Recently I have completed a couple of watch projects; Deckard's watch from Blade Runner and the Hicks Colonial Marines watch from Aliens. Both of these projects involved some transplanting and a few years of diligently searching ebay.
Deckards watch
I got this Microma from ebay about a year ago. Overall the watch is in great shape with wear that gives it just the right amount of character. Unfortunately it didnt work and i pretty much gave up thinking i could get it running. I learned that at least one other Microma model uses the same exact module so i searched until last week when one popped up for $45 on ebay. Today i switched the model over and it fits and works perfectly. I did have to add some paper shims inside the case as the Deckard case is thicker than the donor and the batteries need to be held down to make proper contact.
Hicks Colonial Marines Watch
The correct hicks Colonial Marines watch is the Seiko Pulsemeter S234-501A which is the variant with the black side buttons and pulse button. I got this watch in New original condition with the box, instructions and accessories also about a year ago from the bay. From screen captures of the film its impossible to tell exactly what kind of band is worn with the watch but it doesnt look like the stock band. I really like the other style Seiko Pulsemeter S229 which comes with a military style velcro band which i think feels appropriate for the colonial marines, so i swapped out the bands. The S229 that i have comes with an olive green band but there is a black version as well.
And both together. Thinking about what my next watch should be now...
Deckards watch
I got this Microma from ebay about a year ago. Overall the watch is in great shape with wear that gives it just the right amount of character. Unfortunately it didnt work and i pretty much gave up thinking i could get it running. I learned that at least one other Microma model uses the same exact module so i searched until last week when one popped up for $45 on ebay. Today i switched the model over and it fits and works perfectly. I did have to add some paper shims inside the case as the Deckard case is thicker than the donor and the batteries need to be held down to make proper contact.
Hicks Colonial Marines Watch
The correct hicks Colonial Marines watch is the Seiko Pulsemeter S234-501A which is the variant with the black side buttons and pulse button. I got this watch in New original condition with the box, instructions and accessories also about a year ago from the bay. From screen captures of the film its impossible to tell exactly what kind of band is worn with the watch but it doesnt look like the stock band. I really like the other style Seiko Pulsemeter S229 which comes with a military style velcro band which i think feels appropriate for the colonial marines, so i swapped out the bands. The S229 that i have comes with an olive green band but there is a black version as well.
And both together. Thinking about what my next watch should be now...
