Questions about modding a River bronze Mille Metri
Posted: August 17th, 2025, 5:36 pm
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...
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...