ubiquitous Posted April 19, 2010 Report Posted April 19, 2010 As folks that build project watches will likely know how such things typically occur, left over parts from such endeavors are not uncommon. I'm currently working on a slow, long, drawn out project where most everything that can go wrong has gone wrong, but I digress; such is not the topic for this post. However relevant, the movement donor for that project was a 5500 Air King. A small little guy at 34mm in size, but it had the correct 1520 that I wanted, so alas it was sacrificed for the engine inside Normally, the empty left over shell would just sit in my collection of other donor cases, but for some reason I felt compelled to give this particular case a second look. Dunno what really set this instance apart, but I had a sudden urge to build it into a secondary project of sorts. Let me just say that this secondary effort turned out better than I was expecting, and better than the primary project that I'm still wrestling with. -Gen Air King 5500 case/caseback/bezel (34mm) -Gen 6mm 602-0 -Aftermarket gloss/gilt Explorer Precision dial -SS rep hands gilted and aged -ETA 2824 -Gen 7835 folded link bracelet Hands modified and ready to go. Dial mounted... Then hands... And cased. Bracelet fitted: Overall, this one's a little too small for my preference, but maybe Mrs. Ubi will enjoy it?
redwatch Posted April 19, 2010 Report Posted April 19, 2010 Very, very nice Ubi! The aged hands look fantastic!! Are the endlinks a little off?
ubiquitous Posted April 19, 2010 Author Report Posted April 19, 2010 Thanks, fellers. The size of this watch just looks ridiculous on me; granted, my wrists are not very big, but still, it's a small watch Looks at home on Mrs. Ubi's wrist, however... And my 6 year old son could probably sport it as well. The bracelet end links are tweaked quite a bit, but I believe they are correct for this model (357 end links). I've managed to straighten them out, but given the age and wear on it, they're sitting a bit loose at the lugs still... Bracelet is actually from my big bro Lanikai!
freddy333 Posted April 19, 2010 Report Posted April 19, 2010 Brilliant work (as usual), Ubi. Like you, I also have an AK case left over from an old project that has been on my mind lately. I think I may just have to follow your lead here.
stilty Posted April 19, 2010 Report Posted April 19, 2010 Way to recycle and go green! Very, very, nice. the hands look awesome! did you convert the 2824-2 down to non-date function? 2 pos. stem?
Ronin Posted April 19, 2010 Report Posted April 19, 2010 Fantastic! Just need to see some pics of it on Mrs. Ubi!
chiman12 Posted April 19, 2010 Report Posted April 19, 2010 Excellent! Look at those beautiful gilt hands!!!!
Toadtorrent Posted April 20, 2010 Report Posted April 20, 2010 Love it Ubi. I do like that bracelet...and the gilt look is fantastic.
TeeJay Posted April 20, 2010 Report Posted April 20, 2010 Very nice indeed It took me a while to get used to it, but I've come to really love that dial layout, as it's a nice change from the norm of the regular Rollie dials
jmb Posted April 20, 2010 Report Posted April 20, 2010 Tasty! I'm starting to like ALL no-date models, even the ones without CGs!
ubiquitous Posted April 20, 2010 Author Report Posted April 20, 2010 Couple of new pics... First one is after end link tweaking for an improved fit And the next are some comparisons for scale of size... I decided to wear this one to the office today, and in all honesty the case doesn't feel as small as it seemed when I initially tried this one on
Cats Posted April 20, 2010 Report Posted April 20, 2010 Nice work Ubi that a real gifts for the lady. Carpe Diem Cats
alligoat Posted April 20, 2010 Report Posted April 20, 2010 Looking good RS! I'd love to hear abnout the gilding of the hands from ss to gold- they look great.
Star69 Posted April 20, 2010 Report Posted April 20, 2010 sweet ! how about a wristshot ? cheers, Frank
lhooq Posted April 20, 2010 Report Posted April 20, 2010 Wow, how did I miss this? It's beautiful, ubi!
HauteHippie Posted April 20, 2010 Report Posted April 20, 2010 Looks nice, R. Love that crystal profile in the case too. You might find it to be an attractive and comfortable piece to wear after giving it a chance! I honestly don't think it's too small.
Brightight Posted April 20, 2010 Report Posted April 20, 2010 Beautiful work, I love this, simple and elegant. I've often wondered if I could successfully wear a 34mm. The 36mm DJ is fine on my wrist so I would guess so, what's a millimetre here or there..................... getting very tempted to try.
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