Watch mod

Time Tool

I had the case for a Laco Atacama 2, and I wanted to remove the “articulated lugs” and create a more standard strap attachment that used the existing screw holes. The screws were un-removable, so I had to drill them out and get help cleaning and tapping the holes (thank you Northwest Stamping and Precision!).

I also rotated it 90 degrees to put the crown at 3 so there is no interference with the strap bars. This decision made it possible to use an off-the-shelf aftermarket dial without changing dial feet.

Although I used an ETA2824, which should be a direct replacement for the Sellita SW200, the crown stem hole didn’t align properly. I improvised a small spacer from an electronics breadboard jumper wire because it is a solid core or monofilament.

The new frame works well. I modeled it in Rhino and had it printed in titanium. It’s meant to be simple and purposeful, and I added a few design details in the crown guard bevel and concentric ring that go well with the shape of the case.

Project success!