Pugwash Posted July 21, 2009 Report Posted July 21, 2009 Inspired by Ubiquitous, I decided that it was time to get my broken Ultimate Planet Ocean replica out of the drawer and fix it up. As with almost all the UPOs, the thread on the tube gave way after two years, and, in spite of its K2222 ARed sapphire, it was looking old, tired and basically retired as the crown would no longer screw in. Then, Ubiquitous sold me a 42mm 4th gen and then accidentally received another and decided to mod it. His list of things to do was reawakening the old modder in me and I decided that I'd get my UPO fixed up as practice. A browse of Cousins UK's website showed me that a gen crown and tube were cheap, and that they even stocked Omega hands. Gen hands means no relume and they're not that expensive, really. That was Saturday. Today, Tuesday, the stuff arrives from Cousins, three hands, a crown and a tube. I'd already broken the watch down into case, bracelet and movement/dial and it was time. All set up, ready to go. Removing the tube with pliers just shredded it. It does not unscrew. Messy. Unlike the gen tube, the rep tube is pressure-fitted. Needed a rat-tail file to get it out. Clean sheet of paper and gen parts. Clean the insides of chanked rep tube shards with Joe. ... and Rodico. I heard that some cases need drilling out for tubes, but I suspect that's when the crappy rep tube leaves the sleeve in the case. Gen tube is threaded, rep tube is not. Time for some glue as the gen tube isn't tight. Glue on the tube threads and pressure fit it. Use your favourite metal glue. Tube in, glue drying, time to change hands. I am not good at fitting hands. No hands. New hands. This was attempt 2. Attempt 1 failed once I put it all back together. Remove the stem the Pugwash way. Recase the works. Fit the stem and screw it in if your glue is dry. I forgot to photograph fitting the crown to the stem. It involved pliers and glue. Which hands are genuine? Ready to wear. Next up, I have an ETA2892 or two on their way.
triplehd Posted July 21, 2009 Report Posted July 21, 2009 Very nice project Pug. I modded my Ultimate UPO with gen parts and contemplating whether or not to do the same with my 42. So many projects, so little funds Enjoy the watch Pug and wear it well.
HauteHippie Posted July 21, 2009 Report Posted July 21, 2009 Very nice, Pug. You use the exact same storage cases with configurable dividers as I do. Do they have Walmarts across the pond too?! Next up, I have an ETA2892 or two on their way. Ohh, I like the sound of that. So unPug-like too!
capice Posted July 22, 2009 Report Posted July 22, 2009 great photostory Pug.........looks so easy, gonna give it a go myself
ubiquitous Posted July 22, 2009 Report Posted July 22, 2009 Good stuff for sure, Pugs! The modding bug can go dormant, but it will never go away entirely What's next?
By-Tor Posted July 22, 2009 Report Posted July 22, 2009 UPO is such a solid rep. A real rep classic. With some additional mods it's just amazing. Enjoy that beauty!
Guest HaloArchive Posted July 22, 2009 Report Posted July 22, 2009 Haha, thats my style too. No special tools, just beat it haha. Gratz! H
Pugwash Posted July 22, 2009 Author Report Posted July 22, 2009 Very nice, Pug. You use the exact same storage cases with configurable dividers as I do. Do they have Walmarts across the pond too?! Lidl. Ohh, I like the sound of that. So unPug-like too! Well, they were very cheap. They may arrive in not-so-good nick, so I'll have to learn how to fix 'em. The modding bug can go dormant, but it will never go away entirely What's next? Gen dial? Nah, I think finishing my 1680, or copying you on the 42mm PO. UPO is such a solid rep. A real rep classic. With some additional mods it's just amazing. Enjoy that beauty! Oh you know I will. I've been needing a big hunk of metal-braceleted watch on my wrist for a few months. Today will be the test. If it doesn't fall apart today, it's set.
Pugwash Posted July 22, 2009 Author Report Posted July 22, 2009 Today will be the test. If it doesn't fall apart today, it's set. ... and so far today, it's performing exactly as it should. The hands haven't fallen off and the crown screws and unscrews just like it should. It's amazing the feel a genuine crown/tube has; the rep feels looser in comparison. I presume it's the rubber seal that's tighter.
dluddy Posted July 22, 2009 Report Posted July 22, 2009 Good stuff Pugs....Can't go wrong with those upgrades Even better that it still works when you're done
Pugwash Posted July 22, 2009 Author Report Posted July 22, 2009 Even better that it still works when you're done I hate fitting hands.
Jimster Posted July 22, 2009 Report Posted July 22, 2009 I hate fitting hands. A Bergeon hand tool make it easier. Try the set #7404. I just finished my 42 PO with a gen dial, hands, and a work over on the pearl. The pearl isn't gen but close. I'll post some pics when I get back to my office. Jim
Pugwash Posted July 22, 2009 Author Report Posted July 22, 2009 A Bergeon hand tool make it easier. Try the set #7404. I just finished my 42 PO with a gen dial, hands, and a work over on the pearl. The pearl isn't gen but close. I'll post some pics when I get back to my office. First mod I did on my PO, as you can tell above, was the AR crystal. My brother has a gen 45mm Punkin PO, and the AR always looked so much better than any rep, so until I had AR, I knew it'd always look like a rep at a distance.
ubiquitous Posted July 22, 2009 Report Posted July 22, 2009 Apparently, some of the gen owners have been known to strip the outer surface AR off their crystals since it's so easily prone to scratching.
its_urabus Posted July 22, 2009 Report Posted July 22, 2009 There is a gent on the train I see often that has a gen UPO with single AR. I have seen a few in second hand stores with huge scratches in the AR as well. The hands look awesome, now for the gen dial!!!
P4GTR Posted July 22, 2009 Report Posted July 22, 2009 Nicely done Pug. Thanks for sharing. Off hand, whats the approx. part cost for the jobs?
Pugwash Posted July 22, 2009 Author Report Posted July 22, 2009 Off hand, whats the approx. part cost for the jobs? Here you go:
P4GTR Posted August 18, 2009 Report Posted August 18, 2009 Here you go: That wasn't necessary Pug! Thank you for going out of your way to answer my question.
catboy Posted September 5, 2009 Report Posted September 5, 2009 i'm looking to do a similar mod to the crown and tube on my UPO so thanks for the above part number info.. i would also like a replacement bezel insert/pearl and a gen crystal, however im struggling a bit; cousins seem to have all the parts i need but they require a case number for searching?.. any idea what the case number is for a gen PO? also will a gen crystal/bezel insert fit or will either require some "persuading"?!
Pugwash Posted September 5, 2009 Author Report Posted September 5, 2009 i would also like a replacement bezel insert/pearl and a gen crystal, however im struggling a bit; cousins seem to have all the parts i need but they require a case number for searching?.. any idea what the case number is for a gen PO? Case: 168.1650 http://www.repgeek.com/showthread.php?t=5991
catboy Posted September 6, 2009 Report Posted September 6, 2009 you're a star; don't have a repgeek account, was relying on google! right time to get buyin'!
dbutlerman Posted October 6, 2009 Report Posted October 6, 2009 I am getting ready to fit the gen tube and crown and have a glue question...I was going to use 5 minute two part clear epoxy...would that work or is it a bad idea? Just thought I'd run it past the experts.... DB2
xslyyx Posted October 21, 2009 Report Posted October 21, 2009 Guys...I need advice I got UPO..tomorrow I do anyway I just got gen glas, gen hands, gen dial, gen bezel.... DO I have solid UPO or whats obvious tells? Is anything else as per gen? I mean case...i will get gen braclet as well in a while
dluddy Posted October 21, 2009 Report Posted October 21, 2009 Don't think you can use the gen bezel on the UPO...just the insert from it
lanikai Posted October 21, 2009 Report Posted October 21, 2009 The genuine bezel needs heavy modding for it to properly fit on the rep case.. and I remember reading somewhere about the lug holes being different form the genuine.. so it may be problematic for the gen bracelet.. but have you taken into consideration with the gen. bezel + all the other gen. parts you are coming very close to a used genuine PO ??? that's why I went with the dial crown/tube and crystal ans stopped there.. and on my pumpkin it has chiefs AR which is better than the gen. AC Lani
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