While I patiently wait for several items for a grail project, I rummaged through my parts bin for a fun project over the past few weekends. Well, it's just about done.
As many of you are aware, a few months ago the boys at Project X announced a limited edition big crown homage based on a modern sub C:
While it has its good points, there are several that really bother me. So I decided to build my own:
The case I used was an SA3135 V2 Sub C that I bought last year (because I needed the movement).
I heated the crystal with a BBQ lighter and tapped the old cyclops off.
I spent more time that I should have shaving off the CGs because this sub has one of the unremoveable noob-like bezels. Most if it was sanded down by hand but in think I did a reasonable job.
I used a BP dial and removed the markers and relumed them with a creamy colored patina. I felt the project x had a colour that was wY too fake.
The toughest challenge I had was the important red triangle in the bezel.
I removed the old paint with acetone and tried several different mixtures of epoxy and red lacquer:
Somehow, the lacquer prevented the export from setting properly and I couldn't get the adhesion that was acceptable. Plus the colour was off(the epoxy caused the paint to take on a much darker tone). So after 8 failed attempts, I just painted layer upon layer of straight red lacquer until I built up a fairly thick mound:
Then, ever so carefully, I scraped off the paint with an exacto until it was flush with the ceramic. Each layer of paint was allowed 2 days to dry.
The lugs were thinned out to bring the proportions more in line to what I think the sub c should have. Honestly not a fan of the current, piggish, ceramic subs and GMT's.
I softened the case a little bit as I wanted this watch to look a bit worn and weathered. Almost like what a big crown homage might look like in 10-15 years.
I also think any big crown homage should have lug holes. So drilled those to accept gen spring bars; not an easy task!
Big crown courtesy of Athaya. I had to drill a 3.6mm hole and tap it to accept the new crown. He does a great job with his 8mm crowns.
Movement is a Swiss eta 2836 that I had lying around.
Overall, reasonably pleased with the results. Not sure it will see much wrist time as I am sorta in the vintage phase of my life, but it's not something you see everyday.
As many of you are aware, a few months ago the boys at Project X announced a limited edition big crown homage based on a modern sub C:
While it has its good points, there are several that really bother me. So I decided to build my own:
The case I used was an SA3135 V2 Sub C that I bought last year (because I needed the movement).
I heated the crystal with a BBQ lighter and tapped the old cyclops off.
I spent more time that I should have shaving off the CGs because this sub has one of the unremoveable noob-like bezels. Most if it was sanded down by hand but in think I did a reasonable job.
I used a BP dial and removed the markers and relumed them with a creamy colored patina. I felt the project x had a colour that was wY too fake.
The toughest challenge I had was the important red triangle in the bezel.
I removed the old paint with acetone and tried several different mixtures of epoxy and red lacquer:
Somehow, the lacquer prevented the export from setting properly and I couldn't get the adhesion that was acceptable. Plus the colour was off(the epoxy caused the paint to take on a much darker tone). So after 8 failed attempts, I just painted layer upon layer of straight red lacquer until I built up a fairly thick mound:
Then, ever so carefully, I scraped off the paint with an exacto until it was flush with the ceramic. Each layer of paint was allowed 2 days to dry.
The lugs were thinned out to bring the proportions more in line to what I think the sub c should have. Honestly not a fan of the current, piggish, ceramic subs and GMT's.
I softened the case a little bit as I wanted this watch to look a bit worn and weathered. Almost like what a big crown homage might look like in 10-15 years.
I also think any big crown homage should have lug holes. So drilled those to accept gen spring bars; not an easy task!
Big crown courtesy of Athaya. I had to drill a 3.6mm hole and tap it to accept the new crown. He does a great job with his 8mm crowns.
Movement is a Swiss eta 2836 that I had lying around.
Overall, reasonably pleased with the results. Not sure it will see much wrist time as I am sorta in the vintage phase of my life, but it's not something you see everyday.
