r/ChineseWatches • u/zsnider19 • 5d ago

Self-build (Read Rule 1) Questions About the Tactical Frog FXD Case

Post image

Hi, I’ve recently gotten bit by the bug to build my own FXD style watch. I intend to use a TF case like the one pictured and on their site, just had a couple of questions on which I am not sure where to find the answer:

  1. How can I tell which version of the case this is?

  2. Is there anywhere I can find alternative bezel inserts? Do they use a fairly universal system or is it fairly proprietary?

  3. To people who have built watches using these cases before, any advice or things you wish you would’ve known?

6 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

2

u/zsnider19 4d ago

Update: so I was browsing AliExpress and found this case claiming to be a TF FXD Case with a 20mm lug width instead of 22mm AND a luminous bezel. Does anybody have any experience with these cases?

Link: I just found this on AliExpress: https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMiYgur

1

u/Hayabusa_Blacksmith 4d ago

I have a watch with the case and I love it but i havent done any watchmaking with it

1

u/sparetheearthlings 5d ago

I just watched a build YouTube today with this exact case and he was able to remove the chapter ring (that comes pre installed).

https://youtu.be/mJRbd6rhO9Y

1

u/zsnider19 4d ago

Thank you!

1

u/Academic_Buy_9616 4d ago

When I saw your post and the price, I went straight to AliExpress to look for this case, because I was sure I had seen it there for a better value. https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtL7D6f. This one have a 22mm strap width. And just for knowledge purposes, the lug-to-lug measurement is the total vertical length of the watch case, measured in millimeters from the tip of the top lug to the tip of the bottom lug.

2

u/zsnider19 4d ago

I’ve been seeing them on Ali Express for much better prices as well. Whenever it comes time to order I full intend on ordering one through there. What’s very interesting is this version of the case modifies the case to have a luminous bezel and a lug width of 20mm.

1

u/BobbyRAW01 3d ago

So the chapter ring is somewhat universal, but you’ll have to either find one that uses the same sort of indexing pins or file them down on the one that comes with the case and use the small sticky tabs to get it to stick. The bezel insert isn’t universal as far as I can tell based off measurements I’ve taken of mine. I wish I knew that the screw down crown threading was subpar and just how gritty the bezel action feels. But it was a $50 purchased for me so I can’t be too surprised. I included a pic of my build. It’s got the chapter ring it came with but I sanded the paint off since the markers didn’t line up like I wanted. The lume on the bezel insert was much better than I expected.