closing tag is in template navbar
timefactors watches



TZ-UK Fundraiser
Results 1 to 37 of 37

Thread: The Dude Abides - time for another Amphibia mod

  1. #1
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    .
    Posts
    14,132

    The Dude Abides - time for another Amphibia mod

    Well its spring, the sun is shining and it must be about time for my annual round of Amphibia mods.

    Think I will start with yet another blue Scuba Dude.


    New 420 from Zenitar.




    Firstly, off with the awful bracelet.



    I have a pale blue Eulit but thought that I would try one of these royal blue Gekto's.



    Blue PO style bezel insert arrived today.



    More to follow.............................

  2. #2
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mainly UK
    Posts
    17,282
    Anticipation... Reckon this one will turn out reet nice. Where's the insert from?

  3. #3
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    .
    Posts
    14,132
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    Anticipation... Reckon this one will turn out reet nice. Where's the insert from?
    I have high hopes!

    Re the insert - I thought that I would give this one a go

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3021683445...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    Its a lot cheaper then the last one I bought


    Still waiting for the new bezel and stainless steel crown to arrive.......

  4. #4
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mainly UK
    Posts
    17,282
    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    I have high hopes!

    Re the insert - I thought that I would give this one a go

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3021683445...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    Its a lot cheaper then the last one I bought


    Still waiting for the new bezel and stainless steel crown to arrive.......
    Thanks

    I'll be interested in your take on the replacement crown. I have a bunch of them from Meranom and they are definitely an upgrade in quality but I feel that they don't match polished cases particularly well, in the longer term I plan to have some cases bead blasted to match.

  5. #5
    Master
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Carlisle
    Posts
    3,546
    Can't wait to see this and your opinion on the new bezel/insert looked at this seller before looks like he has some nice bits for sale.
    Last edited by barryw; 18th April 2017 at 22:27.

  6. #6
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    .
    Posts
    14,132
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    Thanks

    I'll be interested in your take on the replacement crown. I have a bunch of them from Meranom and they are definitely an upgrade in quality but I feel that they don't match polished cases particularly well, in the longer term I plan to have some cases bead blasted to match.
    Yes, I did note the contrast with the last lot I fitted - which were all to 420 cases. I didn't mind the look actually though a brushed cased would definitely be better all round. I might give this a try on the next one.

  7. #7
    Master mindforge's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    London
    Posts
    3,580
    I have one of these so looking forward to the results! Do you do the work yourself? I like the look of the perlon, is it a 20mm lug width?

  8. #8
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    .
    Posts
    14,132
    Quote Originally Posted by mindforge View Post
    I have one of these so looking forward to the results! Do you do the work yourself? I like the look of the perlon, is it a 20mm lug width?
    Yes, its easy!

    Lug width is 18mm - this is a Gekto perlon, not quite as nice as a genuine Eulit but pretty good.

  9. #9
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    .
    Posts
    14,132
    The new bezel arrived today - so let the modifications begin!



    First of all, off with the standard bezel. A sharp case knife and a little pressure and off it pops:



    If your not very confident or a bit clumsy then its best to place some card or something similar between the case and knife so as to avoid marking the latter.



    Next, to the new bezel. The insert came with 3M double sided tape - however I have used flexible waterproof cement:



    The insert fits perfectly:



    Then, on with the new bezel. You can see the tensioning bezel spring in the shot below. Although the new bezel came with a spring I used the old one as it was easier to press home:



    All done!



    And finally, on the blue perlon strap:



    All that needs to be done now is replacing the original pressed steel crown with a new stainless steel one when it arrives.

  10. #10
    Master mindforge's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    London
    Posts
    3,580
    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    Yes, its easy!

    Lug width is 18mm - this is a Gekto perlon, not quite as nice as a genuine Eulit but pretty good.
    Thanks, looks great!

  11. #11
    Master
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Carlisle
    Posts
    3,546
    Looking good so far Ian, is the crown and bezel from Meranom?
    Last edited by barryw; 28th April 2017 at 14:33.

  12. #12
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    .
    Posts
    14,132
    Quote Originally Posted by barryw View Post
    Looking good so far Ian, is the crown and bezel from Meranom?
    The bezel is from Boris, the crowns I had to pre-order from Meranom, they are now slowly making there way from Russia.

    Last edited by Velorum; 29th April 2017 at 08:20.

  13. #13
    Master
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Carlisle
    Posts
    3,546
    Cheers, I know the feeling I have two 420's coming a KGB and para trooper both in tourquoise dial.Just need to get a couple of bezels inserts and the better crowns, as my tools have just arrived!

  14. #14
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    .
    Posts
    14,132
    I'm also waiting for this



    I have in mind a green PO style bezel and grey Eulit

  15. #15
    Master
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Carlisle
    Posts
    3,546
    Great. There's some superb modding options these days but still have a soft spot for the older models.
    So much enjoyment for little outlay.

  16. #16
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mainly UK
    Posts
    17,282
    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    I'm also waiting for this



    I have in mind a green PO style bezel and grey Eulit
    Great minds...

    I have a replacement black handset to improve legibility but I've not got around to fitting them yet.




  17. #17
    Master
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Kent
    Posts
    1,971
    Do you guys know the hour hand hole size on those hands?

    I have an old Russian watch I'm trying to get hands for but it seems to be 1.4mm and I can only find 1.3 or 1.5 on cousins.

  18. #18
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mainly UK
    Posts
    17,282
    Quote Originally Posted by jameswrx View Post
    Do you guys know the hour hand hole size on those hands?

    I have an old Russian watch I'm trying to get hands for but it seems to be 1.4mm and I can only find 1.3 or 1.5 on cousins.
    I've just measured it as 1.5mm.

  19. #19
    Master
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Kent
    Posts
    1,971
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    I've just measured it as 1.5mm.
    Thank you. Seems strange as everything is either 1.3 or 1.5. Guess I know why they sold it without hands now!

  20. #20
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mainly UK
    Posts
    17,282
    Quote Originally Posted by jameswrx View Post
    Thank you. Seems strange as everything is either 1.3 or 1.5. Guess I know why they sold it without hands now!
    I imagine that it would be fairly straightforward to carefully open out a ⌀1.3mm to 1.4mm with a hand-held drill bit. But I can't say that I've tried it for myself!

  21. #21
    Master
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Kent
    Posts
    1,971
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    I imagine that it would be fairly straightforward to carefully open out a ⌀1.3mm to 1.4mm with a hand-held drill bit. But I can't say that I've tried it for myself!
    Opening a smaller hand will be my next port of call, was just thinking there was an option to buy them as I will have to buy a 1.3 anyway. Just seems odd that mine is this size and I can't find any for sale.

  22. #22
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    .
    Posts
    14,132
    Second 'dude' arrived today - a quick job to carry out a similar mod:


  23. #23
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    .
    Posts
    14,132
    Three stainless steel crowns arrived from Meranom this morning (wish I had ordered four!) so I thought that some pics of me fitting them might be of interest.

    I use an adjustable case back opener, a Bergeon spring bar tool and a cocktail stick:




    The case back tool fits into the slotted retaining ring that holds the case back on:




    Once unscrewed the case back simply lifts off:







    Now that the movement is exposed the crown needs to be screwed all of the way out, then depressing this button gently will release the crown mechanism allowing the crown to be detached and removed:




    Old pressed steel crown at the top - new stainless steel one bottom:




    This is the bit that caught me out when I first did one of these swaps. I had assumed that when refitting the crown it would simply click back into place. Well, none of mine every have. I have found that the release button needs to be held down whilst the crown stem is gently pushed into position using the forked end of the spring bar tool. It sometimes take a couple of attempts for it to engage. The key here (as with removal) is to go softly and not force anything.




    Once its engaged then its simply a matter of refitting the case back (making sure that the rubber gasket is seated properly) and refitting and tightening the retaining ring.

    All well worth doing in my view as I think they look and feel much better:






  24. #24
    Grand Master Seamaster73's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    55°N
    Posts
    16,139
    Excellent and helpful photos, thanks for posting those.

  25. #25
    Master
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Carlisle
    Posts
    3,546
    Cheers Ian, very informative 👍

  26. #26
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Essex UK
    Posts
    137
    Great mods. !

    Sent from my HTC One_M8 using TZ-UK mobile app

  27. #27
    Apprentice
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    13
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    Great minds...

    I have a replacement black handset to improve legibility but I've not got around to fitting them yet.



    Hello.
    Great mod.
    Where can I find this strap ?
    Thank.

  28. #28
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mainly UK
    Posts
    17,282
    Quote Originally Posted by Djdremel View Post
    Hello.
    Great mod.
    Where can I find this strap ?
    Thank.
    I'm afraid that the answer is 'with difficulty'. It is a vintage Eulit Panama Perlon and came from Scott of Timesofplenty in the US via his eBay portal. Sadly the 18mm coloured vintage Panama weave are now like hen's teeth, not to mention eye-wateringly expensive.

    http://stores.ebay.com/Timesofplenty...ge-Watch-Bands

  29. #29
    Apprentice
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    13
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    I'm afraid that the answer is 'with difficulty'. It is a vintage Eulit Panama Perlon and came from Scott of Timesofplenty in the US via his eBay portal. Sadly the 18mm coloured vintage Panama weave are now like hen's teeth, not to mention eye-wateringly expensive.

    http://stores.ebay.com/Timesofplenty...ge-Watch-Bands
    Thank you for the quick answer sir.
    It is very difficult to find a perlon strap in this color or similar.
    Could you reccomend a perlon strap in similar Colors ?

  30. #30
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mainly UK
    Posts
    17,282
    Quote Originally Posted by Djdremel View Post
    Thank you for the quick answer sir.
    It is very difficult to find a perlon strap in this color or similar.
    Could you reccomend a perlon strap in similar Colors ?
    The best modern thick weave Perlon straps are Eulit 'Palma', available from Yelly’s Watch Corner. Unfortunately the colours are limited to black, grey, dark brown, blue and red.

    I posted some photographs and notes here:

    http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...oto-Comparison
    Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH

  31. #31
    Apprentice
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    13
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    The best modern thick weave Perlon straps are Eulit 'Palma', available from Yelly’s Watch Corner. Unfortunately the colours are limited to black, grey, dark brown, blue and red.

    I posted some photographs and notes here:

    http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...oto-Comparison
    Thank you very very much. A pleasure to read all the good stuff for a beginner. I have ordered a Vostok amphipia 120658. Which bezel should I buy and where do i find the green (kermit) insert ?
    I’m going for a similar mod like the two great mods above.
    Last edited by Djdremel; 21st October 2017 at 11:51.

  32. #32
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mainly UK
    Posts
    17,282
    Quote Originally Posted by Djdremel View Post
    Thank you very very much. A pleasure to read all the good stuff for a beginner. I have ordered a Vostok amphipia 120658. Which bezel should I buy and where do i find the green (kermit) insert ?
    I’m going for a similar mod like the two great mods above.
    Aha, it is time for you to head over to this thread for inspiration: http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...-Amphibia-mods

    I can't speak for Velorum but I generally buy my bezels from boris_gvb via his eBay shop and inserts from Dagaz (they are the same size as the Seiko inserts).

    http://stores.ebay.co.uk/vostokpoljotwatchesfromrussia/
    http://www.dagazwatch.com/apps/webst...y/12255?page=2

  33. #33
    Apprentice
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    13
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post
    Aha, it is time for you to head over to this thread for inspiration: http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...-Amphibia-mods

    I can't speak for Velorum but I generally buy my bezels from boris_gvb via his eBay shop and inserts from Dagaz (they are the same size as the Seiko inserts).

    http://stores.ebay.co.uk/vostokpoljotwatchesfromrussia/
    http://www.dagazwatch.com/apps/webst...y/12255?page=2
    Thank you very much. I appreciate your time. I have to order the parts and try.

  34. #34
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    Glasgow
    Posts
    623
    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    The new bezel arrived today - so let the modifications begin!



    First of all, off with the standard bezel. A sharp case knife and a little pressure and off it pops:



    If your not very confident or a bit clumsy then its best to place some card or something similar between the case and knife so as to avoid marking the latter.



    Next, to the new bezel. The insert came with 3M double sided tape - however I have used flexible waterproof cement:



    The insert fits perfectly:



    Then, on with the new bezel. You can see the tensioning bezel spring in the shot below. Although the new bezel came with a spring I used the old one as it was easier to press home:



    All done!



    And finally, on the blue perlon strap:



    All that needs to be done now is replacing the original pressed steel crown with a new stainless steel one when it arrives.
    Looks great mate, stellar job!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  35. #35
    Master bobbee's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Leicester, England
    Posts
    9,587
    Ian, do you set the inserts in place while the bezel is on the watch, so as to make sure the insert lines up correctly when dry, or do you just get lucky every time?

    Great work and you and Mr.Curta have an eye for great colour matching!

    Bob.

  36. #36
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    .
    Posts
    14,132
    Bob - as the bezels are non rachet with no click stops its not an issue, the inset can be applied before the bezel is fitted.

  37. #37
    Master bobbee's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Leicester, England
    Posts
    9,587
    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    Bob - as the bezels are non rachet with no click stops its not an issue, the inset can be applied before the bezel is fitted.
    Ha, I used to have an eighties Sturmanskie (given to another TZer), and forgot that about them. Or just didn't know this about the Amphibia...
    Must get one for the collection!

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Do Not Sell My Personal Information