mclarendude 8,008 Posted September 1, 2014 (edited) Hello RWG! I'm a long time member at RWI and recently embarked on my first franken project. I decided that it would be the famous Bond SMP 2531.80 Chronometer. I started out with this $160 Bond Gunbarrel, 2824 powered, Omega Seamaster Rep. And the goal was to get it to look as much as possible as this: Now, what did I get? I got a Gen Dial off eBay for $129 directly from Neuchatel, Switzerland, got a genuine handset from OFrei for $78 (shipping included), and bought a Gen ETA datewheel, for the better font, for $13 from eBay. After some time installing, the end result then: But. It didn't end there. After some time, a nice gen faded bezel and insert came up on RWI's sales forum, for a real good price, so.... I bought it. So here's how it stands now. Yes, the case a little beat up from struggling to get the darn bezel off. But, it gives it that character I've always envisioned on it. I might send it to someone to refinish it somewhat later on. So, you might be asking, how much was it? Well, here it is. -$160 for the base watch -$129 for the Gen Dial -$78 for the Gen Hands -$13 for the ETA Datewheel -$50 for the Bezel Assembly and Insert Grand Total: $430 Will there be future additions to it? Yes! Planned: -Gen Pearl. -Gen Crown and Tube. -Waterproofing. -Gen Clasp (this one has the 007 Logo). -Full movement service, so the "Chronometer" on the dial has meaning. Hoping for it to keep COSC standards. -Light case refinishing. -Gen Crystal (maybe?) or AR Coating to the rep one. I must thank all the friends and masters of the RWI Omega Forum for their help with this dream watch. I will enjoy it for years to come. Original Thread: http://www.replica-w...ad.php?t=191784 I hope you enjoy! And if you have any questions about it, do let me know! Gabe Edited September 1, 2014 by mclarendude Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
g.man 0 Posted September 1, 2014 Looking very nice mate! great work g.man Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haltec 0 Posted September 1, 2014 Great result!!!! Br Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justwannalook 1 Posted September 1, 2014 Inspirational. Looks fantastic Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mclarendude 8,008 Posted September 1, 2014 thank you all! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyRock 0 Posted September 1, 2014 Is it me, or does that Gen dial have the "happy feet" look? I might just be seeing things........ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RUSH2112 11 Posted September 1, 2014 I recognize your name from rwi. Glad you posted this here. Nice looking watch without breaking the bank which seems pretty common over there. And to address Philly comment it looks like a printed logo so I believe happy feet is correct in that case. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mclarendude 8,008 Posted September 1, 2014 Is it me, or does that Gen dial have the "happy feet" look? I might just be seeing things........ As Rush said, it's a printed logo, so happy feet are correct! I recognize your name from rwi. Glad you posted this here. Nice looking watch without breaking the bank which seems pretty common over there. And to address Philly comment it looks like a printed logo so I believe happy feet is correct in that case. Thank you Rush! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viquito 0 Posted September 1, 2014 Looks good brother! I am jelly of your skills lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dhistory 0 Posted September 2, 2014 Dido. Congrats on a neat franken at a fraction of the cost and priceless experience building it. Is it the 36mm or the 40mm? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mclarendude 8,008 Posted September 2, 2014 It's the 40mm! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwt 11 Posted September 2, 2014 I love Franken stuff like this - thanks for posting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mclarendude 8,008 Posted September 10, 2014 I love Franken stuff like this - thanks for posting. Anytime! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benjamin1988 0 Posted September 16, 2014 Astonishing work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mclarendude 8,008 Posted September 25, 2014 Astonishing work! Thank you!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Djebzen 0 Posted September 29, 2014 Damn that looks smooth. Great work! Good craftmanship you got there mate. I actually considered buying the Gunbarrel rep a while back, however I ended up buying the Diver 300m 2012Ceramic Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mclarendude 8,008 Posted September 30, 2014 Damn that looks smooth. Great work! Good craftmanship you got there mate. I actually considered buying the Gunbarrel rep a while back, however I ended up buying the Diver 300m 2012Ceramic Thank you, sir!! I enjoyed building it. It will be getting some updates soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daywatch 4 Posted September 30, 2014 Wonderful built and fantastic result within a very reasonable budget. Skills, persistence and patience really do pay off. Congrats, it´s really good looking now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mclarendude 8,008 Posted September 30, 2014 Wonderful built and fantastic result within a very reasonable budget. Skills, persistence and patience really do pay off. Congrats, it´s really good looking now. Thank you so much, for the kind words. It's a piece very dear to my heart, that I hope to enjoy for many years to come. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mclarendude 8,008 Posted September 30, 2014 very nice Thank you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Not Quite Dead 9 Posted September 30, 2014 I have the exact same starting watch that I was using to develop some skills before I kill off something I actually like but seeing your end result and the reasonable cost of a dial which is the main turn off for me I may reconsider as the result is something I would wear. Well done that man you may have saved a watch you have never met. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mclarendude 8,008 Posted October 1, 2014 I have the exact same starting watch that I was using to develop some skills before I kill off something I actually like but seeing your end result and the reasonable cost of a dial which is the main turn off for me I may reconsider as the result is something I would wear. Well done that man you may have saved a watch you have never met. I hope you do!!! Any help I can render, let me know! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mclarendude 8,008 Posted November 9, 2014 To update, I just bought a crown tube, and I sourced a gen crown a while back, so only to install it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
duvet77 0 Posted October 5, 2015 Looks awesome you should be very proud of your achievement. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
