Slartibartfast

What a shame, maybe change the gearing? ;-)

Hmmmm Think I may go for the re-print option.

Well, after a considerable amount of time spent on improving my flat 3 datewheel decals for using over a polished steel overlay (to give that silver datewheel look), I test fitted my new pride and joy onto the ETA 2836-2 movement for pressing into service in my Sub.

Can you spot where I went wrong (see pic below)

OH DEAR! Date progression maybe all good for a Rolex movement, but is back-to-front for the ETA.

Go on guys, have a laugh! What a plonker (for those outside the UK, plonker = fekkin ejit)

Back to the drawing board.

..... It is your destiny.....

Ha ha, love it.

But true! You cannot resist the power of the Noob force!

Wish I had one to show off.

Until then, I will enjoy yours, freddy!

BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Well it seems like you have nothing to lose now.

So why not shove it in a hot oven for 10mins to 'grow' the links a little, which may let you extricate the jammed in pins.

Excellent looking vintage model. For $100 I bet you are thrilled!

I have often wondered about these bellmatics, and never taken the plunge.

Your pics are great though. I think you have fuelled an interest here.

Well, I'm not a Pam fan. But I think I am now!

What a great collection. And beautifully photographed too. Congrats!

It needs to be kept. Subsequent regret for selling, cannot be fixed.

Wouldn't like to post it, cause it will make me cry

Doesn't matter 'cos you've ended up with a keeper for sure.

Well worth doing! :thumbsupsmileyanim:

........... but I would have used a different type of wood & left off all but the coronet marker......

I think freddy may have a point. Why not just have a go with nothing but the coronet? Could give it the mystery look.

You need a small little wire click, which fits in that hole. The click wire is what provides the ratchet to the bezel. I may have a spare somewhere, or you can probably pick one up from eBoy, like this:

Bezel click.

The knowledge on this board, and the willingness to share it, never ceases to amaze me!

Lazoon PM me i may be able to help you out!!...have a pearl sitting here..

Or, if you want to go down the Ubi route, I have a sub hour marker I could send you.

Looks a good mod IMO.

Too bad about that 8 marker TeeJay. I have suffered similar [censored]-ups in my time.

Keep the faith, and don't give up!

Very nice indeed. With a bit of fettling, would be quite acceptable.

No one would ever question it's authenticity. Very well done!

I have to agree! And second that; very well done indeed!

Great review TeeJay! I think for the outlay, you have ended up with a bargain.

The mag under the cyclops looks pretty good for a budget model. That is usually one of the let downs.

BTW what does your wife think of this model (assuming you give it back to her )?

Superb choice of dial and strap colour.

Congrats Mickey, and really good choice!

Don't do well with green?

How about a bit of old yella!

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Yes please!

I don't believe that any decent rep is available at this time.

I understand that the ana-digi movement with the correct looking light digits on a dark background is no longer made.

Hint: do it the Nanuq way... use a couple of hockey pucks and a C-clamp. You can core out the pucks to match your case and crystal.

Hot tip! If only I had hockey pucks and a lathe, I would be quids-in!

Back from a busy day....not been able to post my thanks for your responses, until now.

Cheers all!

Off to check the 'bay for a press.

Thanks guys.

Breaking new ground it seems. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks lani and TeeJay!

@lani: I am not trying to replace a mineral with an acrylic, but change a mineral with another mineral, but different profile. I think that the mineral crystal fits on the inside of the case, from the look of it.

@TeeJay: Thanks, but I am worried that if I push the old one out, I won't be able to fit a new one in

Any watchsmiths out there?

OK guys, I have swapped many a replacement acrylic crystal, but never a mineral / sapphire glass crystal.

Specifically, I want to swap a flat sapphire crystal with cyclops from a submariner, for a domed no date type to change a run of the mill sub into a Tudor no-date sub. I don't know quite what to expect during removal/replacement.

Firstly what is the best way to remove it?

Secondly, installation. I have heard that you need a crystal press, and that there may be a gasket between case and crystal. Some crystals, I believe, have a tension ring??

The sub came from Trusty and is the old ETA version from 3 years or so ago, if that makes any difference.

All help greatly received.

What stuns me about ZM's work is the 'build' of the lume, how it has an almost domed shape to it. And so even in texture.

Truly superb work.

A wonderful piece!