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[Pompompurin's] Let's build a superfranken Tudor 9411 / 94110 Snowflake Submariner

dax007

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@HawkZero inspired mine in many ways as I realised I had so many spare parts (some from him) that instead of just leaving them in boxes, I might as well 'leave them in a watch case'.
Hello. Beautiful tudors. You stated HR CASE. ?? Phong? Bivintage? Are there different variations of vietnam cases? Ty
 
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Singapore9

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Hello. Beautiful tudors. You stated HR CASE. ?? Phong? Bivintage? Are there different variations of vietnam cases? Ty
My case is the Helenarou, usually just abbreviated HR round these parts. Probably the cheapest empty GEN-spec (internally) case on the market, listed as a Tudor 7016 but I think the same as their 5513.

I say 'empty' as a JKF 5513 is also GEN-spec internally, albeit is engraved with 1680, etc. So not ideal for any sort of Tudor REP.

For the HR; crystal, bezel assembly and insert straight in the bin and can be replaced with Clark's or GEN and then everything else is pretty plug and play. Tube takes a GEN/Athaya 702 crown but the tube size/thread on the case side is 'odd', so need to keep the one it comes with, really, as GEN-spec tubes won't fit.

Lug shape is very odd from the side and crown guards aren't great but I'm not really going for a REP, so having a slightly different shape, sterile (no engravings) case suits me. It's why I'm only partially considering an upgrade.

I'd probably consider the HR false economy if you don't have the bezel assembly, crystal, etc. in hand and ready to go. The case shape will always be wrong and you're getting on for Bivintage money if you buy all that separately. Phong, MQ, Ruby, etc. all a different level (higher) but a lot more money.

Bivintage also seems to have some bezel issues but I can believe it is a better starting point. If Milk could sort the crystal neck; think he'd own the market for the money, albeit, yes, I'm talking more from a 5513 perspective as the caseback wouldn't be right for a 7016/7021/9401/9411, etc.

Will be interesting to see what Pom decides for the case!
 

dax007

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My case is the Helenarou, usually just abbreviated HR round these parts. Probably the cheapest empty GEN-spec (internally) case on the market, listed as a Tudor 7016 but I think the same as their 5513.

I say 'empty' as a JKF 5513 is also GEN-spec internally, albeit is engraved with 1680, etc. So not ideal for any sort of Tudor REP.

For the HR; crystal, bezel assembly and insert straight in the bin and can be replaced with Clark's or GEN and then everything else is pretty plug and play. Tube takes a GEN/Athaya 702 crown but the tube size/thread on the case side is 'odd', so need to keep the one it comes with, really, as GEN-spec tubes won't fit.

Lug shape is very odd from the side and crown guards aren't great but I'm not really going for a REP, so having a slightly different shape, sterile (no engravings) case suits me. It's why I'm only partially considering an upgrade.

I'd probably consider the HR false economy if you don't have the bezel assembly, crystal, etc. in hand and ready to go. The case shape will always be wrong and you're getting on for Bivintage money if you buy all that separately. Phong, MQ, Ruby, etc. all a different level (higher) but a lot more money.

Bivintage also seems to have some bezel issues but I can believe it is a better starting point. If Milk could sort the crystal neck; think he'd own the market for the money, albeit, yes, I'm talking more from a 5513 perspective as the caseback wouldn't be right for a 7016/7021/9401/9411, etc.

Will be interesting to see what Pom decides for the case!
Thank you for this info. ... makes sense brother. .. thr vietnam causes for the price should b closer to perfect. I realize they are better than gen soec cases like jfk or HS but to have bezel fitment issues is ridiculous..

I had bivintage build me a 79090 and yes the bezel movement was a issue for me. They told me it's suppose to be stiff.. now after reading with others on the bivintage cases it's clear there is a issue.. Pompom may have the SKILLS NEEDED to get tue fitment correct if he goes thst route.. I am excited to see his project develop!!

As for the cases that hawkzero used ? I own one of his watches.. it was purchased by a RWI member as a "catch and release" but was upgraded to a gen 1680 bezel. Let me tell you it's one beautiful watch! I wear it daily. The bezel operates prestige and refined for a non click bezel.. hopefully Pompom can score a case that won't cause him headaches.
 

Singapore9

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I think a tight bezel will always be a better starting point than a loose bezel, as you can take metal away more easily than you can put it back! A Clark bezel quite often needs some 'relieving' on the thickness and inside diameter as well, to work perfectly.

Hawk's watches were a really great deal, with the GEN movements, and probably the best Snowflake REPs we have had on here to date, at least for sale. Which one do you have?

Genuine black bezels and inserts (if you're not looking for a fancy fat font Mk.3, Long 5, Kissing 40, etc. insert) can be had at reasonable prices, these days, and even blistered serif inserts are still available.

It's when you start going down the blue route that things get disproportionately expensive. Find a nice, blue, textured 9411 insert for much less than ~$2k :( Black GEN dials are cheaper than blue, etc, etc.
 

dax007

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I think a tight bezel will always be a better starting point than a loose bezel, as you can take metal away more easily than you can put it back! A Clark bezel quite often needs some 'relieving' on the thickness and inside diameter as well, to work perfectly.

Hawk's watches were a really great deal, with the GEN movements, and probably the best Snowflake REPs we have had on here to date, at least for sale. Which one do you have?

Genuine black bezels and inserts (if you're not looking for a fancy fat font Mk.3, Long 5, Kissing 40, etc. insert) can be had at reasonable prices, these days, and even blistered serif inserts are still available.

It's when you start going down the blue route that things get disproportionately expensive. Find a nice, blue, textured 9411 insert for much less than ~$2k :( Black GEN dials are cheaper than blue, etc, etc.
I got one of the 9411 with 2784 movement. The movement is so nice when winding and adjusting the time. Very mechanically refined. This 35yo movement has a nicer refined feel than my swiss eta 2824s. The insert is a new ghost cac.. it was added after it arrived to usa because original insert was bent...
 

pompompurin

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Some updates:
I found a gen Tudor 2784 movement, Now i need to get a case set from bivintage and a gen-spec 5513 bezel assembly.

From my experience, bivintage 79090 and 9411 cases have bezels that do not accept gen-spec inserts without having to sand the insert (or using a lathe to modify the bezel). I will therefore also source a gen-spec 5513 bezel from somewhere else (probably going for a clarks bezel assembly).

As soon the case set and bezel comes, everything should be plug and play.

Stay tuned again!
 

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If Gary is out of the bezel assembly, you can often find the same one, both polished and unpolished, in Ric’s store( used to be Watchman408)

 
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Singapore9

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Excuse the dust, fitment and fingerprints, just 'playing' at the moment... but how about a cheeky Chad?


Considering how well centred the hand wheels are, the date window is a bit offset right... All these dials need a tweak to be perfect though...

If I am not cluttering up Pom's thread (please feel free to tell me to get my own); I'll throw the MQ in tomorrow.
 
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dax007

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Excuse the dust, fitment and fingerprints, just 'playing' at the moment... but how about a cheeky Chad?


Considering how well centred the hand wheels are, the date window is a bit offset right... All these dials need a tweak to be perfect though...

If I am not cluttering up Pom's thread (please feel free to tell me to get my own); I'll throw the MQ in tomorrow.
Creation of a cookie monster tudor. Lol. 💯 when u say they have to b tweaked. Pompom work is top shelf from what I have seen so he can handle it!! As yodog did on my 1680 Nipple. It caused him some frustration but he got it right! You would think these magical elf creating out elusive vietnam cases would make em just perfect. Lol. Maybe perfect for the skill watchsmith!! 😆
 
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Singapore9

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Creation of a cookie monster tudor. Lol. 💯 when u say they have to b tweaked. Pompom work is top shelf from what I have seen so he can handle it!! As yodog did on my 1680 Nipple. It caused him some frustration but he got it right! You would think these magical elf creating out elusive vietnam cases would make em just perfect. Lol. Maybe perfect for the skill watchsmith!! 😆
Got to give 'em something to do, I reckon a skilled watchsmith could do a dial swap in under 15mins 🤣

Amazing how much dust/dirt you pick up, when taking a snap under the loupe (built in lighting)!

I've got a bet with myself that the MQ is perfect. There has to be more than just the printing that justifies the cost.

The Chad does look less 'green' and a lighter blue, albeit it's under strong light, there. It's a nice dial for the money. Need to get a blue insert on there for a better comparison.
 
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dax007

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Got to give 'em something to do, I reckon a skilled watchsmith could do a dial swap in under 15mins 🤣

Amazing how much dust/dirt you pick up, when taking a snap under the loupe (built in lighting)!

I've got a bet with myself that the MQ is perfect. There has to be more than just the printing that justifies the cost.

The Chad does look less 'green' and a lighter blue, albeit it's under strong light, there. It's a nice dial for the money. Need to get a blue insert on there for a better comparison.
You said it really good when you said " nice dial for money" we all know these beautiful vintage setups as gen at 12k easy for a great condition... so does mq. Phong. Etc. So when we get the itch over and over those for most part are the only options. Good option vs gens ridiculous prices and they are dam close 1 to 1
 
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Singapore9

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I have two GEN 9411s as well and, much like Rolex 6-digit Replicas, the REPs are probably better than GEN :ROFLMAO:

To be fair, the GENs are almost 50yrs old and very much showing their age. Maybe I'll throw one of these dials in one of them, for a pic!
 

dax007

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I have two GEN 9411s as well and, much like Rolex 6-digit Replicas, the REPs are probably better than GEN :ROFLMAO:

To be fair, the GENs are almost 50yrs old and very much showing their age. Maybe I'll throw one of these dials in one of them, for a pic!
I agree. I am not a big 6 digital rlx fan vs 4 and 5 digits. I can't get enough of 4 digital tudor or rlx. Love when the gen tudors have rlx crowns and bracelet from years ago. I would love to own a gen 9411 or 79090. I recently got one of those beautiful 9411 vietnam tudors with gen movement from someone in USA who got it from hawkzero. It's def one of my favorite custom reps!!
 

Singapore9

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I agree. I am not a big 6 digital rlx fan vs 4 and 5 digits. I can't get enough of 4 digital tudor or rlx. Love when the gen tudors have rlx crowns and bracelet from years ago. I would love to own a gen 9411 or 79090. I recently got one of those beautiful 9411 vietnam tudors with gen movement from someone in USA who got it from hawkzero. It's def one of my favorite custom reps!!
Hawk is a top guy and become a mate. I had the MQ dial off him as well as some GEN parts and a whole GEN 76100. I think I said on this thread it's those watches, one of which you have, that got me thinking about a REP as the MQ dial was destined for my blue GEN, whilst I got it's original dial relumed and repaired.

I'm a 4 and 5 digit man at heart. I have three 4-digits and three 5-digits. Not sure I'll ever own another (had a DSSD) 6-digit. They're too blocky and more akin to jewelry for me. Other opinions may vary of course!
 
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Singapore9

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Boom - great to see the thread back! Didn't want to bump it and make it anymore about me! Looking forward to the build!
 
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