Up front neither of these two will make the f.s. for a very long time if at all.
Wondered what preferences you guys have A or B or maybe neither. Personally I love them both.

A

B

 

Original may be more collectable, but I'd take the WatchCo built from NOS parts.

 

Thanks Dennis.
A quiet Sunday afternoon here, and the mind starts to wander which is pretty dangerous hence the post.

 

Mentioned that to my wife a while back, response - "it's worn but usable just like yourself" hmmm

 

I like them both. The NOS has that fresh look which shows off the classic design and contrast of the dial, the patina one has that lovely vintage look.

 

I´m personally not a fan of the Watchco versions, so for me the vintage 165.024 wins hands down. Although I think I would be tempted to try to get a better lume match regarding the hands.

 

Well, I like them both Stuart. I just noticed that mine has the same mark as yours on the hour hand and the bezel cracks are almost in the same place. Maybe they are evil twins

 

How about brothers across the seas?
Briefly considered a bezel from Aldo but decided it is what it is and to me all the better for it

 

That does sound better and I agree. They look better with their battle scars IMHO.

 

B

 

I prefer to put my own dings & scratches in tool watches.

 

At the moment it's the old fella ahead, interesting

 

No surprise if you are asking folks here I think. Might be a different result in other fora such as WUS.

 

Ditto

 

I've got an A in the safe.
Wenn I was younger I never achieved As nor Bs, in school

 

How quickly things change, a month ago both were intended as long time keepers.
Now "B" is on f.s.
Never say never

 

I totally agree with Cristos.

I built my own Watchco SM 300, but couldn't get along with the soft edges on the case, so it was sold pretty soon.

 

I know B is the real and collectible one, but I personally prefer A.
I wouldn´t pass A, if you ever say never again...

 

Respectable Member Alpha

Both are attractive.

Though a pauper but a sophisticated one, I always prefer 100% Swiss made parts and also, 100% Swiss assembled. My choice is 'B'.

Thank-you.