mille metri plexi mod

[mellons]

Now that I know it actually works time to post up this mille metri mod. Special mention to esdee, tan, dow  without whose input this mod would not have been possible. Kpoy was great to deal with and very patient making these.

 

When looking at a number of gen images we concluded that at least one gen had a domed plexi:

http://rolexfan-world.blogspot.ie/2012/12/panerai-mille-metri-prototype-divers.html

 

After some too-ing and frooing between Esdee and Tan/ Dow here is final drawing of plexi mod (top is esdee's sapphire, bottom is 6mm domed plexi)

 

 

I got onto alex (kpoy) to make these and he didnt disappoint- measurements were spot on!

 

Here is one polished plexi

 

 

I didnt polish sides, just top and bottom surface, and it looks much better installed than mineral (gap) and also slight texture looks great on surface. There is no distortion whatsoever, and sharp edge on upper surface did polish out. 

On the batch i received i should have polished and sanded the upper sides: the bezel did not move freely and i sanded after installation: this would be better to complete in advance of install.

 

Here are some progress shots  (thanks tan for step-by-step instructions!):

 

 

 

mineral crystal out!

 

 

Plexi in!

 

 

Now some beauty shots (after sanding in sides to get bezel moving freely): nice lens-effect at oblique angle

 

 

 

finally wristie:

 

 

slight lens looks cool at very oblique angle and there is no distortion!

[Ephry73]

Wow! I cannot wait to get mine started. How's the crystal under water Mel?

[ubiquitous]

Very, very nice. The plexi makes for a very significant difference!

[mellons]

watertight at moment- haven't tried in pool but showerproof etc.

 

critical dimensions for gaskets etc. confirmed by esdee and as per drawing (1.75mm high dim is the critical one for the lower section- if higher ok lower and wr may be affected)

 

iir ennebi have a 1000m rated plexi model in their range also....

Edited March 8, 2013 by mellons

[Athaya]

This is nice mel.. enjoy

[FxrAndy]

That is a nice slight dome effect, looks good

[mellons]

another mod here- patinated bronze bezel:

 

this finish wears really well after a day or two

 

 

patina lightens up on shaprp edges etc- 

 

 

 

[Ephry73]

I liked my Seiko with the Domed crystal specially when diving, the dome made it easier to read time at an angle under water without moving the wrist too much. The dome almost gave the the dial a good 20* of play which worked out great underwater. Thanks again Mel

 

E