111 Modified Movement Complete

[omgiv]

Hi Guys,

I just finished performing the mods on my 111 movement and thought I would share some pics. I still need to do some final timing adjustments and then case it up. Here is a list of mods:

Genuine Incabloc Installed
Shaped Swan Neck Spring
Flat Polished the Click Screw, Ratchet Screw, Crown Wheel Screw, and Set Lever Screw
Polished the Click
Brushed the Center, Third, and Fourth Wheels (not quite spec but better)
Installed ETA Polished Ratchet and Crown Wheels
Flat Polished the Canon Pinion
Brushed the Set Lever Spring
Serviced Movement

The only thing that I would like to add is a better swan neck screw. I am hoping that this will become a reality someday. I have yet to see one that looks identical to the real deal. As always, thanks for looking and feel free to comment (good, bad, or ugly)

Here are some pics.........

 

[ALE7575]

This is a nice and well made job
As said in another thread well and fine job in Swan Neck spring shape
Congrats !!

ALE

 

[kaniel]

This is so bad and so ugly...


Now sell it to me!!


:aneki:

 

[frigpig]

Super nice!

Wish mine looked like that.....

 

[hzardous]

I wish i have the skill to do those! Great job you did!

 

[omgiv]

Thank you all very much for the compliments!!!

 

[Rwolf]

Great job! How much to order a refined mov like this? I'm interested...

 

[omgiv]

I had some free time this weekend and wasn't happy using the nickel plated hour wheel after another member's question regarding said hour wheel. I had come this far, so what was a few more hours. I read that you can use bleach or acetone to remove nickel plating, so I gave that a try. After several hours, the bleach looked like it was sort of working and the acetone not at all. I remembered that I had some nickel removing powder left over from a project that never happened and gave that a try. It worked like a charm and only took an hour or two to get it completely removed. After that, it was just a matter of brushing the finish back on. I still need to get some tung oil to help seal the brass from corrosion but I think it turned out well. Here it is next the standard nickel hour wheel and mounted on the movement.

 

[omgiv]

Well, I think that I can call my 111 as good as I can get it (right now). I used to own a genuine 111 but I couldn't justify owning it. The styling was awesome but at the end of the day, it had an ETA movement. I believe this is about 98% as good as that one was. Plus I don't have to justify owning it to myself The only problem now is that I have a 243 on its way and am looking into getting a 127. I hope the fever isn't catching....

This one has been a real pleasure to work on and a refreshing change from my usual Rolexes. The only thing that I am unhappy with is that I had to use dial dots to secure the dial to the movement. The dial feet weren't wide enough for the screws to grab. The package of dial feet that I had were also not wide enough. Other than that, I am happy with how it turned out. The movement mods are listed above in the thread. The only thing extra I did was strip the hour wheel down to the brass. I am glad that I did because it is a very nice subtle change.

Anyway, here are some picture of the final product. I also made a new crown guard pin since I wasn't 100% please with the stock one. Thanks for all of the lookers and helpers. Without you, this couldn't have been done.

 

[Naburus]

Some golden hands you have! And I don't mean the watch

 

[sharrkey]

W:jaw:W stunning work

 

[mysterio]

You got some mad skillz.

 

[Bonesey]

Looks pretty flawless if you ask me. I'm sure there are members who would pay nicely for pre-packaged movements with this sort of level of modification.

 

[slaughterer62]

What type of equipment and technique did you use to flat polish the screws?

 

[ayubgantz]

Absolutely stunning! You should consider becoming a 'Trusted Modder' on here

 

[omgiv]

Thanks very much for the compliments. To be honest, I just enjoy modding in my spare time and have a habit if screwing things up just as much as fixing them. Unfortunately for me, that is the way that I learn things.

As to flat polishing the screws. The method that I have the most success with uses a jig similar to the one pictured. I start by grinding the screw flat with 400 grit sandpaper. Once it is completely flat, I also use 600 and 800 grit. After that I use lapping film with the adhesive on the back on a flat piece of glass. I start with 12 micron film and work my way down to 1 micron.

Things that I have learned are that you cannot grind off too much material or else you will not have much of a slot left. Another thing is to keep your work very clean. One small piece of debris will ruin your finish and you have to start over.

It isn't very hard to do but can be very time consuming to get right. My screws aren't perfect but I think they are better than when started. I would like to find a way to make the slot bottom flat and polished as well.

Thanks for looking and the comments!!!!