hyster 0 Posted March 15, 2014 (edited) I recently bought the new Helenarou 5517 case set and dial. I built it with a Swiss ETA I had removed from an old rep Omega I no longer wear. Once built, the 5517 was nice, fixed 2mm bars and the crown and guards are pretty nice but it was just way too new looking for a old Milsub, so... It took a bit of a kicking today. Edited March 15, 2014 by hyster Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
J!m 289 Posted March 16, 2014 That came out nice! Mine says hello... Mine is a Eta 2879 for the lower beat rate like the original. I also did a LOT of modding; more than is aparent from the pics. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ourkid17 0 Posted March 18, 2014 where can i get the closest 5517 without having to... y'know, build one? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigBuys 0 Posted March 18, 2014 I recently bought the new Helenarou 5517 case set and dial. I built it with a Swiss ETA I had removed from an old rep Omega I no longer wear. Once built, the 5517 was nice, fixed 2mm bars and the crown and guards are pretty nice but it was just way too new looking for a old Milsub, so... It took a bit of a kicking today. Great job! It really looks nice and convincing. The only obvious is the 'new' crown! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeLaForce 2 Posted March 18, 2014 where can i get the closest 5517 without having to... y'know, build one? You can buy one from helenerou (eBay seller) prebuilt for around $400/500. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Conex 0 Posted March 18, 2014 That looks sweeeet. Really loving the whole vintagized look at the moment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hakaman 0 Posted June 14, 2014 … and here it is! I got Helenarou to age the dial for me. I think it's turned out well. I am thinking I might fade the insert and, of course, I need to age the pearl. That thing stands out like a sore thumb at the moment. Any ideas on getting it to fade to a nice warm yellow? A Gunny NATO is waiting for me when I get home, and I'm hoping that will just finish her off. Let me know what you think... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
J!m 289 Posted June 18, 2014 Looks good, but just remove the pearl. They never lasted long anyway... Certainly easier than trying to yellow it... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fetasigma 0 Posted June 18, 2014 Easy way to age a pearl a bit, mix a tiny bit of fiberglass resin and very carefully drop a bit on with a toothpick, makes it a nice golden yellow Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hakaman 0 Posted June 18, 2014 Easy way to age a pearl a bit, mix a tiny bit of fiberglass resin and very carefully drop a bit on with a toothpick, makes it a nice golden yellow Thanks for the advice. I'm not the kind of guy that has fibreglass resin lying around tho! Might have to ask around... Looks good, but just remove the pearl. They never lasted long anyway... Certainly easier than trying to yellow it... I might go this way also... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fetasigma 0 Posted June 18, 2014 (edited) Easy way to age a pearl a bit, mix a tiny bit of fiberglass resin and very carefully drop a bit on with a toothpick, makes it a nice golden yellow Thanks for the advice. I'm not the kind of guy that has fibreglass resin lying around tho! Might have to ask around... Looks good, but just remove the pearl. They never lasted long anyway... Certainly easier than trying to yellow it... I might go this way also... you can buy a small tub of resin at any auoparts store or lowes for 10-15 bucks..... here is a pearl compleatly made out of resin here is a not so great photo of a darkened pearl another resin peatrl job you want another....ahhh ok how about a before picture on that one another you say before i replaced the pearl with strait up resin Edited June 18, 2014 by fetasigma Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rusty peters 0 Posted June 18, 2014 Hey Fetasigma, You can't just tease us with that blue Tudor!!! That is a nice piece. Time for a whole write up. You guys have done some great work with these Mitsuba. The vintaging looks very nicely done. You have my gears turning now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fetasigma 0 Posted June 18, 2014 i did a write up when i first made it.....but it is currently waiting on a new movement lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rusty peters 0 Posted June 18, 2014 i did a write up when i first made it.....but it is currently waiting on a new movement lol Oh.... I am guessing you weren't planning a new movement. Did it die on you? What are you going to put in it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hakaman 0 Posted June 18, 2014 @fetasigma dude! Nice job there! Okay... It might be easier than I thought. Thanks for the help bro! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fetasigma 0 Posted June 18, 2014 Well I had an old eta with the right beat rate but killed the keyless on it, will get it fixed but have had other projects in the wings Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fetasigma 0 Posted June 18, 2014 (edited) i actually mix a little yellow food coloring into the resin to darken it a bit....maybe a just a tad of red, if you want a little brownish a little wood stain will harden in resin too....lol expieriment with a batch on a piece of paper with diffrent agents in the resin to get diffrent color combo's, you will have enough resin with one bottle to do 1000's of watches so dont be afraid to experiment....i also use it to replace lost pearls with great results Edited June 18, 2014 by fetasigma Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Benoitch 0 Posted June 22, 2014 great looking! I love these milsub Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Escapizm 23 Posted August 10, 2014 … and here it is! I got Helenarou to age the dial for me. I think it's turned out well. I am thinking I might fade the insert and, of course, I need to age the pearl. That thing stands out like a sore thumb at the moment. Any ideas on getting it to fade to a nice warm yellow? A Gunny NATO is waiting for me when I get home, and I'm hoping that will just finish her off. Let me know what you think... That looks awesome, I've just ordered one from trusty time and I'll be sending to Kenny for mod, duff up the case and back then repolish, totally awesome relume (see Kenny post) and aging of bezel and new crystal. I may also pop the pearl out all together! Would love to think I could Franken this with a Rolex movt, my submariner has a really positive click when wound. I'm also looking a a gunny NATO strap so would like to see yours on here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thrasher 135 Posted August 11, 2014 DAMN AWESOME, this has got to be next... I keep looking at PAMS but these vintage SUBS are beyond cool especially the modding do it yourself stuff, that's the kinda stuff I love. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jackflash 1,137 Posted August 11, 2014 Some nice 5517s here. Here's mine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Escapizm 23 Posted August 21, 2014 Some nice 5517s here. Here's mine. That's a beauty, you mod it yourself, how? Is that a t19' my crystals a bit square. Kenny's gonna replace with better domed version, I've also asked he matte the dial with a coat of varnish before he performs his fantastic vintage lume. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites