mech500

Here are some build pics guys: The best part (for me) is the cheap ass plastic Clarke plexy. Lol Spec: Phong mid-case MQ caseback Gen service (lumi): dial/hands/insert/bezel Clarke T39 super-dome Gen serviced 1570 Gen clasp on ST bracelet (not in pics) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Build carried out by misiekped in NY. Great work as always and a pleasure to deal with. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Can't really go wrong with gold frame rayban aviators....suit most faces and generally look pretty badass Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Both 580 and 585 could be correct. The later ones (GW's) had 580's. I'm using an ST bracelet and endlinks.....with gen clasp. Ain't paying $200 for a shitty folded piece of tin. Even gen bracelets are over rated IMO. Lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the comments @stephane I agree, I also prefer "as close as possible" rather than full-blown Frankenstein however aesthetically speaking....rep vintage dials just don't do it for me. The whole fake patina just doesn't look right IMO. Also, I like to research builds, source parts and build Frankens as a hobby (not because I can't afford gen). It's too easy to rock up and buy a used gen but it'll have no personal value to me. Also, my build costs $4600. A well cared for gen (from a reputable dealer, with nice thick lugs) is likely to cost around +$10k minimum. Even then, at that price, you're likely to get a watch with severely corroded hands and crumbling hour markers.....one sneeze and all that tritium will end up in the movement. Lol. My plan is to use the $5k savings to build an equally badass 1675. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've shipped the phong case to misiekped today to complete the build. MQ has also sent me a replacement case, here it is... Looks quite good actually....may even be the same base case as phong.

I think I can live with it for now but (for the price) just expected the CNC 'rough shape' to be much much better. I am an engineer and do this for a living.....the CGs can easily and cheaply be finished to +/- 0.25mm before hand finishing. This case is more like +/- 0.75mm. Probably a rep of a rep of a rep. lol With bezels rings and casebacks it's hard to get the scallops to sparkle as per gen using rep manufacturing tolerances and techniques. The differences are microns but can (some cases) make the difference between a thing of beauty and something that is plain ugly. Anyways, I'm just nit picking for fun. Lol Appreciate the comments.

Just a little frustrating that a simple mid-case like this cannot be laser scanned and CNC'd to (practically) 1:1. Bezels and casebacks are harder to replicate 1:1 (to Swiss tolerances) but mid-cases don't get simpler than this.

I asked phong to trim the CGs before shipping but he refused saying that the case is "1:1 same as factory". I've seen far worse 5513, 5514 phong CGs lately! I think I can live with it for now.

Ok guys, my Phong case arrived this weekend. Here's some quick "real-life" pics comparing it to my 16600. Not sure if it's much better than my MQ case. The CGs are a little thick (especially when viewed from the back) The lugs and associated bevels are nice!

If you want "best in class" don't get the open case back. Ignore the whole "ultimate version" BS. Just PM a TD and ask for the "v7" from JF maker. With i serial, closed case back

The v7 JF (closed caseback) model has I serial. The previous model has a H serial. That's all I know. Lol

I really don't know why he would offer something like this? He wanted $75/end link and we agreed $50. Good job I asked for a picture of the actual part (after I paid)! Anyways, I've asked for a refund. Communication with phong is super fast.

I just received QC pics from phong for these $100 rep endlinks. Lol One thing I've learnt with dealing with the Vietnam makers, is that they seem to try and get away with selling you the b-grade stuff to see if you'll accept it. Anyway, I hope my build updates will prove useful to others planning on similar franken ventures.

Think I've decided to buy a phong case back just in case my existing MQ doesn't fit. Here's phong's case back: Here's my current MQ case back: Price: phong wants $350 (although I am in negotiations with him and hope to get a significant discount). MQ charges around $450 for this caseback (again largely negotiable) To my eyes they are both practically the same (for all intensive purposes). Just thought I'd share pics for infomation purposes in case anyone is looking to buy.

Thanks for the info @pam007. Yes, the CGs look a little thick. I will ask him to trim them a little. My serial is 6mil....so top gasket isn't an issue - thanks for the heads up. Now that you mention it, the "1665" engraving doesn't look quite right....but then again maybe my watchmaker just re-engraved it during a non RSC service on a 36year old watch [emoji6].....but i will mention to phong.

Knowing my luck the MQ caseback won't fit! Will probably end up spending more cash on a phong case back.

I'm not buying a complete phong case - just mid-case, tube, crown (as pictured). Since my gen dial and bezel are modern service replacement parts, I asked for the case to look like it was "fully polished and restored by RSC 3 years ago and subject to light daily use since." I'll be using this MQ caseback (which to me looks like the best GW case back available): Thanks

Phong has sent me QC pics and is ready to ship!! He sourced a case, custom engraved and light vintage finished it in 1-2 days!! Wow Here they are.... Any opinions welcome.

^^ ya agreed. I've ordered a Phong case this morning. Will post build pics

Thanks. Well, I've decided not to mess with the MBW as it is already a very handsome watch and I would like to sell her on to someone else to enjoy. I have a buyer for the MBW so now just waiting to see if MQ can rework the case to improve it. If not, I'll have to spend big $$$$ and get a phong. Will update with build progress pics.

Hello, I don't post here very often but I'm looking to build an all gen (except mid-case) franken 1665 and would like to kindly request some advice and opinions. Background: I've been debating whether or not to buy a gen 1665 but after having handled a few gens, I must say that most of them look and feel very similar to my modded MBW (but more corroded lol)....and thus I find myself asking do I really need to spend £7-8kGBP? Prices here in the UK/EU (from reputable non internet sellers) generally seem to be notably higher than in the US and I'm not sure whether I want to risk buying a used vintage piece over the internet. Therefore, I find myself wanting to build a franken using as many gen parts as possible. My current watch: Here's my current MBW 1665 (gen service crystal, TC v2 hands, vintage relume and reworked case). Parts that I have collected: Gen NOS service dial and hands (Lumi) Gen NOS service bezel and insert (Lumi) Gen service 93150 clasp (code 's' circa 1990) Clark t39 superdome plexy Gen 1570 (serviced my misiekped), includes, Gen Crown, Gen silver date disc (flat 3),Gens stem, Gen case-screws So here's the dilemma.....what case shall I use. My existing reworked MBW looks pretty good to me. What do you think? (Excuse the RWI tag.....it's an old pic). My existing MBW - note reworked CGs Problem with MBW case....it won't take gen movement. Pic c/o misiekped In the meantime I ordered a Minh-Quy case. It was around $500 cheaper than phong and I believed the two to be comparable. Here's the MQ case next to my gen 16600. MQ (top), 16600(bottom) As you can see the MQ 1665 lug profile is wrong, lugs too tall and the CGs need a LOT of work (inside and out). So I sent the case back saying it's not worth the paid €1050! MQ agreed to replace the case and yesterday provided these pictures showing the proposed new case (bottom) vs. the case they previously sent (top). More pics of the MQ case (already paid for): What you guys think? Shall I accept? Is it any good? CGs look like they still need work? Here are my options: 1. Get existing MBW milled to suit gen movement (CGs look good but will stem height etc be correct for gen 1570?) 2. Use the paid for replacement MQ case (CGs will probably need rework.....but is it any good?) 3. Sell MQ case and buy a phong case (pictured below)? Phong 1666 case. What would you do? Any advice/tips much appreciated.

I'd just send it to a forum modder and get the movement cleaned and serviced. It'll last years afterwards. Alternatively, take the opportunity to swap in a gen 2824.

Wowsers. How beautiful is that dial!!! Congrats boxsash on an amazing acquisition.

No LEC before 2003 ish

Ain't misiekped based there?