Explorer/ranger Homage Project

[svorkoetter]

I've just completed my latest project, a homage to the Rolex Explorer and Tudor Ranger. The starting point was a 36mm Alpha-branded Explorer homage, equipped with an ST-16 movement (clone of the Miyota 8215, but with hacking and hand winding).

 

 

This uses the same photo-paper technique as one of my earlier projects, but with a glossy finish this time instead of matte. The dial is similar to a painted 1016 Explorer dial, but with numerals shaped more like those of the modern 14270+ Explorers. It was inspired by the Blaken Submariner.

 

The hands are vintage Tudor Ranger style, although the second hand is Explorer style.

 

I cut the luminous indices from Jessup #7550 luminous tape.

 

 

It's not perfect, but it's the best so far, and I'm quite happy with it.

 

[clockboy]

Great job Svorkoetter excellent result.  

I wish there was a easy way to restore watch dials.

There are lots & lots of vintage watches on the Bay and the movements can be serviced/repaired but the dials are invariably in poor condition. 

[Geo]

Very, very nice Stefan. I hope there isn't problems with fading due to using glossy paper. In photography, I have always found the matt paper is more resistant to fading.

[svorkoetter]

Clockboy, perhaps those vintage watches that can't be restored can at least be reused by making new dials for them? Just consider them as a source of movements and cases?

 

Geo, I also hope fading will not be an issue. My previous two printed-dial projects involved many layers of lacquer on the finished dial, and that lacquer is supposed to provide some UV protection. This dial is also lacquered, but with only about four coats. On the other hand, I have inkjet-printed photos hanging on my wall that have been there for 10 years and don't seem to have faded. So between that, and the fact that I won't be wearing this watch outside in bright sun all that much, I'm hoping that fading won't be an issue. Of course if it was a Rolex dial that faded, it would be called patina, not fading. :-)

[azwatchman]

svorkoetter, do you apply your printerd dials to an existing dial?

[svorkoetter]

svorkoetter, do you apply your printerd dials to an existing dial?

 

Yes, after removing the existing indices and artwork. The process, with a few differences, is briefly described in this post: http://www.watchrepairtalk.com/topic/1128-been-wearing-my-latest-project-watch/?p=10217

 

As I state there, I plan to write up a detailed article about it, and in fact, I've finally started writing it. I'll post a link here when it's done.

Edited September 26, 2015 by svorkoetter

[Michael]

Brilliant job. The dial looks like factory made, which is a real result. Looking forward to your article with interest, as dial making without expensive equipment is really tricky. 

[azwatchman]

Very cool, I like assembling my own watch from parts I can source. The dials are limited for this purpose, I now have some ideas as how to create my own. Thank you. That is if you do not mind if I use your process?  

[svorkoetter]

Hi guys. Thanks for all the nice comments! The article is finally done, after close to a year of doing instead of writing: Making Custom Watch Dials
 

If I've omitted anything or something is unclear, please let me know, either here or in the comments of the article.

 

azwatchman, of course you can use my process. If I didn't want anyone to use it, I would have kept it a closely guarded secret, and changed my name to Rolex. :) ;)

Edited October 5, 2015 by svorkoetter

[svorkoetter]

Glamour shot.

 

[Geo]

Stunning! :)