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Let's see your current projects

Davidt
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This is going to take some work but it’ll be pretty good when done.
I usually wouldn’t buy in this condition but this dial/hand variant is hard to find and I’ve been half looking for a couple of years.

The crystal is crazed to hell, the lume is too far along the mouldy path, the caseback has an engraving and the movement is bone dry.
To bring it back up to snuff it’s going to need a relume by the magician, a new crystal and full service.

E805E02F-FB2C-4A74-9DF9-11FDF8DE6960.jpeg
Edited:
 
Dan S
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Davidt Davidt
This is going to take some work but it’ll be pretty good when done.
I usually wouldn’t but in this condition but this dial/hand variant is hard to find and I’ve been half looking for a couple of years.

The crystal is crazed to hell, the lume is too far along the mouldy path, the caseback has an engraving and the movement is bone dry.
To bring it back up to snuff it’s going to need a relume by the magician, a new crystal and full service.

E805E02F-FB2C-4A74-9DF9-11FDF8DE6960.jpeg

Good looking watch, I like the sweep hand.
 
JwRosenthal
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Dan S Dan S
Good looking watch, I like the sweep hand.
We’ve seen that sweep hand before- really an oddity for sure but cool- a fully lumed second hand.
 
Kraal90
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Davidt Davidt
This is going to take some work but it’ll be pretty good when done.
I usually wouldn’t buy in this condition but this dial/hand variant is hard to find and I’ve been half looking for a couple of years.

The crystal is crazed to hell, the lume is too far along the mouldy path, the caseback has an engraving and the movement is bone dry.
To bring it back up to snuff it’s going to need a relume by the magician, a new crystal and full service.

E805E02F-FB2C-4A74-9DF9-11FDF8DE6960.jpeg
Looking forward to seeing the results for thisone!
What reference is it?
 
JayBe
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
We’ve seen that sweep hand before- really an oddity for sure but cool- a fully lumed second hand.
It is like on the old Zenith extra special pilot watch, super cool. Missed one two years ago and I am still bitter about that. 🤦
 
Davidt
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Kraal90 Kraal90
Looking forward to seeing the results for thisone!
What reference is it?

Ref 165.002 so a standard 60’s Seamaster Auto reference, just with an unusual dial/hand configuration.

It desperately needs some TLC but the case is fairly sharp, crown is original and critically the dial and hands are original and lume aside they’re in good condition. The crystal makes the dial look tired but it’s actually a nice matte black under there.

Off to James Hyman it goes, then away for a service so it’ll be gone for a few months but it’ll be worth it.
 
Dan S
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bradurani bradurani
6215-7000 with NOS parts
PXL_20230124_210603839.jpg

Cool, impressive job hunting own the parts, especially the sweep hand.

I'd like to handle one of these someday. It's a watch that's always interested me, but they are hard enough to find and expensive enough, that I'd really like to see one in person before putting in the effort to hunt one down.
Edited:
 
kpaxsg
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666
LesXL LesXL
My WM is working on a Vulcain Cricket ingotba cheap. Dial is nice, so is the movement... A bit of a challenge with the stem. Bought it with crown and it seems the stem is not the correct one. So need to find an appropriate one.
IMG-20221027-WA0003.jpg IMG-20221027-WA0005.jpg IMG-20221027-WA0000.jpg IMG-20221027-WA0004.jpg

How did the project went for your Vulcain Cricket? i got a very nice case and dial , perhaps incomplete movement and hands, crystal also missing, not sure if your watchmaker or anyone can help?

IMG_6491.JPG IMG_6492.JPG IMG_6493.JPG IMG_6495.jpg IMG_6496.jpg IMG_6497.jpg
Edited:
 
Dan S
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kpaxsg kpaxsg
How did the project went for your Vulcain Cricket? i got a very nice case and dial , perhaps incomplete movement and hands, not sure if your watchmaker or anyone can help?

View attachment 1617468

Not to pour cold water on this project, but I am seeing severe plating loss on the case and the dial is poorly refinished. I think the movement might be the only thing worth saving TBH.
 
Mark020
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Finally found a case. Now to find hands and a crown
345296579_976639163374552_276479.jpg
 
Davidt
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Quick update on my Seamaster ‘300 Companion’ restoration.
The dial and hands were relumed by the Alchemist Relumer (James H) and the watch then serviced by Mitka. Absolutely love the result.

6E55BA04-EF14-4458-A32D-3624657F602B.jpeg 9A80B57B-893C-41B6-BAEA-ED99F605DFF8.jpeg
 
iamvr
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I had to source a correct flat foot clover crown, which was easy thanks to @LesXL. Finding an affordable donor watch for the correct second hand took me longer, but I've got everything I need now, and it's going off to the watchmaker for a service and parts replacement soon. Can't wait to wear this one.

IMG_1145 Kopie.jpg
 
sheepdoll
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Try finding an empty Stainless 2577 case at a reasonable price.

Always interesting how some model numbers are more desirable than others.
 
OneTwo
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Was in an antiques shop the other weekend and found a childhood relic for the high price of a buck. Figured a couple fresh batteries might due the trick, so far no luck on the time function
9619C526-5BB9-4CE2-956F-B5B6F53EA817.jpeg
Edited:
 
JayBe
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2,383
JayBe JayBe
Speaking of clamshell, I've had this Wyler (38mm) as a project for almost two years now and it's hopefully nearing completion. Needed to source pushers, crown, stem and crystal. Now it is getting a full service, hands are being relumed (tough decision, have been debating this with myself for quite some time) and I cannot wait for it to come back. I have even had a strap made for it already ahead of time.
2021-01-15 15.21.11.jpg 2021-01-15 20.14.01.jpg 2021-02-03 10.16.25.jpg

Today, I got these back after almost 2 years of renovation. The watchmaker is a friend and wanted to do it as well as possible. I am stoked with the results. Initially, I wanted to do much less, but I am happy that he went full out and made them like new.
20230626_184356.jpg


Clamshell case from the back:
20230626_190903.jpg
Edited:
 
bradurani
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I think I finally got in over my head, non-runner Grand Seiko 6185 V.F.A. theres no way I'll ever find a balance if that's what it needs. I'll find out soon. Wish me luck!
i-img898x1198-1685973892saikzu360922.jpg i-img898x1198-1685973891qwnncx360922.jpg i-img898x1198-1685973891c1x3tz360922.jpg
 
ghce
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bradurani bradurani
I think I finally got in over my head, non-runner Grand Seiko 6185 V.F.A. theres no way I'll ever find a balance if that's what it needs. I'll find out soon. Wish me luck!
i-img898x1198-1685973892saikzu360922.jpg i-img898x1198-1685973891qwnncx360922.jpg i-img898x1198-1685973891c1x3tz360922.jpg


Nice condition, probably just needs a glass and a service.

I don't think there would be too much issue in the unlikely event of a broken balance.

Its surprising how much difference a new lens makes drawing your eye away from any other minor defect and looking past that lens the case and dial look in great condition.

Let us know the result.

Good luck
 
OneTwo
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Waiting on the service 640 end links to arrive from Omega, then all I’ll need to find is a 861 movement (hoping to find a -71 serial range) and this puppy will be ready to be sent off to the watchmaker for assembly. 😁😁😁
6E70DC0E-139E-46B3-8209-FFB710879E50.jpeg
Yes it will be a total franken (forgive me there is no better term that comes to mind right now) but it will be a forever keeper; I’ll be able to say that no Speedmasters we’re hurt in the process and I just love it already. I’ve been hankering for one of these Mark II conversions since I saw @eugeneandresson thread (thanks for creating that thread), so I’m really excited it’s starting to come together.
 
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