projectologist

At first I was really leaning towards the Pilot on the left, but something always bugged me about the 3717's dial. I finally realized it's graphically unbalanced. In-person compared to the 3777's dial, the 3717's looks busier by far (why you can't rely solely on pic comparos). Plus I've always loved the Spitfire's trip date window. And the 3777's case set is truer to the original Flieger-style shape, especially the thinner bezel which is also one-piece with the case. Here's a diagram I did (yeah I know, too much time on my hands) showing how the graphic elements of the 3777's dial line up. Every part is anchored visually and in balance relative to each other. The same can not be said for the 3717's dial. After doing this the 3717's dial looks very un-balanced to me. Doesn't get any better than this... gotta see one in-person and on your wrist to know what I mean.

And having finally gotten to try both on, it was an easy decision which to buy. This will be my first gen IWC purchase. I should have it on my wrist tomorrow As to which one I decided on, here's a hint... I love the Flieger-style case design (as used by Stowa, Laco, A. Lange & Söhne and IWC), and one of these 2 is closer to that look than the other. Not my pic but wanted to show a direct comparison of the 2 Pilots.

May not hear from Mario... his last post was 5 months ago. Probably best to start a new thread with your question and ask for some wrist shots with the 187... it's a great rep!

They did... the PAM 332 back in 2009.

Another awesome build... all of the parts and re-shaping combine beautifully!

At the suggestion of member w0lf, I used this chain-saw sharpening bit to file it down in small increments. It can also be attached to a Dremel tool. They come in 2 sizes.

I've been back to this thread several times, thanks for sharing this great build... well done!

Probably not a gen dial but will be going after the look of this gen pre-Comex designated Submariner (no case back markings). I like having a sub case with a helium valve. They would sometimes use a T39 as well.

Will be a pre-Comex variation in a couple of weeks...

A Patek dial to die for... minimalist design with it's own unique beauty.

Silver bezel same era... I've been wearing it at least once or twice a week since I bought it 20 years ago

Partial AR in action...

If you are referring to the screws that hold the wire lugs/the strap came off because they came lose... it should be SOP before putting any rep on your wrist for the first time to tighten every visible screw. And if you can remove the case back easily, tighten the stem release screw and movement mounting tab screws.

AP CP V2 on a Diver strap and buckle...

The 288 doesn't look appreciably bigger than a 44mm Luminor since it doesn't have the additional width of a cg.

El Che vive! Awesome pics... everything has just the right look and dovetails perfectly with the back story... great stuff!

Loved the V2 I had. I'll probably order the latest version at some point. Still have this pic on my phone...

I have had 2 of the sec at 12 versions with no issues with the chrono function. A 3rd for me is on the way and the previous owner has had it for almost a year with no chrono issues either. But if you are concerned, it's not a bad idea to get the movement serviced, especially autos with a chrono function.

Yeah I lucked out. And the guy that has the space next to her studio is a machinist who lets me use one of his lathes and drill press when he's not busy. I only have to provide my own tool bits. As far as knowing how to actually use them... not so much... LOL

I have an AP CP coming in 2 days with some scratches. I have some scrap Ti bar stock that I will test blast. My wife has a 6ft. long blasting cabinet and I've bought 5 types of blasting media to play with, as well as smaller hose tips for small parts. I'll report back as soon as possible. Her blasting cabinet... Inside...

Found my trusty TAG today, buried in a side pocket of a retired Camelback biking pack. It had been a couple of years and I had given up the search. Got a lot of sports related use wearing this one. In constant use when I rowed starboard (timing distances and power-10 sprints etc.) Timing my laps for indoor speedskating. Timing my downhill mtn bike runs at Big Bear (I can still see some of that dirt in between links). Quartz based, super accurate and rugged as hell. I thought about replacing the bezel, but decided the wear looks good, reminds me what the watch was designed for. It's really nice to have her back iPhone > desk lamp > Camera+

Looks good! But you want to make sure you use the non-yellowing version of epoxy for this mod.

Lots of pics here of this watch... looks like it's FS... http://www.wrist-che...-kind-EVER-MADE