jkirke

Thanks again for all the comments. The watch was originally assembeled by a modder over at RG. It ticks, but the hands don't turn, and the dial does sit low. Thats why I purchased the FGD dial, and a new movement and am sending it off to master The Zigmeister for the completion.

I'm still looking for a 201a caseback if anyone has one to spare. I know I can get it from DSN, but I was hoping to get one mroe locally (CONUS) instead of waiting ages for it from China.

Thanks again!

Stunning work bro. I can't wait to ship off my 201a project for assembling. It'll be on its way to you this time tomorrow!!!

The new Ti CG's i've seen DSN produce have been very very thick. They look really really good IMO. I'd send him an e-mail and see what you can get!

looks wonderful bro. can't wait to see what we're in store for!!

now thats a stunning rep. i've got the same watch (from Angus) on the same Red12 strap. perfect combination IMO. beautiful shots!

Yeah. I've already talked with DSN about the CB, but was hoping that someone might have one laying around the house not being used before I sent payment to DSN.

Thanks for the comment 'mwee'!!

I first have to thank EVERYONE here at RWG and fellow members at Repgeek for all of the assistance in sourcing the correct parts to put together my (and many many other paneristi's) grail watch.

It started about 8 months ago when I first saw a post by 'Rolli'. I noticed that he had a long list of Panerai watches in his signature. I scrolled through them and noticed that he had a couple of sections devoted to my all time fav.....the 201a.

I looked at his pics, read his details, and decided that his was the path I wanted to head down. I must say, even though I've not exchanged PM's with Rolli about my project, I must thank him for including all of his build details, right down to where he sourced his parts, in his thread.

First thing I did was contact Andrew about getting an SS case with genuine sapphire crystal. Sent the money, he delivered, and CHECK. Part one acquired!

Second off was BLIND LUCK!!! the day after placing my order with Andrew, there was a DSN 201a dial and hands for sale here. Contacted seller, sent the money, he delivered, and CHECK. Part two acquired!

Third was contacting Tourby, and getting my hands on a t_60 crown. This was purchased, sent and delivered before many members here noticed that 48 teeth were more appropriate than the 60. Not a problem.....

....this is where parts 4, 5 and 6 come into play.

Not only do I have 'Rolli' to thank, but I also have to throw a shout out to my bro 'bwhitesox' for an amazing deal on a SICK SICK package that included a t_48 crown, FGD 201a dial, and a beautiful BEAUTIFUL eta6497 movement!!!!(he also threw in a t_60 crown for the hell of it!)

After sourcing the original parts (case fron Andrew, t_60 crown, DSN dial and hands, incorrect solid caseback, and a spare asian 6497), I sent it off to master REX over at Repgeek for assembly.

He did such a stellar job putting it all together, and once it was delivered I thought I was set. Then the other parts started rolling in (que bwhitesox).

Now i've got an already beautiful (IMO) 201a. I love the look on the Gunny Caitlin II strap, and my pre-A CG from member 'oncyte' (thanks to oncyte for an incredible deal on this beautiful CG)........but now that i've got an immaculate movement, FGD dial, and t_48 crown, the thought of completing this project brings tears to my baby blue eyes!! I can't wait to get some actual tritum into that dial......ooooo baby!!

Again, I can't thank ALL OF YOU here and my fellow geeks over at RG enough for the help. You've truly assisted in making this 26 year old middle school art teachers dream come true!!

enough dribble, onto the pics!

~excuse the thumbprint on the crystal @12 in the first pic~

Last pic has the t_48 and of course the FGD dial!

Any comments are appreciated. And if any of you out there possibly have the final key to my project (correcet caseback) I'll pay top dollar.

Gawd I'm lovin it too bro. Super sweet rep!!

Excellent work bro. nice attention to detail.

another beautiful build from another great member!!

cheers bro!

Absolutly lovin this beast!!

Ohhhh wowwie wow wow my friend. You've got a true master piece there.

The Zigmeister knows how to do it.

cheers to the franken build!!

I think I read somewhere that it's a Gorilla Strap from Vanilla Gorilla.

The combination really does look beautiful!!

If you want a good one, i'd go with Andrew. It'll come with an open caseback that has panerai engravings on it, but i'm sure you could easily source a sterile caseback for less than $30.

If you're going to build, you can go the same route that i'm going.

Andrew case w/ gen sapphire, hands, caseback, FDG dial, getting ready to send off to Avitt for his famous DLC coating as soon as my pre-a CG arrives.

or if you want one already put together, go the DSN route. he does such great work with EVERYTHING!!

sure was beautiful piece bro. i'm doing the same. moving out anything that's not a panerai, and getting into the pre-a's and pre-v's. the historic beauty is just stunning.

good luck with the future builds.

got my FGD dial this morning. can't wait to get my 201a project underway.

beautiful strap combination. really gives it that vintage look that it deserves.

cheers on all!

found my next project.

absolutly beautiful my friend. PVD movement really sets it off!!

UPO on DiModelle Aviator. I like it!!

Newest arrival. Glad I got the upgraded version. the AR, Date, and cyclops make a HUGE difference!

excellent piece my friend. how can you NOT love that Anthricite dial? beautiful!

I thank GOD for the t-crown!!!

Beautiful franken sattop. You were right......you really DO know your Panerai!

The photographs look wonderful my friend. I've always been a little bit of a fan of this model. Was always hoping someone would rep it. Now that it's done, might need to get it on the wrist.

Excellent close-ups of the engraving. It's a good photo example of what you stated.

Overall, I think you've got one good watch!!

Your work looks stunning my friend. Absolutly stunning.

Wonderful piece Chinkie and possibly the best strap for the watch!!

I really really do love that caseback. Beautiful piece Sql_pl.