tmg

Nice info Freddy, gonna have to snap one up. My cheapy $40 model works like a champ but is so loud it wakes me up at times when running at night and that's in a closet with a closed door.

Thanks Lani! And congrats again on the Snowflake dial and hands. Bruce, here's your photo and mine side by side (gen on top). I think the Silix 1675 has a spot on crown position, except the gen has the tiny 5mm crown.

GPL, the crown guards are much too thin and shaped like a sub, look at the cg's of the center photo I posted of a gen, they're a very different square shape. Alligoat noted the main flaw with all 1675 reps, which is the dial wording.

GPL, I think the mvmt sits higher since the case is thinner. The bezel is the other part that is way off, it has the shape of a sub bezel, the GMT bezel is much thinner and the cuts are oriented on the outside of the bezel not the top such as on a sub. I find the lugs a bit thin too and somewhat bulbous shaped but this Silix offering seems the be the best starting point for a budget 1675.

So cool R, your skills never cease to amaze me! Hmmm the possibilities.....

Looks awesome Bruce, I think it's fine as it is. Let us know your technique?

Not really for a "correct" case. AFAIK the MBK 5512/3 is the only case that will fit your gen movement. You can see if Phong at J&W will work you a deal, he often does.

Or your name would have to be Mick Dundee!

A new shot of my 1675 with the bezel shaved down next to an old friend.

Ditto Scoobs! I have yet to own an IWC but this would be the one. Guess we'll wait and see.

The MBK case isn't correct, it has no fixed strap bars and the wrong markings, but if that's not that important to you drill the lugholes out and I'm sure some stainless bars could be soldered in place and voila! Dials and hands can be purchased for a 1520 from the usual suspects; Jewelry & Watch, Classic Watch Parts, or ND Trading. IMO I like the NDT 5517 dial the best. Good luck on the project and keep us updated!

Thank you for the kind words Pete, Ubi and 356! Freddy, I do have more "weathering" planned for it. Funny, but it is actually more aged than it photographed. I guess its my lighting. I have a Wholesaleoutlet insert aged for it but have been too lazy to file down the underside of it to get it to fit in the bezel. I've also gone back and forth about changing it since I like the thicker font on the stock bezel which you see on the earlier 1675's. I've also noticed vintage examples with the drifting "6" and "18" on the bezel. Perhaps those are also aftermarket inserts??? -who knows with vintage Rolex Borrowed from VRF

Thanks for the compliment JMT. Here are some details on my 5517. It's a J&W 5517 Vietnamese case, NDT dial, CWP bezel and insert with gen lume pearl. It did have a 2846 ETA fitted with MkII Watches hands but there were problems with the movement alignment in the case and a lot of stress on the stem which started rubbing the dial paint at the 3 o'clock and I had to disassemble it. So it looks like a gen 1520 is my best option

Hi guys, The current version of the Silix Bond Sub (Alligoats link) is a different thicker case, I believe a modern sub case without cg's. You can ask Jay and see if he still has the old stock available. I have a CWP bond sub bezel and it doesn't fit either of the Silix Bond cases, the bezel is much smaller than the case. What I do not know is if his 6542 bezel has different dimensions. NDT sub dial did not fit either case too, the dial was too small. I seem to recall RBJ was able to fit the CWP small GMT hand on an ETA. Haven't had any experience with Joshua's 1675.

Probably your best bet Freddy.

Pete, I hope this isn't thread crapping but your post is great. I just wanted to add a little of what I've done since we have parallel projects going. I eagerly await to see your redial from MY. I also softened the case edges to hide the slightly bulbous shape to the case sides that you notice the most on the lugs where they join the case -if that makes sense. Thin case shot and sanded down crystal profile With the shaved/thinned down bezel on a lathe Bezel reaming cuts are almost nonexistent after the shaving of the bezel. I haven't decided how to tackle that one yet. You'll also notice I went a little crazy with the countersink on the lug holes on this side of the case

Great shot of your beauty SC!!! I love your story behind the watch too, thanks for sharing.

Corgi, you have no idea how far from the truth that really is.

Wow, really great shot MC!!! I hear ya Ubi -really not that easy to snap these. Heck, I can't take wrist shots either, which is why I rarely post them. I would get the major eye rolling from my wife if I asked for help.

Really sharp 356! Wear it well.

Good luck there R!

What no 6542.... and they call themselves a GMT collector! Great find Freddy. These two pix (also borrowed from TZ) always makes me salivate a little .

Stephane, you're right you poor kid! Send all those vintage toy Subs you have to me so I can spare them the wet drool....

Why does it have to be either or... I started out a gen collector also many years ago, I lost interest in watches for nearly 10 years. After discovering reps 2-3 years ago, I'm hooked again! Building and hunting for parts is half the excitement/fun, the other half is certainly the friendships and camaraderie I've made here. I've learned more in the last few years about watches than I ever thought I'd know. It has also allowed me to own fantastic representation of vintage pieces I've loved over the years but at a fraction of the cost. I'm in a current stage in life where I don't want to spend my money nor is it realistic to shell out for these gen items, and its not nearly as enjoyable as just going out and buying it!