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Hi RWG, just to share few pics of this wonderfull piece, just coming back from Domi for service and relume...enjoy...! build list: GEN Bracelet, GEN Bezel Assembly, GEN Hands, GEN 702 Crown, GEN 702 Tube, GEN T-19 Crystal, GEN 1520 Movement, GEN 1520 Stem, GEN Bezel Insert, GEN Acrylic Pearl, GEN Springbars, GEN Custom dial, Phong midcase, custom caseback design, Gen 580 Endlinks

Hello, I don't post here very often but I'm looking to build an all gen (except mid-case) franken 1665 and would like to kindly request some advice and opinions. Background: I've been debating whether or not to buy a gen 1665 but after having handled a few gens, I must say that most of them look and feel very similar to my modded MBW (but more corroded lol)....and thus I find myself asking do I really need to spend £7-8kGBP? Prices here in the UK/EU (from reputable non internet sellers) generally seem to be notably higher than in the US and I'm not sure whether I want to risk buying a used vintage piece over the internet. Therefore, I find myself wanting to build a franken using as many gen parts as possible. My current watch: Here's my current MBW 1665 (gen service crystal, TC v2 hands, vintage relume and reworked case). Parts that I have collected: Gen NOS service dial and hands (Lumi) Gen NOS service bezel and insert (Lumi) Gen service 93150 clasp (code 's' circa 1990) Clark t39 superdome plexy Gen 1570 (serviced my misiekped), includes, Gen Crown, Gen silver date disc (flat 3),Gens stem, Gen case-screws So here's the dilemma.....what case shall I use. My existing reworked MBW looks pretty good to me. What do you think? (Excuse the RWI tag.....it's an old pic). My existing MBW - note reworked CGs Problem with MBW case....it won't take gen movement. Pic c/o misiekped In the meantime I ordered a Minh-Quy case. It was around $500 cheaper than phong and I believed the two to be comparable. Here's the MQ case next to my gen 16600. MQ (top), 16600(bottom) As you can see the MQ 1665 lug profile is wrong, lugs too tall and the CGs need a LOT of work (inside and out). So I sent the case back saying it's not worth the paid €1050! MQ agreed to replace the case and yesterday provided these pictures showing the proposed new case (bottom) vs. the case they previously sent (top). More pics of the MQ case (already paid for): What you guys think? Shall I accept? Is it any good? CGs look like they still need work? Here are my options: 1. Get existing MBW milled to suit gen movement (CGs look good but will stem height etc be correct for gen 1570?) 2. Use the paid for replacement MQ case (CGs will probably need rework.....but is it any good?) 3. Sell MQ case and buy a phong case (pictured below)? Phong 1666 case. What would you do? Any advice/tips much appreciated.

I mentioned once in another thread that installing 8mm tubes can sometimes be a pain. This is especially the case since most are tapping case with the wrong tap. But assuming you have the right M3.9/4.1x0.30mm tap, getting the tube to seat properly can still be challenging. Typically a triangular, square or pentagonal tapered file is used by watchsmiths. For a couple of years, I searched for the right 8mm tube wrench to no avail. But last month I stumbled across a set of installation bits for torquing the tube into place as well as the "reemer" to cut away the inside teeth of the tube. Not easy to find! Normally the bits would fit into specific Rolex tool handles that look like this: As you can imagine, they are not cheap. So here are the results of my homemade handles, which I think will do the same job. Made from left over scraps: Perfect fit. It will be a relief not having to use ghetto files. The innards are scraped away with the broaching bit which is just the right diameter to provide clearance for the crown stalk.:

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6538 today, best way to end the weekend Sent from my !Phone using Tapatalk

Considering all the gen parts in this build, I would have held out for a gen movement (which you can still do as long as you did not clip the dial feet) & 62510H/555 bracelet. Still, a beauty. Well done.

i've read lots abt josh's 5512,5513, that they're able to take gen parts. i've just receivced mine today and surprise surprise!