Franken build: Patek Sector Dial Calatrava 5296g

[majwilliams0308]

Yo guys. Just some quick things to touch on before I delve into the pics.

The sector dial was available from Patek since 1932, and has had quite a few references over time, but the modern reference is an absolute gem and it was just discontinued.

ZF just released this beauty, but the dial leaves something to be desired. Luckily I was able to snag a gen dial on eBay.

Here's the ZF:

Here's the gen dial:

And here it is with the gen dial installed (note that the date wheel mod doesn't fit as it's a bit thick):

The dial got a little scuff during the install but that's okay with me - its just WAY more stunning all around. In low light the dial really lights up.

 

[Tobel]

Man I'm so jealous, I looked on eBay as soon as ZF released this watch and didn't find anything

Congrats, it's a real beauty!!

 

[nomana]

You again? And I never been disappointed

 

[Tader]

Stunning. Think the ZF is worth getting even without a gen dial?

 

[nomana]

Stunning. Think the ZF is worth getting even without a gen dial?

Zf makes a decent one imo

 

[m1994]

Great work my friend, congratulations.

Would you also buy a gen strap?

 

[Lobster2010]

Looks really stunning and understated. Well done on getting that gen dial. Any way to fix the scuff?

 

[Scandalloman]

Nice watch. Does the polished SS look much different than white gold in person? Never really compared the two metals side-by-side

 

[jm_brc_7057]

Nice watch. Does the polished SS look much different than white gold in person? Never really compared the two metals side-by-side

Earlier the 18K white gold was an alloy of 75% gold mixed with other metals like nickel. That gave the white gold a yellow hue, which was therefore needed plating with Rhodium to give it a brighter white colour. The colour still has a yellow hue to it.

To answer your question. Nowadays most watchmakers (also Rolex, PP, Lange) uses a alloy of gold and palladium. That gives it a bright white silvery color. Side by side you'd be able to see a slight difference in color, as the white gold will be a bit yellow, while the Stainless Steel is a bit grey. And white gold is also heavier than SS. So there will be a very subtle difference.

https://quillandpad.com/2016/12/18/heres-stainless-steel-precious-metal/

From the article: "Sure, you can tell them apart when they are placed right next to each other, but seeing color has more to do with adjacent colors, contrast, and varying light sources than the actual hue."

 

[Tobel]

Earlier the 18K white gold was an alloy of 75% gold mixed with other metals like nickel. That gave the white gold a yellow hue, which was therefore needed plating with Rhodium to give it a brighter white colour. The colour still has a yellow hue to it.

To answer your question. Nowadays most watchmakers (also Rolex, PP, Lange) uses a alloy of gold and palladium. That gives it a bright white silvery color. Side by side you'd be able to see a slight difference in color, as the white gold will be a bit yellow, while the Stainless Steel is a bit grey. And white gold is also heavier than SS. So there will be a very subtle difference.

https://quillandpad.com/2016/12/18/heres-stainless-steel-precious-metal/

From the article: "Sure, you can tell them apart when they are placed right next to each other, but seeing color has more to do with adjacent colors, contrast, and varying light sources than the actual hue."

I'm just curious whether there would be a way for rep makers to mix the steel with another alloy that would make the steel look more yellow without increasing cost (sorry for the off topic )

 

[jm_brc_7057]

Tobel It can't be obtained if they bought other alloys of steel. For example with copper which could give that hue. The problem would be added cost of production. And it would still not totally look like white gold as it is brighter also and heavier than steel. So you obtain a few percentage of extra likeness for extra money. Doesn't make sense. Then it would probably be a better solution to plate it with white gold like the YG and RG watches.
I dont know however if that would sell better.

 

[jm_brc_7057]

It can be obtained*

 

[Tobel]

It can be obtained*

Thanks mate, appreciate your expertise

 

[majwilliams0308]

Great work my friend, congratulations.

Would you also buy a gen strap?

The ZF strap is a great color, but durability is questionable. I probably won't buy a gen strap but I am going to buy a strap to get this look:

 

[jm_brc_7057]

The ZF strap is a great color, but durability is questionable. I probably won't buy a gen strap but I am going to buy a strap to get this look:

Could be a great colour combi.. Can i suggest you the "A Collected Man" straps from Molequin? Nubuck would look nice. I have one for my VC Historiques.

https://www.acollectedman.com/collections/straps

https://molequin.com/collections/nubuck

 

[m1994]

The ZF strap is a great color, but durability is questionable. I probably won't buy a gen strap but I am going to buy a strap to get this look:

I saw that picture the other day.. no words it does looks amazing that´s a great option. As JM said Collected Man straps are a good option.

 

[Etretic]

Sector dial gives a bit more flexibility around strap usage I reckon. Can be a bit more adventurous compared to the standard calatrava dial.

 

[Lovepatekonly]

majwilliams0308 Stunning piece and fantastic rebuild!!! Congrats bro! But how can you fit the gen dial on that movement? Is that the jack of the gen dial directly fit the 9015movement? I really would like to get the gen dial on my ZF 5167 if possible. Expecting your expertise. Many thanks!!

 

[Dpap]

Nice!

Is there a way to mod the rotor so it is not so loud?

 

[nomana]

Nice!

Is there a way to mod the rotor so it is not so loud?

Easiest way is to drop some lubricant. There is a post about it here