chiman12

Ever since I built LHOOQ's 5512 (here), I look back and ponder on a build for myself. The 5512 is attractive due to the iconic nature that is attached to this time piece. That being said, though every element worked so well together for LHOOQ's 5512, I couldn't for the life of me build the exact same watch! So I embarked on a journey to build a 5512 with some of the same elements as LHOOQ's 5512 and yet be very distinctive. After look through through "upteen" web images of 5512, I found this particular 5512... This is a very rare 59' 5512 with gilt OCC with Swiss dial and pointed crown guards. Forum thoughts are that it is the earliest 5512 produced and for not more than a year. The depth and OCC is in silver, while "Submariner" and "Swiss" is in gilt. So I started to rummage around in my parts box and luckily found what I need to build such a rare beast! I present my 5512 OCC! Close up of the text on the dial...Yes...it does have closed "6"s, but it has been suggested that dials with closed "6"s during the time period may have existed. In fact, there are a few pics of 5512's with the closed "6"s. The rehaut of the case was very wokky and a bit small, so I took it to task and reshaped the rehaut. A couple of close up shots of the crown guards lovingly sculpted to points Yes...that is a geniune 7mm twin lock! The bezel insert was beached to the point where it acheived a black-bluish hue, just like the insert on LHOOQ's 5512. Though hard to see, I vintaged the dial to resemble some of the dials on VRF.... For the movement, I didn't succumb myself to the vintage Sears goodness that LHOOQ had in his 5512 and used a geniune Tudor movement. It finished the off the piece quite well. So the breakdown... Case - origins unknown...you tell me. It is old school though Dial - InGod...6538 4 liner...yes 6538, baked in the oven for 25 seconds to burn the lume and then further vintaged. Movement - Tudor 2483 T19 crystal - Clark Hands - CousinsUk and vintaged by myself Bracelet - Yuki expandable 7206

Thanks guys, I think I have the answer. I am looking for the inside diameter of the bezel, not the bezel insert. If the 6542 bezels have an inside diameter of about 33mm, then I am golden. The reason I ask is that I actually have an aftermarket Tudor case, so I'm unsure if a 6542 bezel will work. I don't want to spend $400 on a bezel assembly and then realize it doesn't fit, then have the hassle of returning it. The Tudor case has a perfect thin case 6542 profile, plus the 6542 dial fits perfectly.

Does anyone have the dimensions of a gen or a gen-spec 6542 bezel from Yuki, NDT, J&W etc? I'm more concerned about the ID of the bezel. Thanks in advance!

That is a beaut!

Great review M! You probably now understand why I haven't taken apart my Concord for the El Primero movement. The updated El-Primero's are just so elegantly finished!

I'm with Frank...it's a Titus homage day!

Fantasitic project once again J...what's next...a Space-Dweller??

Holy beautiful R!

Hey M...long time no...post! I would much prefer using DG's because the availability of parts. But the owner was already commited to the Zodiac movement. I have a couple of DG's sitting in my parts box, maybe I'll look in to building a 6542 with the DG for funnsies.

...if I can only find the time...

J...If you are going to use a 7031 case for a Valjoux 7753 movement, it won't work. The 7733 pushers are closer together than the 7750/3.

Good point on the crystal Joey and Freddy. I'll take down the crystal more before I ship it back to the owner.

Thanks everyone....minor issues such as the proper bezel and crown, I'll leave to the owner source...but I really like the transitional look of this 6542 gen-spec...yes...it is a 1570 date wheel overlay. It is not as thick as a 6538 case, actually looks thinner in real life...The case had 5513 stamped in the case back. I'm unsure of the history of Silix cases in general

Built this for a friend. It took a while because he wanted to use a Zodiac 75 GMT movement. So I had to find the correct combination of parts to work with the movement. I also shaved the 116 crystal so that it doesn't stand so high as the crystal needs to be glued onto the Silix case... The specs are: Zodiac 75 GMT movement Aftermarket 116 Gen-spec roulette date wheel overlay Silix case CWP small arrow GMT hand Dial source unknown, but I like it!!! Sorry for taking so long F!!!

I think that is now called "art"...is it not? Great job once again J!!!

I like Erard...great brand...my favorite has always been they asymmetrical model. Should have snapped it up when it was only $500 If I'm correct, the lead actor in the "Madmen" TV series was wearing it when the series first started

Z...this doesn't make any sense. Because if you read TC's threads and blogs, he writes in meticulous english. His grammar is perfect and a google translator cannot solve grammar problems. If a person cannot speak very good english, it is highly likely that when they write, there are grammar mistakes. Did TC have someone translate for him then? That could be possible... But I agree...TC may not be WM9, but TC may have found WM9...

Rosnik...the WM9 that BK built has always been advertised to be able to take a 3135 with no modification... Basically BKWM9 V3 = TC 16610

I really...really...reall like it M! Very informative!

I hate teasing...are we girls or are we men...give it up Ronin!

Your welcome guys...NOW lets get back to modding!

InGod dials are for the V72x only

Just in case you didn't know yet.... http://www.ingod44.com/

H...I couldn't find a replacement, so I made my own. What I did is paint the hole white, not right to the top. Stuff the hole with lume and let it dry overnight. Fill up the hole with clear nail polish top coat. Also, ensure that the pearl is level prior to filling with top coat.... The top coat will dry clear and be smooth, but not as smooth as the glass of course. The drawback...you have to ask a sales lady where you would find top coat nail polish and have to withstand their instantanoeus giggling!

I have the Yuki dial and a 234 (which is pretty reare to find) to make a 7149. But still have to locate a case. I do have a DW case for a 7032, that will fit the 234, but obiviously the pusher configuration is wrong. If I can plug one of the pusher holes and relocate it, then I would.