- 17/8/20
- 47
- 105
- 33
Hello Community,
Today I want to present you my first replica built. Due to some lucky coincidences I got my hands on the base watch for 20 EUR. I thought since this was a 16800, why not build my birthyear watch? I researched that the modern, glossy dial was introduced in late '83 - which was a perfect match!
The case and crystal had lived a rough life and espercially the latter was pretty scratched. But I though that it gave the watch some character and decided to keep it this way.
First, I reshaped the crownguards and glued in the crystal (UV active glue & GS cement) to improve water resistance and replaced tube and crown with a new set from Raffles Dials.
To create a tropical vibe on the dial, I painted the lume with a colour gradient from orange to beige and baked it to turn the lettering grey. Subsequently, I then ever so slightly sprayed it with matte clear coat introducing an aging effect to the glossy surface. The hands' lume was simply painted orange. I put everything back on the DG2813 and reassembled the watch with new gaskets. The bezel inset was aged with Clorix. The (I think) period correct bracelet that came with the watch was added and 'voilà' born was my daily beater.
I love the result mostly because it is not flashy at all and can be worn with every outfit (except black tie - duh).
I hope you like my attempt and if you have any suggestions for improvement - please let me know!
-Rob-
Today I want to present you my first replica built. Due to some lucky coincidences I got my hands on the base watch for 20 EUR. I thought since this was a 16800, why not build my birthyear watch? I researched that the modern, glossy dial was introduced in late '83 - which was a perfect match!
The case and crystal had lived a rough life and espercially the latter was pretty scratched. But I though that it gave the watch some character and decided to keep it this way.
First, I reshaped the crownguards and glued in the crystal (UV active glue & GS cement) to improve water resistance and replaced tube and crown with a new set from Raffles Dials.
To create a tropical vibe on the dial, I painted the lume with a colour gradient from orange to beige and baked it to turn the lettering grey. Subsequently, I then ever so slightly sprayed it with matte clear coat introducing an aging effect to the glossy surface. The hands' lume was simply painted orange. I put everything back on the DG2813 and reassembled the watch with new gaskets. The bezel inset was aged with Clorix. The (I think) period correct bracelet that came with the watch was added and 'voilà' born was my daily beater.
I love the result mostly because it is not flashy at all and can be worn with every outfit (except black tie - duh).
I hope you like my attempt and if you have any suggestions for improvement - please let me know!
-Rob-
