I once accidentally purchased a vintage omega geneve that turned out to be an old fake in an auction lot bundle. You should definitely return that fakelite to the dodgy dealer. Its scary knowing that the papers can be faked too! I was once given some boxes with 100s of fakes in and they were all terrible build quality, it was handy to see all the designs in person but only made me appreciate real watches that you can rely on.
In these days of the super clone, it's too easy to be fooled. No shame in that, only on the dealer who sold this. I doubt even a watchmaker could tell the diff now. And anyone who screams, I could, are only fooling themselves.
Hey George, off topic, is it possible to work out creating a mechanical watch with a custom digital display dial that can change color? Regular hands and indices but with perhaps an LED display that can alternate between colors. That way you can have a mechanical watch but change the color of the dial with your outfit/occasion. Also, has anyone tried using the new color shifting pigments on a watch dial? The ones that shift red to gold to purple depending on the angle? Love the podcast guys. Hoping for many more episodes!
That’s such a cracking idea man. Wow. Nicely thought through indeed. Will be curious to hear what George has to say about this. I love that custom color dial idea. Wow.
Honestly, I can see that Bakelite fake through my phone. It’s laughable. Color completely wrong for starters. Sorry it happened to you George. Would be nice to know who the dealer was. Thanks for sharing your story. 🥂
It’s a fake if it uses fake parts. It’s a Frankenstein when it’s made up of genuine parts. And I guess many of the parts could be from wherever but the issue is when someone passes off the Frankenstein as made up from legit parts. Where in fact it’s riddled with fake parts.
Fantastic honesty in this edition which makes for even more fantastic viewing from our point of view and also lets us mere mortals know that we as consumers have to be mega aware in our persuit of buying watches in this crazy modern world where the technology is getting better and better all the time. Thank u guys for great content and such a great channel. Keep it going . ⌚
Gerry. Thanks so much for your comment. It means a lot to us getting feedback from people like yourselves. Good luck on your continuing journey in the watch world. And yes we all need to keep our eyes alert to the fakes out there.
With the utmost respect, and just making an observation here, putting aside the litany of, perhaps, more subtle clues that it wasn’t, in fact, a 100% legitimate piece, wasn’t it a huge red flag right away that Rolex didn’t even make a “Coke” bezel until they introduced the 16760 in the mid-eighties??? And while I’m sure we all have stories to share about subpar due-diligence in our buying histories, I have to be honest…..what on earth were you thinking George?
I enjoyed watching this clip, but that cut to Andrew pointing at the camera ("Hi there!") caught me totally off guard and I actually exclaimed "Fuck!".😲 Brilliant. Still laughing at myself. 🤣
Bought a 60 year old diver with various service parts : movement, crown, bezel. All 1960s, but still service parts, and not 100% correct for 1963, tho correct for the later 1960s. Did I know ? Yes. Did I pay a much lower price accordingly ? Yes. Do I love the watch ? Yes. Always check everything 5 times over. Ask, ask, ask for maximum info, pics. Love and collect 1960s major sports pieces. For the fake 6542 in this vid, the original radium bezel was recalled by Rolex in the very early 1960s and replaced with an aluminium bezel. Most have the aluminium bezel, some an aftermarket one (non radium) and a handful the rare, original radium glow-in-the-dark one, most likely with cracks in the bakelite. Considering the price, never buy a 6542 without top expert assessment. And yes, most vintage pieces have some replaced parts. My 1967 321 just got a new mainspring last year. And I love it all the same. Next target : an Ed White - not the new one ! The hunt will probably take a few months ...
Holy smokes that was an intense and very welcome torrent of great information robynsjp. Seeing these frankenbuilds really intrigues me. But seeing the potential dangers in fake parts is scary. But great advice you have here about ask ask ask. Good luck on the Ed White hunt. That would be a spectacular piece for the collection.
This videos make me paranoid. If you , you get it wrong… I don’t know… the other day someone pointed out the wrong bezel of a gmt in watch finder , and it was right , wrong year for the watch. This has become as hard as curating art. I don’t trust myself
I think the dealer should be named and exposed so others don’t get scammed or if the dealer was scammed themselves they should know
Well done Adrian, for holding the watch in view of the camera like a pro. By far your most valuable contribution to this episode 😂
George, thanks so much for your searing honesty and humility.
Just bloody love the interplay between three good friends.
Long may you continue!
Maybe the memorabilia you bought is also fake?
Ouch. Scary thought.
Rolex won’t sell me a watch. Damn right I’m getting a fake!
I once accidentally purchased a vintage omega geneve that turned out to be an old fake in an auction lot bundle. You should definitely return that fakelite to the dodgy dealer. Its scary knowing that the papers can be faked too! I was once given some boxes with 100s of fakes in and they were all terrible build quality, it was handy to see all the designs in person but only made me appreciate real watches that you can rely on.
Everything literally everything can be faked these days. We all need to pay more attention huh.
In these days of the super clone, it's too easy to be fooled. No shame in that, only on the dealer who sold this. I doubt even a watchmaker could tell the diff now. And anyone who screams, I could, are only fooling themselves.
We want more…. That was so juice stuff… we need more lovely stories 😂
Many more great in depth eps coming your way Marilyn. Have no fear!!!
Hey George, off topic, is it possible to work out creating a mechanical watch with a custom digital display dial that can change color? Regular hands and indices but with perhaps an LED display that can alternate between colors. That way you can have a mechanical watch but change the color of the dial with your outfit/occasion. Also, has anyone tried using the new color shifting pigments on a watch dial? The ones that shift red to gold to purple depending on the angle? Love the podcast guys. Hoping for many more episodes!
That’s such a cracking idea man. Wow. Nicely thought through indeed. Will be curious to hear what George has to say about this. I love that custom color dial idea. Wow.
Honestly, I can see that Bakelite fake through my phone. It’s laughable. Color completely wrong for starters. Sorry it happened to you George. Would be nice to know who the dealer was. Thanks for sharing your story. 🥂
Strange as now when I search the web yeah that color difference is quite striking huh.
At what point does a custom become a fake or frankie?
It’s a fake if it uses fake parts. It’s a Frankenstein when it’s made up of genuine parts. And I guess many of the parts could be from wherever but the issue is when someone passes off the Frankenstein as made up from legit parts. Where in fact it’s riddled with fake parts.
If this dealer was prepared to shaft you how many other people has he screwed over and sold fakes too ???
Oh dear. Hmmmm
Fantastic honesty in this edition which makes for even more fantastic viewing from our point of view and also lets us mere mortals know that we as consumers have to be mega aware in our persuit of buying watches in this crazy modern world where the technology is getting better and better all the time. Thank u guys for great content and such a great channel. Keep it going . ⌚
Gerry. Thanks so much for your comment. It means a lot to us getting feedback from people like yourselves. Good luck on your continuing journey in the watch world. And yes we all need to keep our eyes alert to the fakes out there.
With the utmost respect, and just making an observation here, putting aside the litany of, perhaps, more subtle clues that it wasn’t, in fact, a 100% legitimate piece, wasn’t it a huge red flag right away that Rolex didn’t even make a “Coke” bezel until they introduced the 16760 in the mid-eighties??? And while I’m sure we all have stories to share about subpar due-diligence in our buying histories, I have to be honest…..what on earth were you thinking George?
I enjoyed watching this clip, but that cut to Andrew pointing at the camera ("Hi there!") caught me totally off guard and I actually exclaimed "Fuck!".😲 Brilliant. Still laughing at myself. 🤣
Once I even got burned with a fake on the beach in PV.
Hopefully only burnt by the deal not the hot sun.
What a great episode. Keep it up guys.
Make sure you watch the whole ep. It’s amaze balls.
Why not source parts and fix it? They’re out there somewhere. If you’re going to keep it anyways.
The 6542 is the worst fake I've seen. A little knowledge is dangerous.
Sweet strap though
I know right. If this was a legit beast. Fark me then that’s game over as far as I’m concerned with Subs.
Bought a 60 year old diver with various service parts : movement, crown, bezel. All 1960s, but still service parts, and not 100% correct for 1963, tho correct for the later 1960s. Did I know ? Yes. Did I pay a much lower price accordingly ? Yes. Do I love the watch ? Yes. Always check everything 5 times over. Ask, ask, ask for maximum info, pics. Love and collect 1960s major sports pieces. For the fake 6542 in this vid, the original radium bezel was recalled by Rolex in the very early 1960s and replaced with an aluminium bezel. Most have the aluminium bezel, some an aftermarket one (non radium) and a handful the rare, original radium glow-in-the-dark one, most likely with cracks in the bakelite. Considering the price, never buy a 6542 without top expert assessment. And yes, most vintage pieces have some replaced parts. My 1967 321 just got a new mainspring last year. And I love it all the same. Next target : an Ed White - not the new one ! The hunt will probably take a few months ...
Holy smokes that was an intense and very welcome torrent of great information robynsjp. Seeing these frankenbuilds really intrigues me. But seeing the potential dangers in fake parts is scary. But great advice you have here about ask ask ask.
Good luck on the Ed White hunt. That would be a spectacular piece for the collection.
Should name and shame the crook!!! Otherwise what’s the point!
So, um....George, why are you wearing what appears to be a Casio BabyG? Nothing against Casio, l wear one myself, just wondering.
This videos make me paranoid. If you , you get it wrong… I don’t know… the other day someone pointed out the wrong bezel of a gmt in watch finder , and it was right , wrong year for the watch. This has become as hard as curating art. I don’t trust myself
Interesting
Unfortunately these guys have no clue about watches. You need minimum 30 years experience to call yourself a real watchmaster. Not a TRADER lol
Adrian used to work in the Apple Store Covent Garden… yet he’s a watch expert 😂