New to Rolex, need some further information

[andyaudi42]

Hey Guys,

I have never worn a rolex before, and am not to fond of newer models. That being said, the vintage stuff really hits the spot.

I've been looking around for parts and pieces to build a franken piece. I have come across a few ND trading Dials. This is where my question starts, and i need help.

What/who is NDT?

They have a website, with parts, and full builds. Any information on their complete builds. They look pretty good, and alot of them (well from their descriptions) seem to have gen/service parts, in addition to their dials and cases (not sure whos cases they use).

Any backround an these guys is greatly appreciated, and hopefully i'll be able to diversify from my current IWC and panerai collecting

Cheers,

Andrew

[freddy333]

NDT is 1 of many aftermarket parts sellers who also sell a handful of frankenwatches (watches built from parts - some gen some aftermarket - of other watches). Their pricing is high (contrary to the claims of many aftermarket parts sellers, there is little/nothing about the quality of their parts that differs from the average run-of-the-mill rep watch) & it takes a bit of experience/expertise to sort out the chaff from the wheat. Their 'refinished' dials are, from my experience, simply new/aftermarket dials with variable accuracy (this is where the experience/expertise comes in). When buying parts from them, be aware that, unless otherwise noted, they are designed to fit gen watch cases/movements, not rep cases.

As for their complete watches, same rules apply. However, be aware that, like standard reps - regardless of advertised claims - there is little/no QC involved in their construction, so you would be wise to keep your expectations low & to have the watch professionally serviced upon receipt (& be prepared to pay to repair on your expensive 'new' watch).

[alligoat]

internet problems...

[alligoat]

help me Batman!

[alligoat]

Wow!

[alligoat]

Whenever you start looking at dials and cases from NDT, you also need to visit www.jewelryandwatch.com and www.yukiwatch.com. They have a line of products similar to what NDT has and then like Freddy says, you have to start studying the stuff to figure out what will work best for your application. Generally, building a watch with parts from one of these three sellers involves buying a donor watch with gen movement and installing it in the new case with a new dial. These franken rep builds are certainly more expensive than buying a typical rep in the $200-500 range, but you are dealing with a gen movement and maybe a few other gen parts that you've found along the way (crown and tube, crystal, bezel insert) so the quality level is hopefully better. Also, when you build the watch yourself- with the help of a watchmaker typically- it's generally $1-2K cheaper than buying a ready made watch from one of these three sellers.

A fourth seller should also be mentioned- DW- David Wang, as he's called. He carries a line of parts for vintage Daytona watches and can be found on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330472101426&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

You can contact him thru ebay also.

These are expensive builds, but when the gen watch costs $10K-20K, and you're spending maybe $2K-3K, you start to see some sense in the whole thing. But remember, this is a labor of love. People who do this rarely get their money out of the deal and your franken will never be as valuable as a gen.

We don't know where NDT's and J&W's dials and cases come from, but we suspect Viet Nam. Yuki and DW are in China.

[automatico]

Concerning 'same as genuine' cases, dials etc:

"Their pricing is high (contrary to the claims of many aftermarket parts sellers, there is little/nothing about the quality of their parts that differs from the average run-of-the-mill rep watch) & it takes a bit of experience/expertise to sort out the chaff from the wheat. Their 'refinished' dials are, from my experience, simply new/aftermarket dials with variable accuracy (this is where the experience/expertise comes in). When buying parts from them, be aware that, unless otherwise noted, they are designed to fit gen watch cases/movements, not rep cases.

As for their complete watches, same rules apply. However, be aware that, like standard reps - regardless of advertised claims - there is little/no QC involved in their construction, so you would be wise to keep your expectations low & to have the watch professionally serviced upon receipt (& be prepared to pay to repair on your expensive 'new' watch)."

Thanks! This really needed to be said.

It should be pinned and a copy should be taped on the bathroom mirror of every Frankenmodder...especially the part about keeping expectations low.

Imho, prices charged for 'same as OEM' cases, dials etc is absurd because from what I read here they are hit or miss...mostly miss.

After all, a $500 1570 case is the same as a $25 DG/eta case except for a few minor details.

[andyaudi42]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

Sometimes you are overwhelmed with the descriptions of some of the watches on NDT, etc... and i guess you are always expecting the best, hoping for the best, never expecting the worst, hoping for that rare almost perfect one to slip through.

I guess, i will start to hunt around for my own parts and will hopefuly be back here to ask a ton of questions on how to do this and that.

Thanks Again,

A

[freddy333]

I probably should have added this -

The principle difference between the average rep case & any 1 of these (very expensive) specialist cases are their shape & dimensions, which tend to be closer to the gen than the average rep case. The metal is the same metal that is used to make the typical rep case, the dial blank/paint is the same (&, believe it or not, some specialist dials often leave more to be desired than the typical rep dial) & the ancillary parts (pushers, crowns, etc) are the same. Again, the only real difference (that you often pay 10 times more for) are the case's shape/dimensions.

[Ronin]

One more note when dealing with NDT/Yuki, many times their dial pictures on their sites are not WYSIWIG. If you see a dial you like, make sure to email them to make sure the dial photoed is the dial you will receive. (If you see multiple quantities of a given dial available (i.e. 2 available), make sure and ask.

Nothing sucks more than scrutinizing a dial, bouncing between sites like doubleredseadweller or the VRF dial archive- finding something you want, only to receive something with a different coronet or font.

[freddy333]

One more note when dealing with NDT/Yuki, many times their dial pictures on their sites are not WYSIWIG. If you see a dial you like, make sure to email them to make sure the dial photoed is the dial you will receive. (If you see multiple quantities of a given dial available (i.e. 2 available), make sure and ask.

Excellent point & a good habit to get into when buying anything watches or watch parts, even gens. Always specifically ask whether what is pictured/described is the actual item you will receive. I cannot tell you how many times I have received a gen crown, crystal or handset from an honest, reputable seller that was clearly not the item displayed. But, in my experience, honest sellers, when provided with good, clear pics illustrating the problem, always admit & correct their mistake without fuss or debate.

[HauteHippie]

And this is not only true of dials (variants from the web site photos), but also of cases. I've sent back a case or two to Phong, for example, and eventually did receive the one pictured.

[highoeyazmuhudee]

NDT is way overpriced for how accurate it is. on average their dials costs $400 and up.