u/williamatl

Thought I would share my process for brushing the center links on my WD0017. The watch is awesome, but I think there’s just a bit too much bling for my tastes. I love tool watches and I feel like the original Baby Ploprof skewed more towards the tool end of the spectrum and not the jewelry side, even though it’s an integrated bracelet watch.

I polished all the center links and left the polished chamfers on the edges.

I mostly used 1000 grit sanding sticks. I think 1000 grit is the right roughness to get a good sheen on the facets. I also used a 1000 grit sanding sponge to touch up the faces of the bracelet (VERY sparingly) and a Cape Cod polishing cloth to touch up the polished facets where I hit them accidentally. Now that I’ve done it once, I’d use some adhesive to put 1000 grit sanding paper on a popsicle stick. That would give a firmer sanding surface and would be a lot cheaper - I went through 4 sanding sticks to finish the bracelet.

I started by disassembling the watch entirely, including all the links. The main bracelet is held in with a pin and collar system. I then carefully pinched the bracelet to position each facet for brushing. You can also use a clamp to hold each link in place. I used a variety of objects to support the link while I was working.

After that it’s just about going slow, making sure you’re laying down parallel strokes, and using good light to inspect your work. I started with a few individual links to build confidence before moving to the main bracelet sections. Be patient! It took me about 3 hours to get it done and I probably still could have done a better job.

This video shows the stock bracelet (top) and after brushing (bottom).

https://youtube.com/shorts/drVArVyci\_k?si=g9KQhUp\_YySvty47

I’m pretty happy with the result. As you can see in the videos there’s still plenty of light play off the bracelet, but not so much that it’s distracting. If I had used popsicle sticks instead of foam sanding sticks I’m sure it would have turned out with sharper edges, but this still looks great.

https://youtube.com/shorts/jdgV_HCTtig?si=q4I5dtL9B0s7RWmZ

Hope this helps someone else who’s considering this project. Thanks to u/BravoMikeWilco for doing it first.

Up for sale is a San Martin SN0008C, one of San Martin’s most popular vintage-inspired dive watches. This model features a clean, classic Sub-style design with excellent finishing for the price point, including a sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel insert, solid-link bracelet, screw-down crown, and strong lume. The watch wears exceptionally well with balanced proportions and has the fit-and-finish that has made San Martin a standout among enthusiast microbrands. Reliable automatic movement, solid construction, and versatile styling make this an easy daily wear option.

Condition is very excellent. The watch head is extremely clean, with only very minor scuffs on the backs of the lugs from strap changes. Crystal, bezel, dial, and handset are all clean. The original bracelet has never been worn and still has the factory plastic installed. Includes original box, papers, and tools.

$150 shipped to the continental US. Electronic payment preferred. No trades please as I’m selling to fun another purchase.

For sale is a Watchdives WD1863 Version 2, the updated version of Watchdives’ popular homage to the Omega Speedmaster Professional. This is the Version 2 model with the improved dial text and overall cleaner execution compared to the earlier release. Excellent budget chronograph with strong proportions, great legibility, and a surprisingly solid bracelet for the price point.

Condition:
The watch head is essentially like new. The only wear I can find is some light marks on the backs of the lugs from strap changes. The bracelet is in very good condition overall, with typical desk-diving scuffs and some light wear on the clasp. Nothing excessive or abusive. Includes the original box, paperwork, tools, and an additional older WD1863 bracelet from another watch.

Price / Payment / Shipping:
$95 shipped within the continental United States. Electronic payment preferred.

No trades — funds are going toward another purchase.

First impression? I like this watch FAR more than I’d expected to. I’m not usually a fan of too much bling on my watches, but I really like this piece as a fun, interesting summer watch.

I have a 7.25” wrist, and I find the sizing to be much better than expected and nearly ideal for my wrist. I love the dial and hands - clean and crisp with just enough text. The bezel action is superb and I really like the sapphire bezel insert.

Overall this is a banger of a watch if you have wrists big enough to suit. If not I’d wait till the upcoming smaller version debuts.

As for me this is definitely going to be a fun addition to my summer rotation!

I figure it's a long shot, but I'm looking for an additional WD5513 V2 blue snowflake dial (with the white printed indices, like in the photo) for a project. I just need the dial, not the whole watch.

I know several people have modded their 5513s, and I'm looking for an original take-off dial. If you have one and are open to parting with it, let me know!

I visited the new IWC boutique in Lenox Mall yesterday. They just opened for business Friday afternoon - it still has the new boutique smell!

I had an opportunity to sit down with the boutique manager, who was very personable a gracious offering an extended session with the Ingeniur 40 in my favorite cobalt blue.

I’ve admired this watch for some time, but have never had the chance to try one on. What an incredible piece! I had tried on several Omegas, Rolexes, Breitlings, Tudors and Grand Seikos during this visit to the mall, but this watch was even more special.

It fit me perfectly and was so thin and light without feeling delicate. The light play off the dial, case and bracelet was amazing. I love all the little details - it truly is a special watch. It may be my favorite watch I’ve ever experienced in person and would be my choice for a one watch collection.

I do have to say at nearly $13k the price is just bananas, especially considering the hardware I tried on yesterday. Even at $8-$9k it’d be a strong contender for my upcoming 50th birthday or 25th wedding anniversary, but at that price I’m not sure I could ever justify it.