10:10 Watch Repair 1 Posted November 8, 2009 These are Rolex bridges to fit a Molinja movement. After CNC, they will be hand finished and then engraved with a pantograph like the originals. Prototyping beginning soon... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PatronSaintofChainsaws 1 Posted November 8, 2009 These are Rolex bridges to fit a Molinja movement. After CNC, they will be hand finished and then engraved with a pantograph like the originals. Prototyping beginning soon... Which version(s) of the 618 bridges are planned? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10:10 Watch Repair 1 Posted November 8, 2009 These are Rolex bridges to fit a Molinja movement. After CNC, they will be hand finished and then engraved with a pantograph like the originals. Prototyping beginning soon... Which version(s) of the 618 bridges are planned? I am not seeing a difference in the bridge shapes on 618s. There is a later version with a shock on the balance and the center jewel varies. There are some different engravings and finishing as well. For the moment, this is in the prototype stage, until I have a tried and true solution and have the official blessing of the mods there's nothing for sale. The plan is to offer a few things here, but I am not ready yet. Greg_r has been really cool about getting established here, so soon these will be available. Would be nice to get feedback though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PatronSaintofChainsaws 1 Posted November 8, 2009 I am not seeing a difference in the bridge shapes on 618s. There is a later version with a shock on the balance and the center jewel varies. There are some different engravings and finishing as well.For the moment, this is in the prototype stage, until I have a tried and true solution and have the official blessing of the mods there's nothing for sale. The plan is to offer a few things here, but I am not ready yet. Greg_r has been really cool about getting established here, so soon these will be available. Would be nice to get feedback though. Sorry, I meant the engravings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10:10 Watch Repair 1 Posted November 8, 2009 Sorry, I meant the engravings. Engravings are simple. It's a matter of setting up the right pantograph templates, and of course research. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prestigewatchco 2 Posted November 8, 2009 Night watch can get them engraved for you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailboss99 997 Posted November 8, 2009 cls has all the gear to DIY Robert. Very interesting! Col. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob bean 0 Posted November 8, 2009 Very interesting. Subscribed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mad dawg 0 Posted November 8, 2009 Very interesting.Subscribed +1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sconehead 5 Posted November 8, 2009 Any chance of a decent Pam crown guard while you're at it? :P This is interesting but alas these types of projects have been banded about on the forums before and always seem to fall at the last hurdle...fingers crossed on this one cls... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10:10 Watch Repair 1 Posted November 9, 2009 Any chance of a decent Pam crown guard while you're at it? :P This is interesting but alas these types of projects have been banded about on the forums before and always seem to fall at the last hurdle...fingers crossed on this one cls... I am working on the A-F CG first, the first prototype will arrive next week. For the vintage, there are some good options already, although not with Brev. Ital. The bridges are out to a couple CNC shops right now. Most, of course, want a huge qty which would drive the price way up, unless 5000 of you want to pre-order. I have the ability to produce 1 off, which I will do if production is not an option. The difference is a few $ each vs. a few $100 each. Stay tuned, I will know more soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10:10 Watch Repair 1 Posted November 11, 2009 The bids are in. Unfortunately I can't find a Chinese manufacturer who will to take this on in a small enough quantity. That, and the language barrier dealing with their salespeople / engineers / machine operators, makes the process impossible. The good news is these bridges will come from the factory unmarked, so there are a lot of potential manufacturers including some professional watch parts manufacturers. The setup charge is huge, so I need to gauge interest. I can produce the bridges to fit the Molnija, and I can deliver just bridges or complete movements, engraved or not. The bridges should sell for about $350-$400 which includes plating, engraving, jewel setting, and a brass center wheel. A complete serviced movement should be around $650. (Pre-orders at a discount when this is further along) These bridges are going to be produced by a watch parts manufacturer who will also set the jewels and the center wheel bushing. They are going to prototype and test to ensure a good fit and there is no excessive endshake, (as much as can be considering the base is a Molnija.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sconehead 5 Posted November 11, 2009 Hmmm, that's pricey... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PatronSaintofChainsaws 1 Posted November 12, 2009 The bids are in. Unfortunately I can't find a Chinese manufacturer who will to take this on in a small enough quantity. That, and the language barrier dealing with their salespeople / engineers / machine operators, makes the process impossible. Maybe talking to Molnia/Molnija about doing some customization directly would be easier? They still exist, after all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10:10 Watch Repair 1 Posted November 12, 2009 The bids are in. Unfortunately I can't find a Chinese manufacturer who will to take this on in a small enough quantity. That, and the language barrier dealing with their salespeople / engineers / machine operators, makes the process impossible. Maybe talking to Molnia/Molnija about doing some customization directly would be easier? They still exist, after all. I am guessing not: from Wikipedia: History The Molnija clock and watch factory was opened on November 17, 1947. The company's main customer was then the Soviet Union Department of Defense, providing them with wrist watches, pocket watches and table clocks. Unique clocks were also produced specifically for use in Soviet tanks, fighter aircraft, submarines and, eventually, spacecraft. Today The company ceased production in October 2007.[1] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jameo210369 0 Posted November 12, 2009 Keep up updated cls on your progress. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites