Ozlee

On 1/2/2022 at 10:45 PM, automatico said:

"I wonder where can I find a Frankenstein (GMF) watches do you know any TD who sells it?"

 

When I posted the lead on this thread three years ago a 'GMF' vintage rlx 55xx was still somewhat affordable.  It is most likely not that way now because of the rapid rise in rlx 15xx movement prices.

A 1520/60/70 rlx movement could be found three years ago for around $1200 in good running order but the same thing today is often $2000 or more and may not be in very good condition.  This makes a '5512/13/1680' GMF-stein go up over $3000 counting a high grade case, dial, and a pretty good bracelet...plus labor if you can not do it all yourself.

 

Keep an eye on the 'for sale' posts and maybe one will show up, complete or a project with most or all of the critical parts.  Other than that, some parts dealers have complete GMF watches for sale but they are highly priced.

 

Btw...the '5512 GMF' mentioned above now has a nos ETA 2879 in it and it performs about the same as before and is more reliable in the long run because of the worsening rlx part$ situation.  This makes a similar watch project cost around $1200 or $1500 instead of around $3000 and it looks exactly the same.

 

Modern rlx watch projects are quite a bit different because good cases can be found for around $75 to $100 and 3135 clone movements are $200 or so.  They are a different kettle of fish, like sardines compared to New Zealand King $almon.  Ha!  

Thanks for the fast, well explained respond!

the easy you can spot a AP ROO is the date wheel + the thickness of the case cover ( the fake is almost 1-2 mm thicker)

I wonder where can I find a Frankenstein (GMF) watches do you know any TD who sells it ?