red

The project took about a year to complete. It started off as a Swiss UPO from Trusty. First Mod - Pearl was a little too bulbous, so I pried it off and sanded it down a bit. Looks pretty good in my opinion, so didn't look into the gen bezel. Dial and Hands - Got the dial and hands from Ofrei and off it went to my watchsmith Watch didn't look right even with the gen parts. So the search for a Chief crystal was in the works. Nothing turned up, and could not get in contact with Chief so....gen crystal. Opted for gen crown and tube with the crystal order. My 2 Cents on the Project: Go for it. From start to finish the project was just under 1k. I have a gen PO (42.5) and the difference between the two are negligible. The 42.5 AR is much stronger than the 45, but I think that has to do with the crystal size. The things you must do is the AR. This comes before the dial. The UPO dial isn't that bad when you have a nice crystal that allows you to see it. Crown and tube is also a must. While mine didn't strip in my possession it was enough for my watchsmith to bring it to my attention.

Just finished the series last week, and it is by far the best show I have seen this year.

Will this fit DSN's 027 with the 2824 movement? Might have to buy two!!!

Ofreis has the 7753 for about $500 (last time I checked). You can also find them on eBay in some Hamiltons. The 188 was a great watch. I would say the lume dots on the rep are just slightly bigger then the gen and of course the datefont is always a problem (not sunken on this one though because of 7753). I also agree with cougaree about the movement. It may be gen eta, but I think it would need a servicing. This version is long gone, but it was never particularly popular, I would say it has a trade value of around 700.

Great review, Frogman.

Crown guard, as well as a bolder date wheel. I commend him for his custom fonts, but that are still lacking in thickness.

how do you get a Leo datewheel? I pm'd him and haven't gotten a response.

Date font is still not right on the ultimate when compared to a gen, however it is a huge improvement over the cheaper version.

AWESOME!

Thanks for the effort.

For 10k I think it is a smart investment. I purchased a no date Submariner last year for 3.2k on a similar whim; I had the money and thought why not. I took it into a local AD and had it serviced, cleaned, and polished and kept the receipt. I recently sold the watch for 4k. I spent a total of 3.5k, but came out of the deal $500 richer not to mention wearing the watch to one wedding, and a handful of other affairs. Best of luck with the purchase!

Love it on the tan! Where is that tan from?

AWESOME!!!!!

Great job! Couldn't stand the lume dots on the v1. Hope the v2 is improved. How is the AR? I remember the v1 being quite fantastic.

A real winner!

Please do Ubi. Just need to get Chief crystal and day/date swap and I am good. Love this watch, but only wanted it with either a gen or v1 dial. And v1 from The Zigmeister? PLEASE PM! Thanks, and this watch looks amazing in person. A co-worker has a gen and the bracelet really helps it transition from the office to the client dinner.

I want that V1 Dial!!!!

Ahh, I see. Yeah, I am already bottom of the barrel for the LV. Better send my payment, thanks Tom.

So I jumped in on the pre-order for the LV and SD. I was in the first round, and just want a clarification on what the total was going to be. The balance due is $338, right? Total being $375. Because I forgot about payment my balance to secure an ETA, do you know what kind of movement will be in the watch? Thanks!

I sold my v2 a while back because I thought I would be getting the LV and swapping the inserts. This is one of my greatest regrets since collecting watches. It really is a fine piece with quality that is unparallel. Maybe its because the LV is taking longer then expected, but I would still keep it. My friend has a gen SD and I like it more than the sub because it is thicker and wears bigger. The sub is just not big enough when you compare it to modern watch sizes. But, I am with everyone about getting both. That sub is mighty fine on a zulu.

Does anyone know if Ofrei carries the same datewheel. Looked, and cannot find. Thanks!

Whoa!! More pics when this is all done. I really like the GMTIIC. But getting that cyclops AR seems to be more trouble then its worth.

Yeah the bezel assembly costs a pretty penny and a simple mod of the pearl gets you REALLY REALLY close. Getting the gen crystal, AND i will be sending in my rep crystal in for Chief's next run. My 2010 project is to get a different dial and bezel combination for the UPO.

Already have gen dial and hands. And it looks like crap with the rep crystal. GEN CRYSTAL or Chief's is a MUST.

Go to Ofrei.com if you are in the US.