ubiquitous Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 I've always admired the IWC Portuguese Chronograph, a simple and elegant 2 register chrono design with leaf hands, but found myself always shying away from this watch; the A7750 mod seconds at 6:00 in the rep has always been notorious for it's reliability issues, and buying a gen wasn't the highest priority on my to-do list. Not because it wasn't worthy (it most certainly is), but rather because there was always something more... Or maybe less dressy for me to want. When Concepta starting offering gen movements for IWC's, things got pretty interesting. When Bricciola started modifying rep cases to accept the gen 79350 movement, things became even more interesting. So, after some inquiries, contemplation and some commitment, I went forward with securing my own modified Port Chrono The next few weeks would prove to be an exercise in patience. Now, usually I like to build my own projects, however the rep case needs to be machined down on a lathe to precision spec in order to facilitate fit of the movement; a task that's beyond my ability or tool set, so Bricciola was asked to handle the handywork. Below are some pics of the process. I have to say, it's a rare day when I'm on this side of project, but the anticipation made this a fun endeavor. And in my hands... Sorry for the poor pics; rainy day here today. Better pics will be taken on the next sunny day Still trying to figure out what kind of strap I want to use with this; color, style, texture, etc. Since I usually wear my watches on bracelet, this might take me a while to figure out what combo to go with... Thanks for looking! //ubi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gatchaman Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 (edited) You had me at picture 3. Un-freaking-believable! I hope that IWC realizes the passion we have for their watches. Whether we may be sporting gens or reps on our wrists, we LOVE IWC WATCHES! This shows true passion. Its not just some guy hacking together a fake. Its a passionate watchmaker. Bravo! Great post, ubiquitous! Edited October 6, 2009 by Gatchaman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HauteHippie Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 Gorgeous, R. Really. Very beautiful. A nice black gator strap with black stitch would finish it off handsomely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
concepta Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 Really happy you liked it! It's a true beauty and with the 79350 installed it's a keeper for lifetime! Thanks Ubi! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sander Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 Very nice set you got there. As Chief said, I would put an all black croc on it. I have a black croc with white stitch for it but for some reason, I think that the all black one looks better. Did you have any problems fitting the rep hand on the gen movement? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sander Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 I forgot....I was wondering why the balance was removed on the 4th pic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
concepta Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 Very nice set you got there. As Chief said, I would put an all black croc on it. I have a black croc with white stitch for it but for some reason, I think that the all black one looks better. Did you have any problems fitting the rep hand on the gen movement? Still waiting for that AP ;-$ Domi put gen hands on this one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hongkytonkman Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 great job mate! I've just received the gen 79350 as well, and trying to find someone local who can handle the job.. A few questions for ya.. Looking at the crown, it seems the crown position has not been changed as in previous Sander's mod.. what was done to accept the gen movement without drilling out the crown hole? Did Domi shorten the pushers as well? I've always thought the rep pushers looked longer compared to the gen pics.. B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadtorrent Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 WOOOWW!!! The Panda dial is the one I wanted. Awesome... Is that a gen handset and rep dial? I don't recall a gen dial being sold in the panda version (or reverse panda I guess with white on black vs. black on white). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kgbAgent Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 I have bought 3 reps of the 3714 - 2x 3714-17 1x 3714-01 versions over the last 2 years from stores in Vietnam & Thailand. I also have also bought a 3714-64 from a member here that was supposedly reliable. All dead within months Enroute as we speak is a modded 3714-17 with a gen movement fitted. The watchmaker adjusted the rep case & hands to fit plus a gen crown is fitted. I will post pics when it arrives but I have on-sold it to a friend. I now have a 3714-17 and a 3714-01 on the boil. These will be rep cases modded for gen movements; gen dial & hands & gen crown. The only other task will be dubbleAR. The straps have yet to be confirmed but am leaning towards Hamilton Iguana's as I dont care to pass it off as a gen. Yes .... it is a relatively costly process but I reckon it is 3x cheaper than a used gen with no guarantee & as this is my grail watch it is worth it. Note also that it has been very difficult to get gen parts for IWC in general so I took advantage of the current possibilities. He who hesitates misses out A quick aside on this process --- patience is a necessity. I started the original project in late June and it will arrive this week. The people who did this job were at their first attempt so I expect my next projects to be a faster proposition & for others following this route also a benefit. A lot of the peeps offering services on here seem to operate on the "it's my 2nd job" principle and it can take quite some time for replies to pm's. My teeth have been ground down a lot Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 Very very nice, shows how great RWG is when we can come together and help each other. Congrats, me thinks the old Daytona's are going to feel left out over the next while...who wants and El Primero anyway... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member X Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 Lovely project, congrats If I had any money I'd be going down the same route as nothing I've seen comes close to how good these look! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwatch Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 Stunning Ubi!!! Congrats! So, besides the movement, is anything else gen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted October 7, 2009 Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 Ubi- Absolutely stunning watch. Wear that one well. - Kruz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted October 7, 2009 Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 Absolutely love it. Smart, elegant and somewhat understated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest avitt Posted October 7, 2009 Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 That's a beauty...A keeper, for sure! Oh, and I also vote for black gator! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted October 7, 2009 Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 A nice rich cognac or reddish brown gator might be nice too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted October 7, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 Thanks for the kind words one and all. I spent the better part of yesterday admiring my new Port, and I have to say that I am quite smitten There are a few things that I think I might change over time; a gen dial would be nice to have, as well as chief AR. The only gen parts on the watch right now are the movement, and I believe the hands, so a gen dial would make for a very nice match to these parts. One thing I have noticed about this watch- It is very difficult to capture in photos! That big domed crystal reflects everything... AR should fix that. Yesterday I picked up a cheapie black on black strap; I wanted to test the waters with the color combo, and I also needed something to at least get me through until I can get a proper strap fitted But at least I can finally put my gen buckle to use! Thanks again for your comments. Much appreciated. //ubi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
concepta Posted October 7, 2009 Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 Thanks for the kind words one and all. I spent the better part of yesterday admiring my new Port, and I have to say that I am quite smitten There are a few things that I think I might change over time; a gen dial would be nice to have, as well as chief AR. The only gen parts on the watch right now are the movement, and I believe the hands, so a gen dial would make for a very nice match to these parts. One thing I have noticed about this watch- It is very difficult to capture in photos! That big domed crystal reflects everything... AR should fix that. Yesterday I picked up a cheapie black on black strap; I wanted to test the waters with the color combo, and I also needed something to at least get me through until I can get a proper strap fitted But at least I can finally put my gen buckle to use! Thanks again for your comments. Much appreciated. //ubi I have tried all night to take pics off the black one..it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pollux1 Posted October 7, 2009 Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 Simply Beautiful R, this level of workmanship is truly the grail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meatwad Posted October 8, 2009 Report Share Posted October 8, 2009 Man - you might as well try to get the Face and the AR done at this point as you are 90% there for a fraction of the cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted October 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2009 Working on getting both on the to-do list now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooky Posted October 8, 2009 Report Share Posted October 8, 2009 Is a gen dial on this one really an enormous improvement? I think the Chieftang AR will be the best option at the stage you are now at. I also have the chieftang AR on my portuguese and it looks awesome. The movement, the modded A7750 I have had it serviced, complete overhaul by my local watch guy who serviced orginal IWC portuguese as well. It runs better now, but of course still the jerky seconds hand because of the 5 gears train. Strap I got from HKTAN, all black croco. Is really great. Thanks for the great post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted October 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 A gen dial is probably of minimal impact aesthetically, but since obtaining one isn't terribly painful, I'll opt to do so out of principle. And since the AR will make the dial even that much more visible, I don't think it will hurt to have it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 Awesome.. Awesome.. Ubi !!!! nuff said.... AC Lani Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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