ubiquitous

The actual dial swap was simple. Only thing that was 'out of the norm' was changing the rehaut ring. The genuine has a very low profile ring, while the rep's is quite tall. Pretty easy to do. The part that I got hung up on was the movement ring. This is a very large ring that is pressed in to fill the gap between the movement and the case. Getting it out required some patience on my part, but I finally got it pulled. Once that was done, the rest of the work tool maybe 10 minutes.

With a new movement, you just don't know what you're going to get. The new movement might have problems 'out ofthe box', and might require a servicing anyways. I'd rather get the movement overhauled by a good, competent watchmaker, and have the reassurance and peace of mind that your watch is serviced, oiled and regulated properly and should be good for another 3 - 5 years. The movement has to come out of the case anyways, regardless if you're doing a service, or swapping movements... Might as well have it done right.

You and me both!

I'm certain Kostas can name that strap

C- I believe it's the same size as the Chrono Avenger. Should be 44mm x 18mm. It's one big motherchucker. Weight... Feels to be about the same weight as an SS Sub. Yes, indeed. It took a little wiggling and jiggling... Some pulling and some prying... But that movement ring finally came free. Once that was removed, the rest was smooth sailing.

Just submitted mine

Is the wheel back just a cap that fits over the standard case back?

Good stuff indeed! Love to see projects like this

Mahler... For you, by request The Seawolf is a big chunk of metal

LOLs. Seriously... Bob. If I had one to spare, I'd GIVE it to you. The cause is worthy, but when the pantry is empty...

An excellent tutorial Pugs. "Explanations should be as simple as possible, but no simpler." - Albert Einstein

two-pack shaker is dead?

Ahhh... 1680 Red Sub is a very good choice indeed! Good stuff...

A little more inspiration for you...

Off to a great start MG! I have a few more links here for you to get you a few steps closer

I think that PAM accessories are even more addictive than the watches themselves! Panerai puts out a lot of knick knacks... ALL of which seem to command unreal prices amongst the collectors. OP has got some great marketing. Perhaps next we'll see bumper stickers that read: 'It's a PAM thing. You wouldn't understand'.

BTW- For anyone wanting to do a similar project, these DateJust's are super easy to build I got my case kit from one of my suppliers, but there are some good, legit sets on eBay as well: http://cgi.ebay.com/Mens-ROLEX-ss-Case-ref...1QQcmdZViewItem Starting bid is $180; I doubt it will go for much more. Add a 2824 ($60), datewheel overlay from luenfat ($20), some Tudor OysterPrince hands ($20), and a strap, and you're set. If you can get the case kit for around $200.00, the total cost of the project would be around $300.00 - $350.00 (always gotta factor for a little more, just to have some error margin on the high end; prices do vary depending where you get the parts from). Not bad for a nice franken that's all genuine on the outside

The following marks on the Tachy ring should correlate to the following markers on the dial: 60 = 12:00 80 = 9:00 120 = 6:00 240 = 3:00 As long as those match up, the rest will be correct.

Heh... You know Tribal, I'm not a big Breitling fan either, but I thought I'd give this project a try I'm still not sure if the watch is my style, but I do enjoy looking at it (even if I'll probably never wear it). Who knows... Maybe these discontinued models might become a collector's item some day?

Heh... Yeah, I know. Sounds cheesy to say 'I'm going to pass this rep on to my son when he's older...' but I'm hoping he doesn't see if that way. Rather, I hope he looks at is as 'a watch that Dad built for me. One that he also loved and cherished.' At any rate... These things can be so much fun to put together. It's hard to not think about the next project. So... I'm thinking that it just might have to be the 1675/0 GMT, or maybe a 16622 Yachtie. It's funny... I used to only appreciate the vintage pieces, but I'm starting to warm up to some of the sapphire models as well. I guess I have my Daytona to thank for that. Or, perhaps it's time to start branching out a little more and go with something non-Rolex Not that I know what that something would be. But who knows? Think it's time to start doing some homework

I'll try and get a pic of this tonight

Thanks, Cray! I must say... It's amusing to look back on my photos from a year ago to compare with pics today. Quite a bit of difference. Still no where near the level of TTK, Pugs or By-Tor, but I'm content with them for now... Thanks again for the kind words... R

Thank you, thank you This is one I have been back and forth on for a very long time. So, needless to say, I am happy (and quite relieved) to have this one done. I do have a few things I would like to replace/correct. The crown is chewed up, and the hands have some scrapes on them, so these are items I'd like to revise sometime down the road (no hurry). All in all, I'm pleased to have this one ticking away on my wrist I do intend to give this one to my son when he is of age. Ah hell. Who am I kidding? He'll get ALL of my watches at some point, so for now I'll just take care of them as if they were my own Still kind of in disbelief that this one is, for the most part 'done'. Feels a bit surreal, but only because of the path it's taken to complete it. Thanks for looking! R

Just put my frankenstein DateJust back together- For the first time in 3 years, it's running right (for a change). Lots of trial and error with prior set ups- experimenting with movements, etc. all in search of the right combination. Went through numerous different ETAs- 2781, 2836, etc. All had problems with stems lining up, snapping stems, etc. Finally, on the advice that Oli sent me, I installed a 2824, and... Success! So... Here's my shopping list -Genuine 16234 DateJust case -Genuine dial -Genuine 18k WG fluted bezel -Genuine crystal -Genuine tube -Genuine 6mm crown (needs to be replaced) -ETA 2824-2 -Datewheel overlay -Tudor Oyster Prince hands -Hollow link Oyster bracelet -Hollow link Jubilee bracelet Started with this... And now, finally finished with this... This was the watch that got me started with frankensteins, and reps on a large scale. It's nice to have finally finished Thanks for looking! R

An excellent Sub, my friend~! I love it Wear that one proudly! It's a keeper! Cheers, R