Mendota Explorer

Do you just spray the dial a couple of times to create the texture and then age the lume plots over that, or do you age the lume plots first and then do the matte spray last?

Great pics! I know a lot of people frown on this, but you should get a display back for it. Not for every day, but for when you want to be able to drool over it and watch it purr like a kitten. That movement is such a work of art that it is a shame it is all closed up. [emoji1] [emoji106]

Quick update fellas. Oh, the joys of replica parts. I received a replacement set of 580s from WSO and they were the exact same way as my first set. Since my first set already had one of the little rings snap out I decided, what the hell, I might as well snap all of them out and give it a try. Can't hurt. Sure enough, now they fit just fine with my fat bars but I have a new problem. They rattle like hell because those little loops are no longer there to hold them tightly into position. Any suggestions on what I can stuff inside there to keep them from sounding like miniature rattle snakes on my wrist? I am going to try closing up the clam shell a little bit to get them back into the original shape. Maybe that will help a bit. Can I stuff a wadding of cotton or something in there, too, to absorb some of the free play and to muffle the sound?

Yes, that's exactly what it looks like to me - the bow of a sub. Very cool! Who has the best sub? The Navy, of course!

What happened to your original dial and hands? Even if they are damaged they would still look cooler and would be original to the watch. Put 'em back in there! Regarding the caseback, nothing wrong with that. Those Rolex movements are pretty nice to look at. I get it, but put that dial and hands back in.

No worries, my friend. It is really cool that this detailed info is even readily available like this. These forums just blow me away sometimes with the amount of helpful information that is here. [emoji1]

Actually, the 5510 used a cal. 1530 movement, not a 1030. I only know this because the 5510 is my ultimate grail. I would love to build one because they are so rare (only 300 to 600 were produced, and only during 1959). Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the rarest of them all? The 5510! If Phong indeed can produce a good 5510 case then this could be a contender for a future, super genken build like you guys are all doing. http://www.vintagehour.com/rolex-submariner-ref-5510-rarest-of-the-big-crowns/

@panerai153 - which dial is this? It looks fantastic.

^ Wow! Look at that case! I love that swooping shape of the lugs and how thin it is.

Some of our members have made some really amazing 1665 builds using other base watches and parts. I would be really curious to know what total dollar amount they have put into those builds when they are all said and done. Then compare those builds to this complete kit for $1,650. Would those other builds be approaching this same dollar amount or are they less?

This does bring up a point that I have always wondered about. Why are the Yuki movements so dirty out of the box? What makes them so filthy, and why do so many of the parts need to be replaced with gen parts before you can even use it? I don't mean converting it to GMT, but just to use it as a 3135 you have to replace certain parts with gen 3135 parts.

I was wondering when we might hear another update. Maybe there are little Swiss elves hand carving all of the parts for it.

Very nice. That dial is fantastic.

That 116710 just sounds amazing. It is so incredible that he is able to put something like this together. This was never even imaginable back in 2008 when these GMTIIC reps first came out. And now look what you were able to achieve. Very cool!

Great read. Thanks!

Supposedly Athaya is working on one but that doesn't help you right now.

What a bummer of a situation, too. It is too bad that your friend didn't contact you for advice before buying it. I hope it isn't too late.

Great pic! Love the 1016. It is on my project list for sure.

Great advice, right there!

I know. I realized shortly after I wrote that comment that I had mixed up my movies, and it was pointed out to me by Freddy333, so I posted again to retract it. You'll see my comment a few down from my original one. [emoji106] [emoji1]

Wow! That is beautiful. Enjoy it.

Very nice work!

I have never modded a watch before, but now that all of my tools are arriving I know for a fact that my future Silix 6538 build is going to look better than that. I would like that clasp, however. Tell him to ask the guy if he will part with just the bracelet and/or clasp. LOL

Fascinating!