droptopman

Nice work. Looks great. I like the insert.

Do not know your budget, but sometimes it is better to source a gen spec aftermarket case for a project like this. Like a Yuki or Phong. We did a 1675 cartel build and I was left with a bunch of parts I did not use or need (dial, bezel assembly, bezel insert, crown/tube, plexi, bracelet). In the end sometimes it is actually more cost effective to just buy a good case and build from there. Also the discussion about crown position is valuable. I bought a franken last year that had been converted from a 2836 to a 2824 and shortly after I received it the movement died. I am no watchsmith, but my watchmaker said the movement died because the crown position was off. We had to replace the movement with one that had the correct position. The builds I have done that turned out the best had a solid project plan that outlined the whole build from start to finish with a spreadsheet to track costs. A bunch of research on the front end; examining others builds that turned out successful and using similar parts and plan. Good luck on the project. Depends on what year/model you are trying to build.

Lol, maybe this weekend. The word on the street is the bracelet/spring bars are a PITA to change. Really do not want to buy a Bergeon tweezer/pliers type tool just for one watch. I will probably just give it a go. Only watch I own without lug holes...

Here you go. Notice the fixed spring bars in the cloth strap.

Couple macros for fun. Give you an idea of textures.

Printed[emoji23]

Thanks brother, Hands are big but fit the watch which is huge to me. Old school minute hand reaches all the way to the chapter ring which is cool. No never been a Tudor or Snowflake guy, but this one kinda sings to me. I tried on the BB and Pelagos on at the AD a few weeks ago and for the most part liked the way they looked and felt better than modern Rolex for far less $$. Almost pulled the string on the blue Pelagos but I already have a 16613 so having two blue watches did not make much sense. So thought about getting an all black Pelagos when they come out. I do like the lumed bezel of the Pelagos and in house movement. When the BBB was released I really liked the look of it so thought I would try one out. In person it really is a nice fusion of modern and vintage and surprisingly wears a lot better than I expected. As I wear it, I seem to like it more.... Other than a real gilt dial the only other thing that would make it better is more of a domed sapphire. @themannier Funny, IMHO the box presentation is better than the new Rolex setup. Plus you get a bonus strap.

Holy smokes man, you find all the best ****. That has to be the last acquirable t-19 SD on the planet. Pretty much finishes that build off. Man that is gorgeous.

Ok change up for the new arrival. My only modern piece.

Ok she is on the wrist for a couple of hours now. Little background information. I am mainly a four and five digit guy and I have tried to love the modern Rolexes but always seem to go back to vintage. First impression: Awesome wrist presence. I was able to get bracelet sized just right. Not quite ready to try and mess with the spring bars to try the fabric strap yet and not sure that will work for me anyways as it will make it sit a touch higher. I have ordered a nice strap from B&S for it. In direct sunlight the dial gives off some cool vintage looking grey tones. After wearing my 1675 in to work today, the BBB is huge by comparison. Not in a bad way but just much beefier. So far it really is better than expected. Has the modern ruggedness and durability but with some vintage flair and notes. The touch of black on the crown tube is a nice addition. Dial is really good, be nice if it was the old school relief gilt but it definitely looks the part. Just does not offer the same effect in sunlight that a real gilt dial does. The lume is truly awesome. After just a few minutes outside she really glows. All and all very happy so far. This may turn out to be a very good relationship at much less cost and risk of wearing a collectable vintage piece. Hopefully this quenches my thirst for another vintage gilt sub. I know my wife would be much happier with this one...LOL

Going with some color today. At least until FedEx shows up with a new arrival[emoji50]

LOL, did not wear off....found one this morning. It will be here tomorrow. Some guy on one of the forums said, "The modern Tudor is the Tyler Durden of Rolex" that sold me.

Lol, that is a crack up. The dreaded Gelena, Shitenerland. The dial should say "[censored] Made"

Go Hawks! [emoji458][emoji458][emoji458]

Agree guys, builds are more fun/rewarding and you can pick the parts to make it exactly like you want. However, better plan on keeping it......resale for high end frankens is tough unless you want to part it out and it is a shame to tear down a beautiful piece. Also buying a vintage gen is a lot different than buying a new one from the store. In many cases it takes just as much time and effort to find what you are looking for. Been shopping multiple sites and sources daily for a long time looking for a 5513.

Very cool stuff here. Been following this thread. Cannot wait to see some finished projects. Good luck!