Mendota Explorer

That really made a difference. Nice job! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

This looks very nice, especially that dial!

Beautiful work with this! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Fantastic! What a great improvement. When I get to the point where I'm ready to start one of these I'm for sure going to talk to Bart about these dials. He's really making some beautiful dials. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

I always communicated with him through PM on RG when discussing orders. He's very active over there and answers his PMs within the day. The guy never sleeps! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Beautiful! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Yes, I completely agree with those examples where the vintage pieces are easily pushing $10k and higher. On the flip side, I also know that you have to go gen with the 1675. There just isn't any other way with that piece. But how about something like a dime a dozen sub where the gen is only 4 grand? Or a vintage date or Oyster Perpetual that is only $1,500 to $2,000? Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Leaving aside the grail builds, such as 6538, 5513, and 1665 that the masters have created, where do you draw the line? I find the 6538 very appealing and plan to do a grail build someday. It would be something for life long enjoyment. On the other end of the spectrum, I am attracted to the budget builds that I can tinker with and assemble myself, so those are appealing to me in a hands on, hobby/enjoyment way. But in the middle there is a grey area, and where do you say no? For instance, is it worth the time and resources to assemble a daily beater 16610 franken using a Startime case, serviced Yuki 3135, and gen dial, hands, crown, and insert? Yes, the cost of the parts is only a fraction of the cost of a used 16610, but is that money better spent as a down payment towards a 16610 or would this be a great quality and reliable watch that you could get years of enjoyment from? With the 6538 the answer is obvious. Those gen prices are astronomical, so the franken is a no brainer. But with the 16610, I'm not sure if that is money well spent or not. :-/ Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Wow. That's spectacular! Stunning build. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Close - it's a 6536/1 if I remember correctly. I drool over his entire watch box. Literally every vintage piece I want, he has! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Agreed. There is a gen 6542 for sale on HQ Milton for $10k. It has a service dial, service hands, service insert, and that's the difference between a $50k gen and a $10k gen. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Beautiful! What a fantastic build. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Very nice indeed! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Beautiful! Nice work with this. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

I only ask because while I really like the T19 with these, I'd also be interested in having a better T127 option than the stock one. My stock top hat is getting scratched and dinged now. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Would the Sternkreuz work with the PT 1680 or would I need the Clark for that? Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

There's a gen 6542 for sale on HQMilton right now for $10k. It doesn't have the bakelite insert, and the dial is a service replacement, but for the price of a super franken you could use that as down payment on the gen! Also, member Joeyb here on the forum produces gen-spec replacement bakelite inserts. Contact him for details. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Beautiful. That's a gorgeous build. I would love to watch someone apply vintage lume to see how it is done. I've read lots of tips from members on how to do it, and it seems like there are many methods, but I've never actually seen it done. How did you get yours puffy and textured like that? Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

I can't keep track of all the poor offerings anymore. I've completely given up on anything 1675 related. This is not meant as a criticism of anyone who has bought them and then spent loads of money modding them, but even after dumping tons of man hours of labor and loads of cash into it, they still look like replicas. It is putting lipstick on a pig, plain and simple. You just cannot accurately recreate those distinctive 1675 crown guards with any of these cheap replicas. Stick to the 3 hand vintage pieces until someone comes out with a great case. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Nice! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Nice! Those crown guards don't look bad at all, especially if you go for a 16750 build. You could pull off a 1675 with some minor shaping, too. They are much better than a lot of the other "1675" base watches out there. Some of those other crown guards are just horrible for a 1675. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Beautiful. I can't wait to see this take shape. Would love to see progress pics and the parts used before they all come together. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Very nice! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Beautiful! I love it, and yes I would wear that! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

LOL, some people are so stupid! [emoji2] Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk