6538 Bond project part one

[davylloyd 0]

As I said on the general forum, I want to mod a couple of cheap and cheerful 6538 reps. from Silix into something approaching the sub seen in Goldfinger, Dr. No, and Thunderball.

 

I'm doing one for myself and one for my son, and I've decided to post it in stages, as I go, warts and all, so that if nothing else people will learn from my mistakes. For that same reason, I'm doing them one at a time instead of side by side.

 

Part one covers the stripping down of the watch into the parts I need to work on.

 

Here is the basic watch I want to mod.

[davylloyd 0]

First up is to take off the bracelet through the (too small) lugholes. There is a nicer riveted bracelet option, but as I won't be using the S/S, I'm not concerned.

Edited August 1, 2012 by davylloyd

[davylloyd 0]

Next take the back off. I only have the Jaxa type tool, you'll see as we go that even my watch tools are reps!

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Just the standard 2813, but with a brass spacer ring instead of the plastic movement ring

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Wrong details here, as though a watchman wouldn't know

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Here I'm pointing to the stem release button. Depress this very gently with the mechanism already hacked, just enough to release the stem and no more.

 

....and the stem pops out.

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These screws and tabs are what holds the movement in the case. They come out easily, but I expect a little swearing session when they go back.

[davylloyd 0]

Over the years, I've learnt to put the smaller parts in an old 35mm film tub.

[davylloyd 0]

Then just invert the case and take out the movement.

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Refit the stem so as not to upset the keyless works.....

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On cheaper reps, the crystal pops out with a little thumb pressure.

Edited August 1, 2012 by davylloyd

[davylloyd 0]

Like this

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Then gently ease the bezel insert out using a case knife. Take your time, don't bend or scratch anything.

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As you can see, it's only held on with double-sided tape.

Edited August 1, 2012 by davylloyd

[davylloyd 0]

Clean off the tape with a not too sharp screwdriver.

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More dodgy markings. :lmao:

Edited August 1, 2012 by davylloyd

[davylloyd 0]

And again.....

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Time to get the movement into a holder, remembering to leave access to the crown and stem.

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Then with the hands lined up at 12o/c, slip on a piece of photographic paper. No fancy Bergeon dial protector on my budget

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I favour the Presto type lifter, much more skillful people than me tell me levers are better, but I can't get the hang.

 

....and off they come.

[davylloyd 0]

Then on to a piece of blu-tack for safety. See - I told you - even my Rodico is a rep!

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Here's the brass spacer ring I mentioned. Crown and stem off again to remove this, carefully now....

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.....then refit the stem again.(phew, certainly getting the practise). Stick the dial on a piece of ahem Rodico. Note the worn-out date ring, there is another spacer ring between the dial and the movement that I forgot to photograph.

[davylloyd 0]

....I also forgot to show you the screws that hold the dial feet, tighten them up once the dial is off so's they don't go walkies...

[davylloyd 0]

So now the dial is ready, and this is the first part that's going to need some work. The two extra lines of text (officially certified chronometer) need removing amongst many other things.