I would keep it. Watches come and go... Reps are always bought, and oft times sold not long after. A gift from a friend that is no longer here is something you can't replace.
Very interesting approach, Hike! I dig it. I can see that having the dial oriented in that position would make it much easier to read the time if you've got your hand on the steering wheel!
I'm digging that Pre-T, Lani! Even with the bezel! Pretty damn cool! Once you get the parts up to spec, look out! That's gonna be beyond killer!
R- How on earth did you find a Navi that has a properly aligned sliderule?!
I think it looks great. It's progressed very well, and you are absolutely correct- Each step adds just a little more refinement. It's not so much about the cost of such projects in my opinion (after all, a gen is easily obtained at pricing that is probably close to a build), but rather the fun one can have in putting something like this together. Those that get it, get it. Those that don't understand just miss out on one of the best aspects of this hobby
It's hard not to worship this classic. Extremely versatile and aesthically it has great balance.
I foresee mine getting a lot of wrist time once it comes home...
Soon, I hope!
Since I'm no good with 7750's, I've entrusted this to someone with hands far more capable than my own to tackle the job. I want to ensure that this is done right!
Absolutely correct. The transition from 316L to 904L was somewhere around 1986/87 (9M s/n) before the R serial was rolled out.
e.g. in terms of Submariners, the 1680 and 16800 were both 316L. The 168000 was the first to use 904L in that range, which of course carries us to the present steel used in 16610's, etc.
BT- I absolutely agree- The color/tone/etc. is less dramatic in difference than the shape and finish of the actual links, end links and graining of the brushing. Those are more critical in comparison...
I was very, very, very close to just buying the gen, Andy Thankfully, gen parts came up before I had to go that route
I suppose that if I did go with the gen watch, I'd have to give the crystal the chief treatment! Kind of hard to accept anything else after experiencing his AR...
Well, I would definitely ask any potential watchmakers that you would possibly farm this out to what their experience is with broaching/staking hands. Your decision should be based on your comfort level with said watchmaker as well as their confidence in being able to perform this task
I'd say that if the bracelet is at an exceptionally good price, it's worth picking up to try. Worse case if it doesn't fit, you can swap the end links out for the ones on the UPO bracelet; a bastardized approach, but a completely reversable change that should allow proper fit as well as the option to revert back to original should you want to sell the bracelet down the road.
If I recall correct, the case was 42mm ear to ear not counting the crown. However, the watch wears a bit smaller (more like 40mm) due to the prominance of the bezel, and thin case.