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Build Thread: Milsub 5517

Z

zkramez

You're Saying I Can Sell?
12/12/20
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Thread is to document the build of my 5517 milsub. The goal is to get as close to perfect as possible with no expense spared on parts.
I have decided to start with a Phong case. That should be on its way in the next week or 2.
I have reached out to several other people for their take on building the perfect most accurate milsub.

Here is what we determined...
1. Case: Phong with custom markings and modded with a genuine 702 tube and crown (I am aware 703 is more waterproof but I care more about looks and accuracy).
2. Bezel Insert: Crown Art Customs.
3. Crystal: Genuine T19 crystal.
4. Movement: Genuine cal. 1520.
5. Hands: Omega genuine sword hands.

6. Dial: I am still figuring this out. I have heard to use MQ or Ivan. I am open to suggestions though. The dial is arguably the most important part of this entire build.
I am open to all suggestions

Stay tuned...
 
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Singapore9

Singapore9

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Will be following this one with interest! Let me know if/when you need the hook-up on the blistered T19 and 7020+702!

Have you made sure Phong won't mod the case for a 703?

Would be interested in your thoughts on dials, when you have looked at a few!

Lots of pics, please :D
 
Z

zkramez

You're Saying I Can Sell?
12/12/20
72
54
18
Singapore9 said:
Will be following this one with interest! Let me know if/when you need the hook-up on the blistered T19 and 7020+702!

Have you made sure Phong won't mod the case for a 703?

Would be interested in your thoughts on dials, when you have looked at a few!

Lots of pics, please :D
Click to expand...
I did message him to keep it 702. If he forgets and ships it with 703, is that reversible? Or is the hole bigger and can't be fixed.
 
Z

zkramez

You're Saying I Can Sell?
12/12/20
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@Singapore9 So far I have only seen the Phong Dial and the MQ one. Both look identical if I am being honest. They also are not that great in accuracy. I am waiting for samples from Ivan. Hopefully his are a lot better. They cost more than double the price of MQ so I hope so haha
 
Singapore9

Singapore9

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zkramez said:
I did message him to keep it 702. If he forgets and ships it with 703, is that reversible? Or is the hole bigger and can't be fixed.
Click to expand...
Actually, I may be confusing myself here... It's the 7000 tube that isn't countersunk, 7020 and 7030 swap should be interchangeable?!

Would be good if someone else can confirm! Gone back through a search and finding a conflicting reports on the case side countersink/tube bevel.

Sent you some links by PM!
 
Last edited:
Z

zkramez

You're Saying I Can Sell?
12/12/20
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Here are the QC pics from Phong.

Engravings are 7.5/10. Not bad but not perfect. Definitely the best I’ve seen aftermarket.

Shape of the case is ehhhhhhhh 6/10. For the price you pay for these things it should be a lot better.

I will say though it is the best you can get at the time of this post.

Ruby unfortunately was replaced with someone new and I found MQ case engravings to be less superior to Phong. They all use the same case supplier anyway based on the research from other posts.

Phong gets a bad rep these days however… my experience so far has been great. He was super responsive and we spent about 5 hours together trying to perfect the custom engravings. Unfortunately we couldn’t get it 100% but the fact that he truly tried really impressed me.

I read many posts about him being lazy. That was not my experience at all.

Check out the QC photos and let me know what you think!


 
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Z

zkramez

You're Saying I Can Sell?
12/12/20
72
54
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zkramez said:
Here are the QC pics from Phong.

Engravings are 7.5/10. Not bad but not perfect. Definitely the best I’ve seen aftermarket.

Shape of the case is ehhhhhhhh 6/10. For the price you pay for these things it should be a lot better.

I will say though it is the best you can get at the time of this post.

Ruby unfortunately was replaced with someone new and I found MQ case engravings to be less superior to Phong. They all use the same case supplier anyway based on the research from other posts.

Phong gets a bad rep these days however… my experience so far has been great. He was super responsive and we spent about 5 hours together trying to perfect the custom engravings. Unfortunately we couldn’t get it 100% but the fact that he truly tried really impressed me.

I read many posts about him being lazy. That was not my experience at all.

Check out the QC photos and let me know what you think!


Click to expand...

 
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Singapore9

Singapore9

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I'm no Milsub expert so won't comment beyond saying it looks good, either way!

Does Phong use a pantograph for the engraving?

Other slightly odd question perhaps but it was Phong and not Jensen doing the work? I thought I read that Phong had retired and handed over.

Seems a shame that we are losing the artisan case makers, seemingly, because 6-digits seem to be so good out of the box.
 
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Z

zkramez

You're Saying I Can Sell?
12/12/20
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Singapore9 said:
I'm no Milsub expert so won't comment beyond saying it looks good, either way!

Does Phong use a pantograph for the engraving?

Other slightly odd question perhaps but it was Phong and not Jensen doing the work? I thought I read that Phong had retired and handed over.

Seems a shame that we are losing the artisan case makers, seemingly, because 6-digits seem to be so good out of the box.
Click to expand...
To my understanding it is still Phong but don’t quote me on that. I have no clue how they do it but I think they did a really nice job. I got the movement today too. I’m hype.
 
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Singapore9

Singapore9

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You are moving fast! Great to see! If CAC's dials are so good, just get the feet moved?
 
Z

zkramez

You're Saying I Can Sell?
12/12/20
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Singapore9 said:
You are moving fast! Great to see! If CAC's dials are so good, just get the feet moved?
Click to expand...
That is an option but I still want to see what else is out there. Like you said, I’ve been moving fast. I need to slow it down. Got too excited 😂
 
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Singapore9

Singapore9

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I have 5 dials for one 9411 project, must be getting on for 10 plexis, a handful of inserts, etc. I don't think we do these things because they're cheap or easy :ROFLMAO:
 
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Z

zkramez

You're Saying I Can Sell?
12/12/20
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Big update on the build progress...

I have sourced a genuine non serif dial. The dial is currently at a dial maker getting restored and they are adding the Milsub T logo. When it is done and in my possession I will upload high resolution photos.

This was not cheap by any means but again... I am building the most accurate Milsub. It has to be perfect.
 
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SwiSmade

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zkramez said:
Big update on the build progress...

I have sourced a genuine non serif dial. The dial is currently at a dial maker getting restored and they are adding the Milsub T logo. When it is done and in my possession I will upload high resolution photos.

This was not cheap by any means but again... I am building the most accurate Milsub. It has to be perfect.
Click to expand...
Awesome. Really looking forward to see it
 
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