Case Making 101 - Chapter 3

[jmb]

Time to "stick a fork" in this project. After a bit of brainstorming with Ubi (actually, he did most of the brainstorming) it was decided that an AP Royal Oak band would look pretty good. He took some measurements and I confirmed it was exactly the right size for this case so the band went in the mail.

Milling the "slots" into the case went pretty uneventful but when I was drilling the case for the attachment pins my clamping fixture slipped on one hole and when I was drilling all the way through case and band (for alignment) on the other end the drill bit snapped! Not having any way to get this bit out the watch now has one band lug pin which is a broken drill bit and I have one "tab" which sits recessed from the surface and has a "munch mark" on it... But, this whole exercise was meant to be a learning experience and that it was!

This project will probably stop at this point other than maybe trying to figure out how to graft in a Tudor clasp and finishing the "rough brushing" on the band.

Here are a couple final pics:

Thanks for all of the kind words and encouragement in the other two threads and tagging along with me on this odyssey! Here's hoping I remember mistakes and the next one will turn out perfect.

[redwatch]

Nice end result there J! I really like the combo of the case style and the AP band. It's very unique looking! Definitely a worth while learning experience! I look forward to the next chapter in your case making adventures!

[gran]

AP bracelet on TUDOR looks very good indeed

[chiman12]

The AP bracelet complements this case really well! Nice "one of a kind" protype Tudor jmb!

[ubiquitous]

It was worth a shot! Figured that would be the easiest way to get a somewhat similar style band fitted for the time being...

[dbutlerman]

Very Cool JMB. How many people out there can say they machined their own watch case? 1, and that's it! CONGRATS and great write-ups! Staying tuned for the next JMB Case!

[kbh]

That sure looks like an old Oysterquartz case and bracelet. Great job. too bad about the little "gotcha's".

[Justasgood]

Nice work J. Shame about the snafu. You may as well send that one to me. I can't imagine you wearing such trash.....

[jmb]

K, I'll see if I can find your address...

[Justasgood]

I can probably remember it.....

[OSRep]

Very unfortunate Justin! But as you said, it was a learning experience. The greatest ideas / inventions mostly come from mistakes That case shape and the ROO bracelet are a very good match though. Thanks for keeping us updated

[Greystash]

That's a work of Art jmb. Respect.

[krpster]

Very cool result jmb. If you know any EDM guys you might be able to use a EDM micro drill to get that bit out if there.

[lhooq]

It's like a Tudor-flavored cross between a VCO and a 222. Great result.

[coolfire]

Sweet combo there, jmb!

[bristolmarc]

yOU ARE A TRUE ARTIST!

[TeeJay]

Maybe not the result you'd hoped for, but the AP band really looks the business on the case Excellent work indeed