J!m 289 Posted June 25, 2018 Hi everyone. I sort of have two projects goinfg at once- well, three if you count the Semaster 300, but "active" I have two. The first is my other thread: The second is this one. The REAL Steve McQueen watch was/is a 1967 5512 with a C&I bracelet. It was auctioned a few years ago (with many service parts installed) but it inspired me to get mine finished. So, I have a 1570 movement, Aftermarket case (with correct unique serial number for the year) and caseback (also date coded). Also a 1/68 dated C&I bracelet, restored by Michael Young. In that case was a modified aftermarket T39, which I lapped down 1mm to look like the vintage T19 superdome. A Mk I dial in excellent shape- but some lume loss due to age. It also wears a gen 700 crown as would be installed as new. It is a used crown (although I do have one NOS) because I would be wearing it and also knew this would be subject to several rebuilds until complete... Recently acquired an NOS set of Tritium hands, so that prompted another rebuild. And I had an NOS T19 on hand as well. Not the really early superdome, but an early service one. So it has a sharp corner and a gentle dome that blends with the bezel. So, lets get to it! First, we pop the back off... Then remove the winding bridge and stem: Place it in the movement holder and pull the (aftermarket) hands: After much effort (new hands are TIGHT!) the hands are installed. NOTE you MUST have a movement holder with pinion support or you will damage the movement installing (gen) hands. Aftermarket ones always seem to slip on more easily. THAT looks sweet. Hands are nearly flawless and lume is a near dead-nuts match. Second hand does not have any lume obviously, but that will be addressed later. Case it back up: Here's a comparison of my modified T39 next to the NOS T19: The T19 installed: Still using the 30mm 12-point socket to press the retainer on. It's an aftermarket retainer so I'm not as concerned about damage to it... Here's the front view: With the bezel ring on... Note the outstanding clarity of these genuine crystals. You can't beat 'em! (and it's a 50 year old crystal remember too!) And the side view. It's actually quite sleek now with the low dome crystal: And now I have two Rolex with no lume in their seconds hands... Now it's a tough decision which watch to wear in the morning, but the '12 has been winning lately... Thanks for reading! I'll get back to the 9411 as soon as I can! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
