Mapman57 Posted March 21, 2013 Report Share Posted March 21, 2013 My Franken MBW 1665 GWSD has been a long time favourite of mine and gets a lot of wrist time for both business and pleasure. A couple of months back I installed a used vintage wrapped 703 to replace the Gen modern 704 monoblock crown. The watch has always had a 'watch queen' look - intended as a serviced, minty piece, from 1978. Fitted with rare, late service Luminova T dial, modern service insert and 704 crown. As I own two Gen Rolex pieces from the late 1970's, I thought that I best start to get the case shape and condition better reflecting a piece of this age. I have collected many pictures and used my '79 Sub as a benchmark for 'softness' and finish. I am delighted with the progress, as this really matches the look and feel of my 1979 'Snowflake' Submariner (essentially a 1680 Oyster case set). I have reworked the case, chamfering the lugs, then softening back and polishing. The lug holes have been modded and the CGs reworked. The whole feel is just that more credible now. Still more to do...................but here she is for now in a few quick BB Curve shots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted March 21, 2013 Report Share Posted March 21, 2013 Looks good. What is next on your list of to-dos? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mapman57 Posted March 21, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2013 Thanks freddy, much appreciated :-) I still feel the watch is a little too new looking and unworn? I expect I will gently age and soften it more, to match the crown vintage. The service insert has no age obviously. I am not sure when this insert was first available. If they are some years old as original equipment, I could add some patina perhaps? Alternatively, I can leave it all as is? Allsuggestions and guidance most welcome :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mapman57 Posted March 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 Freddy - I would like to achieve this next ?????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mapman57 Posted March 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 This is the pair of watches that I have used - 1979 Gen Snowy and Rep 1978 Rep 1665... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgtguk Posted March 22, 2013 Report Share Posted March 22, 2013 Beautiful work M, awesome looking piece but that Snowy looks a bit unloved best send her my way I promise I'll look after her Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mapman57 Posted March 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 Beautiful work M, awesome looking piece but that Snowy looks a bit unloved best send her my way I promise I'll look after her Thanks ! I'll get her in the post right away! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 Freddy - I would like to achieve this next ?????? Looks too new to me. A tool watch should look used Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mapman57 Posted March 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 Freddy, the gen pic I posted was to depict the helium valve! The mbw version is a real tell. Yours looks stunning, I will have to get to work on mine again. The case can certainly take more wear and tear. Just a faded insert would also add character. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 Yes, the reason I posted that old pic is because it shows the working Hev I put in my MBW mid-case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 A tool watch should look used Here ya go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 Exactly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mapman57 Posted March 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 Thanks Freddy / Nanuq - great inspiration there! now off to find a tutorial on the helium valve upgrade..............................if anyone has a link, please chime in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted March 25, 2013 Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 Click me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mapman57 Posted March 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 Click me Awesome stuff Freddy - read all the links across several threads. Seems quite strange reading your threads from in those early formative years and Avitts' input and others - we all start somewhere with these builds. You guys made it soooo easy for us all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 After spending 7 neurotic years on RWG, it is hard not to learn a thing or 2 along the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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