MG - I've recently made a Rolex Date franken from a 1500 (34mm) case...it is actually a gold filled case. I used the gen dial and case. Found an ETA 1570 adapter for the case (stilty or Yuki sells those), had a gold date wheel overlay left over from another project. I had orginally broached out the gen handsto fit the ETA, but found that the post holes were too weak, so I went with gold ETA hands.
Here is the link discussing a little bit about my build:
http://www.rwgforum.com/topic/123329-fyi-on-height-of-date-wheel-overlays/page__p__891813#entry891813
The simpliest build, IMO, would be the AK or a vintage SpaceDweller...I would find a movement 24XX (proper to 1570 beat), there are tons of gen AK cases out there, once again get an ETA 1570 adapter. Get ETA hands, no date alignment to worry about and your done!
Plus...I love the blue dialed AK's!!!!
I hope that helps!