jackflash

I think the Tudor brand deserves it’s own section on the forum. It has grown massively in popularity again since the launch of the Black Bay etc. Both Rolex and Tudor belong to the Hans Wilsdorf foundation. However, it’s equally “incorrect” to post Tudor watches in the Rolex brand section from a brand-positioning perspective.

94010 today

My learning – request QC shots. Especially of the Rehaut without the crystal installed for this particular case set. As previously mentioned, I won’t be purchasing from MQ again.

Happy Christmas folks! Let it snow...

Thanks buddy. In general I’m happy with the result. In hindsight, I wouldn’t go the MQ route again though. Definitely a miss for me. Case was 600€ excluding shipping... ouch!

Too true! The angle of the Rehaut on MQ’s case is wrong. It should 90 degrees to the dial face. Unfortunately, on the case I received it wasn’t. However, with some reshaping and the right crystal it isn’t that noticeable.

The lug engravings on mine are comparatively shallow compared to a gens. However, the biggest disappointment and challenge I found was reshaping the woky rehaut. Fingers crossed yours won't be.

Well, I hope you get a better case than I did... be prepared to do some case-shaping and modding though. Only real benefit over the Cartel case IMHO is the gen-spec case back.

Tudor 94010 today

A more tricky build than I anticipated this one. Finding a case with the correct back was a problem. I ended up buying one from MQ, which was a big disappointment. Quality was poor and badly finished. It needed quite a bit of work to get into an acceptable shape. I won’t be be making any further purchases from MQ as the service was as poor as the case too. Nuff said. On to the build specs: MQ 94010 case - lugs reshaped, lugs drilled to accept gen-spec spring bars. Added an O-Ring seal to the case back. MQ‘s poorly fitted crown and tube replaced with Athaya’s 702 set. MQ‘s bezel spring, a flimsy bit of foil, replaced. MQ‘s bezel insert replaced with a Yuki insert and Athaya pearl. Custom HR dial and hand set, great service from HR btw. Relumed and aged. GS PA 462-66 crystal ETA 2770 movement, the same spec as the Tudor branded ETA 2776. Added a Yuki Tudor branded rotor. B&S Siena leather strap. Think that’s about it! Let it Snow...

Word is, ZF Factory bought a gen a couple of months ago. Rep release date ca. Feb 2019 on Puretime.

Nice job [emoji106]

Beautiful work! Congrats [emoji106]

Generally there’s always a point of no return that you will need to decide on for a build. You could go all in and create a close to gen franken for a keeper. Enjoying the experience of sourcing the parts and building a very personal grail watch. However, don’t expect to get your investment back if you ever decide to sell. You can also get as much enjoyment from a budget build, if not accuracy. When the time comes, they are naturally easier to sell-on. Btw. Rafflestime is still in business: http://rafflestime.com

For me at least it’s the pleasure, and sweet pain, of doing the actual build that’s the hobby.

Just a Yuki that I aged slightly.

You can pick up a pearl from Athaya for $10. You’ll need to remove a little surplus plastic though. The new pearls Yuki has aren’t as good as they used to be unfortunately and are frankly overpriced. http://parts.athayavintage.com/product/aftermarket-rolex-pearl-dot-pips/ A dab of glue on the inside of the bezel insert will ensure they don’t get knocked out that easily.

Don’t know about Ruby’s, but JMB’s are a great option.

Yeap, tried to order the 5517 insert from her too. Let’s hope she gets them back in stock again soon. Until then Phong’s will have to do.

1016 today

5513 today

If you could supply HR with the artwork, e.g. a PDF file, it might help. I‘m sure you‘d be able to negotiate the amount of dials produced. Even 200 is a lot considering it’s a silkscreen process.

Helenarou will create a custom dial for a reasonable price. Well worth contacting.

Stumbled across this alternative technique for wearing a NATO strap for an arguably cleaner look. Slip off the under-strap... ...align the the retainer with the buckle... ...slip the strap though retainer and buckle... ...fold the strap under the retainers. That's it. A nice alternative for a cleaner look...

6538 today