Pihlippe 1,261 Posted July 5, 2014 In the summer of 2013 decided some of my friends and I that we would experience the historic Route 66, driving a Harley Davidson. Would think most people have heard of this road and its history, starting in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles. Our adventure begins in LA and ends in Chicago. This is to avoid the big time difference between the U.S. and Norway, on the way home. we will also experience some blues gigs, when we're in Chicago and it’s best when not to drive, the next day. Soon I got the idea to create a special route 66 watch ...I asked some of my friends if they wanted one and decided to make four pieces. The question was who could help me with this? Oke Uwe, at timebandits was already decided I guess, but who could make dials? Did contact daytona and rmcsherry at Homageforum and it was rmcsherry that could help me, eventually. This is the first drafts that were made. The final draft. It was natural to use a cali dial since we start our journey in California. The second dial that was chosen is almost a copy of the 1957 Harley speedometer, for the Harley fans… Had plans to use these hands on the Harley speedo dial, but did not have time to do these finished in time. Uwe had leather from some German army field shovels, made in the late forty / early fifties stored and this was used for the straps. With some vanilla thread, could these symbolize the asphalt and road markings on the Route 66. To keep costs down, I chose to use the 47mm Radiomir case and a 6497 movement from MilitaryTime. Actually it was cheaper to buy a complete MM42 and throw away the incredibly bad straps. This is/was the the old mother road, so I thought the radiomir case was best suited. When we talk about the mother road ...... a map The bike that I have rented for the trip, is a 2014 Street Glide After a thrilling week eventually came the dials and straps in the mail. Was afraid the project would go to hell when the the dials was stuck in customs this week. The joy was therefore great when both straps and dials were in place on this Friday. Used time Friday and today for the assembly of the watches and are satisfied with the result. Have others hands to use, but will not change anything on my friends' watches. Since they do not have very much interest in watches, I think they will be happy regardless of hands used. Guess I will do some mods on mine thought. Now that you know a little about the story behind this project, let’s see some pictures. Not to forget: Want to thank Uwe and especially Ross who made this project possible! Thanks to both of you! Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gmchris 68 Posted July 5, 2014 Er. . . . WOW! My nephew and his mates are doing Miami - Las Vegas road trip in Mustangs later this year, they would love this idea. Can't wait to see these finished. GLWRT (good luck with road trip) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jagsman 20 Posted July 5, 2014 They look great, wonderful momento of what I'm sure will be a tremendous trip. Pics please when trip is complete! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edwinowl 180 Posted July 5, 2014 Wow great post P. Knew Ross would come through. Love the dials bro and great work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frankt8242 1 Posted July 5, 2014 Be very cautious!!!....There's been several sightings of a couple of very old guys, driving a red Corvette "60's vintage roadster very erratically....Apparently attempting to get "their kicks" one last time... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheSav 2 Posted July 5, 2014 Brilliant idea! They look fantastic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D_Chico 0 Posted July 5, 2014 WOW!! I'm Speechless!! Great Job! I Love Harley's and route 66!! I worked for harley for 5 1/2 years and I loved it! i took home a different bike everyday! Street Glide was one of my fav's for traveling! thanks for sharing this with us! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShovelnTC 31 Posted July 5, 2014 Brilliant idea! They look fantastic. And you being the Harley lover that you are would of course preferred one of those dials in a Sub. To OP great job and that trip would be a blast. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mystery Shopper 5,887 Posted July 5, 2014 Congratulations- that final cali dial looks sensational. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millionaire wannabe 1 Posted July 5, 2014 Very very very very very cool pieces there. ..I like the Cali dial one especially! Nice project and a worthwhile way to be wearing a totally unique watch on a fun trip like that! Plus bragging rights when someone asks you about your watch-you get to tell them the story of how you built the watch yourself, and the story of the road trip! Right on! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Realism 72 Posted July 6, 2014 Nice packaging too... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatarms 7,776 Posted July 6, 2014 Those are awesome Any pics of the Panerai dial finished product? That was my favorite out of the finalists. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jingo.smile 0 Posted July 6, 2014 Wow that Harley Speedo dial is a great idea! May I ask what the total cost of a watch have been? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baxter 6 Posted July 6, 2014 That's just plain fucking awesome P, Love it !!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pseudonym 0 Posted July 6, 2014 That's just plain fucking awesome P, Love it !!!! What he said! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chiruku 25 Posted July 6, 2014 Amazing... awesome work mate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pihlippe 1,261 Posted July 6, 2014 Thanks u all, I'm pretty excited now, just a few hours more, and the adventure will start Wow that Harley Speedo dial is a great idea! May I ask what the total cost of a watch have been? The total amount with the extra dials, divided by four, the total per watch is $ 280. Not so bad really. I might have one speedo dial left, that I will consider to sell, if anyone is interested, but not something I can promise now That's just plain fucking awesome P, Love it !!!! Thanks mate Those are awesome Any pics of the Panerai dial finished product? That was my favorite out of the finalists. The Panerai dial is not finished yet, I might do it when back home. I will try to post pics along the ride, but a pain in the ass from a iPhone, i believe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gran 198 Posted July 6, 2014 Epic watch!! Congratulations!!! This shows that a custom watch projects can be a great success!!! Du er skikkelig flink!! God Tur!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatarms 7,776 Posted July 6, 2014 Couple of longer, thick yellow stitches in the middle of the strap like the lines in the road? Maybe an idea Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pihlippe 1,261 Posted July 6, 2014 Thanks mates. Couple of longer, thick yellow stitches in the middle of the strap like the lines in the road? Maybe an idea Considered doing this at first, but the old road has no stripe in the middle I believe. Also believe that a 24mm strap is too narrow, that it would been nicely Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pihlippe 1,261 Posted July 7, 2014 The suitcase are packed and I'm waiting for transport to the airport. I hope my friends will be happy for the watch, they have not seen them yet .... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites