semperfi55 4,707 Posted March 3, 2021 Another year, another SOTC. But oh what a year The collection hasn't grown as much as I predicted this year (thankfully) due to : -Severely affected shipping discouraging TD purchases at the start of the pandemic -More family responsibilities(due to pandemic), so less for the watch budget -Bloody Viet parts inflating costs per project (this one I can't pin on Covid) More watches were sold off to further focus the collection (pretty shit focus as you'll see below). Just before typing this up, I looked back at my previous SOTC to revisit the conclusions I made last year: Quote Even so, my own conclusions on my collecting direction are: 1) No, you cannot wear 44mm diameter watches with those lady wrists. 2) Vintage 3) An odd obsession with collecting certain models in sets. One is not enough, there must be one of every variant. Or at least that's what I'd love to do. There just isn't any space. 4) Sell those damn 44mm watches. 5) Vintage Rolex is appealing to me now. But why? Is it for the timeless design? Or due to watch world hype? Or because there are just so much more quality choice when it comes to Rolex reps? 6) Please stop eyeing those 44mm IWCs for fuck's sake. Points 1,4,6 are still correct and I have done quite well this year with no new purchases going above 42mm diameter. I can enjoy the large PAMs and IWCs by proxy(once @Theviking sorts out his IWC). Point 2 goes very closely with 3 and 5 in my collection. This year has been the year of collecting new and old Submariners, GMTs, Explorer IIs, Daydates. and Daytonas. As a cheapskate and superficial collector, the DHgate level reps for modern Rolex models are good enough for me. That certainly leaves more money on the table for vintage builds. Again, being cheap, I looked for ways to get parts at a lower cost where possible. Why pay the insane prices for MQ parts? If I started buying those, I might as well use the money towards some gens that I would actually want. So I very slowly got into the decal dials as done by @Bart Cordell and @repmaster1234. The Rolex reps in my collection are growing at an alarming and, coupled with the fact that I have been selling off some non-Rolex reps, the proportion of Rolex reps in the collection is at an all-time high. This is at odds with my collection when I first started. At the time, I wanted a collection full of odd, rare pieces, definitely not the cliche sea of Rolex. My first Rolex rep was a U1 DSSD and first rep Sub was a white Bamford Sub. It was only after collecting broad and shallow before I got my ZZF V1 LN Sub. Since then, I've become obsessed with collecting variants of different lines of Rolex. I suspect that the following reasons causing this shift: 1) Exposure: There is a lot more content online about Rolex, talking about the details of specific variants. I revel in the details of the various models of the vintage Sub, GMT, Daytona. I can pick and choose which bits of detail I focus on (dials are important to me, but I am terrible with crowns , hands, serifs on dates). Of course, Panerai and Omega have their own extensive communities but Panerai is too big in general and I only like specific models within Omega, not entire collections. 2) Accessibility: There are lot more market options for parts to make Rolex builds. Sure there are Viet parts for Blancpain/Omega/Patek but man those are expensive! With Rolex, there's parts for every budget. In addition, @NCRich's tutorials make the modding scene more accessible. 3) BRAND: Related to Point 1 but still it's own separate point. As much as I hate to admit it, I'm sure subconsciously brand recognition is one of the reasons why I have become obsessed with Rolex. 4) Bored. It's possible that the factories have been focusing even more on Rolex reps. I have not seen as many decent reps from other brands (that also fit my size criteria) in the past year. When a new non-Rolex rep does catch my eye, the big dimensions(42mm) and the big price (USD 700-800) puts me off. In contrast, a vintage Rolex build will be under 40mm, and USD 700 can provide meaningful and frustrating experience in building my own rep with reasonably good parts. So what if the entire collection is Rolex? Nothing wrong with that, but I don't want to shut myself out of the rest of the watch brands. There are many vintage Heuer, Blancpain, AP, VC, Tudor and Patek watches that I'm interested in. Of course, for most of them there are no OOTB reps, nor are there cheap parts for them available. If I plan to expand the collection in that direction, it would be a long term plan requiring a lot of learning. In the past year, I have improved my practical knowledge in designing and printing decal dials, while reading on pad printing, anodised dyes, and electroplating. @Glaude has been very helpful in the technical aspects of these processes.The hope is that in this year I can continue acquiring more skills to make better quality dials and making gold plated reps. Over time, hopefully I will accumulate enough skills to build non-Rolex vintage reps as well. This will be an unwieldy Collection thread. I think the best way to arrange the photos is into the following categories: Gens- the new purchases in the past year first, marked in red, followed by the older watches already in previous SOTC Reps-categorised by brand, and within each brand, divided between new first(marked in red) and old. Gen Collection Chronologic Mechanical Watch (New) Gift from family when they found out I'm into watches, bless their cotton socks. Lanco Chronograph Valjoux 7733 (New) Mr Jones Watches - The Ascendant (New) Fascinating piece bought during Black Friday sale Poljot De Luxe (New) Minimalist sleek dress watch under 100 quid, made in USSR. Old Gens Casio Edifice Chronograph The Swimming Casio Cuervo y Sobrinos Triple Calendar Dan Henry 1939 Military Chronograph Diamond Watch Dubey & Schaldenbrand Index Mobile Rattrapante GUB Glashütte Watches (x3) Henry London Watches (x2) Hugo Boss Dual Time Ingersoll Union IN1203RWH Jean d'Eve Sectora Junghans Quartz Chronograph Junghans Max Bill Automatic Luch No need for an expensive Meistersinger Oris Artelier Jumping Hour Oris Divers Sixty-Five Poljot Raketa Watches (x4) Raymond Weil Rolex Datejust 16220 Seagull Watches (x2) Seiko Age of Discovery 6M13-0010 The only watch in the collection that can actually do the leap year thing. Seiko Presage Fuyugeshiki SSA385J1 Shanghai Watches (x2) Skagen Ancher SKW6082 Sputnik Watch Most likely redial Sturmanskie Likely redial Swatch Animal Wheel GZ120 TagHeuer Monza CR2113-0 Mechanical Timex Watches (x2) Vostok Watches (x3) Waltham Calatrava Homage Zeppelin 7676-2 100 Jahre Chronograph Replica Collection A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin 205.086 (New) A. Lange & Söhne Datograph 403.032 A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moonphase -working moonphase A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 "Tourbillon" Perpetual Calendar A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Audemars Piguet 5043 with Türler Signature (New) Henry London watch converted into an AP via decals, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15454 (New) I tried on @Dr Fun Socks's 15454 an eternity ago and enjoyed the frosted texture. A tiny one that fits perfectly. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26320 PVD Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourillon 26510 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26579 Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet 6654 Also working moonphase Bovet Virtuoso IV "Tourbillion" Breguet Classique Chronograph 5247BB/12/9V6 (New) Seller put this on M2M cheap as they wouldn't/couldn't sort out the messed up keyless. This Guilloche Galore has been out of production for some time so I snapped it up first and figured out how to sort out a ST19 keyless later. Now fully functional again Breguet Classique 5177BR/15/9V6 Breguet Regulator Tourbillon 5307PT/12/9V6 Breguet Tradition 7057BB/11/9W6 Breitling Navitimer Montbrillant Datora A21330 All functions still works but I'll be damned if I ever use it to time things! Cartier Tank Basculante Franck Muller Crazy Hours Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer Glashütte Original Panorama Date Moon Phase H. Moser & Cie Venturer Big Date Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface - New Both sides are independent of each other and can be set for different times. Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Classic Automatic Rep number 1 in the collection Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin MB&F Legacy Machine Split Escapement Omega Constellation Co-Axial Panerai Luminor Submersible 682 Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa Grande QF Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Tourbillon Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800/1A with Diamond Hour Markers (New) Now the size of the 3800 is a much better fit for my wrist! The DWO should have dark background and the text is one line too high, someone did not align the pad printer when they made this line of reps sadly. Watch hands can be slimmer. The blue came out better than I expected from looking at TD photos and QC pics. Patek Philippe Calatrava with Beyer Signature (New) Bentima watch turned Patek with decals and broached Dauphine hands. Patek Philippe 3519J with Gübelin Signature (New) Decal Conversion Patek Philippe Chronograph 130 with Hausmann & Co. Signature (New) A proper Ref 130 or even 530 build would be a grail project. For now, this Dan Henry decal conversion will have to do. Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196J (New) Patek Philippe Calatrava 5116R Patek Philippe Chronograph 530 Patek Philippe Chronograph 5070 Patek Philippe Chronograph 5170 Needs to be plated to yellow gold for the correct configuration of 5170J. Patek Philippe Chronograph 5370P Patek Phillipe Chronograph 5975G No chrono Patek Philippe Gondolo 5112J Likely fantasy model. Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711A Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711R Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712R 5712R dial should be grey rather than black. Moonphase appears to work but is actually connected to the date mechanism. Patek Philippe Nautilus 5726A Patek Philippe Nautilus 5740G Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980A Patek Philippe World-Time 5131J Map repainted , city and hour rings redesigned. Patek Philippe 3970R No chrono Patek Philippe 3970G or P with some imagination Future project. Has something to do with the missing marker Patek Philippe 5204R-001 No chrono Patek Philippe 5204R/1R-001 No chrono Patek Philippe 5204J Fantasy No chrono While I was modding the day and month wheel overlays, I lost the second hand. @Zooha Rolex Day-Date 18238 Mother of Pearl Dial and "Diamond" Bezel (New) I bought the exquisite bezel from @Stuvetjee, and he threw in the watch + Pearlmaster bracelet into the sale as well. If you have seen some of my other watches, this will be comparatively tame. Rolex Day-Date 128235-0037 (New) Rolex calls the gen an Ombré dial, and the full set consists of brown, green and blue dial. Rolex Day-Date 128238-0069 (New) Rolex Milgauss 6541 (New) Needs to be wrecked vintagised Rolex Milgauss 1019 CERN Dial with Tiffany & Co. signature (New) I was fascinated by the gen I saw on Bobswatches. Base 1019 from MR, broached, reshaped and repainted pair of Bulova hands, dial and hands delumed to match CERN dial specs, Tiffany & Co. signature added on as decal. Rolex Daytona 6239 "Dark Blue"/Purple Prototype (New) The only pics I have of the gen shows a dark blue dial, but the one Phong had was more of purple, but I ought it anyway because it has it's own regal charm Cartel base+Phong dial Rolex Yachtmaster 6242 Chronograph Prototype (New) Cartel Base + Phong Dial +Alpha subdial hands Again another prototype grail build I had been obsessing about for some time. Rolex Daytona 116505-0008 (New) Rolex Daytona 116508 (New) Rolex Daytona 116509-0071 (New) Rolex Daytona 116509MTAO (New) Birthday gift from the better half. Well she bought the parts and I built it. Rolex Daytona 116518LN-0047 (New) Rolex Daytona 116588TBR (New) This one is hard to photograph properly with all the detail. I missed out on this guy when the first M2M was listed in UK, then it re-surfaced weeks later in M2M in Continental Europe. Rolex Daytona 116598RBOW(New) Rolex Daytona 116599RBOW(New) Rolex Daytona Artisans de Genève "La Barrichello" (New) Rolex Space-Dweller 1016 (New) JMB case+Asian 2824+Yuki dial+Rafflesdial hands+Rafflesdial rivet bracelet Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar Dial (New) Rehaut engravings need to be scrubbed, something has to be done for the laughably short hash marks Rolex Explorer II 216570 Polar Dial (New) Now this started off when @FunnyStarSystem was selling his odd gate 40mm Explorer II. I bought a good version in the year but did not wear it much due to the size. This 40mm oddball fits much better. Rolex GMT Master II 16710 Black (New) Delightful cheapie which turned out to have a DG3804b movement! Rolex GMT Master II 116710BLNR (New) Rolex GMT Master II 116710LN (New) Rolex GMT Master II 116718LN (New) Rolex GMT Master II 126719BLRO-0002 (New) Rolex Submariner 6204 Albino Dial (New) Rolex Submariner 6204 Split Dial (New) JKF base+ Decal dial My first gilt decal dial, turned out alright. Lume needs more work. Further optimisation of printing needed because I had to sacrifice my carefully crafted fonts to circumvent a printing glitch. Rolex Submariner 116608LV (New) A fantasy mix and match of parts. I preferred a dial with gold text to match the gold text on the gold LN and LB in the collection. Rolex Submariner 116610LV (New) Rolex Submariner 116619LB (New) Rolex Single Red Sea Dweller 1665 (New) Cartel base+Yuki dial Rolex Yacht-Master 116622 (New) Rolex Yacht-Master 116622 Blue (New) Rolex Air-King 14000 Rolex Datejust 16013 Tapestry Dial Rolex Datejust 16233 Linen Dial Rolex Day-Date 18238 First build. Instantaneous date and day change at midnight. Gen dial+Raffles parts+Asian 2836 Rolex Day-Date 18238 Blue Vignette Dial Stills need to be recased into vintage case. Rolex Day-Date 18238 Brown Vignette Dial Still needs to be recased in vintage case. Rolex Day-Date 118206 Rolex Day-Date 128239-0023 Rolex 6234 Oyster Chronograph Rolex Daytona 6239 Paul Newman Dial Rolex Daytona 6263 Gold Rolex Daytona 6265 Paul Newman Dial Rolex Daytona 116500LN Rolex Daytona 116506 Rolex Daytona 116519LN-0013 Rolex Daytona 116520 Rolex Daytona 116523 Rolex Daytona 116595RBOW Rolex Daytona Artisans de Genève "La Montoya" Rolex Explorer II 1655 Still need to vintagise it. Rolex GMT Master 6542 Pan-Am Albino Dial Rolex GMT Master 6542 with Serpico y Laino Signature Rolex GMT Master 1675 Still need to decide what build I wish to make with this. I have a stunning Milk Fuchsia Insert begging to be used Rolex GMT Master II 16713 Root Beer I had so many plans to convert this to a 1675/3 Root Beer but the case was too big for the dial. Back to the drawing board. Rolex GMT Master II 126715CHNR Rolex Milgauss Label Noir Tourbillon Rolex Sky-Dweller 326934 Rolex Submariner 16610LV Gate Cheapie Rolex Submariner 16613LB Serti Dial Gate cheapie upgraded with Rafflesdial Serti dial and DWO. Rolex Submariner 116608LN Rolex Submariner 116608LN The gen has white text but I picked this one out because I preferred gold text. Rolex Submariner 116610LN ZZF V1 Rolex Submariner 116610 Bamford Stormtrooper Rolex Submariner 116613LB Serti Dial Fantasy configuration. Rolex Submariner 116613LN Serti Dial Another fantasy configuration. Rolex Turn-O-Graph 116264 Laughable rehaut engraving and font. Lots of room for improvement. Lots. Tudor Submariner 7928 (New) JKF base+Yuki dial+raffleswatch hands Crown guards needs reshaping to make it period correct. Tudor Heritage Chrono 70330N Black Tudor Heritage Chrono 70330N Blue Still can't find a suitable replacement insert. If anyone knows, do let me know! Tutima Vintage Chronograph Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionelle 47009 Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day Date Vacheron Constantin Harmony Complete Calendar Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Vacheron Constantin Historiques 1955 Corne de Vache This took me three days to sort out, phew. If you managed to scroll through the entire mess, thanks for reading 11 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,874 Posted March 3, 2021 What a beautifully eclectic mix of watches, I’m in awe of how well balanced this is, some more interesting and rare pieces! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FunnyStarSystem 7,538 Posted March 3, 2021 Yay, another full evening of entertainment from the most eclectic collector on here! More comments to follow - looks like a good episode 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatarms 7,777 Posted March 3, 2021 Holy shit, you're gonna have to start wearing one on each ankle too soon. That purple daytona is amazing. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glaude 1,615 Posted March 3, 2021 This is the collection of a mad men, my only question now is : What do you have against Omega ? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,750 Posted March 3, 2021 A fun read. Love the variety. Great stuff! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paccbet 7,176 Posted March 3, 2021 Love the double signed decal mods! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theviking 197 Posted March 3, 2021 Another delightful update/psychological profile. Contrary to what he says @semperfi55 is a big chap and could easily physically pull off a 44/46mm, but he is also an cartographer of long forgotten appointments where watches were smaller and drinks were stiffer. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BravoDelta 22,460 Posted March 3, 2021 The rep community gets schooled by another @semperfi55 sotc. What an amazing collection! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PostMaster 3,665 Posted March 3, 2021 A very unique style of watches that I just am in awe of, all look great even the Rolex collection lol. Thank you for sharing. P.S - that Breitling doesn’t look in that collection though - il take it off your hands 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lmvfernandes 365 Posted March 3, 2021 Very unique collection, is there any Rolex you will need in future? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
als86 5,278 Posted March 3, 2021 That's for sharing, great collection and photography...think my scroll wheel needs replacing now ! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peter Sta 264 Posted March 3, 2021 Absolutely love your collection..... so, so different 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr Fun Socks 76 Posted March 3, 2021 Man thats a great collection! You really have invested heavily in daytonas this year. And why the hell not! Theyre fantastic! That mr jones really caught my eye. Id love to wear it but i struggle enough reading certain skeletonised watches in low light. Add maths to the poor legibility, multiply that by a few beers and ill be reaching for my phone to know the time.... keep up the good work! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAJ75 922 Posted March 3, 2021 @semperfi55 Though this collection is bordering on insanity in sheer numbers, I do at the same time find the depth of your stable impressive. If nothing else the evidence of a real love of horology is on the surface for everyone to see. As noted in another response, I find the decal dials intriguing & well executed. Seeing the 5 Patek Grand Complications those are pieces that I would love to see taken to the next level as I find it crushing that only cheapies exist of those references. I do remain eternally grateful that the factories saw fit to bring out the Patek 530 & VC Cornes De Vache, I love your Patek 5170 & I'm sorry I missed the boat on that one. If money was no object I'd pick up the gen of that reference. Thanks for taking the time to document the evolution & look forward to seeing what 2021 adds! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
semperfi55 4,707 Posted March 3, 2021 Thanks for the kind comments guys. I'm terrible at responding to replies. Hopefully this year I'll get better at it. 18 hours ago, deju said: how well balanced this is, some more interesting and rare pieces! It won't be same time next year, there'll probably be just Rolex/Tudor Reps, even the Calatravas will have Coronets... 19 hours ago, FunnyStarSystem said: looks like a good episode Like some Netflix series, drops the whole season in one day then radio silence for the entire year 18 hours ago, fatarms said: wearing one on each ankle too soon You'll know I have started doing that when 47mm PAMs/Fliegers start popping up on my wrist checks 18 hours ago, Glaude said: What do you have against Omega ? Who names their brand the last letter of the alphabet? Sounds like a brand that just sells homages. Should go for first in alphabet like Alpha I do like the Speedmaster, the pre-Speedmaster chronos even more. There's also a vintage all-gold Constellation I'm keen on. Modern Seamasters are too big. I've tried them. 18 hours ago, NCRich said: A fun read. Love the variety. Great stuff! Thanks Rich 18 hours ago, paccbet said: Love the double signed decal mods! Thanks mate, those mods are cheap and cheerful when they work, but it's so variable depending on the dial finish/layers 9 hours ago, Theviking said: psychological profile 10 hours ago, Theviking said: is a big chap and could easily physically pull off a 44/46mm, but he is also an cartographer of long forgotten appointments where watches were smaller and drinks were stiffer. You're too kind mate, but also I need some form of criteria to restrict the collection! You're not helping!! Speaking of stiffer, nothing is stiffer than my.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................rep straps 8 hours ago, BravoDelta said: What an amazing collection! Thanks mate 8 hours ago, PostMaster said: Breitling doesn’t look in that collection though - il take it off your hands 8 hours ago, lmvfernandes said: is there any Rolex you will need in future? The madness never stops. There's a few more rare versions of 1680, 6200, 6538, gold Paul Newman Daytonas, 6263 RCO, and 16520 I'm keen on. 7 hours ago, als86 said: think my scroll wheel needs replacing now Imagine creating this SOTC with a mouse with no scroll, and my photos were not taken in the same order as above.... 6 hours ago, Peter Sta said: Absolutely love your collection..... so, so different Thanks Peter! 2 hours ago, Dr Fun Socks said: ill be reaching for my phone to know the time I kid you not, I have been late to appointments despite wearing two watches. I've never worn two vintage manual winds together ever since. Still late to things though. 1 hour ago, MAJ75 said: Seeing the 5 Patek Grand Complications those are pieces that I would love to see taken to the next level as I find it crushing that only cheapies exist of those references. Thanks for the comments MAJ! The decals are a temporary solution until I have the space and resources to set up a pad printer. I love the 3970,5970,5270, 5204 calendar chronos, wish there were better reps! But working with what the Chinese got, there's only the Asian ETA 775x calendar chrono movement used in the Longines rep and in the older Breitling Datora rep, and those have the wrong subdial placement for the Pateks. Perhaps there is a way to add on calendar modules to existing "simple" chronos. The only way that I see available is to hunt for Valjoux movements and build from there. I see Phong advertising services to build vintage Patek calendar chronos but the prices are... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tribefan 6,768 Posted March 4, 2021 Always a fun read @semperfi55 Did you by any chance have that CyS triple calendar up for sale? I saw one just like it over the weekend on eBay or chrono and thought hard about pulling the trigger because I remembered yours. That is a great watch. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
semperfi55 4,707 Posted March 4, 2021 19 hours ago, tribefan said: Always a fun read @semperfi55 Did you by any chance have that CyS triple calendar up for sale? I saw one just like it over the weekend on eBay or chrono and thought hard about pulling the trigger because I remembered yours. That is a great watch. Ooooh noo my CyS is never up for sale. If it ever does happen, I would put it on M2M first. The lowball offers I've received on eBay(for other watches) is next-level. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Piccolo 673 Posted March 4, 2021 That’s a lot of lovely watches! Thanks for taking the time to share. I’m a big fan of the Rainbow Daytona’s so I hope they get some good use. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glaude 1,615 Posted March 4, 2021 2 hours ago, semperfi55 said: Ooooh noo my CyS is never up for sale. If it ever does happen, I would put it on M2M first. The lowball offers I've received on eBay(for other watches) is next-level. And he will get banned from here if he doesn't ask me first if I want to buy it 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FunnyStarSystem 7,538 Posted March 4, 2021 Of the new additions that Space Dweller 1016 is one I've always wanted, but a no-no for sasquatch wrists. The Poljot Deluxe is so sublime with the dial slices for hour markers, I'm guessing it's like 34mm or something though, I love all your Raketa's too, thanks for the purchase reminder. The Patek Gubelin and Beyer - so crazy they even make these reps, who other than you is buying one of these?!? Of course now I want the Gubelin so I will be requesting a referral. For the remainder of 2021 (for my personal viewing pleasure) I'd recommend you pump the brakes on the Rolex and get back to what you do best, super oddities from rare brands. But I know you're enjoying the tinkering, so you do you Mau! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
semperfi55 4,707 Posted March 5, 2021 23 hours ago, Piccolo said: I’m a big fan of the Rainbow Daytona’s so I hope they get some good use. They are firm favourites that I sport at home like some mad man, especially the RG and steel (WG in gen) versions. Got a PVD version on the way 22 hours ago, Glaude said: And he will get banned from here if he doesn't ask me first if I want to buy it I'll bet It'll be some humiliating lowball "offer "as well, like 69 quid 69p 21 hours ago, FunnyStarSystem said: Of the new additions that Space Dweller 1016 is one I've always wanted, but a no-no for sasquatch wrists. The Poljot Deluxe is so sublime with the dial slices for hour markers, I'm guessing it's like 34mm or something though, I love all your Raketa's too, thanks for the purchase reminder. The Patek Gubelin and Beyer - so crazy they even make these reps, who other than you is buying one of these?!? Of course now I want the Gubelin so I will be requesting a referral. For the remainder of 2021 (for my personal viewing pleasure) I'd recommend you pump the brakes on the Rolex and get back to what you do best, super oddities from rare brands. But I know you're enjoying the tinkering, so you do you Mau! I couldn't bear reluming the 1016 to more realistic patina lume. Because straight lines and numbers are a bitch to lume. Something about the "Space" aspect makes me think I should leave the lume white and clean. The Poljot is tiny. The Gubelin and Beyer were cheapie gen watches that I converted to reps. I find cheapies on eBay that I think have modding potential because of certain desirable vintage features (lug shapes, case shape), then trawl through images of watches by the Trinity brands to find a close match, decide which reference I am trying to copy and then research the period appropriate font to replicate on a decal. I do have some vintage Tudors in mind, and a Heuer project that has stalled for more than a year. I do want to work on non-Rolex builds off the beaten track but at the moment the Rolex phase is certainly helpful to build up some skills---there's more guidance and options about. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FunnyStarSystem 7,538 Posted March 5, 2021 14 minutes ago, semperfi55 said: I couldn't bear reluming the 1016 to more realistic patina lume. Because straight lines and numbers are a bitch to lume. Something about the "Space" aspect makes me think I should leave the lume white and clean. The Poljot is tiny. The Gubelin and Beyer were cheapie gen watches that I converted to reps. I find cheapies on eBay that I think have modding potential because of certain desirable vintage features (lug shapes, case shape), then trawl through images of watches by the Trinity brands to find a close match, decide which reference I am trying to copy and then research the period appropriate font to replicate on a decal. I do have some vintage Tudors in mind, and a Heuer project that has stalled for more than a year. I do want to work on non-Rolex builds off the beaten track but at the moment the Rolex phase is certainly helpful to build up some skills---there's more guidance and options about. The 1016 looks fine, don't mess with it, however I find it kind of funny that you think straight lines a bitch to lume yet somehow make and apply the teeny-tiniest decals to dials and have them come out looking so perfect! How do you make the decals? I have so many dials mods I want to do with this knowledge!!! Good idea to use Rolex's as guinea pigs, exactly why they're churned out in the billions each month! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
semperfi55 4,707 Posted March 5, 2021 24 minutes ago, FunnyStarSystem said: How do you make the decals? The general gist of the steps are below, it varies depending on the scope of the project, colours involved, complexity of design, type of decals used, type of printer available. 1) Find good head-on photos of the gen, which will be the reference photo 2) Based on the reference, I measure the relevant dimensions (text height, length of a line of text) and convert into the correct measurements for my replica dial. I do this to maintain proportions, but others can eyeball the proportions pretty well and resize as appropriate. 3) I design my dials on Illustrator 4) Test prints, many test prints 5) Once you achieve a satisfactory font size and optimised printing settings, cut out the best example and apply it on to the blank disc/donor dial. Then leave it to dry. I was inspired by this: https://forum.replica-watch.info/forum/vintage-watches/249254-decal-printed-dial And followed the specific steps from this, he uses Sunnyscopa film free decals, which are especially useful if you just want to add a bit of text onto an existing dial without having to re-design the entire thing. The down side of Sunnyscopa decals is that you need a laserjet printer. If you're planning to design an entire dial, then might as well use regular clear decals which will allow for more printer flexibility. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Simonix 8,660 Posted March 5, 2021 Fantastic collection. I would love to get my hands on a Tudor heritage chrono rep. Definitely my favourites from your collection. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites