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Old 16 April 2019, 01:45 PM   #1
Cshull
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Custom Doctor’s Speedmaster complete!

Since I started collecting watches in earnest a few years ago I learned that no collection should be without a Speedmaster. Given the 50th anniversary of the moon landing I figured this is the year to pull the trigger. I wanted a pulsometer bezel given that I am a physician and thought it would be cool to wear to work even though I would never use it. Didn’t really care for the CK2998 because a 15 pulsation bezel seemed more practical and the dial on the CK2998 IMO wasn’t as handsome as the Mitsukoshi dial. I found the bezel and the dial with matching handset at a parts dealer in England with the miracle of Google. He happened to have a red Alaska second hand that I figured would make it even more “stopwatch-like” so I pulled the trigger on all the parts. Now, I just needed the donor watch.

I figured no sense buying new at an AD given I would immediately be voiding the warranty and was thinking of going grey and/or used. Many say that hesalite is the only way to go but I have enough self knowledge that scratches would literally drive me nuts. That plus my desire for an exhibition caseback made the decision on a sapphire sandwich easy. I had been following our own classifieds for a few months when forum member Briboxer had a beautiful used example, full set, purchased from an AD only 5 months ago and from the look of the strap might not have ever been worn. I had previously bought a Rolex Cellini dual time from him and knew he was a pleasure to do business with. I reached out and not only was he offering a reasonable price but helped me by arranging for the watchmaker he uses to make the conversion. Within a week of me sending him the parts the watch is now on my wrist and I couldn’t be happier with the result! Initially I had wanted this on bracelet but now that I see how much the black strap really brings out the black in the panda dial, I am SO glad that it came on strap.

Overall, this project has been so much fun and really easy with all the help Briboxer gave me. All in, the watch and parts cost me less than the MSRP of the watch itself new, actually quite a bit cheaper. Without further ado, here is the final product:


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Old 16 April 2019, 03:21 PM   #2
007timer
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Nice watch. I enjoyed reading this. The kids made a speedmaster yours in many ways.

Enjoy.


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Old 16 April 2019, 10:49 PM   #3
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Cool! Congratulations.
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Old 16 April 2019, 11:05 PM   #4
ArtNouveau
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Looks great. I converted my Hesalite to Mitsukoshi dial and hands too early on and recently got the clasp mod done at the Boutique also.
It's refreshing that Omega fans are much more supportive of mods than the Rolex crowd is. You made the watch your's and you have a story to tell about it.
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Old 17 April 2019, 12:15 AM   #5
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That looks really good, love it
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Old 17 April 2019, 12:44 AM   #6
Cshull
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ArtNouveau View Post
Looks great. I converted my Hesalite to Mitsukoshi dial and hands too early on and recently got the clasp mod done at the Boutique also.
It's refreshing that Omega fans are much more supportive of mods than the Rolex crowd is. You made the watch your's and you have a story to tell about it.


Yeah, I think the Attitude of most Rolex enthusiasts about mods is just silly. They are mass produced items, not some super-rare relic that needs to be kept in original condition. I think it’s fun to change things up and have something unique


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Old 17 April 2019, 01:07 AM   #7
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Very cool!
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Old 17 April 2019, 02:08 AM   #8
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Nice variation.
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Old 17 April 2019, 06:34 AM   #9
Gmt21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cshull View Post
Yeah, I think the Attitude of most Rolex enthusiasts about mods is just silly. They are mass produced items, not some super-rare relic that needs to be kept in original condition. I think it’s fun to change things up and have something unique


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I wouldn’t say it’s Attitude I would say that it’s more practicality as anY MOD on a Rolex plummets the resale value. Now if you make a mod and keep original parts
to convert back if you want to sell, then that’s a safer bet. Sadly many R buyers think these watches are investments. They probably will appreciate in value over time but you’re better off investing in the stock market wisely IMO.
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Old 17 April 2019, 07:10 AM   #10
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Looks really good. Huge fan of the red hand

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Old 17 April 2019, 07:51 AM   #11
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Great watch. I always wanted a pulsometer Speedmaster watch for the same reason & wanted to charge it as a business expense

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Old 17 April 2019, 08:34 AM   #12
Cshull
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Great watch. I always wanted a pulsometer Speedmaster watch for the same reason & wanted to charge it as a business expense

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Don't think I didn't think about it- but I am trying to avoid an audit at all costs. With my luck that would just push me right over the edge.
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Old 17 April 2019, 10:19 AM   #13
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Old 17 April 2019, 10:21 AM   #14
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Awesome watch!
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Old 17 April 2019, 05:55 PM   #15
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Physician here too. Dying to get a speedy with a pulsation bezel. The one I have is vintage so I wouldn't change its original bezel because of i's value. Love what you did with yours!
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Old 17 April 2019, 09:40 PM   #16
1William
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Great looking watch.
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Old 17 April 2019, 10:24 PM   #17
JayHantz
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That is a great custom job that dovetails nicely with your passion and profession. Very cool, thanks for sharing!
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Old 18 April 2019, 12:48 AM   #18
cajunron
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I love seeing stuff like this. Great job, great watch. Kudos.
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Old 18 April 2019, 08:16 AM   #19
GMT Aviator
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That’s great. I’ve customised 2 speedy pros, all with genuine Omega parts so they’re the real deal in all honesty, but I often wonder if Omega would service them or not?
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Old 18 April 2019, 10:23 AM   #20
Cshull
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That’s great. I’ve customised 2 speedy pros, all with genuine Omega parts so they’re the real deal in all honesty, but I often wonder if Omega would service them or not?


I don’t know with certainty. The parts are all genuine but I doubt it would be serviced under warranty if needed. I could be wrong though. I hope to never have to find out.


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Old 18 April 2019, 10:42 PM   #21
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Great mod! Be grateful you snagged the panda dial when you did. They are becoming more and more rare on the second hand market.

I grabbed one of the last ones Ofrei had at the time. Omega recently stopped supplying them.


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Old 19 April 2019, 07:54 AM   #22
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Great mod! I also have a mitsukoshi dial and handset waiting for the right moment.

Regarding hesalite vs. sapphire, I prefer the looks of the former, but the sapphire's "milky ring" doesn't show against the silvery white mitsukoshi dial, so it instantly becomes the better choice in this case, imo.
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Old 19 April 2019, 11:19 AM   #23
Cshull
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Great mod! I also have a mitsukoshi dial and handset waiting for the right moment.

Regarding hesalite vs. sapphire, I prefer the looks of the former, but the sapphire's "milky ring" doesn't show against the silvery white mitsukoshi dial, so it instantly becomes the better choice in this case, imo.


I had heard about the milky ring and you are correct- can’t see it at all against the white dial


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Old 19 April 2019, 11:16 PM   #24
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This is super cool. Love it!
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