Questions about modding a River bronze Mille Metri

[boutsk]

Hi! I've recently bought a bronze Mille Metri from River and I want to make some mods. It's the first time I'll try modding a watch and I really would appreciate some help from you guys....

What am I thinking?
First of all, replace the gaskets with red ones.Please, correct me, for the crystal and the caseback I need these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/355804325601 (thickness 2mm, od 39mm.
As for the crown gasket, I think I need this one https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/29754400877 ... R97x1a6WZg , thickness 1mm, id 4mm, od 7mm.

Then the movement. I think River uses Asian 2824, so I will replace it with a swiss one, ETA 2824 or SW200-1b.

River also can source me a sapphire crystal suitable for this built.

I'd like to replace the bronze. crown pin with a steel one. Do you know where can I source one?
Also, maybe I'll try to replace the bronze bezel screws with thicker steel ones, like @Madantique done. Do you know where can I source them and which size I need?


Then, I may go to a jeweler. To beadblast the case, add some patina and make a 14k golden triangle for the bezel, like Ennebi.


I wonder if he can make my lugs have 24mm distance instead of 21..... Has anyone ever done this before?

Finally, maybe I''ll try a different dial/hands set.
This one


Or something like this


I think I know where to source dials (first one is made from Odo Kadolo). But I would appreciate some help with the hands, if there's any place I can source them...

[Madantique]

We needed to know was the thread size and the size of the nut head to use. I ordered a hex nut from eBay with the same thread size and then scaled the head of the nut down.

[boutsk]

We needed to know was the thread size and the size of the nut head to use. I ordered a hex nut from eBay with the same thread size and then scaled the head of the nut down.

Thanks! Do you remember the thread size and the size of the nut head? And how did you scaled the head down?
Also, may I ask, are you the person who made the lugs of the mille metri 24mm instead of 21mm. I saw a post on Facebook but I don't remember if that was yours...

[Mellons]

@kpoy also makes screws to order (and dials)

[Madantique]

We needed to know was the thread size and the size of the nut head to use. I ordered a hex nut from eBay with the same thread size and then scaled the head of the nut down.

Thanks! Do you remember the thread size and the size of the nut head? And how did you scaled the head down?
Also, may I ask, are you the person who made the lugs of the mille metri 24mm instead of 21mm. I saw a post on Facebook but I don't remember if that was yours...

It's different thread size Mille Metri Bronze & SS case, please check your own for sure.

[Simpsan]

The Crown guard pivot and the screws ( crown guard and bezel ) are all plated, if you remove them you can polish the pin head / screw head to return them to steel.
The seals you mention are correct.
I think your image of the Regia Marina dial is the actual Ennebi version and not the Odo Kadolo version( he made it for me )
WRT after market hands, there are many options but be careful on length… a little of the hands are meant for 28.5 or 31mm dials, the MM is 34.5mm (from memory ) and the “standard’ hands look too small, I bought a few and found this out to my cost
Also consider a coloured second hand, it really makes a good aesthetic difference imo