I know this is debated topic- lots of variables to consider and lots of opinions out there- but I am looking to hear from people who have had personal success or failures at this.
I just won a Zodiac night diver- one of the Red Point series watches that has been on my list for a while. There was an automatic version made of this watch but they are as rare as hens teeth (I know of one member here who has one).


This has the same 42mm “Monnin” case as the automatic version (which used a 2824) which happened to be similar (same) as the one used by Tag and several other sport diver makers of the time. I have read of quartz/auto conversions of the Tag’s using a 2824 provided they were the earlier generation 844’s with the thicker back- not the later versions with slimmer back (like this one).

My forthcoming caseback below


The quartz movement that’s in this watch is the eta 955-114.


Since the 2824 is double the thickness of the quartz 955 and the stem position possibly being different, it won’t work with this case & factory back (perhaps an aftermarket exhibition case back??). But doing a little reading it appears the eta 2892-2 or A2 may work as they are slimmer than the 2824 by 2mm


Has anyone had experience with this kind of swap? I wouldn’t do this myself but rather have my watch handy friend undertake the project as this is right in his wheelhouse- but he has never done a quartz-mech conversion so want to be armed with info.

Obviously if it’s not possible I’ll just live with the watch as a quartz- but it would be nice to not have that tick-tick-tick every time I look at it.

 

Actually I prefer quartz when possible but that's difficult with vintage stuff. (call me strange).

However in certain locales in the Philippines where spare parts, and even complete watches on the lesser populated islands are hard to find, watchmakers get pretty crafty in putting together oddball stuff.

There was a guy on MWR years ago, I think he was Asian, who as a hobby specialized in doing exactly that with some fairly modern military-style stuff, even using presses to re-shape case backs to accept a mechanical movement. I can't recall his name but for sure he would be familiar with such a mainstream project as a tag/heuer or Zodiac quartz-to-automatic swap. I bet a simple question posted there would locate the guy. He did some amazing work. He could tell you the right combo. Saves a flight to the Philippines.

 

The right combo is the hope. The eta 955 series was used everywhere during the 80’s/90’s so I don’t think I am reinventing the wheel here.

 

Either that or simply buy yourself a correct and mint condition all original Monin Heuer automatic and pilfer the case back for the Zodiac. After all a man of your stature shouldn't be concerned about cost.

 

Don’t know why I didn’t think of that!

 

Watch arrived today- it’s stunning. Truly a time capsule and looks like a 1 year old watch with desk diver duty.

 

Looks like it has been kept in a drawer for all these years. Congratulations!

 

Excellence, congratulations sir!