freddy333 Posted September 22, 2013 Report Share Posted September 22, 2013 This week, I will be converting my gold Newman '39 from ETA power to Valjoux. I am awaiting the V72, which should arrive this week. In the meantime, here is a quick set of pics showing the new (custom MQ) dial in the old case. Like the MQ in my '41, this dial also has that luscious black texture only seen in early Newmans For those not around during the initial build, the case is a custom design made for me by DW (it required quite a bit of additional work upon arrival). Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication & DW had the case made for screw (Oyster) pushers instead of pump (non-Oyster) pushers. Otherwise, the pushers, crown, hands, rivet bracelet & crystal are gen. Assuming the V72 arrives on time & in good, working condition, barring any unforseen issues (which I do not expect), the transformation should be complete by the end of the week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woof* Posted September 22, 2013 Report Share Posted September 22, 2013 Love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted September 22, 2013 Report Share Posted September 22, 2013 Freddy, another beautiful build. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dlf Posted September 22, 2013 Report Share Posted September 22, 2013 Wow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cc33 Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 I thought you already had a v72 in there, now I know what you were up to! I saw that dial in a wristie of yours the other day. Gorgeous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 Verrrrrrrrry tasty indeed. There's one small thing about the dial that I'm sure bugs you too, but it's 99.999999999% there. Getting MQ to make that one small change would doubtless have the next version coming back with the coronet on upside down, or worse. Nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 Thanks all for the kind words. Nanuq - Actually, the dial has a few issues. But, fortunately, all are relatively small & none which should raise suspicion if spotted under normal circumstances out in the wild. But that moonscape-like black paint & thickly painted lettering, generally only seen on early 'tonas, overshadows the dial's trivially scant warts. You just do not see this kind of detail on aftermarket/fake Daytonas. &, yes, having the dial redone (again, this is actually the 3rd try) comes with the risk of ending up with more serious issues, not to mention still more months of waiting time. Tracking says its donor ticker is due to arrive today, so I may have an important update tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 Nice!! Can't wait.... let's see some oblique photos of that dial without glass over it. I want to *feel* that texture coming through the pics..... It almost looks like a layer of thin black glove leather. Tasty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielv2000 Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 Wow! Very nice indeed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grifter Posted September 24, 2013 Report Share Posted September 24, 2013 HOT DAM! Looking forward to see the outcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flex Posted September 24, 2013 Report Share Posted September 24, 2013 n ice Freddy..love to see a pic of your 18k rivetted bracalet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flex Posted September 25, 2013 Report Share Posted September 25, 2013 looks like a gold plated bracelet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lhooq Posted September 25, 2013 Report Share Posted September 25, 2013 Beautiful! Nice to see a golden Newman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denimhead Posted September 25, 2013 Report Share Posted September 25, 2013 Congratulations Freddie, very nice indeed Funny how turning a certain age makes you contemplate that first Gold watch purchase. A white dialed Eberhard Extra Fort will be my introduction to the 'Old enough To pull it off' Club DH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 25, 2013 looks like a gold plated bracelet? Rolex made a small run of 19mm, gold plated rivet bracelets in the early 60s, mostly for Datejusts & OPs. Although rare & very similar in outward appearance to gold 62xx Daytona bracelets, these are not quite as costly. Funny how turning a certain age makes you contemplate that first Gold watch purchase. Actually, I got my 1st gold watch (a 1930s Longine tank) when I began collecting about 30 years ago & have had this (fitted with a 7750-powered Daytona) for a few years. Because it is gold, I rarely wear it (though it retains a permanent place in my collection). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ephry73 Posted October 1, 2013 Report Share Posted October 1, 2013 DANG! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted October 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 Update - I may need to re-epoxy the chrono seconds hand as it appears to be slipping a bit, but, otherwise, 1 step closer to completion of Goldie's transformation. Here are 2 quick pics of the mounted dial/handset Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ceocorona Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 its stunning... man... can't wait to see this completed. Unique build! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted October 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 I did a test fitting to be sure the movement fit the case (it does) But a few things remain to be done - 1. I need to re-epoxy the chrono seconds hand 2. I need to modify a pair of bridles to lock the movement into the case (the movement lacks the Rolex locking screws) 3. As you can see, the minute totalizer pinion is slightly off-center, which is due either to the hand tube being bent or the dial hole being cut off-center Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 Man that dial background looks like leather. Spectacular! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fitch Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 o, wow... that's a stunning piece!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted October 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ceocorona Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 While the whole watch is perfect, I cannot get over how NICE that dial is. The finish is just unbelievable. Well done on the finish piece! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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