jelliottz

I know not everyone likes being talked out of their goal, but I too went down this rabbit hole of once wanting to build a super Franken 6538, and I gave up before even starting. It wasn't impossible, but feel I used my better judgement and went away from it. As an alternative, might I suggest a Titus Calypsomatic. They start cheaper and Max out in the price range of building a 6538, have very similar characteristics, share the 37mm x 47mm dimensions, many have true negative relief dials, big crowns, and they have easy to service ETA 2472s inside. Here's the one I wear regularly. It's a parts watch I built from what I acquired over time. Dial, case, movement, crystal are original. Bezel is period correct. Hands/crown are replacements. And here's a couple 100% genuine ones I restored. Not a bad profile. It's just a thought, but its a fun way to have a truly vintage piece without most of the headache that the 6538 brings. My hat is off to all the guys who've built themselves a super-franken 6538/5510 or one of the small crown Frankens. You guys are on a whole other level. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

C'mon now... It's Bart Cordell. He made that splendid dial! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hey! I know that watch! The crystal actually needed quite a bit of sanding for 2 reasons. 1) the black finish added thickness to the inside diameter of the bezel. 2) I had to be able to press it on with hands only. I was worried about using a press and scratching the finish. Great build. The 36mm size really works well for the blackout look. It's very understated Iin size, but it has some serious wrist presence. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not mine, but I wish it was. Only with me for the new hands and pearl. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Workbench has been well populated lately. The 7016 only needs a tube to be completed. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I wish this was mine, but I know the owner doesn't mind me sharing it. And here's a few more with my 1963 Titus Calypsomatic big crown. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

1970 Omega Geneve 166.054 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow that looks fantastic! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Yema, the French watch brand, used 19mm fast shoulderless bars on their Superman divers. The bars exist, but they're not common. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Yours is a beauty. Even better story standing behind it. Here's mine. It isn't it a Rolex, but it's vintage, the gilt is real (negative relief), and the crown is small (6.5mm). Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

It was the "special guest" at a RedBar event I was supposed to attend but wasn't able to make it. A friend sent me a picture raving about how I missed it. This was the only picture he sent me, but it immediately didn't look right to me. Spending too much time here and researching pictures, I guess. My gut was right. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

What do you think RWG? Is this a genuine 6536? Says it's pre-1959. Something doesn't feel right to me. All service dial/hands/insert? Aftermarket? What are your thoughts? Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk Pictures always help. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Nice to see you bringing your dial over here. Glad it's going well. Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Is this limited to a small run of PCG 5512s? Just the explorer dials? Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Do you have any pictures of the watch in pieces? I'm going to be taking one apart shortly. Would love to see everything before having at it. Thanks! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk