ubiquitous Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 A few months ago, my good friend justasgood had sent me some bits and parts that he had sitting around; the task was to try and salvage what I could from this grab bag of stuff to see what we could build. For the past few weeks, I had vaguely alluded to some projects I was working on, but never provided much in the way of specifics; one such project is still under wraps, but the other, which is for my friend justasgood, can be seen herein below I should preface this by saying that justasgood has had no idea what I've been up to. No information, pics or detail has been provided; he's been essentially kept in the dark as I wanted this to be a surprise. I haven't even PM'd him yet about this subject, so he is more or less finding out about the results of this project along with everyone else here on RWG I know this has been driving him crazy, but I felt that the surprise would be fun. Plus, I'm a little sadistic like that So... In the above mentioned grab bag of bits and bobs, there was a case that stood out as... Interesting... To say the least. An MBW case, in fairly nice shape, but missing the crystal ring and another issue- the lug holes drilled way too large: The above pics show said lug holes- Those are aftermarket 2mm springbars in there to give an idea of scale! They're swimming in those holes! So... I spent a few days thinking of these lug holes, and contemplated as to whether the case was even worth using. Then it hit me... I knew exactly what this case was destined to become. I contacted fellow forum buddy jmb, and bounced a few ideas off of him. After a few exchanges of PMs, the case was on it's way to his shop, where a proposed solution was to be applied. However, before the case was shipped, I started some preliminary work on giving the case some clean up. First the CG's were shaped up a little (they were uneven and the inside corners rounded): And I took the dings out from the underside of the lugs: Okay, then... Case shipped and now it's time to wait. While jmb had the case, he also worked on fabricating some crystal rings as well: Let me just say... jmb is quite handy with the lathe! After a few short weeks, the case found it's way back to me; the modifications made to fix the holes completed and successful! So, what was the fix? We'll get to that in a sec... First, I had some more work to do on those CGs Sat down and spent a couple of minutes to turn these out: Okay... Now about those lugs holes... I asked jmb to essentially drill the existing lug holes larger and press in some fixed lugs, which he custom fabricated from 2mm steel bars. He turned these bars down to 1.7mm, and pressed those suckers right in. I think you see where this is going now Here are the crude beginnings... And roughing out: Finishing up with flush lug bar ends and I brushed the sides as per gen: Next, I purchased an NDT dial, as it had the nicest circle T, and overall, very pleasing to look at. I removed the dial feet and secured the dial to a 2783 movement; test fit in the case to ensure proper fit: Alignment grid: And, the next step was a set of hands. Finding decent hands was perhaps the most daunting task of this project. I purchased a couple of sets; one seller sent me the wrong hands TWICE, and the other dealer just couldn't find what I was looking for. This is where my good friend jeff g stepped in and helped me with a solution. He had a vintage Omega Seamaster rep that he wasn't too pleased with, and he provided this watch for a hands donor (thanks buddy). I still have to figure out a way to repay him for saving my skin Hands arrived today, and now it's time to get things together... Yeah... Hands are a touch too long, but they do the job and they do it well! Quick and dirties... There are a couple of small issues that still need to be worked out; of course, the insert is not a 60 mark example as found on most MilSubs, but I've seen plenty of 5513/5517s with the standard insert installed. The hands, dial and pearl are all mismatched... And no engraving on the caseback since this started as a standard MBW case. These are all things that I will leave to justasgood to do if he feels that such items need to be addressed. For now, I'm just happy to see it all in one piece and ticking away... This has been quite the ongoing project for me, and I have to say, it's come a long way Better pics to come... I need to clean the hands off a bit; for the time being I'm stress testing it to make sure everything works as it should, nothing touching or overlapping etc. I purchased a nice, new Maratac G10 strap to go with it for my buddy; for now it's situated on my own strap so his will be minty new the day he straps it to his wrist. If you've managed to make it this far... Thanks Apologies now for any incoherent sentences, grammatical errors, etc. Long day today, and so I sort of breezed through this write up... All the best, //ubi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deniz21 Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 awsome work man, and a great result ..thumbs up for ya :thumbsupsmileyanim: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 :thumbsupsmileyanim: :thumbsupsmileyanim: :thumbsupsmileyanim: Awesome work all round Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justasgood Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 I am f'ing speechless......and I won't lie in telling you that I have shed more than a few tears of amazed joy and humble ecstasy. You my friend have gone way too far......and for that I am eternally thankful. To be clear, I simply sent this man a box of junk and simply asked that if he had a chance, perhaps he could use most of it and perhaps build me a simple watch with the leftovers. Ubi, not only are your skillz in what you do evident for all to see, your ability to bring a man to tears by such a gesture are far often sadly overlooked.....not to mention your sadistic ability to torture via tight lipped silence. If by now you haven't noticed, I really need something good to happen in my life...............and I think it just did. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltatahoe Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 great to see a fun project like this between friends looking forward to the next phase of the project. perhaps a trip up north for a vintage tritium-style lume to get everything to match? regardless, great stuff ubi -- i know justasgood is going to be thrilled deltatahoe EDIT to add: i see the man himself replied just as i was writing my post; not surprising to see his response. great stuff guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolexmaniac88 Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Great result ! As soon as i saw the MBW case, i knew where this was going! Very nice project. Kinda like toomuchgear 5517 which was a true piece of art. With a nice job on the dial so it appears older, this will be a nice addition to anyone's collection for SURE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoTone Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 That totally rocks Ubi... The gesture as well as the piece... Double T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Another gesture that exemplifies RWG. Nice job Ubi! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justasgood Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Another gesture that exemplifies RWG. Nice job Ubi! Thanks for that V.......I am overwhelmed by this man's kindness and this (RWG)families closeness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torresp Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Respect Ubi ! can't say anything more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justasgood Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Thanks also to jmb for incredible work(and keeping Ubi's secret) and jeff G. for lending a hand and hands :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Very nice, RS! Did you use an old 702 crwon and tube on this project? It's also cool to see a NDT dial fitting in an MBW case- I'd like to know how that went. Overall it's a great job, congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Now this is a "birthday" present to be proud of ... being RWG's big day and all... Nicely done, gents! She's a beauty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HauteHippie Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 I am f'ing speechless......and I won't lie in telling you that I have shed more than a few tears of amazed joy and humble ecstasy. You my friend have gone way too far......and for that I am eternally thankful. To be clear, I simply sent this man a box of junk and simply asked that if he had a chance, perhaps he could use most of it and perhaps build me a simple watch with the leftovers. Ubi, not only are your skillz in what you do evident for all to see, your ability to bring a man to tears by such a gesture are far often sadly overlooked.....not to mention your sadistic ability to torture via tight lipped silence. If by now you haven't noticed, I really need something good to happen in my life...............and I think it just did. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Let me just say that I happened to catch wind of this project a month or so ago when Ubi and I crossed paths in dealing with NDT, and I told him then and I'll tell you now that I was extremely touched and amazed by the gesture despite not being personally involved whatsoever. This forum has brought some amazing people together and this weekend I'll actually have the opportunity to meet one of the best in person for the first time... Mr. Ubi himself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justasgood Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Let me just say that I happened to catch wind of this project a month or so ago when Ubi and I crossed paths in dealing with NDT, and I told him then and I'll tell you now that I was extremely touched and amazed by the gesture despite not being personally involved whatsoever. This forum has brought some amazing people together and this weekend I'll actually have the opportunity to meet one of the best in person for the first time... Mr. Ubi himself. Chief, give him a great big hug and deep long wet kiss...........um,.....I mean shake his hand for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dluddy Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Beautifully executed Ubi and I couldn't think of a more deserving fellow K This is the spirit of RWG It's not just about the watch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 All the best I think that just about sums it all up. Considering the (high) level Ubi & Co have already achieved, I would would consider having Ziggy or Ken relume the dial/hands (in white or slightly off white) & installing a gen movement & bezel/insert/pearl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmb Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Well, this turned out nicely! I'm glad it's no longer a secret... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brendo22 Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 I am a newer member on the forum, and I have enjoyed every minute on here since. I have been truly amazed by the amount of generosity that I have seen displayed by so many people and specifically the "old school" most knowledgeable members (you know who you are) These guys don't have to help anyone out, offer advice, etc. and yet all my personal experiences that I have sought advice, etc. have been more than pleasurable. From a "newbie" I thank you guys. To Kurt, the act of generosity that you extended to me, is something that you didn't have to do and you extended without request. That is something that isn't just generosity, it is the sign of great character. The touching act that Ubi has just extended to you I know has many other forum members here you have helped, like me, that silently applaud as they read Ubi's post. Once again you deserve it man! Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justasgood Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Hehe....look what I found....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justasgood Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Well, this turned out nicely! I'm glad it's no longer a secret... Well done J, Well done. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FxrAndy Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 What a great story, gesture/s and people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoJo35 Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Awesome job, love the 7020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkay Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offshore Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Really great stuff Ubi , this does truly exemplify the spirit of this place, and is something which is not seen much, if ever, elsewhere. It is one reason I still hang around here, even after now almost 10 years playing with watches.(and no longer collecting reps) There is a saying around this place, "Pass it forward", and I well know justasgood has done that very thing on many occasions, so here is also a little karma, and maybe some "Pass it back"! There will only ever be one true RWG in spirit! Offshore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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