Another Moonswatch metal case project

[Hprelude]

Just caught up from where I left off on this forum. Received the a Mechen Case, pe50 stems and 33mm pe50 movement holder and went to do my mod.

Had a few issues, the movement is just floating around in the case even with the 33mm movement holder. When I unscrew the crown, the movement moves around. No rings in the rep moonswatch to keep it in place. Packed it up and put it together for now.

 

[Hprelude]

Just caught up from where I left off on this forum. Received the a Mechen Case, pe50 stems and 33mm pe50 movement holder and went to do my mod.

Had a few issues, the movement is just floating around in the case even with the 33mm movement holder. When I unscrew the crown, the movement moves around. No rings in the rep moonswatch to keep it in place. Packed it up and put it together for now.

I might need a larger movement holder it seems. The other issue is that when I insert the stem, it raises the movement on that side so the dial is slanted in the case. Not sure if a larger movement holder will sort that.

 

[myor]

Some great builds in this thread. I have a gen mission to jupiter with a broken lug which i'd like to transplant into a pagani case.
Any tips on a branded crown that would fit pagani?

 

[Karbon74]

I might need a larger movement holder it seems. The other issue is that when I insert the stem, it raises the movement on that side so the dial is slanted in the case. Not sure if a larger movement holder will sort that.

Your stem is too long, and indeed the spacer is too small. The spacer has to center the movement and hence the dial.

If you look at the dial with your build like this, you will notice that it is off center. You will never be able to screw in the caseback like this

Also, your dial will slightly shift and you risk breaking the subdial pinions.

 

[Hprelude]

Your stem is too long, and indeed the spacer is too small. The spacer has to center the movement and hence the dial.

If you look at the dial with your build like this, you will notice that it is off center. You will never be able to screw in the caseback like this

Also, your dial will slightly shift and you risk breaking the subdial pinions.

Thanks, Karbon74. Will order larger spaces to center the dial and will shorten that stem. I will remove the stem and case back to avoid damage.
I definitely notice the stem was too long once I got the movement in! The waiting game for parts to arrive sucks!

 

[Karbon74]

Thanks, Karbon74. Will order larger spaces to center the dial and will shorten that stem. I will remove the stem and case back to avoid damage.
I definitely notice the stem was too long once I got the movement in! The waiting game for parts to arrive sucks!

one super important thing
when you mess around with a bad spacer, you risk to damage the sides of the dial

usually it will not be visible, but sometimes you can really mess up

here is a tip:
unscrew the stem from the rep plastic crown.
use it as a guide. the new stem has to be slightly longer
but not too close, it's always better to cut long than cut short

ref the spacer, you can use pliers to flatten and lengthen the small tabs of the 33mm spacer
It's better to get the right spacers but it can serve in a pinch

while you are ordering, get some 1mm heatshink tubes...you will need them for the pushers

 

[Hprelude]

one super important thing
when you mess around with a bad spacer, you risk to damage the sides of the dial

usually it will not be visible, but sometimes you can really mess up

here is a tip:
unscrew the stem from the rep plastic crown.
use it as a guide. the new stem has to be slightly longer
but not too close, it's always better to cut long than cut short

ref the spacer, you can use pliers to flatten and lengthen the small tabs of the 33mm spacer
It's better to get the right spacers but it can serve in a pinch

while you are ordering, get some 1mm heatshink tubes...you will need them for the pushers

Ok this is great to know.
I’m surprised I haven’t damaged the movement. The hands are a little wobbly when I move it upside down but doesn’t seem to do that when I have a battery in and movement is working. The dial on mine is just floating on the movement and not secured also.

About the heat shrink, where does that go on the pushers? The pushers seem to be working fine at the moment and not too long.

 

[VintageCollector12]

just get rid of it
it has no purpose and the gen does not have it

@Tippyracer, Pushers are typically a friction fit or threaded into the case, and yes, the "sleeve" holds the spring-loaded pusher mechanism inside. If you're feeling adventurous, a friction fit setup with a C-clip can sometimes be swapped if you find a replacement of the right diameter and depth.

If you’re thinking of modding, grinding down the existing pushers could work but requires precision—one slip and it’s game over for symmetry! If you manage to find aftermarket replacements, share the source. This could open up a world of customization for us modders. Until then, it’s all about patience and a steady hand!

 

[Karbon74]

Ok this is great to know.
I’m surprised I haven’t damaged the movement. The hands are a little wobbly when I move it upside down but doesn’t seem to do that when I have a battery in and movement is working. The dial on mine is just floating on the movement and not secured also.

About the heat shrink, where does that go on the pushers? The pushers seem to be working fine at the moment and not too long.

If your dial is floating it means that you snapped off the dial feet while building…
You are in for a world of hurt

For the heatshink tube, most cases will have pushers too short as the VK63 is bigger than the PE50. Cut a small 2mm length of tube and put it on the inside pusher pin. Heat it.
This makes the pusher long enough to touch the mouvement contact

 

[Hprelude]

If your dial is floating it means that you snapped off the dial feet while building…
You are in for a world of hurt

For the heatshink tube, most cases will have pushers too short as the VK63 is bigger than the PE50. Cut a small 2mm length of tube and put it on the inside pusher pin. Heat it.
This makes the pusher long enough to touch the mouvement contact

Damn, I actually think that the dial was like that when I removed it from its rep case. It’s the first thing I saw when I removed it and thought it was weird. But I could have damaged the pins and they just haven’t fallen out. Hopefully with the new movement holder it will all be ok but it doesn’t sound promising from your comments re dial pins.

Ok I understand what to do with the heat shrink.

 

[Karbon74]

Damn, I actually think that the dial was like that when I removed it from its rep case. It’s the first thing I saw when I removed it and thought it was weird. But I could have damaged the pins and they just haven’t fallen out. Hopefully with the new movement holder it will all be ok but it doesn’t sound promising from your comments re dial pins.

Ok I understand what to do with the heat shrink.

What will happen is that the dial will shift and touch the subdial pinions, and that will fuck up the movement

The only true solution is to remove the hands then glue the dial using epoxy or double side tape

 

[DapperDoctorHolmes]

Or pick up some of these and then trim to size if you don’t mind waiting:

I just found this on AliExpress: $1.68 | Dial Foot Watch Universal Dial Pin Diameter 0.6mm Copper Material Fixed Dial With Locating Pin Repair Dial Watch Repair Parts

https://a.aliexpress.com/_msihzrH

But if the pre-existing dial foot snapped off inside the movement, you’re probably not getting it out again so glue or tape might be easier.

 

[Alfred]

Just found what appears to be the Corgeut case by itself on AliX for $25 (bracelet included):

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806554113084.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

Has anyone ever tried swapping out chrono pushers? It's a beautiful FOIS-style case (with an accurate thickness of 13.2mm) but those pushers stick out just like 1-2mm more than ideal.

download

Image download hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

download (1)

Image download (1) hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

Corgeut Mens Quartz Watch 40MM 24 Hour Multi Function Stainless Steel Chronograph Leather Sport Relo

Image Corgeut Mens Quartz Watch 40MM 24 Hour Multi Function Stainless Steel Chronograph Leather Sport Relo hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

omega speedmaster anniversary series co axial master chronometer chronograph 39 7 mm 31030405006001

Image omega speedmaster anniversary series co axial master chronometer chronograph 39 7 mm 31030405006001 hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

Following this… let us know how you go

 

[pippo]

Seems that Raffles is listing Omega Seamaster PO 20mm bracelets.

They are chunky for a Speedmaster but that’s a good option

I was about to contact him to ask a couple of extra pictures.
There are way cheaper PO bracelets on Aliexpress (20 usd, usually awful quality of course), I was wondering if that bracelet is better quality

 

[pippo]

Following this… let us know how you go

Price is slowly going up and the black insert version is out of stock.
The slim case is VERY tempting!

 

[Karbon74]

I was about to contact him to ask a couple of extra pictures.
There are way cheaper PO bracelets on Aliexpress (20 usd, usually awful quality of course), I was wondering if that bracelet is better quality

raffles will usually be ok
watchdives will be of much better quality than ali bracelets
and also the current PO bracelets are not engraved (i asked many...)
what do you expect of a 20 bucks bracelet

 

[pippo]

raffles will usually be ok
watchdives will be of much better quality than ali bracelets
and also the current PO bracelets are not engraved (i asked many...)
what do you expect of a 20 bucks bracelet

Yes, that was exactly my point.
For 20 USD the quality is awful, always.

I have no experience with bracelets from Raffles though. Just wondering if comparable somehow to a Noob LMPO bracelet.

 

[Karbon74]

I did get some okish bracelets
My view is that if you really want a good bracelet, i would give Uncle Straps a shot
Very very good and their U logo can pass for an Omega letter from a distance. I have seen gen owners go for them.

Other options are buying a Pagani and sand the logo, or a rep from Jason007 dhgate (not so great bracelet but acceptable)

 

[pippo]

I did get some okish bracelets
My view is that if you really want a good bracelet, i would give Uncle Straps a shot
Very very good and their U logo can pass for an Omega letter from a distance. I have seen gen owners go for them.

Other options are buying a Pagani and sand the logo, or a rep from Jason007 dhgate (not so great bracelet but acceptable)

@Karbon74, stop reading my mind now

Today I was about to pull the trigger on a 1171 US on Ebay.
That's my option 1 (despite being outside EU) but I was curious to test the bracelet from raffles too.

 

[qjai89]

I have an uncle Seiko bracelet on my gen speedy and I love it. But not sure id be willing to fork one for one of these mods tbh.