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eton97 · 17 December 2016, 03:57 PM

A quick horror story that turned out to be a fun and special experience for me, which I thought I'd share with you all

I just flew to join up with my wife and kids in Australia for Christmas holidays....Had been planning to leave my DRSD locked up in the safe, but my wife convinced me that I should take it and just enjoy wearing it.

6hrs into the long part of the flight (Dubai to Melbourne leg) I noticed that a fracture had appeared in the superdome. I new for a fact that it wasn't there at takeoff, and I can't deny I started panicking that the plexiglass was going to explode due to the pressure when we came into land. Luckily it didn't but the fracture had spread.

Needless to say, the first couple of days in Melbourne were completely ruined as I tried to work out what to do. Firstly a big thank you to Vincent65 who convinced me not to blow Eur600 on what was later confirmed to be a fake NOS T39. (I owe you

).
Also an absolutely massive thank you to Jedly1 for passing on the contact details of his Melbourne based superstar watchmaker Rory, who told me to come and see him this morning, in what turned out to be an amazing 1on1 session on the anatomy of my 1665 and a truly fantastic experience for anybody who loves watches. I've never had the opportunity to sit and watch an expert take apart a watch and talk me through the process. If you ever get a chance, I highly recommend it!!!!

Here are a couple of photos of what started as a nightmare and ended up being a fantastic half day out, learning about my watch and seeing it partly stripped down.

Again. Thank you to Vincent, Jed and a massive thank you to Rory for making the whole process a great learning experience....plus thank you for also giving me a spare T39 just in case something happens again...

The fateful fractured plexiglass.....

10mins after being removed, part of it fell off....

The movement.....in beautful condition and keeping absolutely perfect time.

It's weirdly nerve wracking seeing the most valuable part of the watch sitting in a little plastic container. This photo is without any filters. Strangely has far more patina when viewed without the plexiglass installed.

Looking strangely naked without its bezel....

All back together with brand new T39 superdome, pressure tested, cleaned up and with a full clean bill of health.

Jfullm42 · 17 December 2016, 04:04 PM

Wow what a story, I would have been freaking out too!

Also what a great testament to the community we are apart of, all stand up guys!

O and most importantly, what a beautiful watch

eton97 · 17 December 2016, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jfullm42

Wow what a story, I would have been freaking out too!

Also what a great testament to the community we are apart of, all stand up guys!

O and most importantly, what a beautiful watch

Thank you so much!!

And I couldn't agree more. I don't know what I would have done without the incredibly friendly advice from the guys in this community.

I'm going to try and enjoy the next 3 weeks after wasting the first 3 days. I literally couldn't sleep I was so stressed. (Jet lag didn't help)

swatty · 17 December 2016, 05:45 PM

Great story, enjoy that beauty

rootbeer7 · 17 December 2016, 06:15 PM

Great story, happy ending, lovely people, but.......... will you swim with it?

henrylee · 17 December 2016, 06:22 PM

Great story and beautiful watch!

eton97 · 17 December 2016, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Great story, happy ending, lovely people, but.......... will you swim with it?

I can, but I won't....I just don't see the point in risking it.

But I did want to get it done properly and fully pressure tested....as Rory said, I may never intend to swim in it, but with two kids, you never know when they may decide to convertly test it's water resistance

eton97 · 17 December 2016, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by henrylee

Great story and beautiful watch!

Quote:

Originally Posted by swatty

Great story, enjoy that beauty

Thank you gents - Appreciated

Chrispare · 17 December 2016, 07:08 PM

OMG ...what a beauty ! And a wonderful story.
Enjoy and wear it in good health.

Dries · 17 December 2016, 07:57 PM

Great story & very nice DRSD.

1William · 17 December 2016, 10:43 PM

Good story. Beautiful watch and good outcome. Thanks for sharing.

KBM · 17 December 2016, 11:05 PM

Looks great and glad it all worked out!!

smallcandle · 17 December 2016, 11:11 PM

Great story and very glad that it ended with a happy conclusion!

brandrea · 17 December 2016, 11:16 PM

Fantastic story and gorgeous DRSD. Enjoy that beauty to the fullest!

Rebel · 17 December 2016, 11:26 PM

A great read. Thnx. Now, enjoy your Holiday.

watchcrank · 17 December 2016, 11:31 PM

That's a beautiful dial. Nice to have friends.

subx · 18 December 2016, 02:08 AM

what a great story and great outcome, was the cracked crystal the original one the watch came in from new (looked mint!) ?

colpol · 18 December 2016, 08:35 AM

Great story & guys on the forum for helping out :.)

Vincent65 · 18 December 2016, 09:45 PM

Glad you got it sorted mate - glad to help! Looks great. Now chill and enjoy the rest of the trip with that beauty!

sgmgolf · 18 December 2016, 09:53 PM

Excellent story......that's what makes this community/forum so special. When in need people lending a helping hand! Great stuff.

That is an awesome and very special DRSD! Enjoy that baby for many years to come.

Cheers

Daytonaman799 · 19 December 2016, 01:23 PM

GREAT story....testament to the community. Awesome watch!!! Enjoy your trip.

eton97 · 19 December 2016, 03:19 PM

Can't say Thank you enough to everybody here for the kind words!!!! Really appreciated.

And as many have said in this thread, the friendly and close community really make this forum special.

Stress levels now at record low, enjoying a fantastic holiday with the Aussie wife and English/Aussie kids, and the DRSD is very much enjoying to sun.

Wrist awareness at all time high due to constant short sleeve attire.....but so far watch and superdome still in perfect pristine condition.

And just a reminder, if you ever get a chance to sit with your watchmaker while he works on your watch, take it, it's a really great experience.

brettpaul · 20 December 2016, 10:22 PM

Awesome story and great looking DRSD - have a VERY Merry Christmas indeed mate!

cdweller · 21 December 2016, 12:01 AM

What a great story! I'm so glad that it ended well and now you have an even deeper appreciation and connection with your watch. Enjoy

fmc000 · 21 December 2016, 12:18 AM

Love the story and kudos to all the people involved, well done gents.

bubbaK · 21 December 2016, 12:56 AM

I had no idea flying with vintage pieces might be risky. Should I rock something more modern when flying?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Robbyvm · 22 December 2016, 11:31 PM

loved reading this....
fantastic DRSD !!

strafer_kid · 27 December 2016, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbaK

I had no idea flying with vintage pieces might be risky. Should I rock something more modern when flying?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Same here - did not realise that aircraft pressure might be an issue? Anyway, great story and outcome!

eton97 · 27 December 2016, 07:53 AM

I'm still not sure whether the aircraft pressure was the cause. I'm almost 100% the fracture wasn't there at the start of the journey.
Would be interested to hear from the experts if it's possible that the cabin pressure could have done this. Seems unlikely in my opinion.
Maybe just a set of strange, unlinked circumstances....

Fredrik · 27 December 2016, 06:12 PM

Cabin pressure is negative, only very few airplanes can keep the inside cabin pressure at the equivalent of sea-level. On commercial airliners it is usually lowered to the equivalence of about 1500m.

17 December 2016, 03:57 PM	#1
eton97 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: London, UK Watch: DRSD, 1675, 5167a Posts: 243	1665 Double Red Sea Dweller.....A very near miss...but happy ending... A quick horror story that turned out to be a fun and special experience for me, which I thought I'd share with you all I just flew to join up with my wife and kids in Australia for Christmas holidays....Had been planning to leave my DRSD locked up in the safe, but my wife convinced me that I should take it and just enjoy wearing it. 6hrs into the long part of the flight (Dubai to Melbourne leg) I noticed that a fracture had appeared in the superdome. I new for a fact that it wasn't there at takeoff, and I can't deny I started panicking that the plexiglass was going to explode due to the pressure when we came into land. Luckily it didn't but the fracture had spread. Needless to say, the first couple of days in Melbourne were completely ruined as I tried to work out what to do. Firstly a big thank you to Vincent65 who convinced me not to blow Eur600 on what was later confirmed to be a fake NOS T39. (I owe you ). Also an absolutely massive thank you to Jedly1 for passing on the contact details of his Melbourne based superstar watchmaker Rory, who told me to come and see him this morning, in what turned out to be an amazing 1on1 session on the anatomy of my 1665 and a truly fantastic experience for anybody who loves watches. I've never had the opportunity to sit and watch an expert take apart a watch and talk me through the process. If you ever get a chance, I highly recommend it!!!! Here are a couple of photos of what started as a nightmare and ended up being a fantastic half day out, learning about my watch and seeing it partly stripped down. Again. Thank you to Vincent, Jed and a massive thank you to Rory for making the whole process a great learning experience....plus thank you for also giving me a spare T39 just in case something happens again... The fateful fractured plexiglass..... 10mins after being removed, part of it fell off.... The movement.....in beautful condition and keeping absolutely perfect time. It's weirdly nerve wracking seeing the most valuable part of the watch sitting in a little plastic container. This photo is without any filters. Strangely has far more patina when viewed without the plexiglass installed. Looking strangely naked without its bezel.... All back together with brand new T39 superdome, pressure tested, cleaned up and with a full clean bill of health.

17 December 2016, 04:04 PM	#2
Jfullm42 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Jeff Location: Seattle, WA Watch: 16600 Posts: 4,065	Wow what a story, I would have been freaking out too! Also what a great testament to the community we are apart of, all stand up guys! O and most importantly, what a beautiful watch __________________ Instagram - Jfullm42time / Jfullm42time2 (backup)

17 December 2016, 06:22 PM	#6
henrylee "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Socal/LA Watch: 116610LN Ceramic Posts: 3,214	Great story and beautiful watch! __________________ ♛ Sub 116610LN 2011 ♛ GMT 126710BLNR 2021 ♛ GMT 126711CHNR 2020 ♛ Datejust 16233 X-series 1993 Ω Speedmaster Mitsukoshi 2019 č Cartier Tank w5200025 2021

17 December 2016, 11:11 PM	#13
smallcandle "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Brian Location: Kansas Watch: 16610, Omega PO Posts: 1,898	Great story and very glad that it ended with a happy conclusion! __________________ Things got out of control and I had to stab a clown...

17 December 2016, 11:26 PM	#15
Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail Location: New Albany Watch: Tudor Sub 75090 Posts: 8,057	A great read. Thnx. Now, enjoy your Holiday. __________________ ------------------------------- Member of the Nylon Nation

17 December 2016, 05:45 PM	#4
swatty 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Peter Location: Sydney Watch: The Game Posts: 17,407	Great story, enjoy that beauty

17 December 2016, 06:15 PM	#5
rootbeer7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: london Posts: 5,963	Great story, happy ending, lovely people, but.......... will you swim with it?

17 December 2016, 07:08 PM	#9
Chrispare "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2014 Real Name: Chrisstian Location: Paris France Watch: Daytona SS Posts: 937	OMG ...what a beauty ! And a wonderful story. Enjoy and wear it in good health.

17 December 2016, 07:57 PM	#10
Dries "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,612	Great story & very nice DRSD.

17 December 2016, 10:43 PM	#11
1William 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 44,758	Good story. Beautiful watch and good outcome. Thanks for sharing.

17 December 2016, 11:05 PM	#12
KBM 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: K. Location: 780 Posts: 10,390	Looks great and glad it all worked out!!

17 December 2016, 11:16 PM	#14
brandrea 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 73,707	Fantastic story and gorgeous DRSD. Enjoy that beauty to the fullest!

17 December 2016, 11:31 PM	#16
watchcrank "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: michael Location: Florida Watch: explorer II cream Posts: 1,661	That's a beautiful dial. Nice to have friends.

18 December 2016, 02:08 AM	#17
subx "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: usa Posts: 524	what a great story and great outcome, was the cracked crystal the original one the watch came in from new (looked mint!) ?

18 December 2016, 08:35 AM	#18
colpol "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scotland Posts: 2,844	Great story & guys on the forum for helping out :.)

18 December 2016, 09:45 PM	#19
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,293	Glad you got it sorted mate - glad to help! Looks great. Now chill and enjoy the rest of the trip with that beauty! __________________

18 December 2016, 09:53 PM	#20
sgmgolf "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Steve Location: MA Watch: 16600,16710,Tudor Posts: 1,372	Excellent story......that's what makes this community/forum so special. When in need people lending a helping hand! Great stuff. That is an awesome and very special DRSD! Enjoy that baby for many years to come. Cheers

19 December 2016, 01:23 PM	#21
Daytonaman799 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NYC/South Fl Watch: Rolex, Patek Posts: 3,507	GREAT story....testament to the community. Awesome watch!!! Enjoy your trip.

19 December 2016, 03:19 PM	#22
eton97 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: London, UK Watch: DRSD, 1675, 5167a Posts: 243	Can't say Thank you enough to everybody here for the kind words!!!! Really appreciated. And as many have said in this thread, the friendly and close community really make this forum special. Stress levels now at record low, enjoying a fantastic holiday with the Aussie wife and English/Aussie kids, and the DRSD is very much enjoying to sun. Wrist awareness at all time high due to constant short sleeve attire.....but so far watch and superdome still in perfect pristine condition. And just a reminder, if you ever get a chance to sit with your watchmaker while he works on your watch, take it, it's a really great experience.

20 December 2016, 10:22 PM	#23
brettpaul "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Brett Location: Bahrain, Dubai Watch: Rolex and AP Posts: 5,538	Awesome story and great looking DRSD - have a VERY Merry Christmas indeed mate! __________________ Photostream on Instagram brett_in_bahrain

21 December 2016, 12:01 AM	#24
cdweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: PA Watch: SubLV, 1665 Rail Posts: 1,054	What a great story! I'm so glad that it ended well and now you have an even deeper appreciation and connection with your watch. Enjoy __________________

21 December 2016, 12:18 AM	#25
fmc000 Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Fabio Location: Como - Italy Posts: 4,811	Love the story and kudos to all the people involved, well done gents.

21 December 2016, 12:56 AM	#26
bubbaK "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Real Name: Neven Location: Twin Peaks, WA Watch: Serpico Y Laino Posts: 127	I had no idea flying with vintage pieces might be risky. Should I rock something more modern when flying? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk __________________ The owls are not what they seem.

22 December 2016, 11:31 PM	#27
Robbyvm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,239	loved reading this.... fantastic DRSD !! __________________ Instagram : robbyvm Pinterest : robbyvanmele

27 December 2016, 07:53 AM	#29
eton97 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: London, UK Watch: DRSD, 1675, 5167a Posts: 243	I'm still not sure whether the aircraft pressure was the cause. I'm almost 100% the fracture wasn't there at the start of the journey. Would be interested to hear from the experts if it's possible that the cabin pressure could have done this. Seems unlikely in my opinion. Maybe just a set of strange, unlinked circumstances....

27 December 2016, 06:12 PM	#30
Fredrik 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Sweden Watch: 1680 Posts: 1,826	Cabin pressure is negative, only very few airplanes can keep the inside cabin pressure at the equivalent of sea-level. On commercial airliners it is usually lowered to the equivalence of about 1500m.

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