Hello all,
Finally decided to join another watch community. I’m not looking to be spoon fed information, but there’s a ton of word jumbo to take in as I learn about the modding process and help is always appreciated as I dig. What’s the cheese-it taste like? Here’s a sampling. A singular user has done a DLC + beadblast to an AP 15400 from the research I’ve done with the bar on mobile. It’s looking more and more like that’s my endgame.
Problem is, I’m not a fan of the TF factory and much prefer JF’s work. (except their printing) And the user withdrawal’d the watch for sale before I could pull the trigger and save a ton of money before I embark on pure stupidity. While I plan on messaging the user about the process or trying to bribe them to save my sanity - I want to also make a franken stein out of the project too. Something that personally, I haven’t seen done. Yep, my nuts are tingly in anticipation. Because if you’re going to murder out an AP? The gen dial is a must. (hands are impossible to find unless you’re stroking the right folk)
One user has a black gen 15400 dial fs here. I’m no watch smith. Though, I’ve already got an idea on who’s got the magic fingers with custom and servicing AP’s here. Customs is what worries me. (US) I want to network myself with the right people to make sure this thing is the best damn watch I can concept whilst also not having it nabbed or deemed “fraudulent goods” So. US is where I want the majority of the work to be done unless I can insure a deal with a user who isn’t interested in just monetary game. I’m not rich, I just want a solid watch and for this to be done right. Yes, I can pull this off visually for those looking to swipe your fingers at that not rich comment. Motorcycle is the only vehicular machine in my life and it’s a street fighter in black, gear is black and the helmet makes me look like a carbon fiber fighter pilot. Thank you very much! I look like every-biker, but slightly *cooler* because of the gear. Don’t cheap out on body insurance.
Estimated Cost of beadblast + DLC? $800 (big yike unless I can shake a tree somewhere or crowd fund) That last part is a joke. (please help) Hey, another one! It shouldn’t be hard to locate a facility in the US to do this. More common with watchmakers in the EU though. US only is looking grim, might have to suck it up.
JF 15400 Black Dial? $400 (have a JF Best Version 15202, but not a fan of the blue or shoddy text. Will part with this rep to fund the purchase of the JFV5) Cha ching. Saving money is always welcomed. I would post for sale except, we got rules here, folks. Gotta throw in some labor a bit before I can scurry on down to the sales department.
Gen Black Dial? $1,100 (Ouch) Worth it. Not worth it? Worth it. Yes. Glad we settled that one, shoulder angel.
Thinning + servicing? Unknown! I’ve heard legend is notoriously known for hitting gen thickness or below and a master at modding. But I’m still learning about snipping and all that to fit the dial + movement. I’ve seen his work and I like him. I like him a lot a lot.
All in all? Extremely excited. However, I’m a fairly skinny guy. My wrist size is practically tailored for a 15450. I haven’t worn a 15400 and that’s going to be a noticeable difference. Some people are skinnier yet, still rock the 15400. I’m being an optimist as JF aren’t planning any updates to create a V3 for the 450, and that’s left me in the weird, “gotta try it before I commit” bubble.
In the end, while I would like to source a gen dial for a 450 - they only did a blacklike dial for a diamond bezel release from my research. Realistically speaking, no ones parting that. Game plan? Patience and time. Updates will be sparse until I hold a 15400. I have to try one out before I can hopefully start the path for this crazy project. Interesting introduction to the forums, I’d say.
Finally decided to join another watch community. I’m not looking to be spoon fed information, but there’s a ton of word jumbo to take in as I learn about the modding process and help is always appreciated as I dig. What’s the cheese-it taste like? Here’s a sampling. A singular user has done a DLC + beadblast to an AP 15400 from the research I’ve done with the bar on mobile. It’s looking more and more like that’s my endgame.
Problem is, I’m not a fan of the TF factory and much prefer JF’s work. (except their printing) And the user withdrawal’d the watch for sale before I could pull the trigger and save a ton of money before I embark on pure stupidity. While I plan on messaging the user about the process or trying to bribe them to save my sanity - I want to also make a franken stein out of the project too. Something that personally, I haven’t seen done. Yep, my nuts are tingly in anticipation. Because if you’re going to murder out an AP? The gen dial is a must. (hands are impossible to find unless you’re stroking the right folk)
One user has a black gen 15400 dial fs here. I’m no watch smith. Though, I’ve already got an idea on who’s got the magic fingers with custom and servicing AP’s here. Customs is what worries me. (US) I want to network myself with the right people to make sure this thing is the best damn watch I can concept whilst also not having it nabbed or deemed “fraudulent goods” So. US is where I want the majority of the work to be done unless I can insure a deal with a user who isn’t interested in just monetary game. I’m not rich, I just want a solid watch and for this to be done right. Yes, I can pull this off visually for those looking to swipe your fingers at that not rich comment. Motorcycle is the only vehicular machine in my life and it’s a street fighter in black, gear is black and the helmet makes me look like a carbon fiber fighter pilot. Thank you very much! I look like every-biker, but slightly *cooler* because of the gear. Don’t cheap out on body insurance.
Estimated Cost of beadblast + DLC? $800 (big yike unless I can shake a tree somewhere or crowd fund) That last part is a joke. (please help) Hey, another one! It shouldn’t be hard to locate a facility in the US to do this. More common with watchmakers in the EU though. US only is looking grim, might have to suck it up.
JF 15400 Black Dial? $400 (have a JF Best Version 15202, but not a fan of the blue or shoddy text. Will part with this rep to fund the purchase of the JFV5) Cha ching. Saving money is always welcomed. I would post for sale except, we got rules here, folks. Gotta throw in some labor a bit before I can scurry on down to the sales department.
Gen Black Dial? $1,100 (Ouch) Worth it. Not worth it? Worth it. Yes. Glad we settled that one, shoulder angel.
Thinning + servicing? Unknown! I’ve heard legend is notoriously known for hitting gen thickness or below and a master at modding. But I’m still learning about snipping and all that to fit the dial + movement. I’ve seen his work and I like him. I like him a lot a lot.
All in all? Extremely excited. However, I’m a fairly skinny guy. My wrist size is practically tailored for a 15450. I haven’t worn a 15400 and that’s going to be a noticeable difference. Some people are skinnier yet, still rock the 15400. I’m being an optimist as JF aren’t planning any updates to create a V3 for the 450, and that’s left me in the weird, “gotta try it before I commit” bubble.
In the end, while I would like to source a gen dial for a 450 - they only did a blacklike dial for a diamond bezel release from my research. Realistically speaking, no ones parting that. Game plan? Patience and time. Updates will be sparse until I hold a 15400. I have to try one out before I can hopefully start the path for this crazy project. Interesting introduction to the forums, I’d say.
