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15 July 2014, 12:31 AM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: Brandon
Location: Bryan, Ohio 43506
Watch: Tudor 79190
Posts: 132
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Audemars 2121/3 movement
So, I recently received an AP in as scrap gold. After talking with a broker on these forums, I was informed the watch wasn't overly collectible. I was wondering if anyone knew someone that made custom cases? Something simple and elegant and inline with AP's current lineup. The 80's are gone and i just can't see myself wearing that big hunk of gold around my wrist( 94.8 dwt with movement)
I also was thinking of trying to track down a vintage Blue dial and hands and was thinking of putting it in white gold. Any thoughts or ideas? |
15 July 2014, 12:47 AM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Real Name: Bryan
Location: Sac Valley, CA US
Watch: Patek 5980/1A
Posts: 2,860
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Perhaps not overly collectible, and certainly an acquired taste as far as the original case. The movement, manufactured exclusively for the Trinity (AP/ Vacheron & Constantin/ Patek Philippe) by Jaeger LeCoultre (but never used in a JLC watch) is considered among the finest. If service has been neglected however, it can go wrong in an expensive way (rotor bearings IIRC).
Problem is, whether it's in a garish original case or an attractive aftermarket case, the value will be melt. In other words, when you pay to have a new case manufactured for it, you better love it for a long long time. Good luck! The movement (if in good running order) deserves a good home. Hopefully someone here has a lead! I did attempt to contact Schwab and Wuischpard re: fabricating a bezel, but they were not returning my calls so I gave up. |
15 July 2014, 12:53 AM | #3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Real Name: Bryan
Location: Sac Valley, CA US
Watch: Patek 5980/1A
Posts: 2,860
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FWIW:
Peter Wuischpard of Wuischpard and Sons, [email protected]. |
15 July 2014, 01:14 AM | #4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: Brandon
Location: Bryan, Ohio 43506
Watch: Tudor 79190
Posts: 132
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the watch has been serviced regularly. I can't make out all the inscriptions but looks like 4 services with the last being in July of 2012.
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15 July 2014, 08:27 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: May 2009
Real Name: Sam
Location: Singapore
Watch: Audemars Piguet
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What happened to the original case? Just wonder what did the previous owner did to this beautiful classic timepiece? It's really insane to scrap it in the first place! The bracelet looks so beautiful and new! Are they original from AP or aftermarket? The dial and movement looks good too! Hope, you can give this watch a new lease of life!
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15 July 2014, 11:13 AM | #6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Real Name: Bryan
Location: Sac Valley, CA US
Watch: Patek 5980/1A
Posts: 2,860
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Another thought: you may find two folks who want the watch in its original bracelet/case, and get more than melt at auction.
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15 July 2014, 11:49 AM | #7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: Brandon
Location: Bryan, Ohio 43506
Watch: Tudor 79190
Posts: 132
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The bracelet was showing some significant wear along the outer edges and the buckle was broken, though it could have been repaired easily enough...
I am a store manager at a jewelry store/pawnshop. The watch owner and I discussed trying to auction it off, but when we learned it probably wasn't going to bring much over scrap after getting it fixed, shipping, and any fees, He decided just to scrap it. For all my after-hours effort trying to get him the best price for this timeless classic(over the course of a week), he gave me the choice of either getting some extra cash or having the movement. My eyes lit up! i had never had a watch from the Trinity and this was the first time i had even handled an AP. I admittedly only knew the names: Audemars Piguet, Vacheron + Constantin, Patek Philippe. But I KNEW this was on the list. -I gladly and graciously accepted the movement. I didn't know what it was worth(still not exactly sure) But i know I would find it a home within my house and on my wrist! His only request was that i not sell it.Which I enjoy having a watch that i WONT be able to sell as a serial flipper. I Did purchase the Original back of the case from my boss. i will incorporate it into the new case i have made for it. |
15 July 2014, 12:03 PM | #8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: Brandon
Location: Bryan, Ohio 43506
Watch: Tudor 79190
Posts: 132
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Also I'm not overly picky, Would anyone want to post some pictures of dress AP's as suggestions for the new case design. I did talk with peter from Wuischpard and Sons today.
he seemed very knowledgeable and ready to help with any thing i would need! I am 6'3" and 200lbs so i don't want a super dainty case. Any advice would be awesome and definitely appreciated |
15 July 2014, 02:05 PM | #9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Real Name: Bryan
Location: Sac Valley, CA US
Watch: Patek 5980/1A
Posts: 2,860
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If you're having a case custom-made, the watch world is your oyster. It doesn't have to be like an old AP model unless you find one you like. I imagine the simpler the better price wise. It might be easiest to look through some high-end watch websites at the round dress styles, and copy something you like. You'll probably have the most opportunity to specialize the design in the lugs (shape/length, angular/smooth etc.). Remember you may prefer a larger size (38mm diameter?), but how big is the dial and how will it look in a larger case?
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15 July 2014, 02:37 PM | #10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Real Name: Bryan
Location: Sac Valley, CA US
Watch: Patek 5980/1A
Posts: 2,860
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Just a thought, and it may or may not work: how about a stepped bezel to give it a greater case diameter without making the dial look disproportionately small? The AP current offerings in the Jules Audemars collection look nice. I've always liked coin-edge cases à la Breguet, but that movement may be too thin (or the embellishment may be too costly!)
You've got some mighty tough decisions to make. I hope you continue to keep us posted. I am very interested to see what you choose and how it turns out! |
16 July 2014, 12:39 AM | #11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: Brandon
Location: Bryan, Ohio 43506
Watch: Tudor 79190
Posts: 132
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I was thinking of doing maybe the 44gs grand seiko case design or the new Rolex Cellini. The cellini with both the domed and fluted bezel looks real nice... but then there is the PP Calatrava. Which is obviously simple and classic.
The dial is right around 30mm i think its about the same as a datejust |
17 July 2014, 09:19 AM | #12 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: Brandon
Location: Bryan, Ohio 43506
Watch: Tudor 79190
Posts: 132
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had an hour conversation with Peter today, he almost had a mental break down thinking about how to make the Grand seiko 44gs case. made me appreciate Grand seiko even more
finally he decided he probably could get it pretty close and it was going to cost about 8500-9500 bucks.... So back to the drawling board. I was more like 2-3k max for a case |
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