Mbari 2,227 Posted March 8, 2021 Hey y'all, Sharing my 16800/168000 build journey today. As some of you know, I'm a 4 digit sub guy, chasing the perfect low budget build from cartel cases. Some examples can be found on the Vintage section. Switching it up a little, I thought I'd give a shot in making a decent 16800/168000. Parts: Gen dial, got lucky on ebay with a long coronet, early 16800 gloss dial which has developed this sweet tropical patina. Gen insert, bought from a member in Rwi, goes really well with the patina of the dial Gen crown and tube Gen open 6/9 dw (super rare) VR3135 movement with Gen date plate ST 3135 case Gen Crystal WSO bracelet with 501b links. ST hands. Why buy ST Case?Great price and has lugholes, will fit a VR and will take gen parts like crystal, retaining ring, crown then, etc. Oh the crown height is perfect as well What's wrong with the ST case?Tall rehaut, fat lugs and stubby crown guards What's the fix? Re-lume the hands to match, easy stuff.Now onto the biggest hurdle, shaping the ST Case, I'm still not done polishing. Shaved the lugs to mimic a TC case. Shaved rehaut just enough to match JF, TC, ARF profile but not enough to a gen spec case because that might hamper water resistance. Tried to work the CGs by making them slimmer from the sides, drill a deeper counter sink to make the crown sit closer to the case took some metal off the top to give it a weathered/polished look. Softened the edges of the case to match the dial and overall production period of the watch. What's next? I'm on to my second build of the same thing but with a different case possibly a Viet, new dial with less patina and new insert. Overall it was a much simpler build compared to 4 digits which involves a lot more work like datewheel swap, luming dial, drilling holes and more. Enjoy the pics and chime in with your thoughts, advice etc. Thank you for reading Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mbari 2,227 Posted March 8, 2021 Idk why Tapatalk always upload system is whack;! Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk3rd time is the charm maybe Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Intresting 21,669 Posted March 8, 2021 Wow. Just wow. great work. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oascom 43 Posted March 8, 2021 I like it, little lume spill on hands but hey it looks good anyway 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diplomatico 191 Posted March 8, 2021 CUSTARD!! Very nice build indeed, well done! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,745 Posted March 8, 2021 That is really nice. Love the dial. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BadPickle 2,738 Posted March 8, 2021 That’s pretty cool 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCShrek 494 Posted March 8, 2021 Pretty much a super franken you have there Mack! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mbari 2,227 Posted March 8, 2021 I like it, little lume spill on hands but hey it looks good anyway Yes! It's bothering me. Gonna fix it soon, holding out for gen hands. Thank you for the kind words from a master like yourself. Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Replica01 299 Posted March 9, 2021 Awesome! Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G981B met Tapatalk 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moondustesp 136 Posted March 9, 2021 Great build very similar specs to mine. Enjoy 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
anj4de 2 Posted March 22, 2021 Hello This is too cool! Just what I like...including the used look. One like that but without the date please... ;-) cheers :-) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jajajaja 4 Posted March 29, 2021 Nice build. Good to see some love for the transitional model! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gaz1a 6 Posted July 18, 2021 This is UNREAL. Incredible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miquel 0 Posted September 25, 2021 Outstanding build - great job! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Intresting 21,669 Posted September 25, 2021 wow nice ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seadwellermike 11 Posted November 12, 2021 I am in love with this!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
