mech500 Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Hello, I don't post here very often but I'm looking to build an all gen (except mid-case) franken 1665 and would like to kindly request some advice and opinions. Background: I've been debating whether or not to buy a gen 1665 but after having handled a few gens, I must say that most of them look and feel very similar to my modded MBW (but more corroded lol)....and thus I find myself asking do I really need to spend £7-8kGBP? Prices here in the UK/EU (from reputable non internet sellers) generally seem to be notably higher than in the US and I'm not sure whether I want to risk buying a used vintage piece over the internet. Therefore, I find myself wanting to build a franken using as many gen parts as possible. My current watch: Here's my current MBW 1665 (gen service crystal, TC v2 hands, vintage relume and reworked case). Parts that I have collected: Gen NOS service dial and hands (Lumi) Gen NOS service bezel and insert (Lumi) Gen service 93150 clasp (code 's' circa 1990) Clark t39 superdome plexy Gen 1570 (serviced my misiekped), includes, Gen Crown, Gen silver date disc (flat 3),Gens stem, Gen case-screws So here's the dilemma.....what case shall I use. My existing reworked MBW looks pretty good to me. What do you think? (Excuse the RWI tag.....it's an old pic). My existing MBW - note reworked CGs Problem with MBW case....it won't take gen movement. Pic c/o misiekped In the meantime I ordered a Minh-Quy case. It was around $500 cheaper than phong and I believed the two to be comparable. Here's the MQ case next to my gen 16600. MQ (top), 16600(bottom) As you can see the MQ 1665 lug profile is wrong, lugs too tall and the CGs need a LOT of work (inside and out). So I sent the case back saying it's not worth the paid €1050! MQ agreed to replace the case and yesterday provided these pictures showing the proposed new case (bottom) vs. the case they previously sent (top). More pics of the MQ case (already paid for): What you guys think? Shall I accept? Is it any good? CGs look like they still need work? Here are my options: 1. Get existing MBW milled to suit gen movement (CGs look good but will stem height etc be correct for gen 1570?) 2. Use the paid for replacement MQ case (CGs will probably need rework.....but is it any good?) 3. Sell MQ case and buy a phong case (pictured below)? Phong 1666 case. What would you do? Any advice/tips much appreciated. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Check with Freddy333- he put a 1570 in an MBW case when he built his 1665- I think he made a slight case mod, and added a working HE valve. No matter what you do, it will always be a rep midcase and you can't go wrong with the MBW IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 Thanks. Well, I've decided not to mess with the MBW as it is already a very handsome watch and I would like to sell her on to someone else to enjoy. I have a buyer for the MBW so now just waiting to see if MQ can rework the case to improve it. If not, I'll have to spend big $$$$ and get a phong. Will update with build progress pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highoeyazmuhudee Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 MQ will butcher it. that HE valve is already protruding out the side of the case when installed. work with phong. I have a feeling MQ will not be able to improve it to your liking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 ^^ ya agreed. I've ordered a Phong case this morning. Will post build pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronin007 Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 Good luck,can't wait to see the finished piece Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2015 Phong has sent me QC pics and is ready to ship!! He sourced a case, custom engraved and light vintage finished it in 1-2 days!! Wow Here they are.... Any opinions welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxsash Posted July 3, 2015 Report Share Posted July 3, 2015 Hi Mech, The CG's look very good.... very refreshing..lol. Are you buying only the mid case or the complete kit. Id love to see the case back engraving and bezel assembly too. Just like the rest of us, I can't wait to see it finished. I hope it all goes smoothly for you from here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted July 3, 2015 Report Share Posted July 3, 2015 Moot point since you already got the phong case, but older MBW cases accepted gen movements. My 1665 has a gen 1570 movement in it, built by the famous,gone but sorely missed Ziggy. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teiki75 Posted July 4, 2015 Report Share Posted July 4, 2015 Nice build Mech, Looking forward for you complete build! Is this a stock case from phong or have you asked something specific on top? It looks good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2015 I'm not buying a complete phong case - just mid-case, tube, crown (as pictured). Since my gen dial and bezel are modern service replacement parts, I asked for the case to look like it was "fully polished and restored by RSC 3 years ago and subject to light daily use since." I'll be using this MQ caseback (which to me looks like the best GW case back available): Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rillz Posted July 6, 2015 Report Share Posted July 6, 2015 Hol-eeee sh*t what an awesome build you got going! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbane883 Posted July 6, 2015 Report Share Posted July 6, 2015 Are you certain the MQ case back will fit the phong case? I know for a fact that MQ 6538 case backs will not fit a phong case. Not sure if that's an issue with their 1665 cases. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2015 Knowing my luck the MQ caseback won't fit! Will probably end up spending more cash on a phong case back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam007 Posted July 6, 2015 Report Share Posted July 6, 2015 If you are going to pay top price charged by Phong.. I would ask for some corrections. 1. I personally think the CG can be worked a bit more, as it's too fat currently as it sits 2. I don't like the "1665" engraving between the lugs, as it's not reminiscent of any iteration I've seen. Rolex engraving font style changed with the era... 60's, 70's and 80's. So the fonts needs to match with the serial. Phong can do better, I've seen better 3. The top gasket didn't make an appearance on the case until after 5 mil serial. so make sure the serial is after 5 mil Here is a 5 mil serial engraving Here is a 3 mil engraving 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2015 Thanks for the info @pam007. Yes, the CGs look a little thick. I will ask him to trim them a little. My serial is 6mil....so top gasket isn't an issue - thanks for the heads up. Now that you mention it, the "1665" engraving doesn't look quite right....but then again maybe my watchmaker just re-engraved it during a non RSC service on a 36year old watch .....but i will mention to phong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 Think I've decided to buy a phong case back just in case my existing MQ doesn't fit. Here's phong's case back: Here's my current MQ case back: Price: phong wants $350 (although I am in negotiations with him and hope to get a significant discount). MQ charges around $450 for this caseback (again largely negotiable) To my eyes they are both practically the same (for all intensive purposes). Just thought I'd share pics for infomation purposes in case anyone is looking to buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam007 Posted July 7, 2015 Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 To me, MQ looks better. I dont like the grooves and how "round" the caseback is on the Phong. Gen for comparison: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 (edited) I just received QC pics from phong for these $100 rep endlinks. Lol One thing I've learnt with dealing with the Vietnam makers, is that they seem to try and get away with selling you the b-grade stuff to see if you'll accept it. Anyway, I hope my build updates will prove useful to others planning on similar franken ventures. Edited July 7, 2015 by mech500 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam007 Posted July 8, 2015 Report Share Posted July 8, 2015 gosh those 580's look horrible I just picked up 1 gen 580 end link for $50 and a pair of 501b for $45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highoeyazmuhudee Posted July 8, 2015 Report Share Posted July 8, 2015 I just received QC pics from phong for these $100 rep endlinks. Lol One thing I've learnt with dealing with the Vietnam makers, is that they seem to try and get away with selling you the b-grade stuff to see if you'll accept it. Anyway, I hope my build updates will prove useful to others planning on similar franken ventures. why even offer you such a part? like who would really accept that? such things can have people question your quality with other parts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2015 I really don't know why he would offer something like this? He wanted $75/end link and we agreed $50. Good job I asked for a picture of the actual part (after I paid)! Anyways, I've asked for a refund. Communication with phong is super fast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2015 Ok guys, my Phong case arrived this weekend. Here's some quick "real-life" pics comparing it to my 16600. Not sure if it's much better than my MQ case. The CGs are a little thick (especially when viewed from the back) The lugs and associated bevels are nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highoeyazmuhudee Posted July 20, 2015 Report Share Posted July 20, 2015 you can get him to take down the outside of the CGs maybe. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2015 (edited) you can get him to take down the outside of the CGs maybe. I asked phong to trim the CGs before shipping but he refused saying that the case is "1:1 same as factory". I've seen far worse 5513, 5514 phong CGs lately! I think I can live with it for now. Edited July 20, 2015 by mech500 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.