Modified Seiko (Black Bay Style) and Collection Changes

[dom9]

There have been a few changes in my collection, recently...

I sold my Rolex ND Submariner to Dom H and replaced it with a Rolex Seadweller (I needed the date).

I sold my IWC Spitfire Chronograph to Dom H and replaced it with a Zenith Original 1969 Chronograph (slightly smaller, 42mm->38mm, so it's more 'dressy').

And I have 2 x Tag F1s Chronographs having their batteries replaced before being put up for sale... So I wanted something else!

Having handled a Tudor Black Bay in Dubai airport the other week and having been inspired by the Seiko thread on here, I have had this built:



I fancied a Black Bay but couldn't justify another diver and then I realised I had a Seiko SKX0031 in a drawer somewhere.

I am still waiting for it to arrive (built by Duarte Mendonca at Milwatch, here in the States) but I am very excited!

I suspect this will be pressed into daily/ office wear and the Rolex and Zenith used more for 'occasions'

[bry1975]

IMO should've had the case DLC'D black would look way cool and fitted a nice strap.

[dom9]

bry1975 said:

IMO should've had the case DLC'D black would look way cool and fitted a nice strap.

Hmmm... What are your Photoshop skills like, Bry?

I might be interested in DLCing this!

The bracelet is just the one it came with and is certainly up for review when it is returned.

I may go to a rubber strap, like I have on my Deepsea...

[bry1975]

OK not the same but gives you an idea>>>

[yeti]

I agree with Bry here - currently, and please don't take offence, it looks a bit like a fake Black Bay, too many styling cues are just too strong; the snowflake hand, the giltscript and the red bezel. DLC it and suddenly you have something Black Bay'esque but different...

Is is very nice though!

[dom9]

What do you think to a 'Super Oyster' solid end link bracelet?

I just wonder if that would be too black but I am tempted!

I am a bit off DLC at the moment, for some reason!?

[bry1975]

I think she'd look better on a padded strap or nato/rhino etc.

Edited by bry1975 on Monday 2nd December 22:11

[dom9]

Cheers chaps - I haven't seen it or handled it yet, so I'll make a decision when she arrives.

Bry - Are you still doing DLC work?

A NATO might work nicely and I may have a look at a few. I don't have a NATO in the collection, at the moment.

[CardShark]

An alternative to DLC is cerakote, Jay at MCWW did my Seiko mod some time back. The finish is used on firearms and is supposed to be hard wearing though I can't back this up personally as it doesn't get much wrist time.



Jay's in the U.S. though he's currently quoting 8-10 months(!) turn-around time for cerakote work.

[bry1975]

Hi,

Yes still doing a bit of DLC coatng but waiting till after Christmas now.

Other hard wear coatings available and imo the choc/coffee pvd looks kool.

[dom9]

I assume Cerakote is a ceramic? I wouldn't want to wait that long for it though!

Bry, what would be your turnaround on a case (let's assume no bracelet) in anthracite (would look good with the red, I think)?

I'm back in the UK over Christmas, so could send it then!

It's in the mail as we speak, so I'll see how I feel but I like the idea of a coating...

[bry1975]

Cerakote is a coating that's applied using a HVLP spray guy it then needs to be baked.

Turnaround would be 6-8weeks after Xmas.


I'd have to confirm if my new coater can apply anthracite grey as those samples are from previous coating firm.

Edited by bry1975 on Tuesday 3rd December 14:49

[dom9]

bry1975 said:

Cerakote is a coating that's applied using a HVLP spray guy it then needs to be baked.

Turnaround would be 6-8weeks after Xmas.


I'd have to confirm if my new coater can apply anthracite grey as those samples are from previous coating firm.

Edited by bry1975 on Tuesday 3rd December 14:49

If you can ask what colours they supply and confirm the turnaround time, I'll have a think and we'll probably make it happen

[bry1975]

They can supply LOTS of different coating colours as they can vary the gas mix,
so light grey, dark grey, light gold, dark gold, black and really black, copper, even blue but no hardness etc etc.

[dom9]

bry1975 said:

They can supply LOTS of different coating colours as they can vary the gas mix,
so light grey, dark grey, light gold, dark gold, black and really black, copper, even blue but no hardness etc etc.

I think a metallic dark grey would look good, so pretty much anthracite but it doesn't specifically have to be anthracite... Think Grigio Silverstone from the Ferrari Colour Chart

[Mr_C]

I like it as it is

It'll look nice in a different colour too

[CardShark]

dom9 said:

I assume Cerakote is a ceramic? I wouldn't want to wait that long for it though!

Yup, ceramic based and, as Bry says, it's sprayed on and then baked. Mine took 3-4 months IIRC, I think he's a bit busier now! It's a part-time/hobby for him, it's not his full-time job, though quoting 8-10 months is a bit silly. A couple of years ago he stopped accepting new orders so he could clear his backlog, I think he needs to do it again

[krusty]

I've been looking at one of those Black Bay Hommages for months now but thought they were discontinued?
will have to look him up... monster somethin or other in The Netherlands....

It's very very nice by the way....

[bry1975]

Hi,

Here's Rob's email

rob AT monsterwatches DOT nl

[dom9]

The parts from mine came from Dagaz: http://www.10watches.com/