Ditto that. I would rather have 1000 sq ft in a major metropolitan city (which I do) than 3000+ sq ft in the 'burbs. (Been there done that 3200 sq ft, but all the neighbors cared about were their lawns and sports center - yawn, never going back) Gotta have the pulse of the city.
As for the hobby, my family and 'city slicker' friends support me/it.
I have a similar plan for a Daytona project. However, the responses I received is the 21J movement is not too friendly to disable. You will need to remove the dial and hands, and possibly remove the transfer gears.
If I ever get my work bench set back up, I will respond back. (Although mine is a 21J with seconds @ 6, and I want to freeze everything except H,M,S@6.)
Perhaps some other experts can jump in...
Go for it. If you like modern with a hint of vintage, check out the 14060 No-Date Sub. No good replicas of it either, so a nice addition.
On my short list is a 14060 (non-COSC). Simple, clean, beautiful.
Hold it to your ear.
If you have a 28,8 listen to it (28xx). If you have a 21,6 (6497 PAM, Old 21J) listen to it. Personally, I find it easy to tell by listening.
"looking" at it, start the Chrono. If you have good eyes or a loupe, try and visualize and count the bph between each seconds hash. Slow beat your eye/count should see 6, High beat you should see 8.