Newbie need Help

[Wabbit]

Hi everyone. This is my first post in this forum, but I've been spending a lot of time reading previous post to gather information on my first replica project. I'd learned so much from this forum, and I'm about to make a purchase on Joshua's 1680 as a base watch for a 5517. But there are some questions I want to clear before I buy anything...

1. I'm planning to use NDTrading's dial with the feets relocated for 2846. Will the diameter fit the case?

2. Is tropic 19 crystal used in gen 5517? If I want to fit a gen crystal, do I need JMB's retention ring for that? And who's JMB? An address I can contact him would be great.

3. Will gen tube & crown fit this case?

4. Will aftermarket insert for gen fit?

And any suggestions, tips and past experience are very much appreciated. Although, this is not my first time working with watches, but this IS my first time building a replica/tribute watch, so I need all the help I can get.

Thanks for your time.

Wabbit

[freddy333]

The 5517 uses a Tropic 19, but I am not familiar with the case so others will need to provide those answers. In most cases, however, a gen tube/crown can be retrofit with little or no problem.

[jmb]

Wabbit, some of the cartel boyz cases use the oversized retention ring w/plastic shim which will likely cause you some heartburn attempting a crystal change. You might get lucky and be able to get everything pressed back together, but if not PM me for options. I have installed gen tubes in these cases and it's just a matter of removing the old tube, running a tap through to clean threads, slightly countersink the tube hole in the case, and thread the new tube in with blue Loc-Tite...

[Wabbit]

Thanks Freddy333 & JMB.

I'm still choosing between PT's and Joshua's 1680. They cost the same, both have 2846 and both the cases look the same to me. But I remember reading some post saying the PT 1680 will take gen insert, so I think I'm going for the PT.

If I ran into any problem with the fitting of the crystal with the retention ring, I'll definitely PM JMB for help.

Thanks again.

Wabbit