The Panerai Source Forums

So, i've been threatening to have a 112 PVD coated for a while. As of Sunday, i have the perfect donor




Not shown but also included was an OEM BDR, the new hologram type and a near new tan calf for BDR. I'm thinking i will have just the buckle part of the BDR coated to match the watch head and use the tan strap. Several factory PVD models seem to have tan calf straps as standard, albeit a pin buckle set up. The strap is also hopefully going to be customised, by having the stitching replaced to black thread

I'm also contemplating have the dial turned to create a destro. Tricky but it can be done. Is that a step to far i wonder?

Been thinking of doing the same, only with a 111 I have lying around.

Dont think you can turn the movement, the crown would have to be on the other side. Unless you are going to drill a hole and install a second crown, that way the watch will have a nice set of ears

Seriously, good luck and looking forward to those pics!!

To create a destro from a 112 is easy due to the simplicity of the dial - which simply has to be turned through 180 degrees. I imagine (but don't know) that this would be within the means of a decent watchmaker.

The movement itself stays where it is - luckily there is no date complication...! I imagine this would be similar in complexity to doing a similar thing to the 111 which has the small seconds.

However, if you're considering using the original dial, the writing would be upside down which might seem a little odd....

_________________
Own: 219, 253, 270, 308
On order: 28 Selling: 164 OOR
Past loves: 000,176,199,240,250,251,252,288

cool undertaking with the destro mod. at first i thought the movement would have to be moved, which would be tough...but since the 112 just has 2 hands you probably won't have to move the movement...but just the 180 degree dial like SB said. and since it'll be worn as a destro the dial won't be upside down either.

before and after pics!

Yes I'm sorry about that - I was thinking of the 111

_________________
Own: 219, 253, 270, 308
On order: 28 Selling: 164 OOR
Past loves: 000,176,199,240,250,251,252,288

I'm waiting on options for the PVD process. Here in the UK it's not so easily available at reasonable cost and i get X votes for PVD and X votes for DLC, each claiming one is better than the other

The Destro conversion i'm told is easy. The dial location pins have to be removed and 'dial tape' used to re-secure it in position. If the PVD thing becomes any more complex, i may just bail on that and go for option 3, which is to micro blast the case to create a Ti look. Now as Ti is my favourite watch metal, that is becoming an attractive option. A lefty 112, pseudo 219 in Ti (look) appeals though the crown cap can't be reversed so it would be a bottom opener

I'm really sorry, but I just can't see the point creating a 'franken-watch' which, ultimately, would have no resale valure whatsoever.

I'm not against PVD or DLC as I admit the black cases are sometimes really good looking, but creating a watch that doesn't exist does nothing for me.

It's an unusual stance for me, as I always tend to advocate ignoring the potential re-sale value when considering a purchase.

Sorry, just my opinion

However, if that's what floats your boat, why not?! And remember to post pictures!!! I'd still like to see this....

_________________
Own: 219, 253, 270, 308
On order: 28 Selling: 164 OOR
Past loves: 000,176,199,240,250,251,252,288

Cancelled this idea for various reasons, including the opportunity to make a profit on my initial purchase.

I'll stick to Ti hunting, so if you have a manual, no seconds Ti Pam for sale, i'm your man

It looks like my 212 is away and sold too. More opportunity for new shopping