My Rolli/FGD 5218-205/A build

[kilowattore]

Luminor Submersible Slytech Panerai

5218-205/A

http://s5.postimg.org/hpbuwjzav/DSCN6638.jpg[/img]

Well, how am I going to start writing about this build?
A few days ago I read about Grimlocktime's new 5218-203/A and how that very watch was the one that dragged him to his Pre-v fascination. 
Well, for me it was the 205/A Slytech. I'm not sure why, I'm not that much a fan of Stallone, so the promotional aspect of the watch is not the reason. Most likely what attracts me is the combination of a four liner dial with tritium indices and seconds subdial, and the word "submersible". God knows what clicks in our minds sometimes.

Anyway, I tried DSN's version of this watch and was very happy with it, as reviewed [URL="https://www.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/203590-DSN-5218-205-A-pictorial-review-PICS-HEAVY"][B]HERE[/B][/URL]. But I wanted more, I wanted it to be as perfect as possible. So when I heard rolli would have been making a batch of 205/A dials I sold the rep and started to prepare building my own.

Last December, when Rolli released the dials, I thought I was almost ready for the build and the only thing that was missing was the dial. How wrong was I!
In the last four months I went through three different case sets completely reshaped and refinished before I was "satisfied". 
Now that's where I'm at and although there's always room for improvement, there's no way I could have been able to do it any better than this.

During the whole process of this build I have been in contact with Rolli, asking his advice on specific matters. He sent me links to reference pics, gave me technical advice, event sent me drawings.
I bothered him especially in regards to drilling lugs and crown tube,  because this was the first time I did it and I did not want to mess things up. Well, as a matter of fact I did mess up: the first time I drilled the case, the tube hole came out too large. I mentioned this in one of my emails and since Rolli was having a few crown tubes produced, he was so kind to have the maker produce one in a slightly larger size to fit my case. I was really in awe for this gesture, thanks my friend

Here's what went into this build:

- noob v3 case set completely reshaped: softened the edges, lowered the shoulders, polished rehaut, lugs drilled to accept Pre-V lugbars, crown tube drilled to accept Rolli's OEM spec tube. 

- Crystal replaced with Davidsen's no-AR "french" sapphire

- DSN Pre-V crownguard with CG pin sunken and radial brushed.

- DSN crown... I think. I am not sure how I came into possession of this crown, as I said I had a few cases pass in my hands and more than a few crowns. I even ordered one during the build process, and it is probably this one, but I'm not sure. Fact is the crown is different than every other DSN crown I have seen so far, the crown teeth have a crisp and defined bevel and the bevel itself is larger than in any other crown I have seen, except gen. Maybe it's a recent improvement from DSN, but I guess I won't be sure until I order a new one (very soon tbh ;))
Anyway, lucky me this crown is exceptionally nice

- Rolli's new batch 205/A dial + FGD hands. No need to introduce this, you'll see for yourself. Black paint was removed from the inside of the minute hand tube in order to show a hint of brass. No other work to be done, except trying to avoid damage to these incredible parts.

- Vintage swiss ETA 6497, CP and hour wheel swapped for a new H3 set with CP polished by me.

- Jakob's perfect caseback. To make this build a little more special, I went for a 201/A CB with a serial number confirmed as one of the first 205/A prototypes presented to Stallone for acceptance before production started. 

- Last but not least, there was no better match to this build than an Orloff OEM spec black vacchetta strap with thin black stitching and a special sewn in buckle from a small batch he had made a while ago. Perfect strap in every detail

Here's a few pics of the case work:

http://s5.postimg.org/fsaje8j93/DSCN6734.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/fr0lkthfb/DSCN6735.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/b2klpms8n/DSCN6737.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/6hyfap8jb/DSCN6740.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/v4pouit13/DSCN6624.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/aw2b8stpz/DSCN6629.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/obpby927r/DSCN6731.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/5afw4qt13/DSCN6732.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/9z0hdo7lj/DSCN6605.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/bpjif5p4n/DSCN6620.jpg[/img]

And here's the final product:

http://s5.postimg.org/ddintt307/DSCN6596.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/teb96s0vr/DSCN6597.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/i0opvkqd3/DSCN6599.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/5d8yj2bg7/DSCN6602.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/933zy7xx3/DSCN6592.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/6zy64anhz/DSCN6615.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/fbtx5jkvr/DSCN6616.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/gcyr8er93/DSCN6703.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/tktjnlzef/DSCN6626.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/rit29d1fb/DSCN6628.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/b6j0jmn3r/DSCN6634.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/59f52t5yv/DSCN6637.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/61mefqzjr/DSCN6641.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/jv65r22rb/DSCN6598.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/hho801oc7/DSCN6603.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/h51f7lvg7/DSCN6707.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/b5do3yanr/DSCN6714.jpg[/img]

http://s5.postimg.org/rqlajm1rr/DSCN6711.jpg[/img]

Final wristie!

http://s5.postimg.org/ize9pcign/DSCN6726.jpg[/img]

Thanks for looking.

Edited March 20, 2016 by kilowattore

[panasol]

Mate... You know I'm looking for a 205 with specs like these...

I think it's time to sell it to me..

Sent from my SGP621 using Tapatalk

[kilowattore]

For the life of me I can't seem to post the thread so that the pics are shown. Sorry about that, I'll try and find a solution later

[panasol]

that's weird..

cos I could clearly see them with tapatalk..

maybe you should just attach them instead of adding external links...:)

[kilowattore]

12 minutes ago, panasol said:

that's weird..

cos I could clearly see them with tapatalk..

maybe you should just attach them instead of adding external links...:)

It would take me some 25 hr+ to attach every single pic one by one

Now I can't seem to be able to edit the thread any longer...

[slay]

7 hours ago, kilowattore said:

It would take me some 25 hr+ to attach every single pic one by one

Now I can't seem to be able to edit the thread any longer...

Yeah, it's F***ing annoying, I had the same issue the other day. Forum doesn't support IMG tags anymore - for whatever reason. 

[rolli]

amazing result,

 

compliment for that awesome fine work.

 

all the best

 

rolli

 

 

[kilowattore]

Rolli, your help with this build has been invaluable. Thank you!

[rolli]

dear kilowattore,

 

i've studied this making and all the mods over several years, already when we started on this rwg forum 2006,

a small circle of hardcore members worked already on mods.

pre vendome moddings was always the first premise for pams till today.

and i am so happy that you have reached your aim.

 

all the best

 

rolli

 

 

 

[fitch]

That's beautifull!!! wel done mate!