- 29/8/19
- 1,224
- 930
- 113
-
Tired of adverts on RWI? - Subscribe by clicking HERE and PMing Trailboss for instructions and they will magically go away!
What AP Franken(s) do you have in the works?!
- Thread starter tosoboso
- Start date
- 17/4/17
- 893
- 774
- 93
i was a little experimental today as i have been home all day because i am sick and these frankens dont sell anyways...
before:
Turns out that i have some really good options here that i did not think of before. what i like most is the modern steel panda - all benefits from the modern case but a light and shiny Face. Really impressive!
then the Batman on the beadblasted case - looks good so far, nothing special tjough.
The Gem of the new set ups is definately the QE2Cup with gen dial and Tachy in the Black DLC case. As all watches and cases share same holder type its an easy swap around. i will keep em like this for a while now.
after:
before:
Turns out that i have some really good options here that i did not think of before. what i like most is the modern steel panda - all benefits from the modern case but a light and shiny Face. Really impressive!
then the Batman on the beadblasted case - looks good so far, nothing special tjough.
The Gem of the new set ups is definately the QE2Cup with gen dial and Tachy in the Black DLC case. As all watches and cases share same holder type its an easy swap around. i will keep em like this for a while now.
after:
I would like to give a short update on the last Franken.
As you might have noticed, I have parted with some watches, because there are still two bigger projects to be done.
I am especially proud of the Volcano. About 1.5 year ago I had the chance to get a new set Tachy and Dial. I took it right away, although the Volcano was never on top of my list.
I knew that it would be difficult to get a new set of hands.
But that it would take so long, I had not expected that and almost lost faith.
Anyway. A new set of hands for the Volcano finally made it to me.
Set Up Volcano:
- new Gen Dial and Tachy
- new set of Gen Hands
- Gen Deployment Clasp
- new Bucherer LWO Movement
- thick 1 x AR Glass (2.5mm)
- Mikey's thick 1 x AR Cyclope
- Mikey’s Modern Datewheel
- new JF Base Watch
- Domis new Franken Case Work. He has some new tools to work on the Franken and I think it is another great leap forward. Before you could see the transitions from the case to the horns more and there were traces of the milling cutter.
Now you can't see any machining anymore and the transition is clean, as you can see on the photos.
A few other updates will be done now, but I can't comment on them, because it is his wish. There is a lot
Work, development and experience in detail. This concerns for example the glass, the pusher, the tachy, Datewheel and a few other things.
As I am now involved in every Franken that is built at Domi, I am more and more enthusiastic about the love for details and the will and ability to make things even better and to develop them further.
I am an engineer and love this spirit and commitment.
The Volcano is in perfect condition for me for the invested money and possibilities.
Of course you could go even further and add a Gen Movement, or use more Gen Parts.
But, the big advantage of the LWO Movements is, every good watchmaker can revise and repair this movement for about 200-280€. Ask AP for a revision.
A friend of mine just got his Panda back from AP, with a small bill of 2950€.
Because we have the closed caseback on these models, I am more than happy with the LWO.
Such a Franken with gen Hands and new parts is not cheap either. But it has a condition you will rarely find on used Gen Volcano's. Therefore it is beautiful for me personally.
Unfortunately the signal orange on the photos doesn't come out so well, but I love this combination with the glossy black dial.
Gesendet von iPhone mit Tapatalk
As you might have noticed, I have parted with some watches, because there are still two bigger projects to be done.
I am especially proud of the Volcano. About 1.5 year ago I had the chance to get a new set Tachy and Dial. I took it right away, although the Volcano was never on top of my list.
I knew that it would be difficult to get a new set of hands.
But that it would take so long, I had not expected that and almost lost faith.
Anyway. A new set of hands for the Volcano finally made it to me.
Set Up Volcano:
- new Gen Dial and Tachy
- new set of Gen Hands
- Gen Deployment Clasp
- new Bucherer LWO Movement
- thick 1 x AR Glass (2.5mm)
- Mikey's thick 1 x AR Cyclope
- Mikey’s Modern Datewheel
- new JF Base Watch
- Domis new Franken Case Work. He has some new tools to work on the Franken and I think it is another great leap forward. Before you could see the transitions from the case to the horns more and there were traces of the milling cutter.
Now you can't see any machining anymore and the transition is clean, as you can see on the photos.
A few other updates will be done now, but I can't comment on them, because it is his wish. There is a lot
Work, development and experience in detail. This concerns for example the glass, the pusher, the tachy, Datewheel and a few other things.
As I am now involved in every Franken that is built at Domi, I am more and more enthusiastic about the love for details and the will and ability to make things even better and to develop them further.
I am an engineer and love this spirit and commitment.
The Volcano is in perfect condition for me for the invested money and possibilities.
Of course you could go even further and add a Gen Movement, or use more Gen Parts.
But, the big advantage of the LWO Movements is, every good watchmaker can revise and repair this movement for about 200-280€. Ask AP for a revision.
A friend of mine just got his Panda back from AP, with a small bill of 2950€.
Because we have the closed caseback on these models, I am more than happy with the LWO.
Such a Franken with gen Hands and new parts is not cheap either. But it has a condition you will rarely find on used Gen Volcano's. Therefore it is beautiful for me personally.
Unfortunately the signal orange on the photos doesn't come out so well, but I love this combination with the glossy black dial.
Gesendet von iPhone mit Tapatalk
Another Franken was also created on the same weekend. (What a great but expensive Weekend
I have had this model three times and it is certainly one of the most built Franken.
The white Rubberclad somehow does not let go of me. For a while I was a bit bored with it. Therefore also the 3 built Franks. But, it is also simply a classic.
An older sporty watch, which still looks modern and one with the most beautiful Lume.
So here's to a new one. What should be different with this model than with the others?
I wanted to have a brand new set, which currently comes in exchange during a revision at AP.
There are certainly three slightly different dials for the white Rubberclad, which have been used over the years (no guarantee how many there really are).
The older ones have a slightly curved lume with a hump. The numbers are not so distinctively framed. The sub dials had a slight grey.
The next dial was a bit flatter from the lume, the numbers not so distinctively framed.
The current one, which is used in the revisions, has a very flat lume. The numbers are a bit more strikingly framed in black and the sub dials shimmer from grey to silver in the light. This dial with new Gen hands, you sparkle and the shimmer of the sub dials is an absolute dream for me and looks very modern.
Suddenly not boring anymore and I catch myself playing with the watch constantly in the light.
You can also call me a psycho and a lover of details. Lol
Facts:
- new Set actually run Gen Dial and Tachy
- new Set Gen Hands
- Swiss LWO Movement
- thick 1 x AR Glass (2.5mm)
- Mikey's thick 1 x AR Cyclope
- Mikey's Classic Datewheel
- new JF Base Watch
- Domi's Franken Work, see description Volcano, it's the same.
Perfect Watch for sporty daily wearing.
Gesendet von iPhone mit Tapatalk
I have had this model three times and it is certainly one of the most built Franken.
The white Rubberclad somehow does not let go of me. For a while I was a bit bored with it. Therefore also the 3 built Franks. But, it is also simply a classic.
An older sporty watch, which still looks modern and one with the most beautiful Lume.
So here's to a new one. What should be different with this model than with the others?
I wanted to have a brand new set, which currently comes in exchange during a revision at AP.
There are certainly three slightly different dials for the white Rubberclad, which have been used over the years (no guarantee how many there really are).
The older ones have a slightly curved lume with a hump. The numbers are not so distinctively framed. The sub dials had a slight grey.
The next dial was a bit flatter from the lume, the numbers not so distinctively framed.
The current one, which is used in the revisions, has a very flat lume. The numbers are a bit more strikingly framed in black and the sub dials shimmer from grey to silver in the light. This dial with new Gen hands, you sparkle and the shimmer of the sub dials is an absolute dream for me and looks very modern.
Suddenly not boring anymore and I catch myself playing with the watch constantly in the light.
You can also call me a psycho and a lover of details. Lol
Facts:
- new Set actually run Gen Dial and Tachy
- new Set Gen Hands
- Swiss LWO Movement
- thick 1 x AR Glass (2.5mm)
- Mikey's thick 1 x AR Cyclope
- Mikey's Classic Datewheel
- new JF Base Watch
- Domi's Franken Work, see description Volcano, it's the same.
Perfect Watch for sporty daily wearing.
Gesendet von iPhone mit Tapatalk
- 17/4/17
- 893
- 774
- 93
Someone definitely has a great source for gen AP parts ????
Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
LuoIsBoss
I'm Pretty Popular
I admire your dedication to the hobby and pursuit of the ideal franken. Thank you for sharing!
- 10/5/14
- 4,676
- 4,288
- 113
Gesendet von iPhone mit Tapatalk
That dial with the Gen hand is simply awesome!
Incoming for a member here, a gen 15400 grey dial.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Incoming for a member here, a gen 15400 grey dial.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
- 17/4/17
- 893
- 774
- 93
Wow!!!Incoming for a member here, a gen 15400 grey dial.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
- 7/7/18
- 1,695
- 1,382
- 113
Both Datewheel’s possible to use. Volcano is from 2105 therefore I used a Modern but for the Rubberclad I like the Classic DW’s more.
Here are the Case and Movement from the Volcano and nicely to see the updated Case work from Domi.
Gesendet von iPhone mit Tapatalk
Here are the Case and Movement from the Volcano and nicely to see the updated Case work from Domi.
Gesendet von iPhone mit Tapatalk
SuperLory
Well-Known Repist
- 22/10/15
- 8,511
- 5,123
- 113
Whats wrong with that?
Skickat från min iPhone med Tapatalk
I saw few gen ROOs with old datewheels and not a single one would resemble mikey classic with those exaggerated serifs. I might be biased by my limited experience but I think Omega dw is closer.
But we are talking about the latest version of the Mikey Classic Datewheel's, right? Mikey had released an update of the Classic DW's some time ago.
When we talk about the smallest details, we also have to talk about completely different details. How far are the pusher caps out of the case, how far is the glass above the bezel, machining of the case especially considering the transitions case to horns, positioning and centricity of the crown, distance tachy/gasket/ bezel and much much much more.
To recognize a Franken I really only need a short look and see these details. The date is only a very small part of it.
I can live very well with the date, there are other more striking details that bother me more.
But so everybody has his own preferences and characteristics which he likes more or less.
For me personally the case has become more and more important. What is the point of a nice top view if the side case is immediately identified as machined?
We should enjoy the Franken’s as they are. They are for sure not genuine, but certainly a good compromise between the replica and the gen.
No more and no less.
And for me a lot of fun spending money and enjoying the Project at all
And what I have forgotten.
AP has not only one supplier and series for certain parts. There are different Dials, Hands, Datewheel Cut Outs, different Prints, Leather Straps and some other things from the same model. These differences I could hold in my hands several times.
Recently I had two Gen Safari in my hands.
One had a tight Datewheel Cut Out, shiny numbers on the dial and shiny hands Lume.
The second one had a larger Datewheel Cut Out, matt numbers on the dial and matt Lume on the hands. For us detail-loving almost two different watches. Unfortunately I was not allowed to take pictures.
Gesendet von iPhone mit Tapatalk
Well said and +1. Frankens will never be gen, and in fact, not matter how well made, they are watches in a totally different league. Details make all the difference, and even if the dial and hands are gen, the watch somehow will lack the poise and look of a gen for me. I wish to qualify my comment to say that this is significant only in the context of the forum and for discussions among fellow enthusiasts.
Having said that, AP frankens are beautiful watches to own and wear for real life purposes. You can scrutinize a franken close up in real life and spot flaws, definitely, but just how practical is that approach in real life? Same for gens, especially used ones.. if one takes them to scrutinize them up close, one can sometimes spot minor dial/tachy misalignments, print flaws, date misalignments etc. Overpriced mechanical wonders built for luxurious indulgence no doubt, but physical objects assembled by hand all the same, and prone to flaws and errors like everything else. So what we choose to wear, is a decision we make after all considerations of cost, tolerance of one flaw or another, and most importantly, how we reconcile ourselves with what we are wearing. A franken AP isn't an AP, but possesses the likeness of one. For some, that is enough for him to please himself, and for others, they need the feeling of true luxury. It all boils down to the individual choice, there is no right and wrong. Frankens are lovely visually as novelty timepieces and like you mentioned, they serve adequately in that department. If it makes you happy, it is a good build.
flying-tommy you build the nicest frankens in the hobby and I always mean it when I tell you that your watches look GOOD. For me, I am after a different ownership feel and experience and that is the reason I will not wear frankens or non-gen APs anymore, after doing so for a few years. Visually frankens can resemble gens, but the ownership experience for gens and reps are heaven and earth. If one is only after a nice watch to wear, frankens serve sufficiently. If one needs to be esconced in a luxurious ownership experience, no reps will serve. They are two different worlds, connected perhaps by the semblance of nice looking watches on the wrist. Gens have no place in the rep hobby except perhaps serving as eye-candy and references for the reps, and frankens are the epitome of the rep watch hobby, I readily concede. So what tommy is doing here, is exemplary for all rep AP owners as the pinnacle of the hobby. I think that guys can take a page out of your builds.
Thank you for being an inspiration to all.