ubiquitous

5514 today...

An itemized breakdown on build per watch.

-Genuine dial in original untouched condition

-Orignal raised/hard enameled fonts/minute chapter/small seconds applied in champleve technique.

-minimal surface damage present and aged/patina shadowing around the markers.

-18k YG numeral hour markers intact and tarnished from age.

-Genuine hands; minute angled to reduce parallax error.

-Genuine 12'''120 movement ca. 1940's

-Custom fabricated steel case

-Genuine crown

-Genuine modern CF Patek Philippe matte brown strap

-Genuine period correct 16mm steel buckle

-Genuine dial in partially retouched condition

-Original raised/hard enameled fonts applied in champleve technique present only on 'PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE' text.

-Outer minute chapter retouched/reprinted.

-Original vertical brushed surface finish (subtly) present.

-Dial has a small chip on the leading edge between :14 and :15; this is a chip, not a refinisher's indication notch.

-18k YG arrow hour markers intact and tarnished from age.

-Genuine hands; minute and second angled to reduce parallax error

-Genuine 27SC movement ca. 1950's

-Custom fabricated steel case

-Genuine crown

-Genuine period correct 16mm steel buckle

-Strap selection is undecided/pending

-Genuine dial in original untouched condition

-No champleve fonts; this is period correct.

-Dial is on an 18k YG base and is signed/hallmarked as such on the underside of the dial.

-Original vertical brushed finish present.

-Dial has wear patina at the edges where the YG base is showing through; small scratch at 8:00.

-Dial has subtle color changing properties much like the Nautilus dial; it shifts from dark blue to grey depending on light/angle.

-Genuine hands; minute angled to reduce parallax error

-Genuine 23-300 movement ca. 1960's

-Steel case is from an old obscure watch, repurposed for this project

-Genuine crown

-Aftermarket 16mm WG chveron buckle

-Needs a new strap (undecided/pending)

-Aftermarket custom made dial

-Dial is completely fabricated and printed on a new base plate.

-No champleve hard enameled fonts (this era of watch ca. 1940's/1950's should have the hard enameled raised font); dial text/fonts/chapters/graduations pad printed.

-Dial has artifical wear/staining to emulate a 60+ year old dial that has lived life in a case that is not waterproof.

-Markers are rhodium plated.

-Genuine hour/minute hands only; center second and subsidiary hands are custom made.

-Valjoux 23 (which is what the PP 13'''130 is based on).

-Custom fabricated steel case

-Genuine modern CF Patek Philippe shiny black strap

-Genuine 14mm steel buckle

Genuine Patek parts are difficult to find; exceedingly more so than a number of other brands out there. When genuine dials pop up (even with minor flaws/touch ups etc), I don't hesitate to pick them up, especially when priced accordingly to reflect said flaws.

On the last watch (the chronograph), the majority of parts fitted are merely place holders for the time being. As I find other parts along the way, the other watches are all subject to upgrades as well as long as the new parts are an improvement to what I already have.

Very, very nice. The plexi makes for a very significant difference!

Looks great! And a great generous gesture by the kind gentleman that put it all together! I think the spirit of the community is what makes RWG so special and Mrs. Watchmeister's watch is a good example of that.

Well done!

In house movement! Plus you have the wrists to pull it off...

3 decades of vintage PP. From L to R: 1940's, 1950's and 1960's:

One more...

Thank you one and all for the kind comments. These are always fun to put togther; they represent a different kind of challenge due to the nature of the parts. Not always easy sourcing some of these bits! But when they do come together, it's always quite a lot of fun.

Currently, I'm trying to figure out what color/tone strap to pair with this one. I have a gen gloss black gator that's been loafing about the work bench... But I'm just not feeling it. I've had gloss straps before and I think they just don't mesh well with my personal taste as a whole. Think I'm more of a matte finish strap kind of guy.

Maybe matte black?

5514 today...

I'm updating with images of this watch revised, as it has been rebuilt with a new movement and dial. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures of the progression on this one like I usually do (as I was preoccupied with just getting it all together), so all you guys get is 4 images Maybe the next time I do a tear down, I'll take the time to capture this one properly in various stages of undress...

Looks like he renewed his domain 

Non-descript and subtle...

Sounds like you've had a tough go at it today. And please, by all means... Vent away. We all need to do it from time to time. Might as well do it amongst friends.

Very sorry to hear of your friend today.

I know he's traveling outside of the country at the moment; maybe he's unable to renew.

Looks like the domain registration expired and is pending renewal.

14060 dial is too small to fit a 16610 case.

Aloha!

Language barrier can definitely be an issue, but I think in all reality, the sellers understand just fine. They may not let on that they do... But they do.

Vintage...

Hmmm... Daniel Craig is my favorite Bond. Connery, a very close second. Skyfall and Casino Royale were just amazing.

Agreed. Daniel Craig is probably my favorite Bond as well.

The ironic thing is, that little 34mm 5500 is probably teeny tiny on Lani's wrist.

Here's a 5500 Gilt I put together from a bunch of left over parts. Ended up gifting it to Lanikai...