danza1812

Who is toro bravo? Would this be the 5.5version with shorter he valve and correct placement?

Cheers, Ill look at buying one. I wonder why the he valve is so big on the 5th gen? Has anyone bought one from replicamake, the price seems slightly better? Regards Matt

I'm considering another 42mm po project. I could just do with knowing if the dealers have sorted out the he valve positioning. God knows why they moved it down the case when it was ok to start with. I've never bought from Josh or Andrew, at what point do I request qc pics. If so, any ideas where to get one from. I plan on using it as a base for a gen dial and hands swap out. Many thanks Matt

I think gilt is the very old dial with gold type writing. You should look for a gloss dial with tritium and White gold surrounds. or maybe even a nice luminova service dial. They are also kicking around for a good price.

The dial looks real tatty. If I were you I'd hold off for a better example. Try looking at the vintage rolex forum. Here's my gen 5513 dial, spotless and picked up for less than $200. They are out there.

5513. Simple classic sub.

I've heard success stories of freezing the mid case, popping the crystal on and then the retaining ring after said ring has been warmed. Physics apparently! The Other option is to shave/file the outer part of the crystal but this can affect the overall look and effect of the crystal.

Hav you got a source for a gen plexy at 30 and insert at 50?

I like it, good job. The hands match the dial nicely, does the tritium dial still glow? Keep the 5513 threads coming I say!

It's a 'the strap shop' or TSS g10 NATO in gunmetal. It's the same firm who supply the NATO straps to the project x submariners. Real quality british NATO straps.

I agree the crown on that 1680 sits nicely against the case, mine has a 1mm gap, maybe I should have countersunk the tube a mm or so.

Forgot to add; theres an eta 2846 movement In there. Picked it up for next to nothing in some naff cheap watch on the bay. But Domi checked it out and it didn't even need a service. I've had some real luck on this build.

Thanks for the compliments. Highhoey the case is sweet. Thanks again for agreeing to let her go! The dial was my only hesitation, I wanted a service dial to keep it looking new. Strange I know, but its the non date sub I longed for, not a vintage piece necessarily. But the eggshell patina is really striking and the gloss dial has aged to a lovely lacquered effect. Plus it was a great price. I'm really pleased with how it's turned out, I'm liking the military look and feel to it too. Maybe I'll tweak the insert at some point.

Ok, specs are; Mbw case, crown guards done to late 80s style to match the L series. Lug holes also modded. Genuine Tritium dial with White gold surrounds. Correct to case also. Clarks hands, coffee stained. Cousins insert and crystal, not wholly accurate but give a recently serviced look. Gen crown 703 Yuki tube TSS gunmetal g10 NATO strap. Thanks.

I know there's been a few of these recently. But as I asked so many questions when I started putting this together in July it seems only right to post a couple of shots and a thanks to all who contributed or kindly offered advice.

Ok sorted. Got the back off, not sure what I did but it's heart started beating again. I'll do a new post with a couple of shots. Thanks Steve.

Not sure, still can't get the back off and my fingers are sore from messing with the crown for the last hour. Any tips for getting the back off? What's a hack lever?

Yep done the crown. When I shake it, I can hear the rotor but no ticking. Trying to get the case back off to re insert the stem to see if I can bring Frankenstein to life before Halloween! Can't get it off and don't have a case back tool doh

My 5513 has arrived back from Domi who put it together. One slight issue and it may be me being stupid, but I can't seem to get the watch working. I've set the time but when I screw the crown back in it doesnt start ticking, the hands don't budge. Is there something I need to do? Ta Matt

Oh yes he did and he's made me a happy man. Certainly lives up to the title of this thread! Should be here by the end of the week too.

Domi has been in touch, he's very busy as you can imagine. Just bear with him, like I say he's worth the wait. I still recommend him any eu customer. Matt

I'm struggling to get a reply too. My 5513 went for gen dial and a new crystal replacement in august. I feel that I dont want to badger him for a response, but a little communication and 1 line update would go a long way towards customer satisfaction. Oh well I'll keep waiting, hes done 2 omegas for me in the past and his work has been excellent. So I know it will be worth the wait.

Remove existing dial feet and fix dial to the movement spacer. Think that's how most do it.

Great results and very nicely put together. I have a similar project, same dial, mbw case etc it's been with domi since August and he's not the greatest at keeping his customers updated despite emails! 6 hours I'd settle for 6 weeks?! Enough of my moaning! Great job.

I must have got some bad info when I first started looking into doing a vintage mod project. I opted for the mbw. But it's interesting to know the Josh subs take the gen dial. Is that the same for the 1680's I know the gen 1680 dials are slightly differing in size to the 5513 for example?