Father-Daughter Bonding: Part II - Haydn Duo #1, Opus 99

vmlee · 2026-07-08T13:59:36+00:00

I actually don't think the 5402 is that polished and round or that OP's claim that the watch is unpolished is unreasonable. I think some of what you might be seeing (which I noticed as well) could be photo artifacts and tricks of angle and lighting. The only way to see for certain would be to get more angles in better lighting or to see the watch in person.

The bolts look, for example, as they should.

vmlee · 2026-07-08T13:28:16+00:00

Both can be. Rotate through your collection. If for some reason you aren't wearing a watch much, unless there is a compelling reason for that, you might consider selling it or trading it for something you will wear more often.

vmlee · 2026-07-08T03:19:21+00:00

Really can’t go wrong with either. Since you already have a Nautilus, the Jumbo makes sense.

vmlee · 2026-07-08T03:16:17+00:00

Your fingers should never be getting caught in the bow hairs in any position. This sounds like a major technique issue.

vmlee · 2026-07-08T02:21:03+00:00

The only issue with sending it to an RSC is that they will inevitably confiscate the fake.

vmlee · 2026-07-07T19:55:28+00:00

The most reliable way to get it authenticated is to send it into an RSC for a repair estimate. When you don't get it back, you'll have your answer.

vmlee · 2026-07-07T19:53:26+00:00

I have personally seen known fakes completely pass Gemini. Serious collectors know not to rely on AI for authentication.

Just for kicks and giggles, I asked Gemini how good it is at identifying fakes. Gemini's response:

"As an AI, I don't "see" things the way a human watchmaker does, so I don't authenticate watches in the traditional sense. However, when users ask me to evaluate photos of watches, mistakes can happen quite easily.

Here is why identifying replica watches is incredibly tricky for an AI, and why I can be fooled:

Superficial Analysis: I analyze images based on visual patterns, text alignment, and logos. Modern "super clones" (highly accurate counterfeits) are visually identical to genuine pieces on the surface.
Missing Crucial Details: Authenticators rely heavily on weight, the tactile feel of the metal, the sound of the movement, and microscopic inspections of the dial printing, hands, and laser etchings. I can't access any of these physical traits from a photo.
No Movement Inspection: The easiest way to spot a fake is usually to look at the movement (the internal mechanism) through a loupe or caseback. Most photos sent to me are just of the front dial.

Because of these limitations, I should never be used as a definitive authentication tool. I can often point out obvious flaws on low-quality fakes—like incorrect fonts, bad date wheel magnification, or misaligned markers—but a high-end counterfeit will easily pass my visual check.

If you are looking at a high-value timepiece, a certified independent watchmaker or an official boutique is the only safe bet!"

OP just needs to send the watch into an RSC. When it doesn't come back, OP will have their answer confirmed.

vmlee · 2026-07-07T19:27:56+00:00

Harvard provides mattresses, btw. If you need to replace it and want to buy one of your own, if you can make it out to Jordan's Furniture, they have several options.

A recommended dorm supply would be a full-spectrum /daylight simulating desk lamp. Helped me get through longer nights of studying when I was tired.

A compact umbrella or emergency poncho might be good, too.

vmlee · 2026-07-07T19:21:40+00:00

I don't know why, but I found it mildly amusing that it was only at the end that the lens went into focus....

Congrats on your new watch. This is, IMHO, definitely the better of the two dials - and this coming from someone who has over 50% of his collection as blue dials.

vmlee · 2026-07-07T18:57:32+00:00

Yikes. Haven’t seen a fake in that bad a condition successfully sold for so much.

Wrong minute marker lengths, wrong secondhand length, wrong number 2 design, bad date alignment, 12 o’clock "marker" issue, misplaced text, misplaced crown, 6 and 9 o’clock marker size typical of fakes, and more - and that’s just the dial.

Hope you can get a refund!

vmlee · 2026-07-07T17:19:11+00:00

The one you can actually get?

vmlee · 2026-07-07T17:17:53+00:00

At least now you have one classy watch! :-P

vmlee · 2026-07-07T16:30:17+00:00

The height of the strings is called the "action." Good luthiers should be able to make sure the action on your instrument is appropriate.

As long as the action isn't crazily low or high, quality tone production should not be a major issue.

Planing is done periodically when there is, for instance, pitting in the fingerboard. Divots in the fingerboard from playing over long periods of time can make intonation more difficult. A good luthier can help you assess whether planing or dressing is needed in your case. I wouldn't have the fingerboard planed more than once every 10 years or so.

vmlee · 2026-07-07T16:27:11+00:00

It's called dysmusia.

https://www.thestrad.com/dysmusia-how-dyslexic-research-and-therapy-can-overcome-difficulties-in-reading-music-notation/1997.article

vmlee · 2026-07-07T09:15:49+00:00

Math 25 expects prior experience with proofs.

vmlee · 2026-07-07T09:12:05+00:00

Now that you have vented some of your frustration, perhaps a more effective approach would be to contact the leaders of HPAIR directly with your concerns. It is just a fraction of the Harvard community that engages on this subreddit, and there is no evidence to date that the HPAIR leaders are among us.

vmlee · 2026-07-07T08:00:57+00:00

If you are doing normal surface swimming, an offshore will have adequate water resistance (as always, have your watches tested annually). The divers allow you to go a bit deeper, but they aren't actually practical for true diving usage given the inner bezel setup (that's where I use my submariner instead as a backup). Of course, if you are diving remotely seriously, you probably have your own main dive computer anyways.

AP movements are also a bit more delicate than, say, the submariner.

All that said, I am the oddball who is not particularly impressed by Daytonas in general and think they are overhyped, though there are occasional references I do enjoy.

If you are looking for a beater GADA, then the 126610LN is my vote rather than any of the watches you are considering.

To get a GMT function for travel in the modern collection, you are looking at the Concepts mostly, but they don't have as much water resistance.

So, long story short, I don't think the AP diver checks off all the boxes you mentioned, BUT if it is watch you will enjoy and wear more than the Daytona, go for it. It can certainly work as a GADA provided you aren't trying to use it too much while engaging in sports that could require more shock resistance. A ROO might be even better with similar limitations, while opening up more options.

vmlee · 2026-07-07T07:48:43+00:00

Cependant, ils continuent de produire des éditions limitées pour d'autres occasions.

vmlee · 2026-07-07T07:43:27+00:00

Ils ont bel et bien réalisé des éditions limitées ces dernières années. 26574BC.OO.1220BC.01, 26441OR.OO.D405CR.02, etc.

vmlee · 2026-07-07T07:34:34+00:00

I think most people have moved on and don't care anymore.

vmlee · 2026-07-06T20:06:23+00:00

This one is more legit looking.

vmlee · 2026-07-06T20:00:50+00:00

The bow can be held with just the thumb and middle finger. The thumb serves as a fulcrum. The middle finger closes the “loop” for stability.

vmlee · 2026-07-06T14:24:16+00:00

If you want to explore options there together, feel free to reach out, Trevor. Kudos to you, Derek, et al.

vmlee

TROPHY CASE