Some really nice dialogue and also some really nice builds in this thread lately. Just my two cents on a few issues, coming back from hiatus.
1. I would agree that chronos are a nice decorative addition, allowing watch manufacturers to test high-contrast color combinations in the interplay between sub-dials and main dial (unlike monochromatic time/date dials), and also allow mid-case designers to test new chrono button designs, but for me I actually want a reliable chronograph for the simple reason that I like to time recipes very precisely, especially with eggs, pasta, pizza, etc. Some top chefs do the same, and my chrono of choice, in the kitchen, is actually the Rolex Daytona, even though it might be difficult to read off minutes sometimes--never contemplated an Offshore in this function, as the chrono module is, like people already said, unreliable and difficult to service, and the watch is too chunky to imagine not getting damaged against a stove edge, etc. On unreliability of AP chronos: The fact that AP still uses this same DD chrono module piggyback on their in-house calibers speaks volumes about their inability to innovate (because of disagreements in the watch movement design department) and also their lack of interest in Offshore development (they seem more interested nowadays in bringing out an entirely new case design). Gens still have the same chrono module (albeit a little more decorated) as all of our LWO283-based toys, and when AP finally (when? when?) launches their in-house integral chrono, with reduced case thickness (12mm anyone?), my guess is that the old DD-based Offshores will collapse in price overnight.
2. On cost of Offshore Frankens: whoever wants to make a Franken will make one even though prices have tripled in my time. I always thought gen parts would go up in price, and buying-and-holding special dials, hands etc. has proven to be a nice investment strategy with a nice ROI for some. For those of you with multiple Offshore Frankens, you might be advised to just buy a second-hand genuine Offshore for $10k - $12k and swap dials/tachys on that one genuine base when you get bored of the dial/tachy you have on it. Of course, this will not apply to Offshores with different cases, but for the classic plain models with SS case, it might be more cost effective than building 5 or 6 different Frankens. Plus you get all of the advantages of gen mid-case/crystal/hands/pushers/movement-holder/DW cut-out/machining/cyclops/DW, etc. that are hard for many to get right.
3. On the "many little things" that go into a ROO Franken. It is not just the genuine parts (the more the better, no doubt), but all of the machining, nuts/bolts/screws/washers/aftermarket-parts (as difficult to accumulate as gen parts), and the patience (very important) and skill of the assembler who puts it together that will eventually make it magic. Just something as simple on a Franken as a correct pusher action, or a correct date wheel cut-out is something that might take many different parts from many different sources. You guys would laugh at how many "little parts" go into a build, as these general remain hidden from view, but here is a rough sample of some pieces that go into the pusher alone, along with some movement holders, dial base plates, and about 9 containers of other little parts for other things. Because many times these little parts need additional modification dependent on the individual Franken characteristics means that assembly is not a monolithic just-screw-it-together operation, but more an art, requiring a lot of previous experience and understanding of the system as a whole.
4. 5. 6. 7. There are many other comments I would like to make on some of the things that have been said, but not much time for it, I am afraid.. so, over and out, for now.
Here aforementioned picture of the "little things":