higginsd 0 Posted April 11, 2014 Hi all! I want to show you the first pics of my 3777 franken project. I was able to source a gen dial and got a gen crown (for the Aquatimer, a bit more in height) from eBay. Now I'm wating for a set of gen hands and a gen crown/stem/tube for the PilotChronos which I also was able to source! Will be delivered in 4-5 weeks. The next step will be an ETA 7750 in chronometer quality or a gen IWV 79320 (Concepta!!!). Last steps a gen glass and possibly a gen folding clasp for the BP. The biggest problem I faced so far was the gen dial diameter which was 0.8mm bigger than the rep dial! So it didn't fit into the rep case. I carefully placed the gen dial to my Dremel and "dremeled" it down in diameter with sandpaper - slowly and carefully. It works! The gen crown fits to the thread of the rep tube but in the next step I'll also change the tube to a gen tube. The fantastic BP-style strap comes from my friend Jacob Ramirez in spain who did a fantastic job! It is made from genuine grey alligator skin with light blue stitch. I'll update this thread if new steps or pictures are available. Enough said, here are the pics. My 3777, unmodified with the fantastic strap from Jacob Ramirez: The gen dial (on right), unmounted: The watch with gen dial and gen crown, just returned from the watch smith: Here the Franken on left, the rep dial in the middle and another rep 3777 (will be be sold again) with rep dial on right: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JSJ 0 Posted April 11, 2014 Great job! I just posted over in another review asking where you got the parts. Watching ebay looks like the answer. Well done! How does the lume on the two dials compare? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
higginsd 0 Posted April 11, 2014 (edited) You're right: I'll try to make some lume shots this evening or the next days and post it here. As far as I remember it looks the same as on rep dial but possibly shines longer. Watching eBay is an answer. But I also get some parts from an AD. I hope you understand I cannot tell you his name and cannot get more parts than for my personal franken projects. My other project is an IWC 5019 BP Miramar which is a stunner - but has a wrong coloured dial. And I'm lucky to get a gen dial this late summer or autumn! Edited April 11, 2014 by higginsd Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
higginsd 0 Posted May 7, 2014 The next gen parts arrived. Now I'm waiting for my 79320 which will arrive the next days! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jacobarch 0 Posted May 7, 2014 wowzers! I must say tho, the rep dial is pretty spot on. I know the lume is way better on the gens etc. But I have to give it to the rep makers. they are getting pretty damn good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gvln68 0 Posted May 11, 2014 strap from Jacob Ramirez is soooo nice! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twofake 0 Posted May 11, 2014 great topic. Love the strap. Not sure if the Aquatimer crown suits but at least it is Gen. Look forward to more photos as you progress. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
higginsd 0 Posted May 11, 2014 No the Aquatimer crown does not fit complete. I will change it as you see I also received a gen PilotChrono crown and windign stem. Anyone who needs an IWC gen Aquatimer crown? SCNR, I'll place it in the normal sales forum when it is available. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
higginsd 0 Posted May 15, 2014 Finally the last missing part arrived: a gen 79320 movement! On monday my watch smith will have some work. :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
olly593 0 Posted May 15, 2014 Wow, you must be putting some real money into this, please post pics of the end result. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
higginsd 0 Posted May 15, 2014 Yes, some real money... But still much less than for a complete gen 3777 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JSJ 0 Posted May 15, 2014 Very impressive. Lovely looking movement. Thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vreds 0 Posted May 17, 2014 How much do you have to be prepared to pay to get a gen 79320? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
higginsd 0 Posted June 12, 2014 So, status update: the gen hands and the 79320 movement are build into the watch. Some pics: Last steps: possibly gen crystal or a crystal with Sunnydale-AR, gen BP clasp or gen croco strap with normal gen buckle. A gen BP strap will be nearly impossible because IWC does not offer BP straps with 21mm at the lugs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simey83 2,050 Posted June 12, 2014 Stunning mate! Money well spent Wear in good health Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JSJ 0 Posted June 12, 2014 Superb watch. That's a lot of effort to arrive where you are. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gran 198 Posted June 12, 2014 WOW!! very expensive very very very impressive Great stuff!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
