Guest avitt Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 With an FGD dial in hand, I've had the hankering to build up a nice 202A. (Of course, I'll DLC coat the case myself...Yeah, yeah, I know...DLC isn't correct for a pre-V piece - But it just looks so darn good ) So I've been on the quest for the proper parts, and like many of you, I've come to realize that the long pole in the tent is the case itself. It's just very difficult to source one with the proper short, thick lug shape, as shown below: The options come down to finding an old Helenarou (nearly impossible to find), or going with a DSN. The problem with the DSN case (to me anyway) is the noticeably large lug holes. They are too large for OEM style pre-V screw bars: After looking around everywhere for an alternative, it suddenly struck me: What if I used the case from my old River 118? It definitely has distinctive lugs, which to these untrained eyes look pretty good: ...I hadn't considered it before, because it's made of Titanium. But after having DLC coated a Ti piece a few weeks ago, I learned that there is no difference in the appearance of coated steel and Ti parts. The only difference is the weight...And after I'm done adding a steel bezel, case back, crown and crown guard, I don't think that the difference will be all that noticeable (and who really cares, anyway?). The only real problem that I foresee is drilling out the lugs for the screw-bar screws...and I'm pretty sure I can pull that off. I could always pick up another Ti case from Jackson, and rebuild the 118 with the Ti parts... So what think ye? Is this a good one, or should I keep looking? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 Those lugs look good to me! Nice, squat, chunky and blocky. Good when it comes to Pre-V cases; bad when it comes to prom dates. The other side of the lugs may be difficult indeed to drill out. But I'm sure you can handle that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dluddy Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 looks good to me avitt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
projectologist Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 I agree and nice that DLC'd Ti ends up looking the same as done to ss. Can't wait to see this one come together! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arminvanbuuren Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 show me the finish product man.. cant wait.. this'll be sexy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tanya Posted June 20, 2009 Report Share Posted June 20, 2009 Yes please This has me incredibly intrigued!! I just picked up a FGD new 201a dial and it's burning a whole in my pocket already. I intend for this to be a longer term project but I know I want a DLC case for sure!!! Same boat as you though, now I have to find the right case. Davidson, other , sigh.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest avitt Posted June 21, 2009 Report Share Posted June 21, 2009 Thanks for the feedback. I've ordered a set of pre-V tubes and screws from that eBay seller in Australia. I'll see how they fit on the case, and go from there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bwhitesox Posted June 21, 2009 Report Share Posted June 21, 2009 Avitt you will find that one side of the case will need to be drilled out to fit these but no big deal really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest avitt Posted June 21, 2009 Report Share Posted June 21, 2009 Avitt you will find that one side of the case will need to be drilled out to fit these but no big deal really. Yup, I understand that. The nice thing about these twin-screw bars is that you can try them on for fit on the larger holes, before committing to enlarge the smaller holes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cc Posted June 21, 2009 Report Share Posted June 21, 2009 The case looks good. I'm sure with your skills, you won't have any issues with drilling the other side. Can't wait to see the finished piece if you decide to go forward with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest avitt Posted July 3, 2009 Report Share Posted July 3, 2009 OK...Here's an update: I received my OEM style, 1.6mm, 3-piece Pre-V screw bars, and tried them on for size: ...A little loose, but completely acceptable. So far, so good... Next step - Secure some additional parts: I want a LH CG, and a case back, and a steel bezel (as many steel parts as possible, to add to the weight of the watch). Only after I have all of the other parts lined up will I drill out the opposite lugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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