ryaku Posted November 24, 2006 Report Share Posted November 24, 2006 Sorry for the messy title I'm planning to create a frankenwatch based on the Iwc Pilot Chrono classic and for now i just have a genuine dial (i found a dial for a doppelchrono but i don't care). Here i'd like some tips and suggestions from you as my project is still in fieri and nothing has already decided (except of course the dial). Genuine Watch: Genuine dial i own (trust me it's in good condition for the price i paid): I thought to purchase the following replica, unfortunately not very accurate, or a second-hand spare case (not easy at all) Now...i'm not sure if i want to stay as closest as possible to the original design or if i should change something complying with my taste. Changes and mods i'd like to do: different hands and black date window with white font. As for the black date window i drew inspiration from the new Iwc model: http://www.jackroad.co.jp/images/iwc06101.jpg Any tips would be much appreciated. Please be honest and tell me if you think it's a dumb project and just a waste of time and money. Thanks for reading and bearing my poor english language Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted November 24, 2006 Report Share Posted November 24, 2006 Is the case on this one to one? I don't own it but I have bought more than one gen dial which didn't work within the rep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryaku Posted November 24, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2006 Is the case on this one to one? I don't own it but I have bought more than one gen dial which didn't work within the rep. Good question. I don't know that for a fact but i hope it will fit the replica case. Dial size should be approximately the same but i don't own either hence i can't be sure of that. What do you suggest me to do before ordering the new replica? Is there a way to establish that? Thanks kruzer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrono903 Posted November 24, 2006 Report Share Posted November 24, 2006 The doppel is larger than the Fleiger by a few mm. Thom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryaku Posted November 24, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2006 (edited) The doppel is larger than the Fleiger by a few mm. Thom Thom probabily case is larger (cases are different) but dial has the same size. I'm almost sure of that cause if you look at the diameter of the Spitfire Chrono you'll see size is the same (34mm) that's why i presume this genuine dial could fit the replica case. Thank you Edited November 24, 2006 by ryaku Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryaku Posted November 24, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2006 The doppel is larger than the Fleiger by a few mm. Thom You were right. Doppel dial is 1.6mm larger. Not much but it could be an issue if the replica case was too small. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAHLER Posted November 24, 2006 Report Share Posted November 24, 2006 (edited) This project is fantastic.... according to me except some detail in the window of the day the measures of dial is the same Edited November 24, 2006 by MAHLER Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrono903 Posted November 24, 2006 Report Share Posted November 24, 2006 Honestly, I don't know if the dial itself is a different size. I assumed that, based on the different case size, the dial would be different. I love these 2 watches, unconditionally. They are both awesome. I hope your project materializes. Thom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted November 25, 2006 Report Share Posted November 25, 2006 Looking at the gen dial and the rep case, the dial definitely looks like it might be a bit too large. However, since the bulk of the excess is outside of the minute chapter, it should be possible to trim the dial if it is indeed too large to fit. It's always better to have a dial that's slightly too large than too small as it can be trimmed to fit if it's all within reason. Unfortunately, this is somewhat uncharted territory as it's a dial for a doppel going into a rep Flieger case. Sometimes one just can't say if it will work or not until someone gives it a try But, since I believe both use a 7750 for the base movement, the spacing of it all looks like it's very possible (comparing distance and spacing of subdials to markers, chapter in relation to the rehaut etc). In my opinion, since you have the dial in hand, there's not a lot to lose at this point; just order up the watch, test fit the dial to the case, and if everything jives (or will work with slight work), you can proceed. If not, then you still have a nice Flieger and you can probably flip the dial and break even... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryaku Posted November 25, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2006 Looking at the gen dial and the rep case, the dial definitely looks like it might be a bit too large. However, since the bulk of the excess is outside of the minute chapter, it should be possible to trim the dial if it is indeed too large to fit. It's always better to have a dial that's slightly too large than too small as it can be trimmed to fit if it's all within reason. Yep, i guessed the same even though i don't have any idea how i could trim the dial. Unfortunately, this is somewhat uncharted territory as it's a dial for a doppel going into a rep Flieger case. Sometimes one just can't say if it will work or not until someone gives it a try Even better solution would be a dealer could tell me replica dial size and internal case size. In my opinion, since you have the dial in hand, there's not a lot to lose at this point; just order up the watch, test fit the dial to the case, and if everything jives (or will work with slight work), you can proceed. If not, then you still have a nice Flieger and you can probably flip the dial and break even... Dial's already here but before getting the watch i'll try to ask our dealers to check the dial size in their watch. Else i'll wait someone else buy the replica (spitfire is much more accurate, get that ). Thanks Ubi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryaku Posted November 26, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2006 In the following pics you can see segments (red and yellow) of the same lenght in different models. Proportions look different. Now looking at these pics and checking with photofiltre it's evident hands position and date window position is slightly different between models. I checked distances from pinions and it's not identical. Is it possibile with a modified 7750? If i'm right the dial would be totally useless for the project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryaku Posted November 27, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2006 Considering these pics conclusions seem different. Dial looks suitable for a 7750 movement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted November 27, 2006 Report Share Posted November 27, 2006 Unfortunately, I think the only way to put this one to bed is to physically try it. Just don't know if it will work until you know. One of the reasons why my parts box has accumulated so much stuff... Lots of trial and error. I've learned, however, that some of the items that didn't work out the first time around sometimes work down the road. Just never know when a certain part may come in handy. One of the reasons why I don't throw anything away anymore as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryaku Posted November 27, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2006 You're absolutely right Ubi. For now i just hope some dealer could give me the info i need about the dial size. Meanwhile i'll take my time looking around for the other spare parts. No hurry at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eunomians Posted November 28, 2006 Report Share Posted November 28, 2006 Now this looks to be like a great project. Please keep us updated. Best of luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t Posted December 1, 2006 Report Share Posted December 1, 2006 (edited) great project i had same project for long time ago but my project was difficult, because no rep of this model exist on this time genuine dial, genuine decorated valjoux 7750 but wrong case, wrong subdials, wrong caseback, wrong sub hands, etc. etc. etc. REPEAT: but on this time was very difficult to start this project, because no rep of this model look here: Edited December 1, 2006 by tourbillon1801 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryaku Posted December 2, 2006 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2006 Tourbi your watch is amazing. You only should get a replica ss bracelet now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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