One of my Grails is finished 5218 202/a

[spankster23]

I wanted to share with y'all my latest build... 5218 202/a. Its has taken a while collecting parts and changing out parts over a year, but i think it's close to finished... :matty:

The Specs:

- DSN PVD case, softened to a more Pencil lead color
- H Fact Crystal all AR removed
- Crown guard from Sead with the CG pin flattened recessed and polished
- Swiss ETA 6497 with CP flattened and polished
- Jacob 202/a caseback
- Southy LAST batch of pre-v Dials with LUME one of the nicest pre-v dials i have ever seen. (I have an FGD lume dial as well and decided to keep this one)
- Helenarou pre-V hands
- DIRK Vero Cuoio Light Cognac with pre-v sewn in PVD buckle...

Sorry for the iPhone pics. Hope you like it...:txrob:

t.

Obligatory Wristy...

 

[SSTEEL]

Congrats, I take it you are waiting for matching hands for it?

 

[spankster23]

Ya, those hands are a little TOO white for this dial. I might relume them this week. Thanks...

 

[granvino]

Nice watch. Is the case the newest 'newborn' from David?

 

[spankster23]

Thank you,

No I think it's an iteration or two prior.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[ALE7575]

This is a nice and well chosen build
With the relumed hands will be perfect ??

Could we getting more info or comparisons with FGD dial?
Congrats
ALE

 

[spankster23]

Her it is with the FGD dial installed. And different hands.

 

[faberjay111]

Nice looking watch!

I have one being put together by Speedy...I can hardly wait!

Congrats on your beauty!

 

[d4m.test]

Congrats, I take it you are waiting for matching hands for it?

HOLD ON BEFORE YOU CHANGE THOSE HANDS!!! The whole matching versus non-matching thing is very misleading. The varnish finish fill used on the Pre-V dials caused them to age or turn creamy yellow over time. This applies to the matching dials. On certain runs of 201/A and 202/A the varnish fill turned dials not yellow, but a color ranging from light orange to orange. This refers to Non-matching. The hands on the the Pre-V watches, when originally sold were white and many remain white or a chalky off-white, today. It is not that common to see yellow hands that truly match the dial color. They are mostly a shade of white. PeteM can speak to this at length. Hopefully he does chime in even to prove me wrong This is my observation from studying HUNDREDS of gen images. I actually had a set of hands on my 201/A Destro build that roughly matched the lume color and it didn't look right. I changed them to DSNs new white hands and I am now totally happy!

Here's mine compared to some gen images:


Gen Destro:


Other gens with white hands:

 

[d4m.test]

This is a nice and well chosen build
With the relumed hands will be perfect ??

Could we getting more info or comparisons with FGD dial?
Congrats
ALE

Ale you don't choose a Southy....Southy Chooses YOU!!! Seriously when held in person It is evident that these are the most accurate Pre-V dials every created. It is hard to describe without a good macro shot, but I will work to get some and do a separate post about them. Until then...This is picture of the gen 12... It also could be a picture of the Southy 12. they fill technique is identical:


They are all an example of the "Fat" index Pre-V dials and have PERFECT number shape. The FGD are the skinny index and while they are incredible, they have some notable variances like the flat bottom 3 and the number 2 in 12 with a top hook that is too round. Southy dials have imperfections in text, but flaws are only visible in macro shots. However, FGD also has text issues due to lack of serifs in the font.

Southy is the Ultimate Pre-V dial and only a hand full were made. Sangster should consider himself lucky!!!

My 203/A is my favorite watch due to the Southy:

 

[spankster23]

Here's the gen I was aiming for: maybe I could "soften the white". I could mix some of holio's lume colors, and try it out on some old hands fIrst.

 

[d4m.test]

The white hands aren't far off of that. Also, Ditch your CG and get DSN's new correct Lever CG.

 

[ALE7575]

Hi Grim and spankster
You are making of this thread a true lesson about Pre-V PAms
I would like to know as much as you about Pre-Vs
I really would need to learn more about these interesting PAMs

Thanks for sharing your builds, pics and knowledgeç
Glad to have you both here

ALE

 

[Steverland]

Hi mates,
It's a pleasure to learn so much on a thread.
I'm now involved in some 5218 203/A build project and I feel all alone in the ocean lol.
Can someone help me by telling me who are the best bet for dial, hands, buckle and case? For the moment I have the Swiss ETA mvt and the caseback from Grimlocktime.
I've read some about Southy in this thread, who is he? How can I get in touch with him? Does he have a website?
Thanks

 

[spankster23]

Southy is a mythical Aussie, who doesn't make dials anymore. Your best bet is to watch the parts sales section and put a wanted ad in the parts wanted section for his dials. They are out there but hard to come by.

DSN PVD cases are very good start here in the dealer section.
Helenarou hands can be found on the bay as well as FGD hands found here in the parts section occasionally.
Dirk and Mario paci are your best bets for straps.
Dirk has nice sewn in buckles, but Elias on HF forum has better.

 

[Steverland]

Ok thanks for your quick reply!

 

[al358]

Congratulations and wear it well!

 

[Steverland]

Congratulations and wear it well!

Thanks! But the road is looooooooooooooooonnnnggg yet. Lol