[Pompompurin's] Let's franken a GF Santos de Cartier 39.8mm (W2SA0009) with a gen dial

[pompompurin]

So far, I rarely build watches that are not Rolex. But lately, I ran out of Rolex to build so I decided to try building a Santos de Cartier.

The Santos de Cartier interests me because of how the bracelet and its link release are designed. Also, its 1980s style and two-tone looks are quite attractive to me.

I chose the GF factory version because the case shape looks ok to me (although I don't know much about Cartier watches).

Since there are little to no build diaries for Cartier watches, I figured I could share my build process.

Here is the GF Santos de Cartier and the gen dial.



Behind the caseback, there is a Miyota 9019 movement. The caseback screws appear to have threadlocker applied which is welcomed.




Here is a picture of the stock GF dial and hands.



The gen dial fits inside the GF case.





For every picture below, the gen dial is on the right side (apologies for the poor indoor lighting).

Compared to the stock GF dial, the colour of the gen dial is lighter and more silver. However, I am not sure if the colour tone of gen dials varies depending on the production batch/ year.












The dial feet location of the gen dial (left) is similar to the stock GF dial. However, I find that the location and thickness of the gen dial's dial feet interfere with the Miyota 9019 movement's date disc. Therefore, I think that the gen dial's dial feet need to be removed in order to be installed onto the Miyota 9019 movement.




Stay tuned for part 2.

 

[neejohhh]

Great demo! There are rarely any people who do this mod. Also i heard from a few others that the dial feet are indeed a bit different than the GF or BVF dial so removing them is indeed necessary. Dials are not that expensive so a pretty cheep option to franken this one. Really curious about part 2!!

 

[Gtmatt22]

I can't wait to see part 2. Thanks for sharing the build.

 

[pompompurin]

Daylight pictures comparing the stock GF dial (left) and gen dial (right):

 

[pompompurin]

Part 2

I removed the dial feet on the gen dial.



I used dial dots (adhesive) to mount the dial onto the miyota 9019 movement.





Hands are then installed.



The movement is then reinserted into the case with the movement ring. The movement ring screws are also screwed back on.



The watch is then demagnetised and regulated.



Here are a few daylight pictures.

 

[Got20Mate]

This is seriously nice man, the gen dial carries so much "pop" compared to the rep dial. The difference in impact is significant.

Quick newbie question - do the dots that you've used to mount the dial in place "harden" over time to stop the dial slipping? Is this considered the best method to use?

Be kind, I know nothing

 

[pompompurin]

Quick newbie question - do the dots that you've used to mount the dial in place "harden" over time to stop the dial slipping? Is this considered the best method to use?

Dial dots are double-sided adhesive that are used in watchmaking. I don't think dial dots harden like some superglue, but dial dots are quite sticky and they grip extremely well. But dial dots alone do not always prevent the dial from slipping because there are other factors (like the reasons that I will outline below) that can cause dial slipping.

Considering that the movement ring inside this watch is big, there isn't any play for the movement to move (due to the very strong movement tabs as well), and the dial fits just-right in the recess beneath the rehaut, I doubt there will be any room nor looseness for the dial to slip.

 

[EodNhoJ]

Impressive!! Swapping in a genuine dial makes such a difference—this should take the watch’s overall appearance up a notch. It looks like the gen dial fits into the GF case nicely—any minor modifications needed, or was it a straightforward swap? Also, are you considering upgrading the movement down the line, or do you feel Miyota holds up well enough for daily wear? Thanks again.

 

[Got20Mate]

Dial dots are double-sided adhesive that are used in watchmaking. I don't think dial dots harden like some superglue, but dial dots are quite sticky and they grip extremely well. But dial dots alone do not always prevent the dial from slipping because there are other factors (like the reasons that I will outline below) that can cause dial slipping.

Considering that the movement ring inside this watch is big, there isn't any play for the movement to move (due to the very strong movement tabs as well), and the dial fits just-right in the recess beneath the rehaut, I doubt there will be any room nor looseness for the dial to slip.

Nice one man. Appreciate the information

 

[pompompurin]

any minor modifications needed, or was it a straightforward swap? Also, are you considering upgrading the movement down the line, or do you feel Miyota holds up well enough for daily wear?

The movement was a straightforward swap.
The Miyota 9019 movement works fine and doesn't need to be changed. I believe its hand-operation, like hand-setting and date-setting direction, are the same as the Cartier MC 1847 movement.

In fact, considering that there is no DWO and the proprietary specs of the miyota date disc and hand size, i don't think there is a better and/ or substitute movement for the Mioyta 9019.

 

[EodNhoJ]

The movement was a straightforward swap.
The Miyota 9019 movement works fine and doesn't need to be changed. I believe its hand-operation, like hand-setting and date-setting direction, are the same as the Cartier MC 1847 movement.

In fact, considering that there is no DWO and the proprietary specs of the miyota date disc and hand size, i don't think there is a better and/ or substitute movement for the Mioyta 9019.

This is helpful. Thank you.

 

[pompompurin]

I also decided to sell this because it is massive for my small wrist size. I am better-off trying the 35mm version instead

 

[Got20Mate]

I also decided to sell this because it is massive for my small wrist size. I am better-off trying the 35mm version instead

This is the size I need I think

 

[intellects]

Really cool project, I’ve been thinking about doing some Cartier modding since newer parts are much more readily available than Rolex. I’d try my hand at modding the 35mm. Do you think the movement would fit a genuine date wheel too? Would definitely improve it even more

 

[Valaj]

OT but where did you source a GF Santos from recently? Or is it old stock that you had lying around?