The “Infamous” Comex 729?

[Comexrep]

I remember reading on the forum that the 729 was somehow infamous and just wondered if anyone could elaborate??

[Jimmythree]

I saved a few from about 20+ years ago, still nos and here is what they are:

 

Mine are '5514 COMEX' watches with new (now 'nos'  Ha!) ETA 2836 movements and fair dials.

The case neck where the crystal fits on the case is oem spec and the case tube threads are oem spec too.

The case tubes and crowns are not oem spec other than the threads in the case.

The helium escape valve is identical to oem (I compared one with a nos genuine valve).

Mine have oversized rotating bezels lightly pressed down over the crystal...not same as genuine at all and the bezels are easy to remove with a blade.

An oem spec crystal and bezel kit will fit the case same as genuine.

The lug holes are too small for submariner type spring bars but are centered in the lugs and can be drilled out.

The case is a bit 'fat' so it may need slimming down a bit and maybe some attention to the crown guards.

The case back gasket is mounted in a groove cut into the case...not in the case back like a regular genuine 5513.  Some genuine 5514 COMEX watches I have seen in pics had the gasket in the case.  ??  A mystery of a sort.

They have hollow mid link bracelets with blind screws in the removable links.  Blind = no hole in the links opposite the screw head where the slot is.

They have 'sidewinder' clasp caps with the coronet stamped sideways on the cap.  Another mystery.

 

All in all they would be good for a project using a better dial, (maybe),  oem crystal and bez assembly, drilled lugs etc. and a fresh 21600 beat ETA.  

Have a couple "COMEX' 1680 too but can not remember any details about them, have not seen them in years.

They all came from 'Paul' at ABAY'.  Possibly before he was using the ABAY website name...it was a looong time ago.

'Paul' was A-Ok! and he sent me quite a bit of free stuff too.  Old Timers will remember his 'Crazy Sales!' from back then.

Times (and prices!) sure have changed.

 

J3 is automatico.    

 

 

[Comexrep]

For clarity, the pictured watch was found at my dads place and now I’m stuck with this and about 30 other replicas 😂