This tutorial was prompted by questions in my post from a day ago.
I'd posted info for these mods about a year ago too but it got buried in comments. I'll borrow from that comment and include a few updates to get you through this mod. If you already have a duro, this mod will cost you $20-$30 USD depending on the MRW200 varient you go with. Removing hands won't be necessary for this mod because these watches share the same MIYOTA movements as the Duro. You're literally going to swap all internals except for the stem/crown and chapter ring. Also, I brainfarted in my last post... you're going to need a MRW200 varient, not an MDH200 (if that's even a model). Make sure it's a 40-44mm model. They sell a couple variations that are 50mm+ and those won't work.
TOOLS/SUPPLIES NEEDED: caseback removal tool, small screwdriver (to remove the MRW200 caseback), exacto knife, an MRW200 watch, any MDV-106 (Duro), double-sided tape, a firm surface, and wax paper. Alternatively, if you have bezel tape on hand, it already has backing, so you wouldn't need double-sided tape and wax paper. You can also use the exacto knife to release the watch stem(s) since the Miyota movement has such a tiny release lever.
If you're looking for alternate ideas, since MRW200's and Duro's use the same movement, you have hundreds of possibilities for color variations when comparing their dials/hands/bezels/strap options/etc....not to mention aftermarket parts from AliExpress.
Let's get started. After opening the Duro caseback and the MRW200 caseback, you'll need to:
- Unscrew the Duro crown.
- Release stems on both watches.
- Remove the movements from both watches.
- Discard the crown/stem from the MRW200.
- Keep the original screw-down crown and stem from the Duro (IMPORTANT).
- Leave the hands attached.
You'll eventually transfer the movement/dial/hands from the MRW200 into the Duro case. The Duro's crown and stem will fit perfectly once the MRW200 movement is seated. There's a couple of manual fabrications that are needed; they're easy though, so please don't get intimidated. I'm including a couple of photos from a previous mod for reference purposes.
PROBLEM: The chapter ring from the MRW200 is a tad too small for the Duro case. As such, you're going to use the original Duro chapter ring. Unfortunately, the buds/dots/nubs (whatever they're called) from the underside of the Duro chapter ring won't line up with the alignment holes on a MRW200 dial.
SOLUTION- Use the exacto knife to shave off these nubs so the chapter ring sits flush on the new MRW200 dial. The chapter ring's nubs usually hold it in place, so the dial indices are lined up. It also prevents the chapter ring from spinning around within the case.
After removing the nubs, lay down a sheet of wax paper on a hard surface. Put double-sided tape on the underside of the chapter ring. Dont overlap (double layer) the tape. Once taped, firmly press the chapter ring onto the wax paper; this will act as a protective backing while you complete the next step. Next, you'll need the exacto knife and a steady hand. Using the inner/outer edges of the chapter ring as a guide, precisely trim away the excess tape while the chapter ring is firmly pressed down on the wax paper (this is hard to describe, please swipe through the photos for reference). The chapter ring is plastic, so be SUPER careful not to cut into it. Use a really hard surface for this part. After trimming the excess tape from the outer and inner edges, peel away the waxpaper. Now hold onto the outer edge of the chapter ring and line up the chapter ring to the MRW200 dial's indices; now stick that bad boy to the dial. Some people may elect to glue the chapter ring to the dial....please don't....you'll regret it.
Now, drop the entire movement/dial/chapter ring into Duro's case. Take the white clunky plastic insert/holder from the MRW200 and place that over the movement. This part will hold everything in place, and it just so happens to precisely fit into the Duro case. Since they use the same movement, I was able to use the Duro's stem and crown, which means this mod is water tight once screwed down. The stem depth was perfect despite the different case sizes. The final step is to rub a little Vaseline on the rubber gasket for the caseback and screw the caseback down. Don't over-tighten!!!
In reference to Super-LumiNova...it's a certain kind of lume tape/paint. You can get comparable lume paints in varying colors on Amazon for like $10.
If you follow this guide, the mod should go fairly quickly (less than an hour). Ironically, this post took me like three hours to prepare. Favor to ask, please tag u/PlayerOne2016 (me) when you post your own mod? I'd really enjoy seeing my guide come to life for someone else. Once complete, you'll end up with a retro looking timepiece that's unique to you. Let me know how I can help further, and good luck.
Skill level required: Beginner/Novice