japanic Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 I am preparing for a franken TW Sub project. I already have a noobmariner bracelet and a gen insert. Now contemplating a crystal replacement. I'm aware that Clark's is on the short list of the best replacement crystals both tropic and sapphire. But has anyone used one in their projects? How are they in terms of date magnification and clarity? Seems reasonable at $29.95 plus shipping. But are they any better than Clark's which cost $24 shipped? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offshore Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 If you can avoid dealing with Ofrei, do so at all costs. Unless of course you want a lecture in the correct procedure to order from him (whilst the rules keep changing) Bob Frei...as has been previously reported....is a nut case. Any buying experience is just that, a true experience, but not something which needs to be repeated. If they were only $2.00ea it would be FAR too much money, to have to put up with his ravings. Be afraid...be VERY afraid. Offshore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 I used a Clark's in my Euromariner and it's fine. I order from Ofrei from time to time, but I do so online so I avoid Bob Frei! You might also check out Cousinuk, they have a 16610 sapphire which looks almost exactly like a gen in the side profile. It looks like the closest thing to a gen crystal, but I haven't tried it out yet. BTW, I thought BK liked the TW best sapphire, thought it was the best he'd seen of all the rep crystals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_rymeister Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 I am preparing for a franken TW Sub project. I already have a noobmariner bracelet and a gen insert. Now contemplating a crystal replacement. I'm aware that Clark's is on the short list of the best replacement crystals both tropic and sapphire. But has anyone used one in their projects? How are they in terms of date magnification and clarity? Seems reasonable at $29.95 plus shipping. But are they any better than Clark's which cost $24 shipped? Hi buddy where did you buy your gen insert was it expensive.Ry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seafoam Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 If you can avoid dealing with Ofrei, do so at all costs. Unless of course you want a lecture in the correct procedure to order from him (whilst the rules keep changing) Bob Frei...as has been previously reported....is a nut case. Any buying experience is just that, a true experience, but not something which needs to be repeated. If they were only $2.00ea it would be FAR too much money, to have to put up with his ravings. Be afraid...be VERY afraid. Offshore. +1. He's the watch Nazi. "You don't know the case number? No crystal for you!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotoman Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 If you can avoid dealing with Ofrei, do so at all costs. Unless of course you want a lecture in the correct procedure to order from him (whilst the rules keep changing) Bob Frei...as has been previously reported....is a nut case. Any buying experience is just that, a true experience, but not something which needs to be repeated. If they were only $2.00ea it would be FAR too much money, to have to put up with his ravings. Be afraid...be VERY afraid. Offshore. +1/2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HartDoc Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 I dealt with him on a few gen projects. They arent kidding about Bob !!!! But he does have the products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeyB Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 I have had only one problem with all my orders from Frei over the years. And that was handled quickly and easily when I asked what material a loupe was made of and the woman told me it was glass and it turned out to be plastic. They sent the glass Bausch & Lomb, credited the Donegan loupe and credited shipping both ways. However, for parts, I determine the part and number, and don't ask them to because I am usually building/repairing a rep. The crystals I've received in the past were OK quality, fit as I thought they would. In regards to Bob Frei, I think he is very cautious because of the rep business and how it could affect his supplier's attitude towards him if he's too open about it. He has a lot to lose if his suppliers cut him off for dealing with replica watches. I spoke directly with him about a business proposal that he ultimately turned down. But he was polite, clear about his business views, and no animosity at all. But for the last few years I buy crystals from Clark's because his quality is far better, IMHO. I also check with him first on any parts I need, including genuine. He has some genuine parts occasionally. And Clark's is rep friendly. I arranged to set him up as a 'Trusted Dealer' on RWG 1.1. I think he should be here as well, if he's not already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmb Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 They have a new broad doing the web order stuff, apparently. For years I had always requested my order be sent USPS, as I'm not always around to sign for an UPS, and they send it at the same price. My last two orders this dizzy [censored] has charged me DOUBLE shipping, or something on the order of $18 to mail CONUS. The first time she did that I raised hell, got an apology from somebody else, and received a credit for the overcharge. This last time I complained and she said I should feel lucky because what she decided to charge was a good rate going to HI!!! I wrote back and told her that I didn't know what she was smokin' but I was in Texas... No refund on that one so I wrote, bitched, and told them to not expect any more business from me and they didn't seem to give a $hit so pi$$ on 'em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeyB Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 I have made 'suggestions' to various suppliers to use USPS Priority mail rather than UPS or FedEx because of shipping costs. Priority Mail small box is $5.25 anywhere in the U.S., including Hawaii, while UPS is double that at least from LA to Chicago. Frei is one reluctant to change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmb Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 When Cuong (sp?) was handling the shipping and stuff it was never a problem subbing Priority Mail for UPS. This new byotch adds whatever the priority mail cost is to the UPS ground charge on their web site. Screw 'em... Borel does everything via First Class Mail so small parts may only have a buck or two shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronin Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 I have ordered from Ofrei dozens of times, and never with an issue. However, I know the exact part I want, and use the Online Order System. Some of his crystals are the superior Sternkruz crystal. Order that if you can. I think there is a SK in the Part Number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeyB Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 That might explain a bunch. My issue with the loupe was about 3 weeks ago. I always phone my orders in. I called about the problem and talked to the older sounding woman I usually deal with. Could be the newbie messed it up. Check out Borel's price on DG2813 movements. They are very cheap at $13.25 each. Don't bother asking them or Frei anything technical about the Chinese DG movements, neither one knows, or cares to know. Borel lists the DG 3804 but not as a GMT movement. I asked, the 'specialist' had no clue. It was a GMT, I called back to tell him and he said he really didn't care. Much of this is on us to know, rather than the supplier who just knows part numbers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmb Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 I have ordered a 3804 from ofrei and it is not the one with the "Rollie" size DW... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeyB Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 I'll check the one from Borel and let you know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronin Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 I have ordered a 3804 from ofrei and it is not the one with the "Rollie" size DW... You need the 2009 and later models. I believe Rafflestime and Rouhelena has them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
japanic Posted January 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 (edited) Some of his crystals are the superior Sternkruz crystal. Order that if you can. I think there is a SK in the Part Number. Please tell me more about the Sternkruz crystals... Cousins UK has them in stock, 66 varieties in fact. What size would be equivalent for the Rolex 25.295.C2? They seem to be listed in order of diameter in millimeters. Edited January 3, 2012 by japanic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lhooq Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 Please tell me more about the Sternkruz crystals... Cousins UK has them in stock, 66 varieties in fact. What size would be equivalent for the Rolex 25.295.C2? They seem to be listed in order of diameter in millimeters. You want crystal #"XMR / L 306.301". The Sternkreuz catalog is an excellent resource. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
japanic Posted January 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 You want crystal #"XMR / L 306.301". The Sternkreuz catalog is an excellent resource. Much obliged LHOOQ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeyB Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 I have ordered a 3804 from ofrei and it is not the one with the "Rollie" size DW... The DG3804 from Borel datewheel lines up on the right or outside, but is not wide enough. It is short on the inside, toward the pinion. Top and bottom are good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cigarben Posted January 4, 2012 Report Share Posted January 4, 2012 I have a Josh perfect clones Sub c that I would like to get the crystal replaced. What would be the part number to use on CousinsUK to get a Sternkreuz crystal? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ephry73 Posted January 4, 2012 Report Share Posted January 4, 2012 I have place orders online with Frei just to find myself answering emails and phone calls about procedures and services they offer. Esslinger is a little better, but then you have to deal with their stock depletion issues and orders put on hold if you don't answer an email within an hour. Clark's is the way to go and you get decent service when he is not away. E Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highoeyazmuhudee Posted January 6, 2012 Report Share Posted January 6, 2012 +1 for Clarks, his sub hands are no good though, except the seconds hand is more accurate than any one elses, and it can be trimmed to be spot on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeyB Posted January 6, 2012 Report Share Posted January 6, 2012 Gary Clark told me that he is supposed to get the Rolex sports hands that are curved or rounded as the gens are. I don't know if he has them yet, but it'd be worth an email to ask. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmb Posted January 7, 2012 Report Share Posted January 7, 2012 The ones I've been getting are "curved"... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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