Noble replica Alethiometer

[Zero]

I wondered if anyone else has one of these and if so what they thought? I have mixed emotions about mine: which is why I have dismantled it! Yikes.

[Zero]

The Longer version with added IMAGE:






Here are a couple of pics of it as it arrived “fresh out of the box”.

The bad:

Not so much gold, a dull copper or bronze colour.

The “Glass” covering the inner workings is plastic and gives off a less than satisfying “clunk” when you tap it.

The weathering to give it an aged effect is sprayed on, like aerosol paint.

The “shine” it has (visible in the last pic) is from a layer of clear lacquer or varnish applied over the cast metal parts and really only shows when in very bright direct light or (in this case) from the camera flash.

The good:

It’s an ornate metal Aleithiometer, for all the flaws above it has a real heft and a good solid construction. I’ve dreamed about holding one of these in my hand for almost 10 years: and it didn’t entirely disappoint. I savoured the moment.

Then went to work. Took a deep breath and dismantled the entire thing down to its component parts and begun stripping the finish off it. I’ll Re-plating where it needs it in either brass or copper (can’t decide) . I’ve ordered the glass “clock face” dome replacement from an antique clock repairer who makes them to custom sizes.

I might replace the hands, I’m torn there but leaning towards metal and more ornate rather than the red and blue movie versions.

The once all that’s done and it’s primed and ready I’m seriously considering electroplating it in 24ct gold.

Does anyone else have one of these?

[TheRealNeo]

Unfortunately not.

Where can I get one of those?

[Zero]

http://www.noblecollection.com/catalog/catalog.cfm?catid=58

[reflective]

wow!
why $195? bit steep isn't it?
hmm don't think ill get one anyways i like in england

[Roll_with_it]

Wow, that's dedication Zero. Do you usually do stuff like that? Post pictures when it's done.

[Zero]

I do like to tinker with things and I do have an unfortunate tendency to overwork an idea. Still very much learning as I go – but then “They've been making statues for some two thousand years, and I've only been collecting for five” as CFK might say.

[TheRealNeo]

is this limited at noble collection?
I hope they ship to germany.

[Zero]

Well folks: my work continues and I'll update here (on the off chance that anyone is interested) until I feel like I'm talking to my self !

Firstly - again, no slight on what Noble have produced - bless them for a sorta functioning and perfectly decently made Alethiometer. I had some problems with the movie but the design of the alethiometer was just fine and I'm damn happy to have one, even if it is brown [pic#1]

First I dumped the thin flat plastic circle they used as a "face" and found a specialist clock parts supplier who sold domed glass in almost the right size. A few days of wet sanding with Silicon Carbide sandpaper and it now fits like a glove. [pic#2]

Meanwhile I used a voltmeter to work out that under the brownish lacquer they had coated it with was a metal shell which would conduct electricity: half the battle right there. Stripped all the paint gunk off the bottom section (testing, I figured if it went wrong best try this on the bit that gets seen least!) with a combination of varnish removing gel and concrete cleaner. Vicious stuff, but worked like a charm.

electro-plated it with brass and polished it up. Even with a cursory polish it now looks golden instead of brown. [pic#3]- I refrain from posting pics of the poor beast in it's "unmade" state (as they are not for the faint of heart:) but you can see in the "dome" pic that I'm holding it together for the picture.

More as work progresses, next I'll strip the other metal parts and replate them so it may take a while.

[TheRealNeo]

Great thing!

[Somewhat]

Wowee, it really is becoming very beautiful. Fantastic!

[Zero]

Thanks guys, it’s a nail biting-nerve wracking-time consuming project. Still trying to decide if I’m going to replace the red and blue “move” hands with aged brass ones and other similar choices. I have a feeling that if this works out well I may do another.

Neo, if you do decide to get one of these from Noble, (depending on how your local currency is fairing against the dollar) they do ship internationally, which works out better than ordering from http://www.noble-collection.de at 249 Euros which is – if my maths is any good - over $300!

The international order page at noble is hidden here http://www.noblecollection.com/support/international_FAQ.cfm.

[TheRealNeo]

Thanks.

Is this replica somehow limited?

[sfsraffie]

I got one for Christmas! My main complaint is that it's way too easy to see where the strip of printed symbols folds in on itself. As for the color, I kinda like that it's not bright gleaming gold, it gives it an older feel.

I know that the books suggest there's some sort of glass/crystal face above the hands, but I think I may remove it entirely. I think it'd be neater without...

[kaoshoneybun]

it's way too easy to see where the strip of printed symbols folds in on itself.

Sorry, didn't understand this comment at all - do you have a picture showing what you mean?

[LadyHawke]

I think that the part with the symbols on it just wraps around on itself is what was meant.

The finished product looks just awesome, Zero! You must have quite a talent. My hubby is forever tinkering on watches, he has a collection of them, if you need any more parts let me know and he could prolly tell where to get them. Does the needle turn? Have you asked it any questions yet?

I saw it in the Noble Collection (I get the magazine) but I wasn't sure if it was worth the money. I could spend myself broke from that magazine, I just love thier stuff. A friend of mine used my magazine to buy herself this Joker thing.....(They have the Dark Knight stuff too.)

[sfsraffie]

it's way too easy to see where the strip of printed symbols folds in on itself.

Sorry, didn't understand this comment at all - do you have a picture showing what you mean?

You can see it on the first pic above, between the sun and hourglass.

[L and M]

Wow... I want one. Keep up the good work, Zero.

[Zero]

I’ve been meaning to update – I’ll take some snaps soon and show you how I’m getting along.

Sfsraffie I’m glad you like the colour and your happy with yours, they are damn pretty and I really don’t mean to give the impression that these things are hideous, just that I’m determined to make it look more like I have it in my head!

I know exactly what you mean by the strip of printed symbols being poorly done, mine has the same slight overlap that removes the illusion that it’s “painted on” I have plans for upgrading this also, but that’s a ways down the line.

[LadyHawke]

If you should decide to paint them on yourself, I would suggest an enamel laquer (I didn't spell that right...)