jmb

I always thought the plexi cyclope was molded into it. I would use a fine flat file to take off most of it then use progressively finer wet/dry paper on a firm rubber sanding block followed by polishing compound. You really don't need to go much finer than 600 or 800 but it needs to be worked down evenly on the rubber block to avoid optical distortions...

It fit like a glove, this is one of the 34mm cases I ordered samples of...

Now that my cases, bands, and hands got here yesterday I decided to put together my latest Tudor project. I had won a gen NOS Prince Oysterdate dial off flea-bay a while back and was waiting for everything to come together and the planets to align. That happened this weekend! Parts list: Rep 34mm Tudor case Gen Prince Oysterdate dial ETA 2836-2 movement Rep silver Datejust hand set Rep Tudor SS band Nothing really exciting to say about building this as the gen dial feet pop right into the holes on an ETA 2836 so no dial gluing, misc. machining, or date wheel overlay work involved. Really, this would be the perfect project for somebody just starting to get their feet wet. Pardon what looks like a fuzzy or piece of dirt on the dial as I didn't see it until I was "processing" the pics. I'll pop the crystal and get out the Rodico later... On to the pics:

OK, got my "stuff" today and here are some pics of the Tudor rep cases I ordered. In my limited experience with the genuine article I think some aspects of the case are pretty good while others are the usual rep snafus, i.e. pretty sure case back engraving is totally wrong. I think, though, that these would build up into a fairly pleasing-on-the-wrist Tudor which should be fairly easy to build. I have bought several gen Prince Date and Prince Oysterdate dials on flea-bay for under $30, add a 2836-2, some Datejust hands, and a nice Tudor Bracelet, and you have a decent looking watch! I ordered the cheap ones (mineral glass crystal) as I plan on replacing the crystal with a plexi unit. Here are a few pics for your comments: I will add this: and this: I think it'll look rather "yummy"!

Let's keep the vintage majority alive. Feelin' old myself...

I feel like exploring today...

Cool!

Yummy! Maybe some dead-on macro shots of the dial with the hands at 10:00/2:00. Maybe I could make some decals of the text...

It's a shame this particular factory can't be bothered to toss the old non-conforming rings and make a correct one w/o plastic spacer...

the comparison with cars is interesting but I would say that Rolex and Bose are separated at birth twins! Both make good conservative reliable products that fetch waay more than they're worth thanks to their superb marketing machine. Everybody's heard of Rolex and Bose...

I'm in fantasy-land today...

$200 = "Budget Watch"? That's more like high-end in my book!

All I have is a cheapie...

Damn, T, I thought I was special after reading the SAME PM to me. I am now heart-broken...

I'm not sure, I'll have to defer to the experts on that one...

Glad you are able to put them to good use. I still have some more if anybody wants 'em...

It's what I would do!

I've got a cheapie but it's in a 36mm case (probably same as they use for Datejust)...

Gawd, I hope not!

I REALLY like it!

I was haggling over an order to my "parts guy" for some movements, bands, and hands and mentioned I was building up some Tudors by buying some cheap reps with 34mm cases and cannibalizing the cases. He told me he could source me some decent quality Prince Date style 34mm cases fairly reasonable so I ordered a couple samples to evaluate. I should get them in a couple of weeks and will post them for comment. I suppose they could also be used to construct a proper sized Air-King and other 34mm cased watches as well.

ChiMan - That's what I use. I have a modified Harbor Freight 9 x 20 lathe and a Harbor Freight round column Mill/Drill. The lathe has been modified with variable speed 1.5 hp DC motor, wuick-change tool post, and a beefier/stiffer compound clamp. I've done nothing to the mill other than mount a digital "scale" on the quill. T - If I would have been thinking clearly I would have made the transition links the same size. I did gain enough insight into link making, though, to feel fairly comfortable in tackling making a band from scratch so the next "1530" style project may very well have a band styled after the gen...

T, the A7750 with the layout like a Prince Date Chrono can be had at http://www.wltnp.com for $90 USD. I've never ordered from them but they were recommended by someone who's opinion I trust.

If "doesn't like gens" = "doesn't have deep pockets" then you are absolutely right!