My first completed build in awhile. “Albatross Bakelite Diver”

Non-homage Dive Watches
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My first completed build in awhile. “Albatross Bakelite Diver”

Post by Albatross »

This build started because of Tanukjaju. I just came back to the hobby after a two or so years hiatus and was excited to do something.

Then, scouring some watch site I found a guy in France selling two vintage dive dials. No brand, I wasn’t too interested. And then Tan was like, let’s get a deal on two of them together. Well, I can’t pass a chance to haggle with someone, so I went for it.

As I said, the dial is from a seller in France, the case is a Swiss daytronic from eBay and was bought because of the pristine Bakelite bezel.

This build changed 3 cases and 4 movements. I’ll be honest, I’m working with old tools and I’m very rusty, I simply ruined one case and killed two movements. Embarrassing, but real...

The movement is an AS 1906 from a tressa watch that I got at a flea market, for $35. Not serviced, but I’ve been monitoring it and it is working as it should.

Some modifications were made. The dial was shaved down to fit the case. I used the movement ring from the Tressa, but had to dremel it down about half a millimeter to fit the case.

Overall very happy with my results. I might age and relume the hands, other then that, it’s Albatross style “QUICK & DIRTY”

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Last edited by Albatross on March 8th, 2020, 7:05 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Re: My first completed build in awhile. “Albatross Bakelite Diver

Post by chrislovessushi »

Looks great! Love the lume on that dial. I think reluming the hands would really complete the build but they look cool as is.
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Re: My first completed build in awhile. “Albatross Bakelite Diver

Post by blueradish »

Love it, great bezel as you mentioned and I think the sterile dial is perfect.

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Re: My first completed build in awhile. “Albatross Bakelite Diver

Post by Albatross »

blueradish wrote:Love it, great bezel as you mentioned and I think the sterile dial is perfect.

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Re: My first completed build in awhile. “Albatross Bakelite Diver

Post by Aikidosan »

Very cool man and nice to see that you’re back in your element:-)
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Re: My first completed build in awhile. “Albatross Bakelite Diver

Post by mountaineer »

I agree with you, the bezel is great! Also, I am glad to hear I am not the only one who breaks stuff.
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Re: My first completed build in awhile. “Albatross Bakelite Diver

Post by Tanukjaju »

Mercedes hands or go home :lol:

I love how this is progressing. Really glad to have you home.
:shifty:

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Re: My first completed build in awhile. “Albatross Bakelite Diver

Post by Albatross »

Tanukjaju wrote:Mercedes hands or go home :lol:

I love how this is progressing. Really glad to have you home.
Fine....., Happy????

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Lol

Thanks for the tip Tan. I just happen to have some in inventory.


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Re: My first completed build in awhile. “Albatross Bakelite Diver

Post by Tanukjaju »

4 minutes to change hands and take a photo and post a reply. That has got to be some kind of HF record.
:shifty:

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Re: My first completed build in awhile. “Albatross Bakelite Diver

Post by Albatross »

Tanukjaju wrote:4 minutes to change hands and take a photo and post a reply. That has got to be some kind of HF record.
All I can say, Albatross is back bro...


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