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Been Reshaping My 1665 GWSD Franken.......The Story So Far


Mapman57

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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. :D
 
IMG-20130315-00983v3_zps6ebf0b34.jpg
 
IMG-20130315-00983_zps3d7eadbe.jpg
 
IMG-20130315-00982v2_zpse10dc98e.jpg
 
IMG-20130315-00980v2_zpsa1bb7fd9.jpg
 
IMG-20130315-00977_zps927cf844.jpg
 
IMG-20130315-00976v2_zps63f801b2.jpg
 
IMG-20130315-00975_zps3c9da18f.jpg
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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 :-)

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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. :-)

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