First, let me share the watch that has triggered this idea...

It's basically a clone of the original Explorer 6150 case at @35.5mm and 18mm lugs. Its a very pleasantly sized watch to wear with classic proportions. It's powered by an Nh (seiko movement) and has a custom dial. ( it also has decent tools to change and adjust the bracelet.




More than a few of you have reached out about this piece and I did a little research.

So I purchased this from a guy on ebay, and I assumed the parts are available on the Chinese resale sites and it turns out I was right.

So this nice case and bracelet, plus a decent movement are easily available and affordable.

So then I got to thinking the dial style is nice... what if it was Gilt... and removed the typo and made it sterile or I came up with a logo??? I can source custom dials for this movement pretty easily.


1) If I did this how much would you pay?
2) Would you be willing to pay more if part of the proceeds went to charity?
3) Should a nice matching pass-through strap and curved springbars be included or an option?
4) Would you like a gilt dial?
5) Sterile or a nice custom brand name to be determined?
6) Any other thoughts?

 

1) About $200 or so.
2) It Depends
3) I am a bracelet man, so I wouldn't want them.
4) I don't know what this means.
5) It Depends
6) Lume has to not suck. I'd rather it be white than any other color. I would hope the watchmaker assembling them would at least attempt some level of adjustment, and please, do not buy NH35 but NH38, without the calendar jazz. That extra detent says "I don't care!". I might pay a bit extra for an adjusted ETA movement.

 

Gilt Dial is a classic looking dial that has "gold" under the lume... and the printing is golde. Like this example.

Some people like this, some do not.

 

I think homages are a no-no on this site, but here is one I built years ago. Learned a lot from the build

 

I would be intrigued to see a watch designed by you. But less interested in a watch designed by the opinions of a crowd. Gilt can be great or obtrusive. You decide.

Sounds like you're inspired by this idea. Lean into that. If you love it, others will love it.

Forget charity. I give to charity for the cause, not for the freebies. It's a safety net.

A new logo would be cool. Nothing derivative though.

Who makes their own watch?!! You do. Pretty cool.

 

I'd buy one! Like @pdxleaf, I think you should make those decisions.

logo? one of my favs...



not sure if it would translate to such small print though...

 

+1

 

I’ll pay .50 cents more than your best offer

 

My logo idea…

 

I was actually thinking about that

 

I have read enough of these watch build threads over the last ten years that I can say with confidence that you would have better luck walking into an AD and buying a Rolex Pepsi than coming to consensus on a group watch build.

Also, 41mm is my sweet spot.

 

Yup, you will end up with this.

Go Foo go, build it and they will come!

 

It must happen

 

2 positive potential outcomes if you do this:
1- fence sitters like me may jump on board, 'cause thats just funny and has a good story & tie in to the forum
2- you may get sued over the logo and solve the freakin' mystery!
No offense but I sorta hope for #2! lol .... w/out an actual lawsuit.

 

Now THAT'S an inside joke.

 

Honestly I’m more looking at demand and price. With a custom gilt dial I think I can get it down to $300 shipped with a little built in for my time and carrying costs. I think I’d need a run of about 50 or so.

im super down for the Flying H hippogrif logo, and I agree if I get sued that totally solves the mystery.

 

Love the Flying H logo idea, bit of an inside joke and I think it would be better than something that potentially could turn out a little contrived. Initial trepidation would be the size. 39-41mm is my sweet spot, 38 usually being the smallest I'm comfortable with.

 

Does @Bill Sohne want to chime in on this case and large wrists?

 

Hell, for $300, I'd be in.