Cortebert

Guys, can anyone help me locate an Angelus Pallet? I have an almost fully working clock in great condition except the pallet staff has snapped...if someone has one lying around that

I think you can solve this hand problem... I did a similar build using a 44mm Titanium Pam with a nickel plated dial and had a similar problem to you..The second hand pin may sit below the sandwich dial but many second hands have a long-ish shaft or tube that raises the hand off the face. You could raise the hand by using the hypodermic needle method (a Francisco tutorial) or buy a bag of mixed hands (brand new) off Ebay for around $15 - $20 for say 300/400... (really cheap) and fabricate a new set using the Pam hand and the tube...hard to explain but I have a tutorial called Molnija 3601 /3602 comparison and maybe this explains it better. Gold on black works so well and I think gold leaf is the way to go (dont be tempted to use gold paint)...you have created something really special in my opinion, one of the nicest modified pams I have seen...

beautiful work Nick...I love every part of this build its an inspiration....

I'll also try and post a Fiddy with 6152 case with the Cortebert movement, this also has the Ross dial but aged

beautiful, thanks for sharing not seen a 921 in a fiddy before....fabulous looking movement.

yes.... I have removed the AR on a few crystals, and since a friend of mine damaged his using a Dremel I tend to do this work by hand...The first myth is that wire/steel wool will scratch glass, well it doesn't, as glass is much harder than mild steel. Using wire wool to remove AR takes time it doesn't come off easy, be patient....but when you have finished you will be pleased, there's nothing that shouts FAKE or REP more than Blue Tint on a glass or crystal, I could spot it across a room as soon as it catches the light.... or as a friend of mine would say, on a galloping horse with one eye shut.

I have also added a 1957 Molnijna to a Pam 111h, some of these old movements are just beautiful to look at and totally reliable... for example the Hamilton

I have always admired the Hamilton 917 movement, its one of the prettiest movements around, its also solid well made and dependable, probably because of its history as a US railroad watch The first time I saw a Hamilton used as a project watch was when I saw a beautifully engraved 917 built by Tourby Watches.... I decided I had to have one of these movements ....but... in a Pam. The obvious choice would have been a Fiddy due to the ample size. However, I wanted one in a Pam 45mm, that’s when the fun and games began as its not as easy as I first thought. The Build: Hamilton 917’s don’t drop into 45mm Pam, in short just about nothing fits. The first job was to totally strip the watch, every cog, spring and screw was removed, I even unravelled the main spring. Whilst the watch was in bits, I ground the chassis down to fit the Pam. Next was to adapt the stem to fit a Pam crown. First problem is that the threads are different sizes. I cut the stem to the precise size (it has to be very accurate) then I filed the threads down to just the right amount inserted into the Pam crown and soldered in place as one sold piece, it’s now solid as a rock. Dial and Super Lume: I ordered a dial “without” the words Panerai and super lumed it with the worlds brightest lume (according to the manufacturers). Hands: None of the Hands fitted so I fabricated a new set, I am not happy with them and plan to build another set as soon as I have the right parts. Crown Guard: I used the hot glue method for the crown guard pin then filed the pin down to leave a flush fit, this was the easiest part of the build and refreshing to do. Housing and Cystal: I used a sapphire crystal and removed all the AR, I prefer it without AR and hate the blue tint (dead fake giveaway). I may have it AR’ed but for now I am happy with it. I removed all the AR by hand (you don’t need a Dremel if you haven't got one). To remove AR I used a Brillo Pad which is wire wool with a cleaning agent used to clean pans and ovens. Wire wool is a great glass cleaner, it doesn’t scratch glass as most people assume, steel or wire wool is nowhere near as hard as glass... The Rebuild: Reassembled the movement and gave it a full service, it runs a treat and keeps excellent time. After this the rebuild was easy, all the hands are very firmly fitted and not as weak as the Pam hands we are used to. The movement dropped into the case nicely so all that was left was to fit the strap that I bought off CharlieUK , which is what made me start the project in the first place. Hope you enjoy/ed my explanation and the images below, I am satisfied with the result so far, its a little extra special as its my first build, there is a great deal of satisfaction to be had from building the watch you wear. I would encourage others to follow suit... It’s not as hard as it may appear, and a great way to learn but I appreciate the 917 may not be everyone’s way to gain an apprenticeship of sorts ....

There are three things in life that are certain...Death...Taxes.... and the fact you will one day scratch your watch. My new watch from Josh had only been on my arm a week before I caught a rough brick wall and scratched it. Fortunately I hadn

The movement I chose to build my watch was a 1957 Molnija 3601. I purchased both the 3601 and the newer 3602 but after comparison I decided not to use the 3602 in any build as it didn

a 1950's pantograph is the way to go...but check carefully that the engraver has the correct fonts (I have published what these are above). Another thing to check is whether he is going to make a template to work from, this needs to be very accurate and will add to the cost. I am new to this forum but a few members here will know me as Nightwatch from another forum... If anyone needs help then pm me

Some of you will know me as Nightwatch from another forum... always glad to share information and thought you guys over here might be able to make some use of this....to give you an idea.... I have since taken the application below a stage further (no images as I write) and converted a molnija 3601 into a Cortebert 618 that now reads "618" "Rolex" as per the original 618 Cortebert... So here goes... Any scratch, any dent, no matter how big or how small can be fully restored to perfection...Here I have restored two antique Cortebert Bridges that were pretty much destroyed by a reckless engraver who didn

very interesting development

Life would go on....I for one have planned for this day. I would go out and buy a genuine Pam and convert it into a fake.