IWC 3777 Franken

[higginsd]

So, I want to show you the actual status of my 3777 Franken project.

I was able to source a gen dial and got a gen crown (for the Aquatimer, a bit more in height) from eBay. The biggest problem I faced so far was the gen dial diameter which was 0.8mm bigger than the rep dial! So it didn't fit into the rep case. I carefully placed the gen dial to my Dremel and "dremeled" it down in diameter with sandpaper - slowly and carefully. It works!

The gen crown fits to the thread of the rep tube, so no need to change the tube.


Here my 3777 unmodified, just with the fantastic strap from my friend Jacob Ramirez in spain! It is made from genuine grey alligator skin with light blue stitch:

Here the gen dial (on right side) unmounted and compared to the rep dial on left:

Here the watch with the gen dial and the Aquatimer crown, returned from the watch smith and without strap:

Arrived last week, a set of gen hands and a gen crown with a gen winding stem:

I think the Aquatimer crown does not fit correct, so it will be changed to a gen 3777 crown.


An actual picture of the watch:

Today arrived the last part before next date at the watch smith, a gen 79320:

The last step will possibly be a gen glass or a Sunnydale AR glass. I'm unsure: the gen glass costs a lot but I would not try Sunnydale's new AR with the rep glass, only with a spare part glass from the aftermarket. Any suggestions?

Next week my watch smith has to evaluate the dimensions and the exact type of the crystal and then I'll see.

Possibly a gen BigPilot folding clasp will follow as last part later in this year. I will keep you updated.

 

[Tysodrum]

Holy crap! Nice work!

 

[higginsd]

Thanks!

Lume shot gen dial, rep hands:

 

[DRBAFC]

Looks good. If I were you, I'd do the Sunny AR on the rep glass. I don't know why you wouldn't.

 

[higginsd]

Because I don't want to remove the rep glass from the watch and wait for 12 or 15 weeks until I'll get the glass back new AR'ed. This time is too much, I can't wait. So I'll try to find a matching crystal and give Sunnydale a try. The gen crystal is round about 250$!

Do you know his (Sunnydale's) AR? Any experiences?

 

[DRBAFC]

I thought it was pretty good. There are a lot of wrist shots of the 3777 with his AR in his thread.

There was some talk a while back about how the gen crystal had a little cloudy effect similar to the rep

 

[ericb196]

Higginsd, your watch is wonderfull !!! I love your project... Would love doing the same

 

[emdeevee]

I'm gonna do this same project...I have the movement, now I need to find a dial and crown.

OP, how much did u pay for your gen movement? Did you get gen Day/DateWheels?

 

[higginsd]

Oh, the gen movement costs some money... ;-) I'll send you a PN.

No, I'll not use gen date/day wheels because the rep wheels fit perfect and there is no noticable difference in color or font. I'm only thinking about a crystal with better AR (sunnydale's work here in the forum) or a gen crystal.

 

[psychom3]

Gorgeous watch and excellent work!

 

[BZB777]

That's beautiful. Great job.

 

[Seifert]

That is such a great build - it looks absolutely stunning

 

[Jordan27]

Absolutely stunning! I remember seeing this a while back, still makes me want a 3777. But it has to be a Franken

 

[digital]

Wow..... seriously beautiful watch! :woohoo: Some really great work done. :thumbsup:

 

[higginsd]

Thank you all for the friendly compliments!

My 3777 is back today from watch smith, who build in the gen hands and the gen movement! Wears great, no rotor noise anymore! Pictures will follow.

 

[higginsd]

Some shots from outside (will open the watch and take some movement shots soon): gen dial, all hands gen, gen crown and BP-style strap from JacobStraps. Click on thumbnails to get full resolution.

I think the gen hands are more bent than the rep hands.









EDIT: and here are the shots of the movement:










Now there are only 2 steps left: the Sunnydale AR (with a new crystal) and a gen clasp. I think a gen strap is difficult because IWC has no BP strap with 21mm at the lugs.

 

[ericb196]

Very nice build !! Congrats

 

[Tempo]

Very, very nice. Good man.

 

[Cromag]

Sweet! That's really when this hobby is at its best. You know more about your 3777 than 99% of gen owners. Congrats!

 

[gocanes]

Looks great! If you get a gen crystal and case, I don't think you can call this a franken any more.

Biggest tells on the rep, for me at least, are the:
1. sharp edges on dial markers (triangle, 3,6, and 9)
2. yellowish lume
3. overly blue AR
4. crown

I'm sure your list is a lot longer than that since you darn near replaced everything with gen parts.