Vintage Panerai for an aging project

[HAS17HA]

I have recently got in to aging vintage watches (albeit still at armature level). I have so far practiced doing Sea dweller 1665 from MR and I have set my mind on a Panerai as my next project.
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...17-1665-series
When I was doing the Sea dweller, I went with two $100 watches because if I screw something over I have another watch to scavenge parts from. The particular watch I choose had a good enough casing and didn't give much thought of the movement as if it comes out well enough I can always change it and the watches have a closed back, so not even I can see the difference in day to day.

So as my next project I tried to look for a vintage pam either a Radiomir, or 3646, just not a marina(I already own a super rep of that) with same criteria (good enough casing which I can re shape if needed, closed back, alright movement etc) but all the watches I find at the price range of $100-$150 in some of our TDs sites are out of stock
http://www.silix-prime.me/index.php?...oducts_id=3577
I want to do the same two watch process as I have done with 1665 so I need the price to be in that bracket.
Can anyone be a good sport who's knowledgeable in this area throw me few suggestions to find a watch for my project

 

[nalomb]

I would look at Parnis watches or Davidsen’s offerings ...


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[nalomb]

I would look at Parnis watches or Davidsen’s offerings ...


Sent from my iPhone using RWI

 

[HAS17HA]

I would look at Parnis watches or Davidsen’s offerings ...


Sent from my iPhone using RWI

Thanks mate, I have bought my PAM351 super rep from Davidsen and atm in the process of getting two other Rolex reps from him. I didn't find any Pam in his listings that matches my price range.
After practicing with relatively cheap watches my ultimate goal is to age one of DSN reps with his rolex 618 movement.

 

[kilowattore]

Parnis is the cheaper road. For a higher end build with DSN 618 I suggest you look into Nightwatch or Athaya parts.

 

[HAS17HA]

Parnis is the cheaper road. For a higher end build with DSN 618 I suggest you look into Nightwatch or Athaya parts.

Thanks mate, I just had a quick look at your builds, holy S#!7 they are beautiful.
One quick question from an experienced guy like you, if I get a Parnis 3646 homage and looked to change the dial and hands..etc to Pam ones, would I find it hard to find compatible parts?

 

[kilowattore]

Hands there are plenty. Dials have to be custom made or you have to mod the existing dial (with likely poor results).
your best bet with a Parnis case is a California dial build, assuming their case can accept 37mm dials.

 

[HAS17HA]

Hands there are plenty. Dials have to be custom made or you have to mod the existing dial (with likely poor results).
your best bet with a Parnis case is a California dial build, assuming their case can accept 37mm dials.

Thanks, it's an avenue I certainly explore, now goes Parnis watch hunting

 

[HAS17HA]

I have managed to get my hand on a somewhat cheap PAM 448 for my aging project and was wondering any good soul kilowattore nalomb would give me any tips on how to tare it apart. I have looked at numerous tutorials on 3646 cases but this watch being from an unknown factory I don't know how much of it applies. I have taken the back of the watch off and after taking the false P3000 look dressing plate(which was double taped in) off I encountered a dressed up movement which I assume to be Asian 6497. This movement is not held in place with two screws that are normally used and is in place quite tightly. I am stuck at this point on how to take the movement off and would appriciate anyone checking the pics I have attached and giving me pointers on how to take this watch apart.
https://picr.me/i/2018/08/16/uWw1g.jpg

https://picr.me/i/2018/08/16/uWGgR.jpg

https://picr.me/i/2018/08/16/uWlLa.jpg

 

[nalomb]

Is there any movement of the dial/movement inside the case? Sometimes the dial can be pressured against the rehaut and it looks like the base of the movement is very tight against the case (which is good in some respects) ...

Have you tried put a cloth in your hand, placed the case dial up in your hand and knocking it to let the movement/case drop out? That would be my first thing to do ...

 

[kilowattore]

There is a steel movement holder keeping the movement in place by pressure. Just lift it off gently with a screwdriver or pliers and the movement will come out easily

 

[HAS17HA]

Thanks nalomb kilowattore , really appreciate you guys sharing your knowledge with a amateur like me.
I couldn't see a crease or separation in metal that suggests a movement ring in place. This watch being a cheap rep it might have borrowed designs from many other watches. Then again that's exactly what I expected and it's good for practice as well. I shall see if I can get any movement from the gap that was left for the crown to see if I can pry the holder ring off. And yes, I tried to knock the movement down but it wouldn't budge a mm. Since I'm thinking of welding the lugs I'll try to lift the bezel off and if I'm successful this will reveal it the movement is top loaded or not. Even though they say that PAMs are simplistic in design, this project has been the most complicated and I guess rewarding as well compared to my first JK 1665 SeaDweller aging project.

 

[HAS17HA]

I found that this weird watch has a top loaded movement and 39mm dial. All it needed was to lift the bezel and out popped the movement and dial. The dial had the feet attached to it. Anyway it was a productive weekend that I managed to weld the lugs , polish the case and age the dial and hands. I'm planning on cutting open the old strap and aging it up. When I'm satisfied with it I'll stich it back on to the watch. I have put an extra open ended strap on to the watch for the time being. Also fake P3000 dress plate was left out and I am planning on getting a solid back but since the case is of unknown origin I have no idea where to begin the search.
Thanks all the guys nalomb kilowattore for the help and tips given to me on this project. Hope I made you proud