danza1812 Posted January 15, 2015 Report Share Posted January 15, 2015 So im planning on an smp Franken. If I scratch my smp itch with a cheaper Franken it will hopefully allow me to save for my gen rolex Grail. I know a closed factory is out of the question pretty much these days. So what's next? What's the next best rep case? I plan to install a 2824, gen dial, hands and bezel. Maybe a crown and tube at some stage too. Any help or a point one right direction would be great. Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kernow Posted January 15, 2015 Report Share Posted January 15, 2015 Closed factory reps do come up M2M, personally I'd keep an eye there. Otherwise most of the reps seem to have the HEV in the wrong position. Sorry, I can't be of any real help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marrickvilleboy Posted January 16, 2015 Report Share Posted January 16, 2015 I had a closed factory SMP, which I sold to Kernow so he knows how good they really are but I honestly think there is little purpose to "franken" the SMP. You can get a used one for around $1.2-1.5 depending on condition and i think the newer models as a rep is very good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danza1812 Posted January 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2015 In the U.K. even old 2531 models are around £1200. Like I said I just want a beater Franken to stop me spending that £1200 which is a third of my rolex sub Grail! I have sourced a gen dial and bezel for less than £100. I've got a case heading my way that cost £40 but not sure if it's right yet. So all I need is hands and a movement maybe another £100 and I have a great Franken beater for under £250. Allowing me to save for the gen sub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danza1812 Posted January 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2015 Anyone got any thoughts on using the new smp ceramic bezel case as a base for a Franken. I know the caseback and he valve are incorrect (right position at least) but with a gen dial, hands, bezel and crystal from the older smp....could it work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resistor Posted January 17, 2015 Report Share Posted January 17, 2015 Mclarendude built this one on a 007 base watch. Not the best crown guards or He valve location, but it makes for a quite convincing and very economical franken. I picked this up from him for around the cost of a new rep: Gen dial, bezel+insert, hands, datewheel, and crown+tube (not yet installed). I would recommend not going overboard on the costs sunk into your franken, as a decent gen SMP can be found for a little over a grand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danza1812 Posted January 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2015 (edited) I have on its way an Asian movement 007 40th anniversary. Which has similar he valve position and ok looking crown guards. I'm just worried that as a cheap rep it may not fit gen parts. My first plan was just pop in an eta 2824 movement hopefully and have a piece very similar to yours. Yours looks great. Just what I'm trying to achieve actually. This is the case I have on the way. I plan on putting in the dial, hands, crystal and bezel I've already got and an ETA 2824 movement with correct Datewheel. Edited January 17, 2015 by danza1812 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resistor Posted January 17, 2015 Report Share Posted January 17, 2015 Crown guards on your watch look good danza. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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