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Thread: SKX007 wreck or repair

  1. #1
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    SKX007 wreck or repair

    It fell off in my hand honest........



    Anyway my 007 wasn't keeping as good time as it should, (probably as a result of some uneducated fiddling about perhaps...) so I decided to replace the movement with a NH36. Winding and hacking sounds good for a grab and go.

    Now there are more things added to the list! No date dial perhaps for grab and go simplicity, and domed sapphire, and new chapter ring, and new bezel, and............oh dear!

    Anyway have ordered a few bits and bobs, wonder if it'll ever work again as a watch?
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  2. #2
    Good stuff! I have a perfectly good 007 I'm thinking of modding... So will watch with interest!

  3. #3
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JohnnyE View Post
    Good stuff! I have a perfectly good 007 I'm thinking of modding... So will watch with interest!
    Will probably be able to show you how not to do it

    More as the parts arrive!
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  4. #4
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    As an aside, got this one working again today. Bought it to see if I liked a certain 'style' of watch. The stem broke off flush with the tube on the crown. Which was one of those 'oh dear' moments. It's only a cheapo Chinese movement but actually kept pretty good time!

    Anyway couldn't find the correct complete crown and stem. While looking for parts for the SKX stumbled across 'stem extenders'. Lot's of really fiddly 'engineering and mechanics' later and it's back in one piece and waiting for the thread lock to set.

    Not celebrating yet but hopefully..............

    (Don't think Brendan has any worries about competition tbh )

    Last edited by oldoakknives; 28th March 2019 at 18:33. Reason: duh forgot the pic
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

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    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    As an aside, got this one working again today. Bought it to see if I liked a certain 'style' of watch. The stem broke off flush with the tube on the crown. Which was one of those 'oh dear' moments. It's only a cheapo Chinese movement but actually kept pretty good time!

    Anyway couldn't find the correct complete crown and stem. While looking for parts for the SKX stumbled across 'stem extenders'. Lot's of really fiddly 'engineering and mechanics' later and it's back in one piece and waiting for the thread lock to set.

    Not celebrating yet but hopefully..............

    (Don't think Brendan has any worries about competition tbh )

    Update on the watch 'whose name shall not be mentioned.'

    Well......so far so good. Left it until now to be sure the thread locker had set, and it actually works! (might still look for a complete winder stem, just in case you know!)
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  6. #6
    Keep us updated Ian, as it’s always good to see what others are doing.

    I get more satisfaction these days from breathing new life into old watches than buying new ones!

    Hence I am currently wearing a Smith&Wesson beater with tritium tube hands (well, hour hand, as unfortunately the minute hand was missing the tube when I got it) that needed a new quartz movement. I replaced the mineral crystal with sapphire at the same time.

    I then upgraded the movement in a cheap MWC diver and - despite the reputation of MWC - it has actually turned out really well.

    Then there’s a Seiko with a sterile Explorer dial that is just waiting on me sourcing a decent staking set in order to tighten the hands to go on a replacement NH36 movement.

    And finally I have two spare/repair G10’s on the way and have already ordered the replacement 955.112 movements and crystals. Can’t wait!

    There is a disproportionate sense of fulfilment that comes from wearing a watch you’ve modded or resurrected.


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    Quote Originally Posted by willie_gunn View Post
    Keep us updated Ian, as it’s always good to see what others are doing.

    I get more satisfaction these days from breathing new life into old watches than buying new ones!

    Hence I am currently wearing a Smith&Wesson beater with tritium tube hands (well, hour hand, as unfortunately the minute hand was missing the tube when I got it) that needed a new quartz movement. I replaced the mineral crystal with sapphire at the same time.

    I then upgraded the movement in a cheap MWC diver and - despite the reputation of MWC - it has actually turned out really well.

    Then there’s a Seiko with a sterile Explorer dial that is just waiting on me sourcing a decent staking set in order to tighten the hands to go on a replacement NH36 movement.

    And finally I have two spare/repair G10’s on the way and have already ordered the replacement 955.112 movements and crystals. Can’t wait!

    There is a disproportionate sense of fulfilment that comes from wearing a watch you’ve modded or resurrected.


    Sent from my iPad using TZ-UK mobile app
    Sounds like some nice pieces.

    I know how you feel about repairing and making stuff. Trouble with me is, once I've made or repaired something I tend to lose interest in it, and start looking for the next project fix!
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    Sounds like some nice pieces.

    I know how you feel about repairing and making stuff. Trouble with me is, once I've made or repaired something I tend to lose interest in it, and start looking for the next project fix!
    Other than the G10’s I doubt anyone here would get terribly excited about any of them, but fettling watches (however amateur-ly) can be a lot of fun.

    I know what you mean about losing interest in projects. I have most of the kit for stickmaking, spoon-making, knife-making, leather-working, wood-turning etc, but just lack the time to become really proficient at any of them. And that’s before I list the “indoor” hobbies!

    Once I retire, however.........

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by willie_gunn View Post
    Other than the G10’s I doubt anyone here would get terribly excited about any of them, but fettling watches (however amateur-ly) can be a lot of fun.

    I know what you mean about losing interest in projects. I have most of the kit for stickmaking, spoon-making, knife-making, leather-working, wood-turning etc, but just lack the time to become really proficient at any of them. And that’s before I list the “indoor” hobbies!

    Once I retire, however.........
    Believe me, once you retire you'll have even less time! Or at least it seems that way.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  10. #10
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Just love getting packages in the post! Hands and domed sapphire with clear A/R arrived today. Just got to clean the case up and polish it, then when a few more packages arrive make a start.

    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  11. #11
    I know just what you mean!



    The watch on the right is going to receive a sterile Explorer dial and hands once they get here from Singapore. In the meantime I will replace the movement and drop in the sapphire crystal.

    Just as well Mrs Gunn was out when the postman called!

    EDIT: Now there's a bonus. I popped new 370's into both watches, just to check that they really were u/s, and after a couple of seconds one has sprung into life. I will keep it on the wrist for 24 hours or so before deciding whether to replace the movement. It is perfectly synchronised with my existing G10 so I should be able to tell any gain/loss. Servicing is well beyond my capability! Fortunately the 955.112 is a common enough movement so I am sure that in time another dead beater will become a recipient for it.
    Last edited by willie_gunn; 2nd April 2019 at 13:57.

  12. #12
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by willie_gunn View Post
    I know just what you mean!



    The watch on the right is going to receive a sterile Explorer dial and hands once they get here from Singapore. In the meantime I will replace the movement and drop in the sapphire crystal.

    Just as well Mrs Gunn was out when the postman called!

    EDIT: Now there's a bonus. I popped new 370's into both watches, just to check that they really were u/s, and after a couple of seconds one has sprung into life. I will keep it on the wrist for 24 hours or so before deciding whether to replace the movement. It is perfectly synchronised with my existing G10 so I should be able to tell any gain/loss. Servicing is well beyond my capability! Fortunately the 955.112 is a common enough movement so I am sure that in time another dead beater will become a recipient for it.
    Nice one. Looks like some fun there.

    Told the chief that parts for watches are pretty cheap, nothing like as dear as bits for my other hobbies. (so far so good!)

    I've got an Explorer-alike dial coming for this one too. Would be interested to know where you get your movements and crystals if that's ok?
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  13. #13
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Started by giving the case a clean, then polished the sides to remove some hairlines, and redid the brushed style finish on the top surfaces with some 600grit wet and dry glued to a nail file. (which hasn't been missed yet). Then cleaned the case again.

    Pressing the Domed sapphire in with my new (cheap) press.



    Case with Domed Sapphire and new polished chapter ring in place. Re-used the crystal seal as it's not going to see use underwater anymore and the old one is good enough for a dust seal I think. Hopefully it's seated far enough in!

    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  14. #14
    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    Nice one. Looks like some fun there.

    Told the chief that parts for watches are pretty cheap, nothing like as dear as bits for my other hobbies. (so far so good!)

    I've got an Explorer-alike dial coming for this one too. Would be interested to know where you get your movements and crystals if that's ok?
    The movements and generic crystals are mostly from Cousins or Leosics, but if I'm after a redundant movement then often eBay or foreign websites will yield dividends. A couple of French FHF movements, for example, were easier sourced from France....Quelle surprise! SpeedTimerKollektion in the Netherlands has been very good for Seiko and Wenger watches and parts.

    For upgraded sapphire crystals for older Seikos I have used CrystalTimes, who have an excellent service.

    The dial and hands for the DG2813 are coming from an eBay seller called atn123 in China but I've also used raffles-time in Singapore who were very good.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    Started by giving the case a clean, then polished the sides to remove some hairlines, and redid the brushed style finish on the top surfaces with some 600grit wet and dry glued to a nail file. (which hasn't been missed yet). Then cleaned the case again.

    Pressing the Domed sapphire in with my new (cheap) press.

    Case with Domed Sapphire and new polished chapter ring in place. Re-used the crystal seal as it's not going to see use underwater anymore and the old one is good enough for a dust seal I think. Hopefully it's seated far enough in!
    Coming together nicely!

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by willie_gunn View Post
    The movements and generic crystals are mostly from Cousins or Leosics, but if I'm after a redundant movement then often eBay or foreign websites will yield dividends. A couple of French FHF movements, for example, were easier sourced from France....Quelle surprise! SpeedTimerKollektion in the Netherlands has been very good for Seiko and Wenger watches and parts.

    For upgraded sapphire crystals for older Seikos I have used CrystalTimes, who have an excellent service.

    The dial and hands for the DG2813 are coming from an eBay seller called atn123 in China but I've also used raffles-time in Singapore who were very good.

    - - - Updated - - -



    Coming together nicely!
    Thanks, much appreciated. All new to me so trying to learn about suppliers etc. so thanks for the info!
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  16. #16
    All three G10's - including the original on the left:



    Sadly the DG2813 didn't quite go as planned, as stupidly I broke the seconds pinion on the replacement movement when putting the hands back on. I am now trying to transfer the one from the original movement to the replacement movement, which has meant stripping down the rotor and the automatic bridge. Now I have the fun of trying to reassemble - and the gear train in particular seems determined to thwart me, with the third, fourth and escape wheels having minds of their own!

    The more I do this the more I appreciate the skill of the professional watchmakers and repairers here.

  17. #17
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by willie_gunn View Post
    All three G10's - including the original on the left:



    Sadly the DG2813 didn't quite go as planned, as stupidly I broke the seconds pinion on the replacement movement when putting the hands back on. I am now trying to transfer the one from the original movement to the replacement movement, which has meant stripping down the rotor and the automatic bridge. Now I have the fun of trying to reassemble - and the gear train in particular seems determined to thwart me, with the third, fourth and escape wheels having minds of their own!

    The more I do this the more I appreciate the skill of the professional watchmakers and repairers here.
    They look great!

    If it was me the movement would be heading for the bin I'm afraid!
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  18. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    They look great!

    If it was me the movement would be heading for the bin I'm afraid!
    I have another movement on the way, on the basis my efforts to swap the seconds pinion might well come to naught!

    However I feel I ought to persevere as it is all a learning experience.

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by willie_gunn View Post
    I have another movement on the way, on the basis my efforts to swap the seconds pinion might well come to naught!

    However I feel I ought to persevere as it is all a learning experience.
    It's starting to sound tempting.

    I do have some old mechanical watches of little value which no longer work.............hmmmmmm.......
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  20. #20
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    New S crown arrived so just a test fitting to check the threads and fitting.

    All good, so waiting on new dial now, and must order the new bezel.

    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  21. #21
    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    New S crown arrived so just a test fitting to check the threads and fitting.

    All good, so waiting on new dial now, and must order the new bezel.

    That’s loooking good.

    I have another G10 inbound, so with the spare movement and the new crystal I should hopefully be up to a quarter in a week or so’s time.

    The 2813 is still proving problematic - I am not convinced even sheer dogged persistence is going to win.

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by willie_gunn View Post
    That’s loooking good.

    I have another G10 inbound, so with the spare movement and the new crystal I should hopefully be up to a quarter in a week or so’s time.

    The 2813 is still proving problematic - I am not convinced even sheer dogged persistence is going to win.
    That's good news then, apart from the 2813. Must be frustrating on that one.

    Waiting for the new dial, so will start on shortening the winding stem, and looking for a plain stainless bezel à la explorer.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  23. #23
    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    That's good news then, apart from the 2813. Must be frustrating on that one.

    Waiting for the new dial, so will start on shortening the winding stem, and looking for a plain stainless bezel à la explorer.
    If you’ve not seen them already check a couple of users - “thewatchbureau” and “dr.seikostain” - on eBay.

  24. #24
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by willie_gunn View Post
    If you’ve not seen them already check a couple of users - “thewatchbureau” and “dr.seikostain” - on eBay.
    Cheers, will do.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  25. #25
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    Well it's update time for the SKX.

    We were here last time with the new domed sapphire crystal fitted and the crown test fitted without the winder stem.



    Here I have the NH36 movement test fitted, with the black spacer ring from the 7s26 movement fitted instead of the grey one it comes supplied with. Simple to prise off and on, being careful not to damage the movement of course.
    Winder stem has been shortened and fitted to the crown, final fitment with thread lock. Not sure if thats the done thing but I like the idea of it being locked.
    Also the clear back test fitted (without gasket for time being). I don't think this was original on the SKX, although it was on it when I bought it s/h from sales corner. Anyway it had some model numbers and Seiko in black lettering which I removed with Solvol Autosol and finished off with Polywatch as I want it to be a 'sterile' watch when finished!



    And new stainless polished bezel arrived and fitted. Bought from thewatchbureau on fleabay, thanks to a heads up from willie_gunn, good value and looks a treat.

    Now just waiting for the new dial, hands already here and waiting.

    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  26. #26
    That is coming on nicely - I bet you can't wait for the dial to arrive! Glad to hear that thewatchbureau turned out okay.

    My fourth G10 is now ticking away nicely, though I don't have a photo of it with me here. The Sternkreuz 216 crystal turned out to be a loose fit, so just as well I had the spare 217 I originally ordered.

    The cheap Trooper beater that I bought with the DG2813 movement is ongoing. I have fitted the dial and a set of spare hour/minute hands. The seconds hand is proving to be a real challenge, with the 0.17 sizing a headache to fit. In the absence of that hand to check against, though, it appears to be keeping good time. I have worn it all week and it has turned out to be quite a nice "sleeper" that I could quite easily get used to.

    Here it is in its current state, alongside a Bulova MarineStar that also turned up with a cracked mineral crystal and broken bracelet - I replaced those with a sapphire crystal and a canvas strap with blue stitching:



    Here is the MarineStar as originally sourced:



    Of course neither watch is anything special, but the pleasure I get from working on them certainly is.
    Last edited by willie_gunn; 16th April 2019 at 17:05.

  27. #27
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by willie_gunn View Post
    That is coming on nicely - I bet you can't wait for the dial to arrive! Glad to hear that thewatchbureau turned out okay.

    My fourth G10 is now ticking away nicely, though I don't have a photo of it with me here. The Sternkreuz 216 crystal turned out to be a loose fit, so just as well I had the spare 217 I originally ordered.

    The cheap Trooper beater that I bought with the DG2813 movement is ongoing. I have fitted the dial and a set of spare hour/minute hands. The seconds hand is proving to be a real challenge, with the 0.17 sizing a headache to fit. In the absence of that hand to check against, though, it appears to be keeping good time. I have worn it all week and it has turned out to be quite a nice "sleeper" that I could quite easily get used to.

    Here it is in its current state, alongside a Bulova MarineStar that also turned up with a cracked mineral crystal and broken bracelet - I replaced those with a sapphire crystal and a canvas strap with blue stitching:



    Here is the MarineStar as originally sourced:



    Of course neither watch is anything special, but the pleasure I get from working on them certainly is.
    Yes, thewatchbureau were excellent thanks for the heads up.

    It seemed to take ages for the dial to arrive, but had a small package from Singapore yesterday with the magic word Raffles on it!

    The beater looks good, nice work on the case as well by the looks of it. Also the Bulova looks really nice, hadn't seen one of those before.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  28. #28
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    So with the arrival of the dial yesterday, it was time to put it all together. Fitting the dial, after removing the two unused pins, was pretty straightforward. Day and date wheels left on under the dial in case I want to change the dial later, although I doubt I will.
    Fitting the new hands was the hardest, most fiddly, annoyingly awkward job of the whole lot! Got there in the end with the help of the hands press I bought, well half of it anyway, as I found it easier to use the little plunger freehand instead of in the press.
    So here's some quick phone pics, I like the way it turned out. The no date sterile Exploreralike dial looks good and the hands seem to suit. It's on a crocalike Bulova stop atm but having seen williegunns watch on the nato one might e called for!

    All in all I'm really pleased with how it turned out, now it's got a hacking, winding movement and no day/date for grab and go duties!



    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  29. #29
    That has turned out well - you must be very pleased with a job well done.

    I also like the sterile explorer dial - instantly readable. The sword hands suit it too.

    It would be nice to see some photos of the watch on the wrist at some point.

    Hopefully by the time I get home the watch hand press and the new hands will have arrived. It gives me something to do over Easter, or at least until I head out again on Sunday evening.


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  30. #30
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    Yes very pleased so far. The Explorer dial looks great. Hope it goes well with the new hands.
    Quick phone pic.

    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

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    Well done Ooky I've followed the thread with interest,
    "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."

    'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.

  32. #32
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    well done Ian,that looks great,you have certainly made it your own.told you the hands were fiddly .i'll bet you are wearing it more than your top end watches at the moment.its certainly got that explorer look going on.i have enjoyed this thread very much so a big thank you to all its major contributors.i have got in the habit of selecting the parts of my next project watch from the asian ebay sellers the when all the parts are there i spend a very enjoyable but sometimes frustrating few hours assembling them up.there are usually parts that need fettling,sometimes the dials need trimming down,movement spacers modified/remade,winding stems have the be cut etc and i always generously relume the hands with superluminova as i am a night owl.sometime i like the finished watch sometimes i dont but its cost me about £70-80 so no great loss if i dont and tremendous satisfaction if i do .inspiration comes from seeing a watch i like or an idea in my head .what has suprised me is the accuracy of the cheap mechanical movements.i have a £30 Unitas clone that is running inside COSC spec at the moment.i have the parts here for a Radiomir type watch but have temporary physical restrictions due to very recent orthopedic surgery so assembly will have to wait.have put up a pic of my favorite so far..cheers all.. kevin...
    Last edited by greasemonkey; 20th April 2019 at 10:15. Reason: sspelin

  33. #33
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    Quote Originally Posted by greasemonkey View Post
    well done Ian,that looks great,you have certainly made it your own.told you the hands were fiddly .i'll bet you are wearing it more than your top end watches at the moment.its certainly got that explorer look going on.i have enjoyed this thread very much so a big thank you to all its major contributors.i have got in the habit of selecting the parts of my next project watch from the asian ebay sellers the when all the parts are there i spend a very enjoyable but sometimes frustrating few hours assembling them up.there are usually parts that need fettling,sometimes the dials need trimming down,movement spacers modified/remade,winding stems have the be cut etc and i always generously relume the hands with superluminova as i am a night owl.sometime i like the finished watch sometimes i dont but its cost me about £70-80 so no great loss if i dont and tremendous satisfaction if i do .inspiration comes from seeing a watch i like or an idea in my head .what has suprised me is the accuracy of the cheap mechanical movements.i have a £30 Unitas clone that is running inside COSC spec at the moment.i have the parts here for a Radiomir type watch but have temporary physical restrictions due to very recent orthopedic surgery so assembly will have to wait.have put up a pic of my favorite so far..cheers all.. kevin...
    that's a beautiful dial, Kevin! what is the story behind that one and how did it come to be?

  34. #34
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    Quote Originally Posted by john_coburg View Post
    that's a beautiful dial, Kevin! what is the story behind that one and how did it come to be?
    hi John,i built it because i didnt have a black mechanical watch and liked the simple but distinctive dial.i have owned flieger style watches but always sold them on after a while because they were not quite what i wanted..case is a display back sterile 42mm +crown in black PVD with supposedly a sapphire crystal.movement is an asian Unitas 6497 17 jewels hand winding.hand set is relumed cathederal style which came with the dial to which i added a lume dot at 12o'clock.all three major part sets came from different sellers but this watch gave me the least hassle on assembly so far..
    Last edited by greasemonkey; 20th April 2019 at 15:05. Reason: sspelin

  35. #35
    Just a quick update.

    Travelled to the Middle East with these two for the week.

    The one on the left is the old Trooper with the DG2813 movement, the one on the right a Seiko with an NH36A movement and white (rather than silver) hands.

    Both reinforced the wonderful simplicity of the Explorer dial. I will start to keep my eye out for an original, though will need to decide between the 114270 and the 214270.


  36. #36
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by willie_gunn View Post
    Just a quick update.

    Travelled to the Middle East with these two for the week.

    The one on the left is the old Trooper with the DG2813 movement, the one on the right a Seiko with an NH36A movement and white (rather than silver) hands.

    Both reinforced the wonderful simplicity of the Explorer dial. I will start to keep my eye out for an original, though will need to decide between the 114270 and the 214270.

    Strange that I was never really a fan of the Explorer, until I tried the Exploreralike dial on the skx.
    Now I’m also beginning to appreciate it’s no date simplicity.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  37. #37
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by greasemonkey View Post
    well done Ian,that looks great,you have certainly made it your own.told you the hands were fiddly .i'll bet you are wearing it more than your top end watches at the moment.its certainly got that explorer look going on.i have enjoyed this thread very much so a big thank you to all its major contributors.i have got in the habit of selecting the parts of my next project watch from the asian ebay sellers the when all the parts are there i spend a very enjoyable but sometimes frustrating few hours assembling them up.there are usually parts that need fettling,sometimes the dials need trimming down,movement spacers modified/remade,winding stems have the be cut etc and i always generously relume the hands with superluminova as i am a night owl.sometime i like the finished watch sometimes i dont but its cost me about £70-80 so no great loss if i dont and tremendous satisfaction if i do .inspiration comes from seeing a watch i like or an idea in my head .what has suprised me is the accuracy of the cheap mechanical movements.i have a £30 Unitas clone that is running inside COSC spec at the moment.i have the parts here for a Radiomir type watch but have temporary physical restrictions due to very recent orthopedic surgery so assembly will have to wait.have put up a pic of my favorite so far..cheers all.. kevin...
    Thanks it’s been fun to do.
    I think you showed me that black one, it looked really nice on if I remember right.
    Thanks for the text with the latest one in it. That looks great too.

  38. #38
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    like your explorer types WG,such simple cases and dials make for a classic elegant beautiful watches. just finished my latest a couple of days ago.its a Radiomir type case with an asian unitas movement.it wasnt quite a straight forward assembly job.in order to get the dial i liked i had to order one 5mm oversize for the case and had to trim off the extra to get it to fit.i already had a set of hands in the style i wanted so relumed these in superluminova. fitting these i came across a major problem.the cannon pinion had been faultily manufactored and fitting the hands was impossible.i suppose when i am fitting movements that cost £30 or less its inevitable i am going to get the odd problem.this i overcame by ordering a new genuine ETA canon pinion from cousins for £12 and negotiated a partial discount from the movements seller.the replacement canon pinion fitted perfectly and i was away again.fitting the movement to the case gave futher problems though.because of the design of the case there was not enough room to fit a movement spacer.i noticed the movement had 2 spare tapped holes at the edges.i had some case/movement clamps and screws and managed to secure the movement with these.sounds a bit of a trial but i thouroughly enjoyed it.being temporarily chairbound ofter surgery its great therapy and helps pass the time.this is a big watch a 45mm,but sits nice and comfortable on my 8 inch wrist.cheers greasemonkey.. ..
    Last edited by greasemonkey; 1st May 2019 at 11:39. Reason: sspelin

  39. #39
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by greasemonkey View Post
    like your explorer types WG,such simple cases and dials make for a classic elegant beautiful watches. just finished my latest a couple of days ago.its a Radiomir type case with an asian unitas movement.it wasnt quite a straight forward assembly job.in order to get the dial i liked i had to order one 5mm oversize for the case and had to trim off the extra to get it to fit.i already had a set of hands in the style i wanted so relumed these in superluminova. fitting these i came across a major problem.the cannon pinion had been faultily manufactored and fitting the hands was impossible.i suppose when i am fitting movements that cost £30 or less its inevitable i am going to get the odd problem.this i overcame by ordering a new genuine ETA canon pinion from cousins for £12 and negotiated a partial discount from the movements seller.the replacement canon pinion fitted perfectly and i was away again.fitting the movement to the case gave futher problems though.because of the design of the case there was not enough room to fit a movement spacer.i noticed the movement had 2 spare tapped holes at the edges.i had some case/movement clamps and screws and managed to secure the movement with these.sounds a bit of a trial but i thouroughly enjoyed it.being temporarily chairbound ofter surgery its great therapy and helps pass the time.this is a big watch a 45mm,but sits nice and comfortable on my 8 inch wrist.cheers greasemonkey.. ..
    Looks really nice, love the dial. Thinking about what to do next now. Might be another SKX, but some of the cases available are tempting! Also there are some nice dials available, so might be something a bit different.

    Hope it's all going well with the hip.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  40. #40
    Master Neilw3030's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by greasemonkey View Post
    like your explorer types WG,such simple cases and dials make for a classic elegant beautiful watches. just finished my latest a couple of days ago.its a Radiomir type case with an asian unitas movement.it wasnt quite a straight forward assembly job.in order to get the dial i liked i had to order one 5mm oversize for the case and had to trim off the extra to get it to fit.i already had a set of hands in the style i wanted so relumed these in superluminova. fitting these i came across a major problem.the cannon pinion had been faultily manufactored and fitting the hands was impossible.i suppose when i am fitting movements that cost £30 or less its inevitable i am going to get the odd problem.this i overcame by ordering a new genuine ETA canon pinion from cousins for £12 and negotiated a partial discount from the movements seller.the replacement canon pinion fitted perfectly and i was away again.fitting the movement to the case gave futher problems though.because of the design of the case there was not enough room to fit a movement spacer.i noticed the movement had 2 spare tapped holes at the edges.i had some case/movement clamps and screws and managed to secure the movement with these.sounds a bit of a trial but i thouroughly enjoyed it.
    Out of interest, how did you manage to trim the dial down??

  41. #41
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    Quote Originally Posted by Neilw3030 View Post
    Out of interest, how did you manage to trim the dial down??
    believe it or not they are only thin alloy so i use wallpaper scissors .

  42. #42
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Just a quick update on the SKX, this is how it was when finished, on a leather strap I had waiting to be used.




    And this is it now, on a bracelet which I had taken off another watch, fits well and I quite like the look. Although I might still be tempted by one of Martu's vintage looking straps.

    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  43. #43
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    unusually for me,i prefer it on the bracelet Ian.

  44. #44
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by greasemonkey View Post
    unusually for me,i prefer it on the bracelet Ian.
    I'm still 50/50 on it, but might try it on the Seiko jubilee that it was on originally as well!

    How is the hip coming along, are you still resting it?
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  45. #45
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    I'm still 50/50 on it, but might try it on the Seiko jubilee that it was on originally as well!

    How is the hip coming along, are you still resting it?
    another 3 weeks to go doing nothing,but it all feels good,thanks for asking

  46. #46
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    been at it again,this watch has a 44mm chinese panerai type case,suprisingly good quality for the money,a textured dial that again needed trimming down a couple of mm,hands that i liked the look of,heavily relumed with white superlumonova [a bit too heavy as they look untidy now].the movement in this is a genuine swiss Unitas 6497 that i took from a donor watch.quite pleased with end result except for those untidy hands.,i have large wrists so it wears comfortably enough and has it has been good to have something to occupy my mind while i am waiting for my hip to heal........
    Last edited by greasemonkey; 13th May 2019 at 18:45. Reason: sspelin

  47. #47
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Nice to see some bigger pictures, the black case suits the 'busy' dial I think. Will be nice to see this in real life.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  48. #48
    That is very nice - well done.

    I do like the look of that black case and textured dial.

  49. #49
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    Quote Originally Posted by willie_gunn View Post
    That is very nice - well done.

    I do like the look of that black case and textured dial.
    thanks Willie,going to have to dismantle this one again,the hour hand fouls the sub second hand,so going to do a tidier job of luming the hands..

  50. #50
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    hands now sorted and on a vietnamese hornback croc strap....

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