tomhorn Posted May 8, 2010 Report Share Posted May 8, 2010 Just got my 3717 back from Vac. Have to say while I have always loved this watch, I'm amazed at how much better it is now ... It started off as my very first rep purchase from Bruce79, found here in the sales section. It is a v1, and originally came to him from 'Wolf'. Bruce79 posted some pics here, but unfortunately I can't seem to find the original sales thread. Here it is when upon arrival at my doorstep: My first upgrade was to send it off to Rex for a service and to get ETA date wheels installed. I also ordered a Tourby pilot strap to replace the original rep strap, and it now looked like this: I thought I was pretty happy at that point and wasn't sure I would proceed any further with modding it. I kept missing Chief's AR runs, and Rex stopped working on the 3717's due to fragile hands on the 3717, so I really didn't want to chance a movement upgrade. But as frequently happens with mods, an itch needed to be scratched, and in March exelonman offered up his 3717 for sale, and he had an uninstalled Taka crystal and ETA date wheels as part of the package. When he sold the watch itself alone and offered up the parts, I picked them up (BTW - I still have the ETA date wheels if anyone is looking for a set). So what to do now? Well, as long as I was going to send it somewhere to get the crystal installed, I figured it might as well go to Vac so he could re-lume it at the same time. It just came back today, and quite frankly the lume and crystal really make the watch. I can't believe how much better it looks ... Under a spotlight: On the wrist: Lume shots: Thanks to Bruce79 and exelonman for the parts, and to Rex and Vac for the excellent service! I think its now got a permanent space in my collection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted May 8, 2010 Report Share Posted May 8, 2010 What a beauty tomhorn! There is a gen movement for sale currently in the trade section; just in case you get another itch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomhorn Posted May 8, 2010 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2010 What a beauty tomhorn! There is a gen movement for sale currently in the trade section; just in case you get another itch. As nice as that would be, seeing as the 3717 has a closed caseback, I can't justify the added cost over the regular ETA 7750. I actually bought my Accutron for the purpose of using it as a donor watch ($286), but couldn't bring myself to do it since I liked it so much. I'm sure I'll do a movement swap at some point ... it's about the only thing I have left to do unless I try to chase down a gen dial and hands like Ubi did ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flippster Posted May 9, 2010 Report Share Posted May 9, 2010 Thats a beautiful watch you have got there. I just can't descide which to get, the BP 5004 or the 3717. When I think I am set on the 5004 I see this and yet again I'm not sure! The extra AR really makes the difference! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eton Posted May 11, 2010 Report Share Posted May 11, 2010 She's a beaut!!! Congrats!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted May 11, 2010 Report Share Posted May 11, 2010 The 3717 is looking great! It's amazing how just a few subtle modifications can have such a large impact, especially considering how great this watch is out of the box... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krpster Posted May 11, 2010 Report Share Posted May 11, 2010 Looks great! It's really nice to see a project come together. Congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomhorn Posted May 11, 2010 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2010 The 3717 is looking great! It's amazing how just a few subtle modifications can have such a large impact, especially considering how great this watch is out of the box... One of these days it might be as nice as yours ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted May 11, 2010 Report Share Posted May 11, 2010 Very nice project. I started with a V1, relumed the dial, changed the movement and date wheels and it made a huge difference. That one is looking good. Wear it well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gimme Posted July 31, 2010 Report Share Posted July 31, 2010 Nice lume! It's always nice to justify spending $$$ of dollars so that your watch can look better in the dark. I think those lume shots are priceless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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