DIY watch v. 2.00
To recap, more version 1.xx pictures:
< click pics for XL version >
That's a version 1.10. The one significant difference from the v. 1.06
version that you saw on the previous page is that it's a 'large face'
variant. I.E. the crystal is 1mm larger. Amazing what a difference a
single millimeter can make!
That, and the white-dialed ebauche, of course...
I particularly like the 'broadsword' style hands on this movement,
and the red seconds hand.
On to version 2.xx...
I machined the second batch of cases a week after the first. The key
difference between versions 1.xx and 2.xx is the addition of a
decorative polygon on the face
of the case. This was a last-minute 'what if' proposition, and I liked
the resulting look enough that all the version 2.xx variants got it.
That's my daily wearer, the one and only example I kept for meself. I
agonized over white vs. black dial, I can tell you. A black dial
would've been closer to the Mark XI to which it pays homage. And, though far from a perfect match, so would the shape of the hands, as seen on the v. 1.06
variant. In the end, though, I chose the white dial version precisely
because I like the shape of the broadsword hands. And I feel that white
dials are more legible under the vast majority of conditions. The bracelet's also from watchband.biz, this
one their marvelous solid titanium E056 version. I really fell in love with the biomorphic look of it!
For the very last piece in the production run, I decided to change
things up a little:
This one got a 'deep polygon' treatment on the face. It's only 3/4
millimeter deeper that the other v. 2.xx cases.. but what a difference
it makes! Did I say that a single millimeter can make a big difference?
Well, consider the fact that a fraction of a millimeter can make such a difference! Amazing!
The total production figures stacked up like this:
Ricky's DIY watch production figures:
- v. 0.80 x 1 - Prototype. Titanium billet, matte finish. No Pictures of this one will be posted!
- v. 1.00 x 1 - Program prove-out piece. 7075-T6 aluminum billet, brushed finish.
- v. 1.06 x 3 - Titanium billet, long lug, regular face, matte finish.
- v. 1.10 x 2 - Titanium billet, long lug, large face, matte finish.
- v. 1.20 x 2 - Titanium billet, short lug, regular face, matte finish.
- v. 1.40 x 1 - Titanium billet, long lug, regular face, matte finish, screwdown caseback.
- v. 1.60 x 2 - 17-4PH Stainless steel billet, short lug, regular face, matte finish.
- v. 1.61 x 1 - 17-4PH Stainless steel billet, long lug, small face, polished finish
- v. 2.00 x 5 - Titanium billet, long lug, regular face, shallow face polygon, matte finish.
- v. 2.06 x 2 - Titanium billet, long lug, large face, shallow face polygon, matte finish.
- v. 2.80 x 2 - Titanium billet, short lug, large face, shallow face polygon, bright finish.
- v. 2.90 x 1 - 17-4PH Stainless steel billet, short lug, regular face, deep face polygon, matte finish.
25 watch cases all-in-all and, theoretically, everything should've
ended up even-steven. 25 cases + 25 ebauches = 25 watches. However, I
destroyed several o' these cheap-a$$ Wal-Mart watches trying to do the
swap. I've actually assembled 20 watches, and so have five cases
stashed.
Pleased as I am with the results, I reckon there's still room for improvement.
So there will be a version 3.00. One
day. Dunno when nor where, but you can count on it!
Thanks for lookin'!
-Ricky
New photos of the Regular Rotation DIY Watch (version 2.06)
14 April, 2006
New lume photo of the Regular Rotation DIY Watch (version 2.06)
Attn. Paul December, Mike D, Zeb, 
and Chris L; y'all made me so ashamed.. 
>
Posted By: Ricky Lee McBroom
Date:
Sunday, 14 January 2007, at 3:39 p.m.
..of that half-baked 
shot I posted the other
day, that I held an hour-long photo shoot this AM with the express goal of
bettering it.
Conclusion? My f0t0 skillz suck. 
Ennyway, 'ere's the result;
click foto to
supersize
Still not
perfect, but 'tis the best me 'n' my camera can do.. I've come to the conclusion
it's the camera, not me. 
Hey, I had fun.. good way to spend the mornin'!
-Ricky
