EM parts so the modded watch is indistinguishable from the original, making them very hard to authenticate unless you know how to do that. While I appreciate that makes the hunt for one so much more exciting, I could do without that excitement when thousands of dollars are changing hands.
While it is more difficult to fake the 35th Anniversary model due to the special case back, markings and documentation, this allows me to mention the lesser but more annoying issue (in my opinion) about these modded watches. I do not buy my watches so that I can attract any special attention, either on the forums or in real life (very difficult anyway given where I live), but it bothers me that those who mod these watches come onto forums showing off there new creations and strutting around like peacocks getting complements and likes, admittedly mostly by the newby fan boys. Most forums don't allow the discussions of replica or fakes, but in this case we not only allow it, but it is encouraged by the praise of other members.
Let's not kid ourselves about this, these modified watches are fakes. If you put the special hands and dial of a Mitsukoshi on an everyday Speedmaster Professional, Reference 3570.50, you have created a fake Mitsukoshi, not a Reference 3570.31. Go and frequent any of the vintage forums and watch the discussions over minute details of authenticity, provenance and value when the watch has had a redial, was over polished or had an incorrect crown fitted. Then project your mind forward another thirty years and consider how that discussion will go over one of these modded watches. I wonder how much value has been lost in the past by collectors buying faked watches when the parts were obviously not made in the same factory as the original watch - I wonder how much more value will lost when the parts were.
True collectors understand that provenance is everything.[/QUOTE]
The OB told me June as well. From what i've been reading here, that seems.... optimistic. Would love for it to be true though!
June, July it is all the same. Sooner or later they will arrive. Hopefully mine will be with the same number!
