Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16700

I recently went to the Authorized Rolex Service Center in San Francisco and had a brand new BLRO (Pepsi) insert installed on my GMT-Master.  Unfortunately, a nasty aftermarket bezel insert was put on the watch by the seller--a well-known website.  They did send a genuine replacement insert, but it was scratched and chipped in places.

I met Giovanni, the owner and Rolex watchmaker at the SF RSC.  He's very friendly and he shared some really rare Rolex pieces with me.  We talked watches for half and hour or so and I had a great time.  He brought out the factory fresh insert and installed it while I waited.  The results speak for themselves and his prices are reasonable.  I plan on taking some of my other vintage Rolex watches that need a service to Giovanni.  If you're in the Bay Area and need to service your Rolex, I highly recommend the SF RSC.

The Old Republic

Wow.  If only the prequels were as good as this video game trailer.  George, maybe let these guys do the next one.

MkII Vantage

Close-ups of Bill Yao's homage to the ref. 1016 Explorer.  I chose the non-date "scientific" dial and the yellow sweep seconds hand to differentiate it even more from the original Rolex icon.  At 39 mm in diameter, the Vantage is the same size as the new ref. 214270 Explorer released at this year's Basel Watch Fair.

The 4 gradations between the seconds markers on the dial correspond to the beat rate (28,800 bph) of the ETA 2824-2 movement.  That means I can hack this watch on any of those lines.

Dauphine hands would also look sweet on this watch.  I wonder if Bill would make that an option in the future?