WBK 1675 Pepsi GMT Mod progress thread

[la Fantasma]

After I wrote that I went out on the bay and realized the GMTs also did have the same bars. My bad!

What I meant when I wrote about 1.8mm is there are bars sized the same as 2mm in every way except the bar diameter is 1.8mm instead of 2mm. The pins go out to the end of the lug holes but they fit our rep end links better without having to buy new endlinks or try to modify the end links to accept 2mm bars. The 2mm sometimes doesn't even fit in the endlink, or when it does it uses up all of the slack and wiggle room and can cause problems with the pins going through the lugholes.

Here's a link that some modders on RWG have used. They are good quality and I'm picking some up myself.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221571300...:MEBIDX:IT&clk_rvr_id=814733359044&rmvSB=true

Here's another link to bars that others have used successfully. Also great quality and CONUS based.
https://www.topspecus.com/shop/genuine-marathon-stainless-steel-spring-bars-20mm/

Thanks for the links dude! I knew what you were talking about. I just like drilling the case and fitting the bars, the work is the best part, its all part of the process for me. Its fun. The end links were $20 so not bad. The 2mm bars just look great and have some heft to them. I know what your saying though.

 

[la Fantasma]

modded one of these also.

Had a hard time with the bezel assembly. It was very difficult to reinstall once removed. Other than that, great watch. Replacement movements are inexpensive and available from Ofrei.

They're a fun little project! Yeah the bezel insert is a nightmare to take off and put back on. Its just like the 1680 from wbk as well. I did that one a few times so i knew what to expect but it still was a struggle trying to get everything to fit and snap in properly.

 

[Mendota]

Thanks for the links dude! I knew what you were talking about. I just like drilling the case and fitting the bars, the work is the best part, its all part of the process for me. Its fun. The end links were $20 so not bad. The 2mm bars just look great and have some heft to them. I know what your saying though.

Cool. I think the tinkering is the best part! I'm about to order up some tools so I can start taking this more seriously. I have some vintage builds that have been on my wanted list for far too long. Time to start rolling up my sleeves and getting down to business.

Do you have a crystal press that you use? You probably already mentioned this, but are those WSO endlinks? I hear they work great with 2mm bars. I'm tempted to buy a pair just to see how they go with my 1680 and to have options.

 

[la Fantasma]

Cool. I think the tinkering is the best part! I'm about to order up some tools so I can start taking this more seriously. I have some vintage builds that have been on my wanted list for far too long. Time to start rolling up my sleeves and getting down to business.

Do you have a crystal press that you use? You probably already mentioned this, but are those WSO endlinks? I hear they work great with 2mm bars. I'm tempted to buy a pair just to see how they go with my 1680 and to have options.

Thanks man! I've been gathering tools over the last year. For these old plexis you can just push them on and i put a little bead of gs hypo cement around the bottom to water proof em. I do have a press i use for saphire crystals. I bought it used a while ago and its bolted to my bench. It works great. Its paid for itself by now. The end links are wso 580's Theyre great for the money and they fit 2mm bars perfectly. Ive used them on several projects now and ive never been dissapointed with them. Always top notch.

 

[Mendota]

Thanks man! I've been gathering tools over the last year. For these old plexis you can just push them on and i put a little bead of gs hypo cement around the bottom to water proof em. I do have a press i use for saphire crystals. I bought it used a while ago and its bolted to my bench. It works great. Its paid for itself by now. The end links are wso 580's Theyre great for the money and they fit 2mm bars perfectly. Ive used them on several projects now and ive never been dissapointed with them. Always top notch.

The more I think about it, I'm going to get a set off the WSO myself. I already have a nice pair of 2mm gen spec bars that need to be used. I'll use those other bars for new projects! [emoji2]

 

[la Fantasma]

The more I think about it, I'm going to get a set off the WSO myself. I already have a nice pair of 2mm gen spec bars that need to be used. I'll use those other bars for new projects! [emoji2]

There you go man! Itll look great! the 580's should work.

 

[Mendota]

The Puretime 580s are just a hair smaller in ID so that the bar slides in but is in there very firmly. They must be exactly 2mm in ID.

With the WSO 580s there must be some wiggle room when the bar is inserted, right?

 

[la Fantasma]

The Puretime 580s are just a hair smaller in ID so that the bar slides in but is in there very firmly. They must be exactly 2mm in ID.

With the WSO 580s there must be some wiggle room when the bar is inserted, right?

Slightly but not to much. They slide in without effort but dont jingle like some of the cheaper ends.

 

[Mendota]

Hmmm. I wonder if that's not my problem then. Mine slide in just fine and you can't wiggle them. But just that slight difference between the 1.8mm shouldered rep bars and the 2mm shoulderless gen spec bars puts the tips of the bars out of alignment with the lugholes.

Oh well, I gotta try something! [emoji2]

 

[la Fantasma]

Hmmm. I wonder if that's not my problem then. Mine slide in just fine and you can't wiggle them. But just that slight difference between the 1.8mm shouldered rep bars and the 2mm shoulderless gen spec bars puts the tips of the bars out of alignment with the lugholes.

Oh well, I gotta try something! [emoji2]

Are the holes on your case wide enough for the bars? the ends on 2mm bars are 1.2mm thick, so the holes usually have to be drilled out to 1.3mm for them to extend all the way to the outer of the case.

 

[Mendota]

Are the holes on your case wide enough for the bars? the ends on 2mm bars are 1.2mm thick, so the holes usually have to be drilled out to 1.3mm for them to extend all the way to the outer of the case.

Yes, the Puretime case comes ready to accept gen bars and the tube accepts gen crowns, as well. The bars fit and look great when they are installed on the watch head, so I can use them with the handmade leather band my wife got me for my birthday, but they don't work with my rep endlinks. The solution seems to be either to go WSO for new endlinks or to use these other bars that I mentioned. I would just hate to be stuck with a pair of 580 endlinks if they don't resolve my issue. No biggie, I suppose I can always sell them or maybe use them on something else down the road.

 

[Hype]

Am I the only one who thinks the logo on the dial is a dead giveaway? Crystal for weekend project. [emoji4][emoji4]

That crystal gonna go asap

Having the same problem with you man. The 20mm springbars does not fit the rep's end links.

Yes, the Puretime case comes ready to accept gen bars and the tube accepts gen crowns, as well. The bars fit and look great when they are installed on the watch head, so I can use them with the handmade leather band my wife got me for my birthday, but they don't work with my rep endlinks. The solution seems to be either to go WSO for new endlinks or to use these other bars that I mentioned. I would just hate to be stuck with a pair of 580 endlinks if they don't resolve my issue. No biggie, I suppose I can always sell them or maybe use them on something else down the road.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[la Fantasma]

Am I the only one who thinks the logo on the dial is a dead giveaway? Crystal for weekend project. [emoji4][emoji4]

Having the same problem with you man. The 20mm springbars does not fit the rep's end links.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

buy the wso ends! They work great!

 

[la Fantasma]

And now its finally done. New heavier bracelet and of course the new insert i mentioned! I went full on blueberry with this one. The bezel insert was bleached then sanded lightly and then went over with light fine steel wool. The pepsi wasnt doing anything for me. I think this is the final touch that i needed and I'm done. Here are some pics of the final product! Enjoy!
New insert, still need to clean up the plexi, i scratched the hell out of it last night.

 

[Mendota]

I really like the blueberry inserts. They add a nice touch. What would really look nice with this is an all red GMT hand to go with the blueberry insert!

 

[la Fantasma]

I really like the blueberry inserts. They add a nice touch. What would really look nice with this is an all red GMT hand to go with the blueberry insert!

Thanks man! I'm happy with it. I'm thinking about doing an all red hand. You know you think your done with something then you find five other things you wanna do to it! Lol I guess it'll never be done haha!


Sent from my iPhone using Some sort of magic

 

[QueTip]

Wow, looks absolutely stunning Johnny!
Congrats on this one..

 

[la Fantasma]

Wow, looks absolutely stunning Johnny!
Congrats on this one..

Thanks bud! I'm happy with the end result! It means a lot!


Sent from my iPhone using Some sort of magic

 

[QueTip]

Thanks bud! I'm happy with the end result! It means a lot!


Sent from my iPhone using Some sort of magic

Wait for my next project.. Getting the funds ready atm..
Will be showcasing my superfranken YM and the new baby soon :O

 

[la Fantasma]

Wait for my next project.. Getting the funds ready atm..
Will be showcasing my superfranken YM and the new baby soon :O

Nice man! Can't wait to see it.


Sent from my iPhone using Some sort of magic