CharlieUK Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Hey guys, don't know if this will help, but I figured I'd make this for the people who may find it useful for whatever WIS reasons that no one else would understand! However, I must preface that I have seen varying quality of Euromariners in the past few months. Some were great, and others not so great(to say the least!) Some are equipped with different crowns and tubes, so please take that into consideration for this comparison. Here is the crown. Not too bad! Very subtle differences. The tube of the crown where the stem screws in is noticeably thicker on the gen. It does accept the rep stem. The tubes have obvious differences in design. enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youpmelone Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 yes,that is the stuff i like to se, side by sides... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrgod Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Very good comparison! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintagerolex Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikellem Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Thanks Charlie... Great comparison and pics... Appreciate your contribution... MM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klocklind1 Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 That was a very nice and intresting comparison, THANK YOU for that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klocklind1 Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Forget to ask if anyone can show the same pictures but from the WM9 for a comparison Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieUK Posted January 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Thanks mates! As soon as I get my wm9 LV I will for sure get pics up on it. (lord knows that is going to take a lot of patience for it!) Currently I am waiting on a wm9 bracelet to compare it with the noob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 It never fails to amaze me how the rep mfrs can install a rep tube in a case w/ no splines to twist the booger in with! When I took my rep tube out of my Euromariner, the tube broke. Luckily I was able to jam a rat tail file in there and remove the threads which were still in the case- after heating the case up to melt the glue! Then I tapped the hole and installed the aftermarket case tube w/o a hitch- I didn't countersink/chamfer the case either before installing the tube and it worked fine. The nice thing about changing out the case tube is that it gives you the perfect oppurtunity to file down the cg's w/o the tube in your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieUK Posted January 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Hey alligoat, did you have to countersink your case? Do you have a pic to share? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demsey Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Hey alligoat, did you have to countersink your case? I didn't countersink/chamfer the case either before installing the tube and it worked fine. Nice write up and comparison! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dluddy Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Thanks for taking the time do do this very useful comparison. I'm sure this will clear up a lot of questions people have on whether these mods are worthwhile Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolexman Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Great comparison, especially the pearl. I think your rep pearl is rather good compared to the ones I've seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demsey Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Great comparison, especially the pearl. I think your rep pearl is rather good compared to the ones I've seen. I'm throwing this pic into the discussion as the "Watchmaterial.com" inserts and pearls seem to be an acceptable standard for 'aftermarket' upgrades. Certainly far and above anything Ofrei has to offer. That is more than likely a redundant satement on this board, but for the sake of 'un-earthing' it aside "Search"......... If there is a 'better', other than gen. alternative, perhaps a member could link the source here. Member 'gioarmani, in a write up on TRC (perhaps here as well?) did state he had found something better doing a Sea Dweller mod, but his link dead-ended in that post........................ The 'Watchmaterial' inserts are numerous and cover latterday, vintage, GMT (in all configurations/color variations), SD, SSD, Sub etc, etc......... They do require some back sanding/inside,outside diameter mods however for some applications................ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieUK Posted January 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 ^^^as far as research has shown me, the watchmaterial pearl is the best one. And that is the one in comparison to the gen in my photo! Next to the gen, the watch material pearl is kinda silly. I feel embarrassed to have worn my euromariner in public with the eurobezel and the watchmaterial pearl now! I didn't know what I was missing until I handled a gen! Granted, the watchmaterial is better than most reps, but, the gen insert with the pearl is worth the $100+ price tag IMO. One of the biggest tells IMO is the pearl, since it's NEVER been repped that well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Hey alligoat, did you have to countersink your case? Do you have a pic to share? I did not countersink my case- I had a small recess there and the tube fit nicely. I used the aftermarket tube from Faisal Ali- wholesaleoutlet999- down here in Sugar Land, TX. It worked very well for me (unlike most of his parts which have been a disappointment). Sorry, I don't have a pic- my wife lost her camera (heck if she or I know how!) Gen pearls are definitely worth it- I put a gen insert on my Euromariner. But I also like the watchmaterial pearls- I've used them on the noob cases where you don't want to file down a gen insert (diameter especially) to make it fit the slightly smaller noob bezel- kinda a waste of a perfectly good gen insert, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieUK Posted January 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 ^^^^The lord knows I am happy for you but I hate reading these kind of things! Without modding my genuine insert, it sat really high and would just fall out of the euromariner bezel. I had to HEAVILY sand down my BRAND NEW gen insert to make it fit. I tried sanding the bezel first since it is the cheaper part than the gen bezel insert, but I wasn't having much luck removing material from it. Mind renting out your tap for a week? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 As much as I like my Euromariner, I've pretty much concluded that the quality on these babies varies from watch to watch. My insert snapped in, but I was playing w/ it last week and it just popped out. I snapped it back in by hand, but I'm thinking a few drops of glue might not be a bad thing. I sanded the heck out of the top of the bezel retention ring so that the insert and bezel could sit down correctly on it , but then I failed the WR test miserably- the crystal popped off. I had installed a Clark's crystal -it originally came with a crystal w/ the top and bottom gaskets???? If I could find a gen bezel, I'd give it a try because I already have a spare gen retention ring. This Euromariner has been a frustration for me- it's a good looking watch, but the quality of the bezel assembly just isn't there yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieUK Posted January 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Ah yes, I did read the thread with Stilty and you about the retaining ring problem/bezel problem. To solve the problem of pulling the crystal and retaining ring off, I merrily just removed the bezel and took a file to the retaining ring and worked my way around it. Sadly, mine was definitely a problem with the bezel preventing the insert from sitting properly. I'd like to see you acquire a gen bezel to go with the gen ring! I have been shopping the bay for the gen assemblies, but they are pretty pricey at the moment to say the least! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demsey Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 ^^^as far as research has shown me, the watchmaterial pearl is the best one. And that is the one in comparison to the gen in my photo! Next to the gen, the watch material pearl is kinda silly. I feel embarrassed to have worn my euromariner in public with the eurobezel and the watchmaterial pearl now! I didn't know what I was missing until I handled a gen! Granted, the watchmaterial is better than most reps, but, the gen insert with the pearl is worth the $100+ price tag IMO. One of the biggest tells IMO is the pearl, since it's NEVER been repped that well. MmmK Charlie, I was a little behind the curve here..................I take it Chris ships his Euromariner with the Watchmaterial insert upgrade as standard or as option? I did think the 'rep' pearl in the comparison better than usual 'rep factory' but agree with the point you made; "...........obscures the triangle on the lower point...........". Towit, it seems not all Watchmaterial inserts are created equal with regard. The example I posted is not as 'low' on the marker as yours. I have heard other complaints from members to 'offset' or 'crooked' pearls from Watchmaterial (caveat)................. Certainly any gen. accoutrement that can be incorporated will enhance the 'replica' and/or any upgrade that improves the intrinsic state can be appreciated. And yet, is still 'replica'. I would never be embarrassed to sport any replica that is to any small degree toward 'genuine' in public. I out all my watches as 'fake' if I get any comment whatsoever, even if I am certain the person taking notice is completely fooled. "Modding" is a fascinating facet to this hobby, but it is a tightrope walked by those who insist on it to render a replica something other than what it is; 'fake'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shundi Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Very crisp photos in this comparison- makes it very easy to see the differences! Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ifly65 Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Great post Charlie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieUK Posted January 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2009 MmmK Charlie, I was a little behind the curve here..................I take it Chris ships his Euromariner with the Watchmaterial insert upgrade as standard or as option? I did think the 'rep' pearl in the comparison better than usual 'rep factory' but agree with the point you made; "...........obscures the triangle on the lower point...........". Towit, it seems not all Watchmaterial inserts are created equal with regard. The example I posted is not as 'low' on the marker as yours. I have heard other complaints from members to 'offset' or 'crooked' pearls from Watchmaterial (caveat)................. Certainly any gen. accoutrement that can be incorporated will enhance the 'replica' and/or any upgrade that improves the intrinsic state can be appreciated. And yet, is still 'replica'. I would never be embarrassed to sport any replica that is to any small degree toward 'genuine' in public. I out all my watches as 'fake' if I get any comment whatsoever, even if I am certain the person taking notice is completely fooled. "Modding" is a fascinating facet to this hobby, but it is a tightrope walked by those who insist on it to render a replica something other than what it is; 'fake'. I like your viewpoint and I can totally understand. However, my watch is a hobby. My enjoyment comes from modding the watch towards a genuine article, not the intent of trying to fool people. I love the details and am fascinated by them, and this hobby give me a great way to appreciate those details. I love the genuine articles, but they are not very interactive. There is nothing for me to do with them besides wear them and appreciate them. So I enjoy my rep for a different reason....it's my frankenstien....something I built. It is more a working and wearable piece of art that is a reflection of my efforts to strive for perfection and dedication to creating the piece. And these are things that I see as a sign of respect for the hobby. warm regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oyster Posted January 17, 2009 Report Share Posted January 17, 2009 Has anyone tried this? - eprey # 250316888298 Unfortunately there are for vintages. Perhaps it would solve the problem if they do have one for later models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demsey Posted January 17, 2009 Report Share Posted January 17, 2009 There is nothing for me to do with them besides wear them and appreciate them. Absolutely brilliant and well said! This should be 'pinned' at the top of the "Modifications and Upgrades" sub-forum. A mantra or watchword (pun intended ). You are certainly in the best company of the most creative people on this board in regard. The rest of us? Either in denial, or too ham handed for the task more the likely. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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