mech500 Posted July 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2015 Just a little frustrating that a simple mid-case like this cannot be laser scanned and CNC'd to (practically) 1:1. Bezels and casebacks are harder to replicate 1:1 (to Swiss tolerances) but mid-cases don't get simpler than this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highoeyazmuhudee Posted July 20, 2015 Report Share Posted July 20, 2015 Just a little frustrating that a simple mid-case like this cannot be laser scanned and CNC'd to (practically) 1:1. Bezels and casebacks are harder to replicate 1:1 (to Swiss tolerances) but mid-cases don't get simpler than this. theyre all hand finished. they CNC the rough shape then reduce it by hand to add bevels and shape the cgs better. he can slim it down for you he just doesnt want to deal with it, considering what you paid, he should. as for the case back and bezel its actually easier to do since its a set process and not hand finished. they use high pressure water to cut the teeth properly on the caseback after it comes out of a mold, or at least the better manufacturers do. you could pay a modder to hand reduce the outside CGs. ive done it before but cant quite reproduce the factory polish once reduction is complete, its painstaking to get perfect with out the proper tools and machines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2015 (edited) I think I can live with it for now but (for the price) just expected the CNC 'rough shape' to be much much better. I am an engineer and do this for a living.....the CGs can easily and cheaply be finished to +/- 0.25mm before hand finishing. This case is more like +/- 0.75mm. Probably a rep of a rep of a rep. lol With bezels rings and casebacks it's hard to get the scallops to sparkle as per gen using rep manufacturing tolerances and techniques. The differences are microns but can (some cases) make the difference between a thing of beauty and something that is plain ugly. Anyways, I'm just nit picking for fun. Lol Appreciate the comments. Edited July 20, 2015 by mech500 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rillz Posted July 26, 2015 Report Share Posted July 26, 2015 Would Love to see how this project turns out! Great set of parts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 I've shipped the phong case to misiekped today to complete the build. MQ has also sent me a replacement case, here it is... Looks quite good actually....may even be the same base case as phong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephane Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Well, I don't want to sound like an expert but I've been through a lot of changes in my own GW project. I end up having something I like very much for a budget way under the 1.500 €. My case is an old school MBW and the movement is a non stack 2846. The question I ask myself these days is whether I want a 1:1 or a "as close as possible" in terms of look on the wrist. I go for the second option whatever watch it is. I cannot afford genuine anymore but use to own quite a number of Rolex. I had to sell them all. But, if my business goes up again, I wouldn't go the rep way for sure. Reps are great when you like a watch but not enough to make it one of your top 10 desired one. I understand that buying a gen GW overseas is a hard move but I'm sure some of our US based members can help you to source one and check it in the flesh. If you have the funds, go genuine. A GW MK2 (Rail dial) can only become a collectible piece over the years and will probably end up in the 25K. Cheers Stephane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Thanks for the comments @stephane I agree, I also prefer "as close as possible" rather than full-blown Frankenstein however aesthetically speaking....rep vintage dials just don't do it for me. The whole fake patina just doesn't look right IMO. Also, I like to research builds, source parts and build Frankens as a hobby (not because I can't afford gen). It's too easy to rock up and buy a used gen but it'll have no personal value to me. Also, my build costs $4600. A well cared for gen (from a reputable dealer, with nice thick lugs) is likely to cost around +$10k minimum. Even then, at that price, you're likely to get a watch with severely corroded hands and crumbling hour markers.....one sneeze and all that tritium will end up in the movement. Lol. My plan is to use the $5k savings to build an equally badass 1675. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Just a quick question on the endlinks? I was under the impression that the 1665 used 585 endlinks. The 580 on 1680 subs from that era. I know that gen 585's are more expensive. I bought a brand new set from a seller on the VRM. Several years ago and I believe they were around 200.00 USD Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted July 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Both 580 and 585 could be correct. The later ones (GW's) had 580's. I'm using an ST bracelet and endlinks.....with gen clasp. Ain't paying $200 for a shitty folded piece of tin. Even gen bracelets are over rated IMO. Lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highoeyazmuhudee Posted August 3, 2015 Report Share Posted August 3, 2015 Ain't paying $200 for a shitty folded piece of tin. Even gen bracelets are over rated IMO. true that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skywatch Posted August 3, 2015 Report Share Posted August 3, 2015 Mech500 Can't wait to see more of this builds status. Thanks to all posters for the detailed information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mech500 Posted August 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Here are some build pics guys:The best part (for me) is the cheap ass plastic Clarke plexy. LolSpec:Phong mid-caseMQ casebackGen service (lumi): dial/hands/insert/bezelClarke T39 super-dome Gen serviced 1570Gen clasp on ST bracelet (not in pics)Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Build carried out by misiekped in NY. Great work as always and a pleasure to deal with. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbane883 Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Looks fantastic. Misiekped did a super job as always. Congrats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
droptopman Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 That is a beauty. Mike sure does some outstanding work. Sooner or later I will either buy a gen SD or build one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mendota Explorer Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Wow. Very nice build. Enjoy this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmr15 Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 (edited) nice comparison of the cases! Edited September 17, 2015 by cmr15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rillz Posted September 27, 2015 Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 Lets see some wristies!!:)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted September 27, 2015 Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 Really turned out nice!! Beautiful build.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gemballa Posted September 29, 2015 Report Share Posted September 29, 2015 Looks set to be a tremendous build mate.Still, would have probably had the MBW machined and saved the extra outlay, if Im honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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