New member with lots of questions

[Dr. Mike]

First, bear with me, I'm doing this on my phone and big hands + auto correct = hilarious typos. I've been reading this forum and 2 others, so I decided to join all 3.

My father in law is rapidly dying from biliary cancer, and to say that we're close is an understatement. We're closer that I am too my own father. This is an outlet for me to give 100% of my focus and distract me from the reality of what's going on if only for a moment. Reading, researching and learning has definitely been a good outlet.

I'm looking to build 3 franken watches. I need help and opinions finding the right cases and parts. (Maybe a good watchsmith would be nice too). 

I've checked out Lucy, BK, NOOB, Yuki, NOOB, ISWSS, Phong, & Andrew. I don't know who's reps are closest to gen for what I'm trying to build. I don't know who's reps would be the best quality and require the least amount of modding. 

My goal is not to fool an AD, after all, that's fraud. But to build watches that will last a lifetime and be admired, not stand out as a blatant rep. 

I have 2 gen Rolexes. A 1991 GMT master 2 with the Pepsi bezel and the fu**ing annoying extra link so that it'll open over a wetsuit! I hate that part, but the dealer said that if I do away with it, it'll depreciate the watch...It sees everyday wear and has several battle scars as a result. The other is a mint condition 1655 Explorer 2 that lives in my safe. I bought it for $8,000 in 2005!!!

That being said, here's what I'm trying to build/buy/have built. The specs are the same for each watch. Since typing on my phone sucks, bear with me.

1. Ladies datejust in stainless. One that accepts gen dial or accurate aftermarket crystal, band & crown. One that accepts a gen or ETA movement. With a GOOD rep or gen band. 

2. Gold Daytona case and accurate moment with all 3 sub dials in the correct position and fully functional, so that I can build/buy/have built an accurate 16518 with the alligator band. Same expectations as the ladies datejust above. 

3. Stainless Daytona, again, with the same specifications as above, so that I can put either a gen or good rep black and red "spyder racing dial" on it and send it out for PVD or DLC.

4. A 1655 Explorer 2 that will accept gen or aftermarket crystal & band. The dial and bezel need to be accurate as well. The case should accept either the gen 1570 or good ETA movement as well. (I'm tired of not wearing my pride & joy for fear of damaging it.)

Thanks for taking the time to read this and thanks for any help advice given. 

Please don't bash me and tell me to "go search like everyone else." Because I've obviously done my homework, I'm just overwhelmed with information and choices.

I'm going to post this on the other 2 boards in case there's someone there who can help as well. Thanks again.

[imajedi]

Daytona builds are expensive but lots of amazing builds here. Pretty much every detail of every available option has been compared and contrasted. Search will find them for you. Lots of experts, reach out and make some friends.

[docthor]

First a hearty welcome...good choice to join our community

 

For the DJ try to contact https://rwg.cc/profile/43828-mymanmatt...he's the man when it comes to DJs, DDs and the like.

For at least a lot of information about Daytona builds ask https://rwg.cc/profile/24941-daytona1984 He has some outstanding Daytona builds and know what's necessary to source and where to get it

 

 

For the 1655 I have to pass...was never in my focus...

[tomhorn]

To do a modern Daytona with a fully working movement, you will need to find a Zenith 3019/400 (or Ebel 134) movement. These are neither cheap, or easy to find. The only problem with this build is I am unsure of a full gold case that will work. Normally people will buy Phong's case and do a 16520 stainless build.

Matt is the right guy to handle the ladies DateJust.

As for the 1655, look up Denimhead's posts. He's built several different versions. It's another tough one to get right.

[droptopman]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Some good feedback given so far.  Mymanmatt is great for building anything DJ or DD.  He has build me many watches and two frankens for my wife.  PM me if you want some pictures. 

Daytona's are tough builds and take serious commitment, money and patience.  Gold Daytona would be really difficult, but DW did do some gold cases so they are around.

Good luck!   

[Dr. Mike]

ISWSS has a 24k gold capped Daytona that's supposed to be covered with like 7-9g of gold. I don't know how reliable he is or who makes his watches?

[username here]

pm me if you're interested in a daytona build.  I've put 3 together and it's a fun project.