Love this Steve. Superb work Carl.
Looking forward to seeing the final product and choices of straps/packaging. More updates please
Didn't even know the brand, but this is lovely! You can have the joy of looking forward to your birthday and this very special watch.
By the way, you're posting a lot of personal information (birth date, army number) - in these days of identity theft, isn't that a bit of a risk?
That's fantastic and just for you. Happy days.
What a great project - huge respect. Much better then just buying something over the counter.
Cannot wait to see the finished product
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
+1 Superb!Originally Posted by henk
I'm in no hurry to get to the big Hawaii, but I bet you can't wait!
Nice one Steve, very cool
Thought about it, but this information on its own can’t put me at risk.
We all have milestones in our lives, but for me my 50th next year is probably the main event.
Celebrating this will be done collectively with the people I love and a good time will be had by all, but it’d be mean not to include all my pals on the watch forum we all frequent.
So, I’m sure there’s no doubt I’ll end up with a few new pairs of socks and the odd bottle of spirits. You never know, I may get some cufflinks, or a meal out. That’s all fine, but a WIS needs wrist wear and who gets to choose - me of course
It’s not a new conundrum and it has certainly been posed on here before, but I didn’t want to take the very easy route and reserve a mass production watch, nor spend weeks choosing the stitch colour for an amazonian alligator strap. That said, I still wanted something prepared just for me - mmm...
Let me say, I’m not a dress watch kind of guy, so out were the likes of Dornbluth. I have a military background, like chronographs and watches at the 40mm sweet spot. But, there’s not much bespoke out there which fits the bill - then I remembered our old favourite on here - Carl Evans, or GasGasBones as he is more commonly known.
Carl has been making straps part time and more recently full time for years, following a career in the RAF. Very much to a military theme, his products are really popular and a firm favourite here on TZ-UK. As well as straps, he went on to develop some cracking, innovative buckles and other accessories, then as expected, created his very own watch brand.
The 6B brand was born and released with just 25 units in the guise of the Mk1, which quickly sold out. Carl has been a little more generous with the Mk2 and 50 were created. Again though, sales came quickly, but luckily for me there’s an LE number no one seems to want - apart from me...
So, number 13 is ordered and the process is underway. I receive weekly updates and snapshots of the individually crafted items.
I had many choices - the LE number, the strap set, the package - aluminium or various wooden varieties, buckle engraving and stamping of the owner plate - the list really is endless.
My choices revolve around my date of birth...
My army number - the most unique thing I will always have...
Plus, my blood group and a few other things I will update you all with as the process goes on.
What I will end up with is not a completely individual watch, but certainly one unique to me.
So, what does an independent watchmaker do on a Sunday morning?
Choose some wood...
Set up the equipment...
X marks the spot - well, almost...
Very nice, wish I'd thought of that for my 50th, will be something to treasure for sure, looking forward to seeing the end results. Oh and it's true life begins again at 50
Feels real now I am seeing the real personal stuff coming to a conclusion...
What a great project and present and many thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing the progress and the final result.
You know things are close when the box making commences...
We need to choose the the lump of wood, then cut some holes for the bits and bobs...
We don’t want any splinters, so a quick sand...
Ready for the next stage...
Some treatment...
Add some metalwork...
And then some personalisation...
And the promise of delivery this week
Great choice - and I have enjoyed reading through the thread as well.
The package is now complete and the watch will be placed with the courier today.
The box has now had the lume added, to perfectly match the watch...
A quick peep inside...
Close up of the personalised accessories...
And another...
And another...
The money shot...
Amazing!!!! A truly special piece indeed. Love everything about it.
Fantastic idea, beautifully executed.
I dont know anything about these watches, but Steve that looks fantastically well put together! Congratulations, and an early happy birthday!
Thoroughly jealous mate. I've got four and a half years to save up for something special and now you've got me thinking......
<UNDERSTATEMENT ON> That looks like it's turned out alright <UNDERSTATEMENT OFF>
Wonderful!
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
What a fantastic way to go, Steve. I'm a year and a half from that point myself....this has given me some ideas.
Thx
Stunning item and story - enjoy in good health.
As presents go it's up there with the best.
It just shows that the best gifts can often be those chosen by yourself.
scooter
Looks class.
Lovely idea and cracking photos.
That looks the mutts nuts mate. Tempted to do something similar for my 50th in 2017.
maseman
I'm loving the final product. Hope it gets lots of use on arrival.
It's just a matter of time...
Can only agree with everyone else - every bit of that set compliments each and every other bit.
Absolutely superb
Great to see the finished article, and it certainly doesn't disappoint.
I love the theatre of the whole package. Most boxes are tucked away from sight, but I'd want that on display
I'm enjoying reading your updates:)
Looking forward to seeing the wrist shot.
Very nice burnsey, although your detractors may have a giggle at the POS part of the package.
Wow, very impressed the workmanship on this build it sure is a beauty.
Beautiful!
Well, happy today, as the completed package arrived...
I'm struggling with tech today, so can't do a massive post, but the package had more extras than you'd actually believe, but of all of them, this card shows just how individual Carl makes his pieces...
WOW ! Enjoyed following this - Health to wear... its a beautiful set.
Gorgeous. Carl's workmanship is simply superb.
Well done, this has turned out extra special.
Looks a fantastic package, I look forward to seeing more pics of the watch itself though and to hear your thoughts on it?
Last edited by StuS; 28th November 2015 at 18:02.
Great story and great watch Steve, that's a really nice way to celebrate getting old!
Yep, that looks great doesn't it!
And much respect to Private Burns!
Nice one, looking forward to more pix mate
+1 :)Lovely, Steve - glad it arrived safely, mate. Now, take some proper picks
Can't believe I missed this thread Steve. That is one of the coolest things I've seen in while. It's my birthday today (44) and it has got me thinking about what possibilities are out there for my 50th.
David
You were fishing for a pressie
Sorry I missed this David and a belated many happy returns.
Cheers. Can't wait for the grand unveiling come July.You were fishing for a pressie
Sorry I missed this David and a belated many happy returns.
Very cool, nice and personal.
Very lucky indeed, look forward to some more pics.
⛵️
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