wiesn089

I'd concentrate on the appropriate movements first. V72 for non-screw down pushers and V726 on screw-down versions, beat rate is different. Learn which manufacturers used them in their watches and then look for specific models (e.g. Orfina, Enicar, Nivada, etc.). As the others have suggested, V72x anywhere near the listing will see the price skyrocket.

Imo if you don't own a super franken that really makes you happy and you've grown fond of over time, I'd rather get a genuine Tissot, Longines or Hamilton dress watch. They are fairly affordable, great quality and do look great with a suit. I wore a Seiko Spirit SARB033 at my wedding. While it's not the most exciting watch out there, I just couldn't justify spending 4-5k on a Grand Seiko, Rolex or something similar right before my wedding.

Ivan?

Stunning build, one of the best I've seen on here! Could you share more info on that dial? Origin etc.? A 1680 ropical meters first is still on my list, perhaps the maker has some mf as well...

Congratulations, great build. Yuki offers replacement pearls which you can fill with correct color lume/paint yourself. At $38 it is a ridiculous rip-off, but they do work great. I'm pretty sure the "tritium pearls" sold on VRF for gazillions are the exact same. Maybe we could start a group-buy or something and get a deal...

Great stuff, nanuq! What dial is that? Gen I reckon...

Any more hints on a good dial?

Cool, thanks. Great looking builds, mystere, especially the left one, love the lume. What dial is the left one btw.? Gen I assume?

Hi, I'm weighing my options for building a MN snowflake. Gen dials are kind of scarce and rather expensive. Are there any top notch aftermarket dial and hand alternatives out there? I've come across MQ's version which looks pretty decent, any experience with his snowflake dial? Also I have absolutely no clue when it comes to hands, is there even any accurate option out there? Here's what I'm aiming for:

Stunning build! Congratulations! How satisfied are you with Phong's midcase?

Great build! I'm really digging TC's LVs and I'm by no means a modern Rolex fan either. Thanks for sharing.

Three things I have learned in the last few years is that it pays to 1) not rush to buy a watch 2) if in doubt pass 3) buy the very best. Patience is key. We often tend to forget that there are really tens of thousands of every single Rolex (and Tudor) reference out there. These aren't rare watches no matter what dealers want you to believe. There are plenty of them around in excellent condition, they are just a little harder to find.

I'd steer clear of that one. Imo Tudor 941Xs 2776/2784s should hack, wasn't this one of their distinctive features? Additionally caseback looks extremely weird plus that questionable caseback. No way I'd pay anywhere near that asking price for that one.

Case, dial, bezel etc. seem fine. If my memory serves me right that A in stainless was changed from flat to the design you can see on your watch around the late 70s. I don't know when they changed from "Registered Design" to "Original Rolex Design" though. I always thought that this was an early 80s thing, so your 6 million serial seems fine. I'd insist on a movement shot, no way of telling if that one is gen without having a look at it. I doubt that it isn't though since everything else seems to be original. Edit: I don't think the hands are service replacements, lume seems to match the dial plots. Crown is an early 703. Gen 80s Daytona imo. Don't overpay, apart from everything you read on the net, there are plenty of these around.

What are your thoughts on that Startime bezel? I'd hate to go hunt a gen bezel assembly for my resurrected Milsub build again... Should have read the whole thread before asking, sorry...

You can get a gen 29.5 bit from Bergeon from ofrei and the light for not a lot of money. They work with the Chinese openers and you won't risk damaging the case back. Definitely get that moisture thing sorted, that v72 might develop rust otherwise...

Hi, apparently my yearly Basel frustration has kicked in... %$&? these ugly pieces of junk that have been released there so far!!! /rant off. Are there any good Classic Fusion 42mm or 38mm reps out there? Just the very basic versions either with the offset small seconds or center seconds hand. I have recently been drawn to Hublot, for some reason I have always overlooked their more classic pieces. Thanks

Wow that's amazing. Great job!

What a beauty! Congratulations!

I have a genuine blue Air King dial I don't need anymore. I can send you pictures tonight, but essentially it's the same dial as pictured here: http://www.watchclub.com/w4136/rolex-air-king-34mm-blue-dial/1 Let me know if you are interested.

Yes, gen spec on vintage Daytonas is 19mm.

Great post, I wholeheartedly agree with everything of the above. Especially when it comes to grails, frankens and brands that won't sell parts or keep your old ones in exchange.

Wow cool, is this mmm's case, band, bezel, day and date wheel overlay, etc? What movement did you use? Might need to start looking for DD dials again...

I'm quite sure he'd sell his Grandma if he'd be able to make a profit, so I always take his mega ultra über rare pieces with a grain of salt. Like Freddy I don't believe this piece left Geneva this way.

Kaufmann does belts, but it'll cost you.