Over the past few weeks I have been working on a cool project for myself. As a huge fan of the Rolex GMT master, (but not one of those who can buy one), I decided that building one of my favorite vintage watches, the TAG 1000, into one was the best way. So, with the help of www.tag1000diver.com (JKbenn07) and his GMT bezel insert and some clever part swaping and fitting. It became a reality. The result was something I can't stop looking at, and that functions like a dream. When I posted it on my Instagram page (@simonwatchcompany), it got crazy attention. Several people contacted my to buy it.

I'm really getting into tasteful modding with older TAGs I think the seiko modding community is interesting but I've just found myself obsessed with these TAG's 80's quartz beauties. Plus, I've found that I love TAG as a brand much more and the people associated with them such as ourselves.

Anyways, I want thoughts! Anything and everything. Also, what would you like to see next? Got any ideas??

 

That's absolutely fantastic, I have been thinking about trying to build a gmt 1000 for a couple of years but couldn't figure out which movement/case I wanted. If you're prepared to share details I would love to hear what parts you used.

So great to see it done, it looks brilliant

 

Excellent, look right out of the factory floor!

 

It took a lot of small tweaks but honestly it came together somewhat simply. I took a Ronda movement to start and quickly realized that the stem height was too high so I had to put in a thinner mineral glass. From there I used a Invicta GMT for the GMT hand (thats where I got the movement as well) and installed that. Then I placed the 1000 dial on the ronda movement and set the hands to proper allignment. I used the original 1000 hands and I had gotten with the watch and it all fell into place quickly. I did have to get a slightly longer stem as well because the TAG one was just a tad short.

Thats pretty much the simple process. I cut a lot of detail work from that but thats essentially how it was done. Hope that helps you!

 

Thanks! Thats the goal I have for most of my builds. Build something they would have been proud of from factory.

 

I like it. Wonder if it is possible to put mechanical movement inside of it. Instead of quartz.

Great job !

 

Nice work I like that.

Looks as if someone is revising for an examination in Physics

 

Thanks!
Correct! Quite late as well. University of Michigan knows how to work their students.

 

I would imagine yes, perhaps that will be another project for me to look at down the road. I like the quartz movement personally but I do know I am in the minority! I would have to find a mech movement that has all the key dimensions and the GMT function. May take a while to find.

 

Good luck with that exam -- although based on the evidence of that piece of paper I think you are prepared beyond the need for luck