The 'lets build a watch together' thread

[sneijder]

First off, I like my shoddy watches.

I've been wearing this all weekend :



I saw a picture of an equally shoddy watch the other day :



I decided I wanted it. I knew it was a Vostok (Boctok) Amphibian, or a Scuba Dude to give it it's other name, but I was unable to find one anywhere. I eventually realised it had been modified.

Desperate to get my mitts on the scummy 50 fathomski clone I got Googling and ordered the bits.

Now if you haven't modded a watch before, now's your chance if you like the look of it, and it needn't cost the earth, and you'll end up with a nearly unique watch.

First you'll need a Vostok Amphibian, you can find them anywhere. 30 quid used upto about 60 tops new. They come with loads of different dials.

Next you'll need a modified bezel from this guy :

http://murphymanufacturing.com/vostok_bezels.xhtml



He'll send you fitting instructions too.

Next you'll need a bezel insert for a Seiko to fit, these are all over the place, but this guy is good :

http://www.10watches.com/apps/webstore/products/ca...

I've gone for this one :



You'll want a new strap too.

I'm thinking 18mm brown leather NATO for a change ....

It should all work out sub £100 for a watch you can half claim you made yourself without having to take the back off. I've tried that before and broke things.

Anyone else fancy it ?

[daveenty]

A Scuba Dude looks good with another bezel and, as you say above, Dave Murphy is the man.
I personally wouldn't bother, but each to their own.
Just be careful that you don't damage the retaining wire when you remove the bezel or it will spin like a helicopter rotor. (Don't ask how I know)

I have my (blue) dude on a dark blue rubber strap which fits well. Got it from RLT watches.

[Miguel Alvarez]

That does look good but after my last curiosity episode and cracking a glass I won't be attempting anything more than changing the strap on any of my watches. Call me Duncan Bannatyne. I'm oooot.

[Hoofy]

I've learnt my lesson wrt dabbling with the insides. Watch straps and battery changes is all I do nowadays.

[daveenty]

The bezel is actually surprisingly easy to remove on these.
Just insert a sharp knife in between the lugs and underneath it (to avoid any damage to a visible part of the case), one quick twist and it's off.
Bit like a Rolex GMT, though I may not practice on that one...

[Speedracer329]

Looks nice that I could be tempted at having a go myself at that sort of money.