wiesn089

Here's what a Phong case franken looks like: I was really happy with Phong's quality. I only used the mid-case though, everything else was gen, bezel etc.

Phong's is very good, but only makes sense when you are using A LOT of gen parts for you build, otherwise DW's is fine. I don't think you will be able to get a gen case for a reasonable price or anything near that.

Aren't the last pictures posted by TimeStopper the new 8500 and 9300 PO versions? I'd definitely try on the new 8500 PO prior to purchase. They are considerably thicker than the older versions (around 16mm compared to 14mm - LM still has the older movement), I really loved it on pictures, but when I tried it on I was incredibly disappointed by this. The chrono is even worse, almost 20mm.

Aftermarket-wise these don't look too bad, pretty good actually, big improvement over DW's bezels (look at the infamous 110 spacing for example) from what I can tell from the pictures. No idea if these will really fit a DW case, but can't see why they shouldn't.

Great looking watch, I'm also interested in the specs! edit: thanks! Beautiful piece!

+1 for Rolex. You can get a preowned Speedmaster for $1500-2000 easily and I would never pay $5k for a Tag. Vintage Rolex will only increase in price, but shop around a little, condition is everything, definitely go for a matte dial.

New from an AD it was about 950€ last year, because of a 100% price increase in March 2011. There has been at least one price increase since then, but I don't know if bracelets were affected (I guess they were).

Also information is the key to these kind of projects, otherwise you'll get burned quickly. I suggest you read up some more on these models, there's plenty of information on here and you might also consider picking up the book or iphone version of "Daytona a Legend is born". Good luck with your project and keep us posted.

For an all gen except mid case and movement franken (use a V72 for non-screw down models, a V726 for screw down models) I suggest you go with a Phong case. Imo it's considerably higher quality than DW and well worth it when you are investing in a gen dial, bezel, bracelet etc. already. His prices are negotionable to an extent, also you won't need the whole case set, if you are planning to use gen parts like bezel, crystal, etc. Gen parts prices keep rising and there's no end in sight so be prepared to spend a lot. I think you will be able to finish a 6265 around 5000-6000€. A 6263 1000-1500€ more (bezel prices have skyrocketed). I'd expect to pay around 2000€+ for what you have pictured above. I couldn't tell if these are indeed genuine items from that picture, though. Not to say they aren't but for that amount of money, I would want to see more and higher quality pictures in order to compare them to other gens.

V72 is correct for non-screw down models, V726 for screw down versions. V726 has the exact same beat rate as Rolex's V727 at 21600 vph, V72 is 18000 Vph if I'm not mistaken.

Yes.

Thanks so much for your detailed insight, great read!

Beautiful pieces, thanks for sharing!

Here are some pictures Uwe sent to me after double-AR treatment (please contact me, if that's a problem). That's my Seiko Spirit SARB033. It is supposed to have one-sided AR from stock, if indeed it does, it's really, really weak. I'm totally happy with how it turned out, definitely worth every penny. Spirits are generally very good bang for the buck, imo this one is on par with some older Omegas (I think 2500 Aqua Terras for example - a watch I sold due to lack of AR btw), with double AR treatment even better. I wouldn't worry too much about the gold hue, you will rarely notice (at least I don't, and I constantly glance at my watches ). Uwe's turn-around time is awesome, I think all in all it took 1 1/2 week, from my experience no one can compete with that. The coating is very, very high quality and very tough.

Try Uwe, his username is FineDD here and on other boards. I had a watch double ARed there recently, fantastic quality and quick turnaround (about 1-2 weeks).

I wouldn't pay more than $1000, but I don't think you'll be able to get one for less than $700-800 (NOS).

Great watch, congratulations!

Phong's cases are generally great quality, but only make sense when you are planning to build an uberfranken (gen everything) and it's uneconomical to buy a gen case. Prices are negotiable, just stick to the case parts you really need (i.e no bezel, pushers, crystals etc. you'll buy these gen anyway), usually you'll only need the midcase with caseback.

I wouldn't invest much into an engraved bridge, one glance at the balance will quickly reveal that the movement is no 727. A nice finishing touch none the less, but not worth serious money imo.

Nice work, that Ingod dial looks really good! Congratulations! Could you please post a pic with the display back installed?

Wow great project and with the El Primero modified which with all necessary gen parts will hopefully work flawlessly and therefore be an amazing value watch! You'll have the best of both worlds, an amazing El Primero with 36k bph and Daytona styling, can't wait to see it finished! Please keep us posted!

Nice congratulations!

I have to agree, while Swatch brands are generally more accessible, from a pure horological point of view Richemont is the winner by far (ALS, VC and JLC).

Clark pusher looks very good, congratulations.

I used a 5500 Air King dial when I modified my DW dial. Though it wasn't perfect, it was a big improvement over the stock coronet. Air King coronet on DW dial is the best aftermarket option you can get imo.