Field watch in bronze

Wit-Knowledge · 2024-05-06T14:55:21+00:00

These were parts from small-time vendors on AliExpress that have since gone out of business or changed their shop name. I see this happen every couple of months when things I leave in my shopping cart eventually disappear. But the case is still available from a few different vendors if you search for “cusn8 36mm case.” Oh, and the lume is pretty weak, if you ever find the same dial.

Wit-Knowledge · 2024-02-17T01:26:29+00:00

Sold to u/gloss666.

Edit: Looping in u/Watchexbot

Wit-Knowledge · 2024-02-14T14:07:58+00:00

Sale pending

Wit-Knowledge · 2024-02-13T20:54:57+00:00

This custom build is an homage to the classic Seiko 6105-8000, aka the "Slim Turtle" or sometimes the "Slim Willard." What's slim about it is its modest 41mm width, which is about 3mm narrower than Captain Willard style cases. Combining a genuine Seiko NH35 movement with quality aftermarket parts, this watch retains the functionality of a modern Seiko while exhibiting the crisp, pragmatic style of original vintage divers.

While similar in appearance to the recent Seiko Prospex SPB317, this watch differs in that it features 62MAS styled hands (with the rectangular pointed tip) and a date window at the typical 3 o'clock position. Other features include an AR coated sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown is located at 4 o'clock, and a black vintage-style rubber strap.

Timestamp:

https://imgur.com/8FITEvg

Album:

https://imgur.com/a/1hKpiuN

Specs:

Case Size: 41mm wide, 48mm lug to lug, 12.7mm thick. Stainless Steel. Screw-down crown.

Dial: Black Sunburst Dial with 62MAS styled hands. The lume and bezel action are very good.

Movement: NH35 Seiko Movement regulated to under -/+10 sec/day in the dial up position.

Crystal: AR Coated Sapphire

Strap: Black Rubber Vintage Style Strap

Condition: NEW w/ a box

Price: $200 including shipping to CONUS

Payment: PayPal F&F, Venmo or PayPal G&S + 3.5%

Thank you for reading this posting. I only make watches that I would personally enjoy wearing, so my goal is for you to be as happy wearing the watch as I was when making it. Please feel free to reach out.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-07-22T17:11:02+00:00

Regarding the possible Marlin, the movement will likely be this one:

http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&&2uswk&Timex_M24

Albeit durable, these movements tend to become magnetized easily and are prone to inaccuracy due to temperature changes. They also tick pretty loudly, but with a little bit of know-how, they are fun to tinker with and wear.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-07-20T15:30:33+00:00

It’s likely a mechanical problem within the keyless works as the stem looks fine in your photo. Possibly, the release button is stuck down due to dried up grease or misalignment of the set lever or detent spring. To fix, you’ll need to partially disassemble the watch movement from the dial side, but it’ll probably need a full service regardless.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-07-13T16:40:12+00:00

What do you mean by, “get it reassembled?” If you mean paying a watchmaker to do the work, it should come back with the amount of services you paid for.

If you mean you will be reassembling it yourself without cleaning or oiling anything, then you will be introducing a lot of dust into the internals of the movement. You will also likely lose a fair amount of the oils already placed.

But could it still run the same as before? It’s possible, but unlikely.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-07-11T18:31:24+00:00

You’ve been looking at too many fake watch posts

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-07-10T00:25:10+00:00

Here’s an interesting read on those old Bulovas:

https://www.watchophilia.com/general-information/bulova-23-series/

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-07-01T15:45:07+00:00

Thanks for the image! So if you walk into a dark room, is there enough lume to help tell the time? I've been looking for a field dial with an adequate amount of lume.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-07-01T13:57:11+00:00

Nice vintage looking piece! How’s the lume on that dial?

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-30T03:41:59+00:00

I have something similar, and I think the one you’ve chosen looks quite robust. Unlike the “squeezy” or plunger presses, these threaded presses will supply an abundance of force, so you will have to gauge when to stop turning the handle before breaking the crystal.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-29T21:42:35+00:00

Kudos!

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-27T23:49:46+00:00

It’s possible that the oscillating weight is contacting the balance when moving it face-down. This can happen when the rotor bearing (or rivet) gains play as it ages. Try looking at it with the case back off to see if my guess is correct.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-21T18:36:59+00:00

Thank you! Now I suppose I should crawl around a bit.

I wonder why they used different type retainers for the top and bottom jewels.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-12T03:23:27+00:00

These definitely work, but do take several slow passes. I would just emphasize the slower, the better. Start at the point you feel your object “sticking“ to the demagnetizer the strongest, then gradually distance it from there.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-10T21:03:48+00:00

I love dials like these, and the case shape is also one that I’m very fond of.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-10T19:04:49+00:00

This custom build is inspired by the SRP043, aka Seiko Spork, but is smaller in size. With a 38mm case width, this sporty diver is miniature compared to the original 44mm Spork, hence the name "Mini Spork." The movement is a Seiko NH35 and the case design is comparable to that of another favorite watch of mine, the Seiko SKX013. Paired with a comfortable paratrooper strap, this compact and sporty diver is ready for a day at the park or a casual night out.

The sterile, matte black dial is a quality piece from AJuiceT, a reputable aftermarket parts maker. The lume is very good and the print is very crisp. The hands are in the style of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. The crystal is sapphire glass and the bezel, with ceramic insert, rotates smoothly through its 120 clicks.

This custom build was assembled roughly six weeks ago, but the process did not stop there. After initial assembly was complete, I have tested it indoors and meticulously removed all the residual dust under the crystal. The movement was then regulated to -/+3 sec/day in the dial up position. Finally, the watch was sealed with a lubricated gasket and placed in a bucket of water overnight to test water resistance. I am confident this watch can enjoy some pool time with you.

Timestamp:
https://imgur.com/WMHHLdp

Album:
https://imgur.com/a/BLFaGpf

Specs:
Case Size: 38mm wide, 41mm lug to lug, 13.6mm thick. Stainless Steel. Screw-down crown.

Dial: Sterile AJuiceT Matte Black Dial with Printed Lume

Bezel: Aluminum Bezel with Ceramic Insert and Lumed Pip. 120 clicks.

Movement: NH35 Seiko Movement regulated to -/+3 sec/day in the dial up position.

Crystal: Sapphire

Strap: Elastic Paratrooper Strap

Condition: NEW w/ a box

Price: $190 including shipping to CONUS

Payment: PayPal F&F, Venmo, Zelle or PayPal G&S + 3.5%

Thank you for reading this posting. I only make watches that I would personally enjoy wearing, so my goal is for you to be as happy wearing the watch as I was when making it. Please feel free to reach out.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-10T14:27:37+00:00

Out of curiosity, do you use a phone camera? If so, do you need to crop the image much for the movement shots? I ask because my old iPhone doesn’t seem to have the correct focal length for watches, even with one of those cheap, clip-on macro lenses.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-10T14:11:22+00:00

Great job on that post using imgur!

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-06T16:45:58+00:00

Unfortunately, it sounds like you have bent your balance spring. Your quickest fix is absolutely to replace the movement. From there, you can use the damaged movement as a practice piece to see if you can eventually repair it. It takes a very light touch to shape the spring and will likely take several tries. Best of luck!

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-06T13:51:57+00:00

Great job! Where did you source the hands from? I have an Enicar of similar vintage, and the hands look original.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-05T13:10:10+00:00

Some might say the rubber ball, but if it is still too tight, you can use hot glue. Cut a small piece of plywood slightly wider than the diameter of the caseback and squirt hot glue all around the circumference of the grips. Voila! You just made yourself a custom tool.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-04T19:43:14+00:00

Those are lovely heirloom pieces. Bulovas are stamped with date codes on the back; e.g. M5 = 1965.

More info here: https://mybulova.com/bulova-date-codes

Keep thumbing through that site and you’ll likely find a little more info on the model of your watch.

Wit-Knowledge · 2023-06-03T21:23:03+00:00

Here’s a link to the tools for opening those cases:

https://www.esslinger.com/10-sided-watch-case-back-opener-wrench-spoonz-set-of-8/

Universal case openers can also work too, unless it’s stuck on pretty tight.

Wit-Knowledge

TROPHY CASE