Hello friends of Franken,
as I have more and more requests and offers concerning the Franken projects I would like to clarify a few things and facts.
This is more information for new users and not for the old Hares.
First of all I would like to take away the illusion that I build the Franken and then sell them cheap (or very cheap after the offer).
I build, or let build, the watches out of pure passion for the projects and to create something new. A building in thoughts of a sale would never rake itself, with all love and devotion, also considering how much time one invests in each project to look for parts, find contacts and always hope that everything goes well.
I set a high value on new parts, or absolutely new condition, under which I would not start a project.
Since it is no secret, what a good Franken construction can cost, I would like to give an example here, to give the newer interested users an overview.
Since there have been some requests for this, it makes more sense to show it in general.
I am aware that you can also make a Franken cheaper by using used or inferior parts. Revolper said very appropriately in a recent post: you get what you pay for.
What I can't understand is that some
want to negotiate constantly with the few modders about the prices for their work.
I usually like to negotiate, but with this work and knowledge, we should be glad that there are a few who have done a lot of research and experimentation to make our wishes come true.
I'm glad that there are people like Domi, Slaughterer, Legend, Mikey.... Without them I would have stopped my hobby already and we should appreciate the work accordingly.
But now finally to the facts:
My example is for the Volcano project, as these were the last parts I bought and all prices are still present.
Let's start with the gen dial and tachy. Here there are of course many price differences and different sources.
In my opinion, for a new flawless set you have to calculate around 1.300-1.600 €, depending on how popular the model is.
In my case I paid 1.500 € for the set.
For the Gen hands it gets more difficult. Unfortunately there are far too few offers and therefore the prices are often too expensive compared to the Dial/Tachy. Fortunately there are alternatives from Mikey, but for some projects I just want to have the Gen Hands, because it can make a big difference (Lume Volcano).
The new Hand sets are between 800 and 1.400 €.
In my case I paid 1.250 € for new Volcano Hands.
I also don't want to give an evaluation if the parts are worth their price or if they are overpriced. It is a sober view of the current market prices.
You still need a LWO automatic movement, because you can't use the replica movement.
These are used between 400 and 800 €, depending on condition and offer. I get my movements from Switzerland, they are new and do not need any service, the price is 650 €.
Now there are some smaller parts, which fortunately are not that expensive. Lol
I use 1 x AR coated glasses from Domi, which are very thick and come closest to the Gen glasses. Price per piece is 120 €. Of course you can also use rnrprof glass, or Rep glass as you like.
Further we need a datewheel , here you can find solutions from Mikey, Legend and Omega. Price per piece is about 85 €.
I use a Gen deployment clasp for the Volcano, which I bought for 450 €.
Maybe I will add a Gen Hornback to it.
As last material I add the Base Watch, in my case a new JF 42mm for 500 €.
The last point, but for me the most important is of course the work to make a finished project out of all parts.
There are many factors involved and I can't give you a general price, because the price can vary depending on the amount of work and complications. Do Hands have to be re-lume, do parts have to be adjusted?
Are parts Gen used, or mixtures of Mikey, Rep and Gen?
There are many factors that determine the effort required.
In my case it is 1.250 €.
For all parts are no shipping costs listed, please do not forget this point, especially in Germany this can be a bigger item with triangle shipping and customs fees. Here I am at about 350 €.
So now we have a pretty big number standing here. 6.155 € for all of them, if all goes well. Of course it can always happen that parts get broken or damaged during the assembly. Please take these costs on your head and don't try to get them from the modder. It is a big risk to build a watch and something can always happen.
I don't want to start a discussion whether someone paid only 500 € for a Hands set or got part X cheaper.
These are my values from the experience of the last 10-15 Franke projects and should be a rough guide.
I'm sorry if I annoyed you with my long execution, but for some it was hopefully helpful to make certain cost estimates and when bids are made.
Best
Thomas
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