Greetings.
I have a nice MBW 5513 bought from HH about a year ago which has had some casework and contains a slow beat swiss ETA 2846:
I also have in my parts box and Ingod44 dial:
So, I thought I'd send it off to somebody for a simple dial swap. Then I gots to thinkin'....
Those hands, standard MBW, wouldn't it be better if I had a set of Clarks (I've used Clarks before on a 1665 and am happy with them. Tudor would be better but lets keep an eye on the wallet!). Also, that crown. Again standard MBW - not good enough. So, hows about an Athaya 702 crown/tube set. Oh, let's not forget the plexi - what plexi should a 1970's 5513 have on it? I've got a Clarks T39 sitting in my parts box already - should I use that? Also the insert. At the moment I actually can't remember which insert is in it. I think it's the original MBW which I swapped the pearl out. Anyways I've got a gen service replacement insert which I could be put in but that leads to the pearl which I would like to be aged to match the slightly creamy Ingod dial and the (hopefully) matching hands when they've been re-lumed. Is it possible to 'age' the pearl on a gen bezel - am I mad? So you see I have lots of question and lots of options so I would like to formulate a cunning plan that actually works without having to send a 'kit' to an infortunate modder only for him to find that I haven't done my research properly and cause a problem.
To summaraise, I propose:
1. Dial swap (new school MBW to Ingod44 serif 5513)
2. Replace MBW hands with re-lumed Clarks set (or better ie Tudor if I can find some)
3. Replace plexi with Clarks T39 (if that's period correct)
4. Fit Athaya 702 crown and tube
5. Swap MBW insert for gen service replacement (assuming pearl can be aged to match)
There we have it folks - the embryo of a plan. To all you skilled people out there I respectfully ask if I am a half wit or if what I propose is feasible (ie alert me to potential fitting problems before I go down a blind alley) and please feel free to throw in some ideas of your own and I might just end up with the 5513 of my dreams
So, gentlemen, as you can see the simple dial swap has lead to many options/choices and your guidance and advice would be greatly appreciated.