Coronets - REP vs. GEN

[mattykwin]

Hello,

I just bought this MBW Explorer 1:

Here is the description from the seller:

"This was my very first rep back when people in the US hadn't even heard of reps. I personally bought this from MBK shopping mall in Bangkok some 10 years ago. It was one of the original super-reps and is just as beautiful and accurate compared to today's 1:1 reps. The case measures 34mm not counting the crown- I am uncertain if the modern version of the Explorer I is this size. Some of the cool features of this true vintage are that it DOES NOT have the coronet etching at 6, it has hollow end links which have correct series stampings w/ correct font (501B), band is a solid Oyster SS w/ flip-lock clasp and correct stamp 78753- no extra links, but fits my 7.25" wrist nicely. I will also include the pictured THICK solid SS Oyster band which is also properly signed w/ extra links. Watch has been serviced once by my watchsmith and is keeping great time, winds smooth like an ETA should. Excellent condition- this is a beautiful, classic & understated piece."

I'm finding that that the coronets on rep clasps (93150) are not accurate to the gen's.

The two on the left are reps, the one on the right is a gen.

I'm now concerned that the crown's coronet is inaccurate as well (if someone can confirm with pics, I'd appreciate it).

As mentioned in the seller's description, he has a 78753 style bracelet. Can I use a GEN 93150 clasp on a 78753?

Also, is it possible for me to use a gen crown on this as well? If so, can someone outline the steps required for the mod?

If possible, how much do you estimate these two mods to cost?

Thanks!

Edited September 16, 2008 by mattykwin

[ubiquitous]

For a 14270, you'd need the short Oysterlock (a la 78360); the one that comes on the Subs (Fliplock/93150/93250) is too long...

[slickdick]

The crown looks like a rep crown to me.

[mattykwin]

Hello Ubi,

Thanks for chiming in. Do you know if the same short Oysterlock, 78360, can be used on an MBW 78753 band?

For a 14270, you'd need the short Oysterlock (a la 78360); the one that comes on the Subs (Fliplock/93150/93250) is too long...

[rolex001]

Or use a 78690 - these are the ones with Fliplock function.

[ubiquitous]

Difficult to say, really; mixing and matching bracelet parts is one of those things that is more or less uncertain until you have the parts in hand. Especially when dealing with links that have the solid centers; since the holes have to be drilled through the center link, it's entirely possible that the screw pin for a removable link that isn't intended for that bracelet might be too large, not allowing it to fit. At least with the hollow link, you have a little wiggle room.

That's the problem with some rep parts. There's no standard amongst parts and there's several different manufacturers producing them (sometimes even for the same assembly plant).