6497 1:1 Project; proper cotes de geneve, micro engraving and rhodium plating

[kbiz]

I'm looking to possibly do a run of correct 6497 movements for contemporary pams... first for the most current version and possibly later for the earlier. Problem is it has proven too difficult to find swiss 6497s in the high beat... So I'm looking at the Chinese Seagull ST36 like the kind from Getat... I have the ability to do the proper cotes de geneve and pearlage as well as the micro fine engraving and rhodium plating... what I'm trying to figure out is if I can actually source a movement that's close enough where I don't have to machine all the screws and re-blue them, etc. It's only worth the trouble if it's possible to be spot on!

So far I've looked at Getat and Jackson TSE and the Getat version pictured looks better than Jackson which seems strange because I'd think they came from the same place... Here's some pics:

Jackson:

Getat:

Here's the Gen:

The Getat description:

$35

Description : Asian Seagull 6497 hand-winding mechanical movement with H3 (tall) canon pinion. With Swan Neck.

Functions : 2 hands with small second at 9 o'clock.

Running time : 48 hours after full-winding

Beats per hour : 21,600

Jewels : 17

Size : 36.6mm x 4.5mm

Included : movement, stem, 2 small mounting plates & 2 small mounting screws.

So issues I've noticed so far:

-screws look a little shiny but at least they're not rounded like the Jackson ones...

-anti shock looks like it's probably fake and maybe rotates around

-anti shock has the wrong shape but that can be swapped out

-swan neck is a bit off as in not a 1:1 shape

-winding wheels have wrong bevel and decoration is bad

-winding wheels screws are way too rounded

Anyone see any other issues? Also if you know a better source of movement let me know...

Edited January 25, 2011 by kbiz

[Drulee]

Jackson must have gone to another supplier, or not updated his pics. All the ones I've received from him (albeit this was last year) have looked much better and have the proper dagger shape.

[Rolexfinder]

K,

Before you order, you have to ask those suppliers take pics of the current stock for you. Believe me, they will have different movements from different factories.

Best regards,

Paul

[Drulee]

Just looking at Jackson's pic again, that's a low-beat movement (notice large balance wheel), not the high-beat one. So probably a very old pic.

[kbiz]

K,

Before you order, you have to ask those suppliers take pics of the current stock for you. Believe me, they will have different movements from different factories.

Best regards,

Paul

Thanks Paul... I know you know

[grifter]

Kbiz, bro when you find the right movement and start this run... I'm in for sure!

[Adz]

I'm 100% in for sure. Might take 2

[coolfire]

This will be an awesome project once it comes to fruition!

[capice]

I'm in m8 for 2 or 3 on the Getat

[gianton]

I am in for 1 too, let us know approx. what the price will be.

[PeteM]

Quick EM sent mate

[tutima]

I'll need at least one...Blank no engraving...

[kbiz]

I'll need at least one...Blank no engraving...

no engraving what are you gonna put it in?

[PaulVanDyk]

ill be down for 1 as well

[redwatch]

Interesting project. Add Francisco's Incabloc mod, and you will have a pretty gen like movement

[wat44]

has getat recently changed his movements?

there is a big red message on his homepage

[kbiz]

yeah looks like he is maybe replacing the seagull with super crap junk 6497... he can probably still get the seagoing though... but there are other sellers of the seagull movement.

[tutima]

no engraving what are you gonna put it in?

I have been looking left and right for a good upside down engraved one for my EL 217...A Francisco decal sticker may be my last resort on a nicely finished blank movement...

[kbiz]

I have been looking left and right for a good upside down engraved one for my EL 217...A Francisco decal sticker may be my last resort on a nicely finished blank movement...

If I do this run I'll be able to do some destros as well... micro engraving via chemical mill using photo masks... just a matter of turning the photo mask upside down

[Jimster]

+ 1 for a destro!

[mjmurphy926]

I'd be in for at least 1!

[sonicpath]

I need 2pcs

[juancodb]

I will take 3

[subbiesrock]

Prob 1 for me

[tutima]

If I do this run I'll be able to do some destros as well... micro engraving via chemical mill using photo masks... just a matter of turning the photo mask upside down

That is great news...

Can't wait to see this project get started...