greg_r 81 Posted September 6, 2012 It wasn't desperately expensive and wasn't even my first rep - that was a two-tone datejust bought in around 2000. It wasn't my second rep either - that was a SS datejust bought when I decided that the two-tone one was too blingy for me. It was, however, the one that just seemed 'right' the day I put it on. Other than to sleep and shower I didn't take it off again for around 7 years. The watch I'm talking about is a rep Rolex Presidential Day/Date in SS with a stick dial. Of course, the gen wasn't available in SS, coming in white gold or platinum only (unless you want TT or gold), but that didn't really matter. I don't wear yellow (or rose) gold very often - even my wedding ring is white gold so it suited me better than the TT option, and I loved the extra complexity of the dial over the standard DJ. It was a keeper, resulting in the sale of several other watches (including a gen Tag) that I no longer wore even in rotation. However, by 2008, the watch was showing signs of wear - and then the stem broke. It hadn't cost that much, so I decided to replace it rather than spend money on it (not to mention time and effort trying to find someone who would work on reps). So, I started to look online... ...and found RWG - which, when it crashed and burned six months later, I ended up resurrecting with the help of Col and a few others. So: this watch is responsible for getting me in this mess. You'd think I'd have gone off it wouldn't ya? Although I found RWG whilst looking for another SS day/date, I never actually replaced like with like. I briefly had a cheapie version which was pretty unsatisfactory and I also have a DDII, but the classic day/date never got replaced as I was distracted by other goodies. My original watch sat in my spares box, looking forlorn. Anyhow, I've recently started doing a little work on my own watches, so decided I would have a crack at repairing the day/date. Firstly was the good news - I was intending to replace the whole movement, but when I looked at it it turned out that the stem was broken, but that was the only real problem. Otherwise the watch was still working well. A replacement stem later and the movement was back in business. I also had a cheapie DJ lying around that had been DOA and I'd saved for parts - so because the DD was looking a bit tatty I ended up using the best parts from the two watches to make one good one. A final polishing and it was good to go. The remaining issue is the bracelet, which I am going to have to replace. The whole thing is fairly beaten up, a couple of the 'fixed' links needed glueing back together and the clasp is coming apart - I've gotten it to hold for now, but it's not going to last. I've got a pal in China sourcing me one, so hopefully I'll have it soon. It's good to have the old girl running again - I know I could buy a much better rep of the same model for a couple of hundred, but it was my favourite (indeed my only) watch for a good few years and whilst it now has competition from around 40 other watches in my collection, I'd like to think it'll last a few more. Here's a couple of pics: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HWG 11 Posted September 6, 2012 Nice little piece of history there. Thanks for sharing, and its good to see it up and running again for you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Distinct 0 Posted September 6, 2012 Gorgeous watch and this is the first model, years back that I was ever introduced to as a replica that I could not believe was a replica. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pmcclean18 0 Posted September 6, 2012 Nice story and nice watch :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
solkryssare 109 Posted September 6, 2012 She is still a looker! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luthier 1 Posted September 6, 2012 Although I've heard this story 742 times already - nice to see the pictures of your Holy Grail, Boss. Why didn't you ask me about the clasp or bracelet??? It would be delivered from my "pal" in China, with proper QC... Beautiful watch, I have the same, and love it very much!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 81 Posted September 6, 2012 LOL - yeah, I know the old hands will know this story, but I haven't bored the newer guys to death with it yet, so I figured it was time . It's nice to get it working again. Re the bracelet - never even thought about it, to be honest. My pal is due back in the UK next week, so should be bringing it with him. Thanks for the offer, though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeffw69 0 Posted September 6, 2012 damn, that be tiny. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 81 Posted September 6, 2012 Wears bigger than it sounds, actually, but yes they're small compared with modern fashions. I still think that the design works better at 36/37mm than it does at 41, though. I like my DDII, but the proportions have never quite felt right. I've also got a 37mm DJ that I wear fairly often along with a 39mm vintage 'tona... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Member X 91 Posted September 6, 2012 Wears bigger than it sounds, actually, but yes they're small compared with modern fashions. I still think that the design works better at 36/37mm than it does at 41, though. I like my DDII, but the proportions have never quite felt right. I do hate to agree on this point because I love my DDII but there is something inherently more 'right' with the original size! It's just a bit small for my tastes Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mazz 62 Posted September 6, 2012 Great story and pics to go with it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Del 4,463 Posted September 6, 2012 Well done getting it working again - still looks terrific! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGPS 0 Posted September 6, 2012 Nice to look back at what started the addiction. With the bonus that the very first is still working. Thanks for sharing. Hope I was able to do the same with my first rep. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andepad 0 Posted September 6, 2012 Classic look! Glad you got it working again... ;-)) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vonlimmel 0 Posted September 19, 2012 Thank you for sharing, really enjoyed the story. Luckily we own watches like this, that mean more to us because of their sentimental value - if it weren’t for them we would likely spend even more on new reps . In my experience, there is something about the DD (mine is a DDII) that just seems to allay the desire to move on to the next watch in your rotation. The timeless and elegant design of course. And then, it is not only the ultimate business and dress watch, it also goes great with jeans (mine has the blue dial), it is not out of place at the gym, or at the beach/pool for a swim, and as I get older, it is one of the few dials where I can still easily read the day and the date . For all these reasons it is also my favorite watch to take on vacation, so it goes full circle and I can wear it for weeks without looking at anything else. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
decus 0 Posted September 27, 2012 Ohhhh! If only I could get me hands on one of those- I'd be happy for a couple 'a weeks. :help3: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Reed 0 Posted September 27, 2012 I love the DD and I too like the 36mm version. If you look at my post with the pic of the Sub I just got you will see 2 of the DD's I bought in 2000. My next purchase is all picked out with watchinternatoinal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bicismith 0 Posted October 2, 2012 (edited) looks great....i regret finding this site. sorry about the wallet, that sort of thing. already got a DSSD from bk. your ddII is exactly what I want next. the torture, having to wait to order until after the first week of OCT because they have the nerve to take a vacation! o, wait, a pam111 is arriving later this week so hopefully that'll tide me over... Edited October 2, 2012 by bicismith Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
