number of personal, professional and financial issues came at me all at once. but currently im in the process of 'restoring' one of my personally prized reps: a palped mbw red 1680 ... which i guess is of particular significance to me since the red 1680 is one of my most coveted rolexes ever but more because (this watch in particular) is an example of what a great community this place is not for just how much i've learned here (about gens and reps alike) but for the people as well .

This watch has been the learning curb for me... originally it was an exercise in getting as close to a gen 1680 as my wallet could permit but its given me great insight to vintage sports rolexes on the whole from hunting down appropriate parts to attempting to learning the right and wrong ways of installing crystals (man those gadmaned retaining rings) to getting the little details that no one else would really notice- (needless to say its faaaarr from even close or perfect but i love it like that) and secondly it has a nice bit of rwg history behind it - i bought it second hand from a member here years ago as a stock MBW 1680(my first rwg classified buy) and its been through the hands of both Palp and The Zigmeister...

its one of my daily 'beaters' not that i intended it to be such but its been one of the watches that i can never seem to take off my wrist (yeah i really like it that much) ... that is until the bezel snapped off a number of months ago... (i've honestly put her through hell and back)

whoops i'm starting to ramble... here are some pictures...

i have a NOS T127 in the post with and an aftermarket bezel assy .... after i install those i think im going to ride her a little less hard.

Anyway i really just wanted to say how great it is to be back and snooping through the forum... i've missed it greatly

Ragsy.

[TeeJay]

Good to see you posting again Will a new bezel really lead to less vigorous wear? Beaters are beaters for a reason, and a few nicks and dings just add to the character, and more reason to love and wear them

[freddy333]

Vintage Rolex tool watches (Subs & SDs in particular) are like hammers, they look better with wear. The more wear (as long as they remain readable & functional), the better.

In contrast, modern Rolex Subs & SDs, with their polished bracelets, finger-print magnet sapphire lenses & blingy dials, are like new cars - their appearance nose dives (pun intended) with each & every new scratch or blemish.

Baby your car (& bling), but wear your 1680.

[Justasgood]

Great to have you back and enjoy your watches to extreme that suits you.

I agree that the more wear and tear a watch has (Character scars), the better.

Wear them all in good health and give me a shout if I can ever help in your projects,

Kurt

[rag9fx]

Thanks for the welcome guys,

yeah im of the mind that tool watches should be beaten the hell out of and should look worn... especially vintage subs so im not going to attempted to bring my 1680 to minty condition. i had it on my wrist a couple of years ago when the left side of my body kissed the rougher bit of a stone wall and it scratched the hell out of the crystal.. i polished most of the scrapes off but there are some pretty deep gauges on it still so it would be nice to have a fresh 127 on there.

as far as the new bezel assembly is concerned. i was never too thrilled with the operation of the stock MBW bezels they seemed a bit too loose. so i have a new CWp assy in the post which functions more like the gen (push down and turn) im going to slightly fade the insert on it ... i was tempted to go for CWp's tropical (brown) insert and fade the hell out of it but i think thats going to be for another project down the line.

still waiting for the parts to arrive tho... we have a back log of post here in the UK due to a postal strike i can't wait to get her back on form.

after that i just need to save up a little and source a tube and crown for my 5517 and i think i should be content for a little while... but just for a little while

oh, and thanks for the offer Kurt i'll be sure to give you shout!