franken millemetri bronzo

[mellons]

The addiction to the millemetri continues. Here we are- hard to believe it has probably taken over a  year to get to this point. 

I had an opportunity to purchase a genuine engraved mm dial in super condition and jumped at it (I think Feb 2015?). I confirmed provenance directly with Mr Bettarini that it was the real deal, with paperwork etc. In the intervening period while waiting for case then other components had to choose the right case, research and obtain the correct movement, choosing the correct hands combination and trying out different components for the perfect fit... well you know how it goes. 

Decided to install in a handworked bronze case (all areas modded- crown, cg, bezel and lugs) along with plexi and anodised aluminium caseback to make lighter. Tried all different configurations incl titanium case and thought this was the best combo with the engraved dial (like a proto hinged lug case if one was ever made).

Is now extremely wearable and with modded wedding strap (elias alu sewn-in buckle and custom aluminium keeper) weighs a bit lighter than much smaller watches on bracelets (149g with fabric strap). Bronze is a superb material and I love how it constantly changes. Case has had a lot of work done to it (doesn't look like it however). Bezel reshaped, crown softened and reshaped, crown guard reshaped, bezel screws replaced, cg and cg pin stainless, case completely reworked, aged, reworked, aged again...stainless steel lug bars etc... (minor ocd stuff). Crown has had gasket modification so case should be capable of real world 1000m + water resistance. Has red plexi interior gasket also to lift interior a little. Managed over the summer to get that crazed effect in the plexi we have been trying to replicate- hard to see but it's there.

Great thing is this can be worn as it was originally intended- 24/7 doing everything. Not one bit worried about knocking or scraping build- very robust and takes wear extremely well.

Sourced an eta 2770 (yep this is original movement took a bit of research) and with esdee hands sent off to andy schuhren to assemble. The CP didnt have to be modded as the dial is one layer engraved (in superb condition). The original dial feet fit the movement perfectly as intended. Now just need box for all the bits and pieces... 

Here it is, in all it's franken glory: a vintage franken daily beater./ Just for show it's on a dow/budda waterproof sharkskin 24mm strap (notched) with bronze ennebi buckle. Tomorrow it goes back on to the modded fabric strap for water...

First up the gen dials

on the wrist, where it belongs...

[mellons]

Well, what a surprise in the post today. 

Super home for the franken bronzo: custom watch box to specification from Betmen. Pre-V watch holder cushion + separate compartment for straps (waterproof sharkie waiting for engraved pre-v buckle) and of provenance documentation 

 

 

 

 

[astonjenks]

Lovely Mel

AJ

[mellons]

 

 

 

 

[Grimlocktime]

Wow.... Just Wow!

A genuine MM dial? You are a lucky man to have sourced this. Congrats!

[GBOGH]

Very nice. Not everyone's cup of tea, but have to admire and appreciate the research and effort in putting this together.

Kudos.