Hey OF,
Just wanted to share a result of some experimentation, to save people the trouble.

This is what I consider is a worthy design adjustment to the ST1, which was personally what made me really love the watch.

A few months ago I was contemplating on why the ST1 did not appeal to me.
Then it hit me: I am comparing it to classic vintage reverse panda chronos that have straight lug design.

And that got me thinking... hmm.. what if??

Did a photoshop quickie..



Hmm... I love it now!! This should work.. right? Right????
Only one way to find out...
And with a huge leap of faith... I went for it.

....

Fast forward to now... the mod is finally complete!





I just thought it was a pretty nice tweak that can help it stay on your wrist more (if you already own one ) or that can help you try get one on your wrist

I for one, am exclusively going to wear it in this combo.

 

I like it. It's very symmetrical.

 

"perfectly balanced, as all things should be"

 

Congratulations. That was a brave move and it worked out well. Replacing with a decimal bezel adds to the symmetry too.
PS: better not tell R-J B about this!
Out of interest, what tools did you use for re-shaping the case and lugs?

 

The decimal bezel was inspired by one of my favorite reverse panda designs, Autavia 2446 Rindt. It's a great watch but it's not at the prices I'm willing to pay, so. With the Tachy it only looks like it went for a diet, and not much of a different design tweak

No actually the case is a 321 straight lug Ed white case. I wouldn't dare to destroy the original case!

 

Aah! It was probably the "huge leap of faith" comment that made me think you used an angle grinder on your ST2 case.

 

No the really big leap was to drop some serious $ on the case AND the ST1, because prior to this mod the ST1 wasn't really my thing.
Original stuff is nice and safe!

 

I think it's a significant improvement. I assume it's a service case that you sourced, rather than a vintage? Wouldn't a case from a FOIS have worked?

 

Yes, FOIS would have worked, but I wanted the hesalite.

Also I am not aware of any service case for straight lug speedys... so this is an actual vintage case. (Hence the lion leap) It's in superb condition, really. Almost looks modern!

 

great job!
I have a question. Is the size of the watch face the same for both watch cases?

 

You mean dial?

I think so. Technically you are asking if 321 dial has same size as 1861 dial and I think they do. In any case, I've established here for those curious that the 321 straight lug case can house the cal 1861 with no issues.

 

That’s an awesome personal piece!

Well done! Hot rods should not be frowned upon!

@ext1 well done sir!

 

Thank you!! I was really worried people will be coming at me with virtual pitchforks. But this is 100% reversible so, it should be fine.

 

Thanks!
Of course, it was about dial. Somewhere I came across the term "watch face" on the occasion of smartwatch descriptions and perhaps I used this term incorrectly
As to the size of the dial, it may have different diameters for different watch cases despite the use of the same mechanism.

 

The FOIS can be modified to use a hesalite crystal - it's not a straight swap, but it can be done. Not sure you would have wanted to ship it off to Australia, but Lewis Watch Works has done the conversion on several FOIS.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/fois-with-hesalite-crystal.81363/

 

He (passively) refused my request on multiple occasions - so I decided against it. But thanks for the reminder - maybe later I should try again in the future.

But also I would have to buy a FOIS just for this. Would have a 1861 around doing nothing. The 321 case is more useful to me anyway, since I dabble in vintage speedys, so I went that route.

 

HA! I should have read further down that post to realize you had already commented on it. Sorry about that.

 

WOW, this is really cool! well done! =)

 

I love the original design of st1 but it's amazing what you did to make it your own way! Congratulations

 

Fantastic! 100% Agreed with the plexi preference, however personally I would prefer a FOIS case. Lets see what this year brings

Well done! WIGH.