milhouse

Wouldn't be a terrible idea to post his personal info (address, real name, if available). Scammers need to DIAF

Late to the party, but wanted to say, kudos on the outstanding work.

You have to be nearly spot on, and the originator has to have legal IP (trademark, patent) claims. If they don't patent an idea, and it's just "out there" in the marketplace, it's going to be tough for them to come after you.

IMO, most "legit" homages, aren't infringing, or aren't worth the attention/expense of the original. Your comment about "rep honesty" touches on the reason many despise homage watches.

I know a few people (Chinese and American), who used to work in China. They both said that what we consider "payoffs" are just part and parcel to doing business there. Looks like, times, they are a-changin'.

Nice build!

The only strange thing I've noticed, lately, is absolutely no mention of Customs. This was on packages containing watch parts (branded) and RC helicopter parts.

I've seen the same thing. Tracking sucks @ss lately.

I think raffles-time sells a hand set, but they're long (~17mm, IIRC- made for larger dials). sk-watchparts sells dials of varying diameters, as do several eBay sellers. You'd have to measure your dial opening and inner case dimensions to know what might work.

Beautifully simple mod (the best kind, IMO). Great pics too.

The one narikka has isn't this one, this one is still in production atm, the one narikaa has is well, tbh a bit of a disaster.

Yeah, that one is pretty bad.

I've seen shipping status remain in that stage for ~10 days, to subsequently have the package show up at my door the same day the status was updated. I've found that USPS tracking is wonky lately. Some packages I've received, with tracking numbers on them, don't even show in the system. I woudn't start worrying yet.

Awesome pics

The new PO is beautiful, but I still think the current rep (old gen) is beautiful as well.

Not sure I'd want to see the display back, and a rep'd 8500, with all the eye candy glued on.

Really hope they get the dial and hands right. There's one version around that looks horrid.

Looking forward to seeing the finished product. :-)

I am doing this project with Domi..

I used:

- noob dial

- Bk hands for 2893-2

- gen 2893-2 GMT

- hybrid Noob / cartel 78790 bracelet

- 16570 ultimate case

- gen crown and insert

- Tw bezel assembly

- Clark crystal

Sounds like an awesome build.

Curious, where did you source the 2893 compatible dial? I was thinking of swapping in a 2893-2 for a GMT IIc build (currently houses an A2836), but the dial date window isn't even close. Date wheels for both 2836s and 2893s are supposed to be @ 8.85mm. The date window on my dial is closer to 7.7

Interesting read.

Hope the veterans can point me in the right direction. I need a GMT Master IIc dial. I borked mine during a mod. Not looking for a gen at this time.

Have been communicating with BK, but he's not sure if he's got one. Already checked the 'bay and regularly check FS postings.

Any "forum approved" sources for good dials?

Thanks!

Just looking at this again. Really nice work...

Beautiful. Seen a few versions of this model poping up lately.

AAaaaand the thread's officially gone sideways.

I approve.

As has been mentioned, some people just like to add variety to their (gen) collections, without breaking the bank. I know a few people who work for watch retailers, and they aren't averse to reps (as long as there's full disclosure, of course).

Many are offended because a rep dilutes the (social) value of their status symbol, and the image they feel it conveys to others.

Thought I’m new to the rep game, and will likely have a few frankens in the rotation, my primary issue with reps is that unscrupulous føckholes will try to pass them off as gens - which isn't an issue with reps, per se, rather with unscrupulous føckholes.

When it comes to luxury goods, status and branding is a HUGE factor, whether or not it's a conscious purchasing motivator.

Also, fter seeing the quality of some reps, compared to gens, I'm looking at the Swiss watch industry in a different light.

Wow...

Looks great, save the Omega emblem.

It's a bit too high above "Omega".

Most have some issue, IMO. Mine has funky lume in one of the markers and, what I thought was dust, is a bit of missing paint in the number 12. You can't notice without a loupe or macro pic, just as most will never notice the distance between the Omega symbol and the writing below.

This is a fantastic rep. Enjoy it.

Great watches! Arent't you guys afraid that the investment and value of these great franken pieces will be a lot less when the first new PO's are coming from the factory later this year, with maybe the same quality as current Panerais from Noob factory?

We'll have to see what materializes, if anything. New models aren't always a 100% step forward.

Unless you can source the parts cheaper than ofrei and cousins I'm afraid a build like that would rack up to be more than a decent used gen. Mines total cost was pushing it tbh.

There were two NOS 2500s on the 'Bay for under $300 recently, but I waited too long and they're both gone. I've got 2836s, 2824s and a nice 2892 sitting here I can use as well. ofrei is where I've sourced Omega parts, in the past, save a lucky eBay score or two.

I haven't seen a gen 42mm PO, in excellent or better condition, for less than 2.2k. If I could build a near-gen (save the case) for ~1.3k, it might be worthwhile. IMO, of course. Plus, I really like modding, which is the primary driver for doing such things.

Either way, a bezel, dial and hands swap is almost certain. If I find myself absolutely in love with the watch, I might sell off several pieces to fund a gently used gen, but that's not nearly as much fun. ;-)