NCRich 13,748 Posted January 21, 2017 In my obsession to build all of these vintage Rolex I got one of these. It has the nicest dial of any vintage model I've seen. The gold hands and funky seconds hand just make it, especially when you brass the bezel. Pics: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Piccolo 673 Posted January 21, 2017 Love the Lollipop seconds... very nice build (again) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM284 1,518 Posted January 21, 2017 That looks great rich - very 'black bay one' - the brassed bezel sets the face and hands off a treat ..... 10 out of 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thelittleprince 2 Posted January 21, 2017 Is it bad that i always watch m2m hoping i could get my hands on one of your masterpieces? Beautiful watch!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GC 4,487 Posted January 21, 2017 Is this the very first submariner? The only model I know of that predated the 6204 was the sub-aqua that Limer built. The gold gilt on this dial is really well done. Your aging process is only getting more refined. Bravo sir, always looking forward to your new builds. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,748 Posted January 21, 2017 Thanks guys. Littleprince the wife says I need to get rid off some stuff, so keep your eyes pealed. Yes I think it is the first submariner GC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAJ75 922 Posted January 21, 2017 This piece has a real charm to it Rich, you have treated it to just the right amount of vintagisation................... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
franzyldn 0 Posted January 21, 2017 looking forward to M2M.... maybe a vintage GMT 1675... my holy graal Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zikzak 0 Posted February 19, 2017 Looks amazing, NCRich! Loving all of the threads covering other vintage builds of yours.. I have one of these models in transit to me from Mary/TD. Could you point me towards a thread/post or care to explain a bit more detail about how one would 'brass the bezel' ? Cheers! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatarms 7,777 Posted February 19, 2017 Looks amazing, NCRich! Loving all of the threads covering other vintage builds of yours.. I have one of these models in transit to me from Mary/TD. Could you point me towards a thread/post or care to explain a bit more detail about how one would 'brass the bezel' ? Cheers! You'd have to remove the bezel from the watch, remove the insert and then apply a heat source. I've used a small butane torch I got for cheap off ebay. Just be sure to be holding the bezel firmly with some small pliers or something. Be safe As the bezel heats up, it changes color from the stainless finish to a brassy look and it's permanent. You can barely see it, but this is the only pic I have at the moment of a watch that I brassed the bezel on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zikzak 0 Posted February 19, 2017 Thanks! That makes sense, I just found this from Rich in another thread of his ' and used a torch to brass the bezel.' I'm slightly hesitant to begin meddling with the watch from the get-- but that brassing of the bezel really adds a needed patina to compliment such a great minimalist sub dial layout/coloring Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RussP 22,255 Posted February 19, 2017 Rich, Lovely watch. Mine says 'hello'. Maybe it could do with a brassed edged bezel too. BTW, I believe the first sub was a Ref 6202. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,748 Posted February 20, 2017 Rich, Lovely watch. Mine says 'hello'. Maybe it could do with a brassed edged bezel too. BTW, I believe the first sub was a Ref 6202. Yes the brassed bezel is essential, and I just can't stand that spaceship plexi they put on these. Absolutely the wrong look. When you torch the bezel go slow, it is easy to get too dark. Stop a bit short of where you think it should be and it will carry over. If you screw up you can wire brush or sand it off and start over. To remove these bezel you need to remove the insert carefully with the edge of a razor blade and then tease out the spring holding the insert. NO FORCE IS NEEDED. If you force it you will likely damage it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DTDOTB 0 Posted March 24, 2017 Great purchase. Might even be inspiring me! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites