jkirke Posted February 26, 2009 Report Share Posted February 26, 2009 (edited) I first have to thank EVERYONE here at RWG and fellow members at Repgeek for all of the assistance in sourcing the correct parts to put together my (and many many other paneristi's) grail watch. It started about 8 months ago when I first saw a post by 'Rolli'. I noticed that he had a long list of Panerai watches in his signature. I scrolled through them and noticed that he had a couple of sections devoted to my all time fav.....the 201a. I looked at his pics, read his details, and decided that his was the path I wanted to head down. I must say, even though I've not exchanged PM's with Rolli about my project, I must thank him for including all of his build details, right down to where he sourced his parts, in his thread. First thing I did was contact Andrew about getting an SS case with genuine sapphire crystal. Sent the money, he delivered, and CHECK. Part one acquired! Second off was BLIND LUCK!!! the day after placing my order with Andrew, there was a DSN 201a dial and hands for sale here. Contacted seller, sent the money, he delivered, and CHECK. Part two acquired! Third was contacting Tourby, and getting my hands on a t_60 crown. This was purchased, sent and delivered before many members here noticed that 48 teeth were more appropriate than the 60. Not a problem..... ....this is where parts 4, 5 and 6 come into play. Not only do I have 'Rolli' to thank, but I also have to throw a shout out to my bro 'bwhitesox' for an amazing deal on a SICK SICK package that included a t_48 crown, FGD 201a dial, and a beautiful BEAUTIFUL eta6497 movement!!!!(he also threw in a t_60 crown for the hell of it!) After sourcing the original parts (case fron Andrew, t_60 crown, DSN dial and hands, incorrect solid caseback, and a spare asian 6497), I sent it off to master REX over at Repgeek for assembly. He did such a stellar job putting it all together, and once it was delivered I thought I was set. Then the other parts started rolling in (que bwhitesox). Now i've got an already beautiful (IMO) 201a. I love the look on the Gunny Caitlin II strap, and my pre-A CG from member 'oncyte' (thanks to oncyte for an incredible deal on this beautiful CG)........but now that i've got an immaculate movement, FGD dial, and t_48 crown, the thought of completing this project brings tears to my baby blue eyes!! I can't wait to get some actual tritum into that dial......ooooo baby!! Again, I can't thank ALL OF YOU here and my fellow geeks over at RG enough for the help. You've truly assisted in making this 26 year old middle school art teachers dream come true!! enough dribble, onto the pics! ~excuse the thumbprint on the crystal @12 in the first pic~ Last pic has the t_48 and of course the FGD dial! Any comments are appreciated. And if any of you out there possibly have the final key to my project (correcet caseback) I'll pay top dollar. Edited February 26, 2009 by jkirke Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwee Posted February 26, 2009 Report Share Posted February 26, 2009 Nice watch! CG looks great. Are you going to be sending this to The Zigmeister for his magic touch? As for casebacks, I believe DSN has the correct ones? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkirke Posted February 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2009 Yeah. I've already talked with DSN about the CB, but was hoping that someone might have one laying around the house not being used before I sent payment to DSN. Thanks for the comment 'mwee'!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StormTooper4 Posted February 26, 2009 Report Share Posted February 26, 2009 That's Gold Mate a very sweet looking watchDo you have AR on the crystal because that dial just looks stunningWear it wellST4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK471 Posted February 27, 2009 Report Share Posted February 27, 2009 This project is a winner. Congrats to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chad Posted March 2, 2009 Report Share Posted March 2, 2009 nice project! I have seen these in the flesh and many pics. There is something wrong with the rehaut on your dial. It is too low. Looks strange. Sometimes it can just be the angle that the crystal is cut that makes it look that way too. Either way I might try and fool with that. For example in your more side angled photos...the "3" and the "6" are getting cut off slightly in the image. On the gen at that oblique angle the 3 and 6 would not be getting chopped like that in the photo by the inner edges of the case. The dial is set a fair amount too deep it looks like. In the photo your dial looks a little like it is at the bottom of a well compared to the very small distance between dial and case edge on the gen. This project is a winner. Congrats to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babola Posted March 2, 2009 Report Share Posted March 2, 2009 nice project! I have seen these in the flesh and many pics. There is something wrong with the rehaut on your dial. It is too low. Looks strange. Sometimes it can just be the angle that the crystal is cut that makes it look that way too. Either way I might try and fool with that. For example in your more side angled photos...the "3" and the "6" are getting cut off slightly in the image. On the gen at that oblique angle the 3 and 6 would not be getting chopped like that in the photo by the inner edges of the case. The dial is set a fair amount too deep it looks like. It's the effect of the taller xtal combined with the dial indices and numerals being located closer to the rehaut edge, thats's all really... the latter is the case with all 'standard DSN' dials which are slightly oversized for cartel-style 44mm case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chad Posted March 2, 2009 Report Share Posted March 2, 2009 Whatever effect it is... It is does not look accurate or pleasing to the eye from a design point of view. No offense to the maker because it is a great project but just being honest. It's the effect of the taller xtal combined with the dial indices and numerals being located closer to the rehaut edge, thats's all really... the latter is the case with all 'standard DSN' dials which are slightly oversized for cartel-style 44mm case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babola Posted March 2, 2009 Report Share Posted March 2, 2009 (edited) Whatever effect it is... It is does not look accurate or pleasing to the eye from a design point of view. No offense to the maker because it is a great project but just being honest. If he'd gone for the completely accurate he wouldn't have used DSN dial at the first place. The fact is the resulting piece is one of the nicest 201s put together by rep members here, yes...the FGD dial upgrade would have made it a little closer to the gen, I believe we all would agree with that ;-) Edited March 2, 2009 by babola Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P8B Posted March 4, 2009 Report Share Posted March 4, 2009 --LOOK IT TO MY EYES-- You are now in my power and will ship that watch and all other parts to me immediately!!! LOL!! Buddy there you have a great 201a, and an FGD dial to boot! i have been collecting parts to build my perfect 201a as well.. Congrats!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkirke Posted March 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2009 Thanks again for all the comments. The watch was originally assembeled by a modder over at RG. It ticks, but the hands don't turn, and the dial does sit low. Thats why I purchased the FGD dial, and a new movement and am sending it off to master The Zigmeister for the completion. I'm still looking for a 201a caseback if anyone has one to spare. I know I can get it from DSN, but I was hoping to get one mroe locally (CONUS) instead of waiting ages for it from China. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 Nice project mate.. and the extra pieces will make it complete.. Well done but for a watch like this I think it need a slightly different style strap.. Less vintage and more Pre-V something like a MP PAV style Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishgodeep Posted March 6, 2009 Report Share Posted March 6, 2009 That's a great looking 201/A jkirke....loving that CG as has been said. I agree on the PAV style straps as well!! Enjoy FGD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkirke Posted March 7, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 7, 2009 Just took delivery of a very very beautiful PAV style strap with a magnificently gen-like patina. The strap suggestions were correct. the PAV is a much more suitable fit for the style. and i've got my eye on a beautiful Kodiak with sewn in buckle for sale over at Paneristi. Thanks again for all of the positive comments. Every little suggestion like this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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