First OC 1655 build, a rush job, while I was waiting for contractors and insurance peeps to fix up the house.

The movement ring was weird so ended up using a viet ring but it’s likely going to have to change, I think it be pressing in too much on the dial and causing binding.

Loving the quality of the case and crystal. It’s also convenient to not have to labor so much to get the case right.

Parts

OC 1655 case crystal
I believe gen crown (could be wrong)
Viet dial
Tiger concepts hands
Wso dwo
Raffles bracelet

I must have built 20+ 1655 in my life, somehow don’t have one for me. This is one is it. It’s gonna continue to get improvements over time. Wanted to treat myself with this (and another object of desire) for finishing a graduate program. hook’em

P.s. while I don’t have the fat font datehweel, this one from wso is pretty good l, hard to capture with iPhone but the aging and font spec is one of my fav elements of this build.

Challenge: Can raffles 1675 look good enough to compete with Viet’s?

My $.02: I think it came out great! Viet wins but for the price and the right amount of elbow grease, raffles is a contender! You tell me.

Some of you may have seen the “in progress” post. Long story short, I’m gonna have stop building for a week or two due to some personal issues. So I wanted to finish this before I hit pause.

Parts:
Raffles dial, case, hands and jubilee
ETA clone gmt movement
Clark’s xtal
Milk fat font pink panther insert

Mods:

Aged dial with a slight gradient of black in the center then tropical, hands, dwo with full relume

Shaved Crystal a bit to fit the raffles retaining ring

Aged, shaved the insert - a royal pain to get the right diameter, curvature right to fit raffles. Also tried a new technique to gradient fade the insert. It’s a work in progress.

Now the most laborious thing was the case, from softening, getting the lugs right and crown guards - the right curvature, profile, height.

Had to spend a lot of time to get the CGs right, boy did they have a lot of meat.

Enjoy! And thanks for looking.

The Quirky little 1655 has always been a favorite of mine to tinker with. Wanted to bring out a true explorer that actually did some exploring to you all tonight.

Parts
JKF cartel case dial movement
Tiger concept hands
Clark’s Xstal
Wso bezel
Raffles folded oyster

Mods:

This is where the magic happens as laborious as it maybe

Relumed and aged dial. Came out very well even to my standards, no bleeding, thin coating
Hands aged and relumed
Case reshaped aged and softened
Bracelet: aged and lubed in brake oil for 6 months! More on this later. Obviously washed using an ultrasonic cleaner after and softened
Crystal aged and shaved to accommodate the wso bezel
Calendar dwo to match the dial and hands.

Builder journal

The smallest details really make or break a build. Swapping to the WSO bezel gives it a flatter, much more compact profile compared to the wider slopier JKF, completely changes how it wears on the wrist. Check the side-by-side shots.

My go-to aging routine is a quick spin in the rock tumbler followed by 72 hours in brake fluid. I struck gold tonight rummaging through the parts bin—found a forgotten ziplock with an ultra-aged folded link bracelet. After an ultrasonic bath and some softening, this cheap Raffles tin-can actually rivals my gen folded bracelets for articulation and comfort on wrist.

To top it off, I always run my builds through AI just for kicks. It’s hardwired to play the forum skeptic, nitpicking serifs and claiming it’s a high-end rep. Asked it today, pushed back once, and watching it immediately fold into “now that you mention it…” had me laughing.

Finally done. Mostly all Viet, no expenses spared version. Everything, carefully aged by yours truly.

Parts

Viet case, gilt dial
German Hands, Gen spec
Athaya Brevet crown
Tissot powermatic 80 for that low beat tick
eBay gen spec crystal super dome

I can finally rest.

Warning: Text Heavy read

Have been experimenting with cost effective way of building a 6538. I have a high end franken viet 6538 with guilt dial and a cal 1030. Love it but I wish it wore a bit modern, flatter to be exact.

Raffles/cartel is too big, thick, doesn’t take gen spec dial. So I started looking into Chinese homage cases for the build. Tried Thorn t029, Octopus Kraken is on the way and today I give you the Hruodland F035 based 6538. It won’t fool anyone while holding the watch but it hits a lot of the right notes.

6538 specs: ~38mm, ~47mm Lugs, ~14.7mm thickness with ~12.5mm mid case thickness.

The Likes:

Case size at 38.5mm is the Goldilocks, 47mm lug, 13.5mm total thickness, 12.5mm mid case.
Bezel teeth are pretty good.
Takes 29mm dial from raffles.
Mid case thickness at 12.3mm is good.
Comes with modern comforts like OTF clasp, high quality bracelet.
Hands are decent, love the white lolipop seconds hand.
I like the no branded 8mm crown.
Mods: The lume, insert fading (especially if the triangle), dial aging, brassified bezel. The hands (minus the minute hand)

The Dislikes:

No drilled lugs! Cmon Hruodland.. vintage homage without drilled lugs? It’s a not negotiable.
Hands: wish it had the right flat hands, long minute hands.
Bdirecrional bezel: while I was able to fix that by removing the mechanism, but it’s not as tight anymore.
Crystal: wish it was a simple swap with a dome acrylic. Although I don’t mind how thin it wears at 13.5mm while giving it the domed look.

What’s next:

Hands: I went a bit overboard with the rusting. Will change it later to the long minute hand. But I’m kinda loving how I got a silver handset to turn gilty.
Crown: Mess around with the case to fit an athaya crown or even a raffles brevet crown.
Bezel: Tighten the bezel and swap the insert pip with a custom viet one. Maybe even swap it for a no hash bezel.

With some of the sorted out, it would make a very convincing and budget friendly 6538 build for

Just wanted to scratch the itch with a heavily aged 1016, can’t ever have too many of these

Parts
Raffles case, bracelet slightly aged
Long second hands from esslinger
Random Mercedes hands
Pt5000 movement
Clark’s t22 crystal

She’s off to an old friend. Learned a few lessons building this. Predominantly, Clark’s crystal and raffles bezel don’t get along! Getting the old bezel off is a PITA, then shaping in to fit over the xtall .. phew!!

Any advice on marrying Raffles case with Clark’s crystal? Or a bezel recommendation that doesn’t require much modding?

If I had more time I’d age the case a bit more and reshape the lugs

Why I love this build:

Versatile 38mm fit: Slim, compact, and sits flat on the wrist.
Field vibe with GMT punch: Rugged tool watch aesthetic upgraded with 24-hour dual-time utility.
"Night Diver" full-lume dial: Blazing glow paired with a rare, hand-applied raised Seiko logo.
Rich suede strap: Premium supple suede with black contrast stitching that complements the black PVD case.
1-of-1 daily wear: Classy, functional, and gets constant compliments.

Specs:
Movement: NH34 automatic GMT (independent GMT hand, hacking, hand-winding)
Case: 316L stainless steel in matte PVD black finish
Dimensions: 38mm diameter, ~11.8mm thin, 20mm lug width
Crystal: Vintage-style box domed crystal with clear AR coating
Dial/Hands: Full-lume "Night Diver" style dial with custom hand-applied Seiko logo, syringe handset, and red GMT hand
Caseback: Solid slim brushed screw-down caseback
Strap: Premium 20mm brown suede strap with black contrast stitching
Condition: Mint / brand new build. Freshly assembled, running strong, and GMT hand sets and aligns crisply. Photos and timestamp are attached to the post.

Price & Shipping:

$320 shipped
Payment: PayPal F&F only
Shipping: CONUS via USPS tracked
PM me with any questions and drop a "PM'd" comment below.
Thank you for looking.

EDIT : SOLD SOLD SOLD

I owned the IXDAO enamel coin dial and F1, but sold both in favor of this one. I love the thin, compact nature, the substantial 156g wrist presence, and the emerald textured dial that plays with light brilliantly. Now selling this because I'm trimming the collection considerably.

Specs:
Movement: Genuine Seiko NH35 (Star Time Supply)
Case & Bracelet: Namoki NMK958 kit, solid H-link with butterfly clasp
Dimensions: 39mm width, 10.75mm thin, 37.5mm short L2L
Dial/Hands: Deep green textured sunburst with gold indices and handset
Crystal: Flat sapphire with AR
Crown: Screw-down
Sizing: Sized for 7" wrist, all extra links included
Condition: Mint, freshly built, and running strong. Photos and timestamp are attached to the post.

Price & Shipping:

$480 shipped
Payment: PayPal F&F only
Shipping: CONUS via USPS tracked
PM me with any questions and drop a "PM'd" comment below

Thank you for looking!

Truly a 1-of-1 fantasy build: Genta's Ingenieur lines meets Grand Seiko's emerald and gold.

I owned the IXDAO enamel coin dial and F1, but sold both in favor of this one. I love the thin, compact nature, the substantial 156g wrist presence, and the emerald textured dial that plays with light brilliantly. Now selling this because I'm trimming the collection considerably.

Specs:
Movement: Seiko NH35 (Star Time Supply)
Case & Bracelet: Namoki NMK958 kit, solid H-link with butterfly clasp
Dimensions: 39mm width, 10.75mm thin, 37.5mm short L2L
Dial/Hands: Deep green textured sunburst with gold indices and handset
Crystal: Flat sapphire with AR
Crown: Screw-down
Sizing: Sized for 7" wrist, all extra links included
Condition: Mint, freshly built, and running strong. Photos and timestamp are attached to the post.

Price & Shipping:
$480 shipped
Payment: PayPal F&F only
Shipping: CONUS via USPS tracked

PM me with any questions and drop a "PM'd" comment below.

Thank you for looking!

Up for sale is a custom Grand Seiko GMT homage build closely styled after the SBGM241 "Tōgè" Special Edition, featuring a vivid green sunburst dial and exhibition caseback.

Specs & Dimensions:
Movement: Seiko NH34 automatic GMT (hacking, hand-winding, independent caller GMT hand)
Case Diameter: 39.5mm (excluding crown)
Thickness: ~13.5mm (including domed crystal)
Lug-to-Lug: ~46.5mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Dial & Hands: Emerald green sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, inner 24-hour track, and a popping yellow GMT hand
Strap: Brand new, supple 19mm brown top-grain handmade leather strap

Condition: Mint / flawless condition. Winds smoothly, keeps solid time, and the GMT hand sets cleanly. Photos and timestamp are attached directly to this post.

Price & Shipping:
$300 shipped
Payment: PayPal F&F only
Shipping: Ships from CONUS to CONUS addresses only (tracked shipping included)
Please comment on this post before sending a PM or chat.

Up for sale is a custom Grand Seiko GMT homage build closely styled after the SBGM241 "Tōgè" Special Edition, featuring a vivid green sunburst dial and exhibition caseback.

Specs & Dimensions:
Movement: Seiko NH34 automatic GMT (hacking, hand-winding, independent caller GMT hand)
Case Diameter: 39.5mm (excluding crown)
Thickness: ~13.5mm (including domed crystal)
Lug-to-Lug: ~46.5mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Dial & Hands: Emerald green sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, inner 24-hour track, and a popping yellow GMT hand
Strap: Brand new, supple 19mm brown top-grain handmade leather strap

Condition: Mint / flawless condition. Winds smoothly, keeps solid time, and the GMT hand sets cleanly. Photos and timestamp are attached directly to this post.

Price & Shipping:
$300 shipped
Payment: PayPal F&F only
Shipping: Ships from CONUS to CONUS addresses only (tracked shipping included)
Please comment on this post before sending a PM or chat.

Consolidating the collection and letting go of three custom builds. All movements were sourced directly as genuine movements from Star Time Supply, running strong, and keeping solid time. Photos and timestamp are attached directly to this post.

SOLD. ~~ ~~

1. DSWatch 44GS "Snowflake" Custom – $250 Shipped

2. Movement: Genuine Seiko NH35 (from Star Time Supply)

3. Case: 36.5mm DSWatch 44GS-style faceted case

4. Dial/Hands: Crisp white textured "snowflake" dial paired with a striking blued seconds hand

5. Condition: Never worn. Built it up, but the 36.5mm profile wears slightly too small for my wrist. True GADA versatility.

6. Grand Seiko SBGM221 GMT Homage – $300 Shipped

7. Movement: Genuine Seiko NH34 GMT automatic (from Star Time Supply)

8. Details: Classic ivory cream dial, polished faceted markers, and independent 24-hour GMT hand

9. Condition: Excellent condition. Built this to test out the look and colorway on the wrist—ended up loving the aesthetic so much that I purchased the genuine SBGM221. Time to pass this one along.

10. GS "UFA" Style Ice Blue Dial Custom – $225 Shipped

11. Movement: Genuine Seiko NH35 (from Star Time Supply)

12. Details: Stunning ice blue textured dial in the distinct GS UFA style with sharp multifaceted hands

13. Condition: Never worn. Ended up acquiring a genuine SLGH027 shortly after finishing it, so this hasn't seen wrist time. Flawless condition.

Payment & Shipping:
Payment: PayPal F&F or Venmo
Shipping: Ships from CONUS to CONUS addresses only (tracked shipping included in price)
Please comment on this post before sending a PM or chat. Not currently looking for trades.

Disclaimer*: My Agent did the cleanup of my brain dump so my ADHD doesn’t get in the way of your reading pleasure.*

Context: I have gotten several pings lately about aging techniques after my 6542 build posts. I’m an amateur and nowhere near as qualified as the modders here. But I thought I’d chip in for the good of this awesome community. So here it goes , my way of aging hands and Bakelite bezels.

Your feedback/tips is appreciated so I can learn as I go as well. I’ll do my best to answer questions.

Aging & Reluming Watch Hands

The hands pics are merely samples as I don’t have chronological documentation of the process

Strip the Factory Finish: Soak the hands in acetone or lacquer thinner to dissolve any modern clear coat and remove the factory lume completely from the backside.
Mechanical Distressing: put the hands on a flat metal surface (they sell a small metal anvil type thingy for hand broaching) Lightly score the metal borders with 800 to 1200-grit sandpaper to break through the plating and create micro-abrasions for patina to grip.
Forced Rust & Oxidation: Suspend the hands in a sealed fuming chamber over a mixture of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and salt (or a drop of ferric chloride). Check every 15 to 30 minutes until authentic spotting and browning develop, then rinse immediately in water to halt corrosion.
Reluming from the Underside: Mix your vintage-tinted lume compound (aged pigment, matte binder, and minimal glow powder for a dead-radium look). Surface-tension bridge the paste across the open frame from the reverse side using an oiler, then let it dry thoroughly.

Aging & Crafting a Vintage Bakelite Bezel Insert

The photos of the bezel process should be in chronological order

Mapping the Split: Secure blue painter's tape on the front face aligning exactly with the 6 and 18 markers to lock in the genuine factory transition boundary.
Stripping & Index Luming: Strip old reverse-side paint with solvent. Relume the engraved numerals and triangle with a warm vanilla/radium acrylic mix, leveling flush with the reverse acrylic surface.
Layering the Base Colors:
Mix your night half (deep blue with black) and apply to the bottom half; let it tack up.
Mix the day half (burgundy-red tinted with black/brown) and apply to the opposite side, meeting neatly at the tape marks.
Creating Depth & Distress: Before the paint cures rock-hard (within 12 to 24 hours), pick away minute patches with a wooden peg or fine scalpel. Backfill those stripped pockets with slightly darker, muddier tones. Repeat over consecutive days to build translucent internal layering visible through the face.
Reverse Leveling: Once fully cured, dry sand the reverse flat with 1000-grit paper to remove bumps and high spots.
Profiling the Front: Seat the insert firmly into the bezel ring. Block-sand the acrylic face using 600 to 800-grit paper to shape the vintage domed curvature and seat it flush with the rim. Sanding introduces an organic, micro-textured vintage grain.
Battle Scars & Polishing: Deliberately carve a few deeper hairline gashes that won't sand away. Progress through wet sanding (1500 \rightarrow 2500 \rightarrow 3000-grit) to restore high-gloss optical clarity while preserving the internal character, finishing with a Cape Cod cloth and a soft cotton wheel buff.

Consolidating the collection and letting go of three custom builds. All movements were sourced directly as genuine movements from Star Time Supply, running strong, and keeping solid time. Photos and timestamp are attached directly to this post.

SOLD**: DSWatch 44GS "Snowflake" Custom – $250 Shipped**

Movement: Genuine Seiko NH35 (from Star Time Supply)
Case: 36.5mm DSWatch 44GS-style faceted case
Dial/Hands: Crisp white textured "snowflake" dial paired with a striking blued seconds hand
Condition: Never worn. Built it up, but the 36.5mm profile wears slightly too small for my wrist. True GADA versatility.

SOLDNSOLD SOLD Grand Seiko SBGM221 GMT Homage – $300 Shipped
Movement: Genuine Seiko NH34 GMT automatic (from Star Time Supply)
Details: Classic ivory cream dial, polished faceted markers, and independent 24-hour GMT hand
Condition: Excellent condition. Built this to test out the look and colorway on the wrist—ended up loving the aesthetic so much that I purchased the genuine SBGM221. Time to pass this one along.

3. GS "UFA" Style Ice Blue Dial Custom – $225 Shipped
Movement: Genuine Seiko NH35 (from Star Time Supply)
Details: Stunning ice blue textured dial in the distinct GS UFA style with sharp multifaceted hands
Condition: Never worn. Ended up acquiring a genuine SLGH027 shortly after finishing it, so this hasn't seen wrist time. Flawless condition.

Payment & Shipping:
Payment: PayPal F&F or Venmo
Shipping: Ships from CONUS to CONUS addresses only (tracked shipping included in price)
Please comment on this post before sending a PM or chat. Not currently looking for trades.

Edit : SOLD

Up for sale is a brand new, never worn vintage-style Omega Constellation "Pie Pan" build on a beads-of-rice bracelet. At 38mm with 20mm lugs, it wears noticeably more modern than the 34mm original vintage references—great wrist presence for guys with larger wrists while keeping the classic aesthetic intact.

Specs:
Movement: ETA 2824 clone (high-beat 28,800 bph, hacking & hand-winding)
Case Diameter: 38mm (excluding crown)
Thickness: ~11.8mm
Lug-to-Lug: ~45mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Dial: Silver sunburst pie-pan dial with applied indices
Crystal: Domed acrylic / box crystal
Bracelet: Stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet
Condition: Never worn. Assembled and tested winds smoothly and keeps solid time. Flawless condition throughout.

Price & Shipping:
$150 shipped
Shipping: Ships from CONUS to CONUS only
Payment: PayPal F&F only

Timestamp is pictured above. Drop a comment and PM if interested!

Edit: WATCH IS SOLD WITH REP BRACELET AND STRAP**.** GEN BRACELET IS STILL AVAILABLE

Time to say goodbye to the darling of my collection.
Homage to the legendary 6240: the missing-link Cosmograph that first gave the world screw-down pushers. The champagne sunburst on this dial pops like crazy the second you step outside, and this case is an absolute strap monster.
Builds at this tier usually fetch $1,400 with zero gen parts. My watch boxes are overflowing, so you get the genuine crystal, genuine dial coronet, and multiple strap options either way.

Build Specs
Dial: High-end Phong Viet dial with an authentic gen Rolex coronet; sub-dials hand-aged
Crystal: Genuine Rolex acrylic
Case: JKF, reshaped by hand to kill the rep chunkiness
Hands: Alpha style
Movement: ST19 hand-wind (winds like butter, keeps great time)
Straps included with every option:
Hand-aged & shaped Raffles folded 7836 bracelet w/ 557 end links (fits up to an 8" wrist)
Custom supple leather rally/racing strap (trimmed to a 7.2" wrist, shown in photos)

Pricing Options
$1,000 FIRM: Complete watch head (gen crystal + gen coronet) + aged Raffles folded 7836 bracelet (557 end links) + custom leather racing strap.
$1,400 FIRM: Everything above PLUS an authentic vintage Rolex 7835 bracelet with 357 end links (easily a $600+ bracelet on its own).

Payment: PayPal F&F Shipping: USPS Priority with tracking included (CONUS)
Standard BST etiquette: once USPS scans the box, transit is on the buyer, but I pack like it's going into combat. Drop a comment below, then shoot me a PM.

Edit: WATCH IS SOLD WITH REP BRACELET AND STRAP**.** GEN BRACELET IS STILL AVAILABLE

Reluctantly selling my darling of the collection. Homage to the legendary 6240: the missing-link Cosmograph that first gave the world screw-down pushers. The champagne sunburst on this dial pops like crazy the second you step outside, and this case is an absolute strap monster.
Builds at this tier usually fetch $1,400 with zero gen parts. My watch boxes are overflowing, so you get the genuine crystal, genuine dial coronet, and multiple strap options either way.

Build Specs
Dial: High-end Phong Viet dial with an authentic gen Rolex coronet; sub-dials hand-aged
Crystal: Genuine Rolex acrylic
Case: JKF, reshaped by hand to kill the rep chunkiness
Hands: Alpha style
Movement: ST19 hand-wind (winds like butter, keeps great time)
Straps included with every option:
Hand-aged & shaped Raffles folded 7836 bracelet w/ 557 end links (fits up to an 8" wrist)
Custom supple leather rally/racing strap (trimmed to a 7.2" wrist, shown in photos)

Pricing Options

$1,000 FIRM: Complete watch head (gen crystal + gen coronet) + aged Raffles folded 7836 bracelet (557 end links) + custom leather racing strap.
$1,400 FIRM: Everything above PLUS an authentic vintage Rolex 7835 bracelet with 357 end
links (easily a $600+ bracelet on its own).

Payment: PayPal F&F Shipping: USPS Priority with tracking included (CONUS)
Standard BST etiquette: once USPS scans the box, transit is on the buyer, but I pack like it's going into combat. Drop a comment below, then shoot me a PM.

I am a huge fan of the Thorn t028, mostly due to its size and wearability but most of these faux vintage stuff is just not vintage enough. So got me some true vintage T028. Waiting for a 28mm Yuki 6538 dial to pop up and this would be complete.

It’s true to the vintage size, great finishing on the case. I think besides viet case, there is no other option to get a 37mm case for a big crown build. Am I wrong?

[EDIT: SOLD SOLD SOLD]

Meticulously aged to authentic vintage standards, unlike most rush-aged 1016 builds on here. A faithful custom homage to the ultra-rare British Royal Navy frogman's watch: the military-issue Rolex 6150 Explorer with the iconic "Burford" dial.
Build Specs & Mod Work
Movement: Clark ETA 2824 (running strong, keeping great time)
Case, Dial & Hands: All Raffles base parts
Dial: Hand-aged vintage Burford patina, completely relumed
Hands: Custom aged and relumed; second hand painted white and relumed to period spec
Bracelet: Raffles vintage jubilee, fully de-shined and aged to match the case wear
Price: $500 FIRM shipped CONUS Payment: PayPal F&F Shipping: USPS Priority Mail with tracking provided upon drop-off
Buyer assumes transit responsibility once tracking updates. Drop a comment and PM if interested.

Edit: SOLD SOLD SOLD

Meticulously Aged, Clark / Raffles / ETA 2824

Up for sale is a custom vintage Rolex 6200 "Big Crown" build that I put a ton of workbench time into. Definitely not something you come across every day, and honestly one of my favorites, but my collection has blown past 50+ watches and I need to clear out some box space.

Every single part on this watch was meticulously and thoroughly aged to match period correct references rather than looking like an cartel rep:

Movement: Clark ETA 2824, keeping solid time
Crystal: Clark acrylic crystal
Case & Crown: Custom case with softened/aged lines, paired with a Raffles big crown
Dial: Hand-finished to replicate the exact matte/grain texture of the genuine 6200 dial (check the side-by-side shots in the album). Fully custom relumed with matching vintage patina.
Hands: Custom hands, period correct minute hand and second hand. rusted, distressed, relumed (PITA to relume these)
Bezel & Insert: Bezel has been properly brassified underneath; the insert has been faded and aged against genuine reference photos. Finished with a custom aged lume pip.
Bracelet: Raffles rivet bracelet, completely aged to match the case wear.

Price: $500 FIRM shipped within CONUS. Payment: PayPal F&F only. Shipping: USPS Priority Mail with tracking provided immediately once dropped off.

Standard BST disclaimer applies: once tracking updates and the package is handed off to USPS, buyer assumes responsibility for transit, but I pack bombproof.
Feel free to PM with any questions. Thanks for looking!