Well, at long last the project is gaining momentum.
I have received the case and caseback as well as the riveted bracelet back from Charles Bija (watchspot.net) who did a wonderful job of polishing these items.  Look at the pic of the caseback posted at the beginning of this thread, and compare it to its current state:



Obviously there is only so much you can do to such a damaged caseback, but I am most impressed at the result.  As you can see, the case and bracelet also came out really well.  As with any 45 year old watch, there are obviously some remaining marks which are simply too deep to polish out.  Overall, a result which far exceeded my expectations.





I used a dremel tool to trim the outside edge of the newly acquired plexiglass.  It is quite a mission, and requires a lot of patience.  The inner diameter is a very tight fit over the outer rim of the front of the case, without any gaskets.  After installation, the retaining ring fits around the glass and secures it, while at the same time it allows the bezel to clip onto it.  No gaskets anywhere, purely friction.  Therefore the fit of the ring over the glass is crucial.  (I'll admit to destroying one of these when I first tried to replace a glass on this watch years ago).



After having fitted the new bezel insert, the friction ring was put in place and the bezel clicked home.  I couldn't resist screwing the crown and stem home and fitting the bracelet to see the result.....





As I mentioned at the start of the thread, I managed to find a complete replacement movement for the watch.  I consider myself very fortunate, since the cal. 390 Tudor movement is really scarce.  Spares are too.  Anyway, this movement arrived from Denmark a while ago.  It is running fine and has a good power reserve.  The rotor winds the movement just fine.  However, it needs a full service as the amplitude is in the low 150's.  I have decided to swop the movements and keep the original as a spare.  It still runs well, but the automatic wind no longer works due to wear of the reverser wheels.  The movements are identical, although the original one was rhodium plated, not rose gold tinted like the replacement.  I have seen both versions being used in the 7928 subs.

Interestingly, most sources will claim that this movement was made by Rolex.  The fact is that it is actually a FEF calibre 350 movement. 

Back to the project:  The dial and hands were sent to Kent Parks of Everest watchworks.  He came highly recommended by a number of WIS.  The brief was for him to do a sympathetic relume of the dial and hands so as to retain some of the patinated appeal.  After a long and frustrating ordeal, he at long last sent me these pics yesterday of the completed job.





Obviously I will have to wait another two weeks or so for these to arrive from the US, so I will comment on the job once I get the dial and hands back.  At this point I must add that I cannot endorse Kent's work ethic.  I had a very bad experience with him.  Anyway, I just hope this last hurdle won't hold up the project for too much longer.

All that remains to be done is a full service of the movement.  I'll post the final result once I have everything assembled.

Thanks for your interest in my little project so far!

Last edited on Wed Apr 21st, 2010 09:27 am by Graham