NCRich 13,746 Posted April 11, 2019 Haven't done a serious metal drilling build in a while so I ordered three "1950's" Rolex models from Marvellous Replica (top notch service and my fav TD). These are 2813 models and pretty inexpensive at about $100. They are rather cheap feeling with sharp edges, bright metal, and a bezel that threatens to cut you. Still not a bad base as these cases are what everyone uses for lower cost big crown builds. Pretty good value if you know what to do with it. I'd like to build something like these gens. So we start taking them apart. Interesting new spacer, haven't seen that before. Dials and hands off I use a dial protector and levers to remove the hands. Loosen the screws on the side of the movement that retain the dial feet. Pack everything neatly away. Need to remove the bezel insert, bezel, and plexi. The plexi on this is a space dome monstrosity that we won't reuse. The bezel is held by a retaining spring. Using a small screwdriver I tease it out and the bezel just falls off. I've got to head off to class. I'll continue this later. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobandshawn 5 Posted April 11, 2019 Following with interest. That "spacer ring" looks like the brass ones that Helenarou uses in their vintage subs... B Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theviking 197 Posted April 11, 2019 Yes @NCRich! another masterclass. Followed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
semperfi55 4,707 Posted April 11, 2019 Moar tutorials YES Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stfrance 17 Posted April 11, 2019 Can't wait to see how they would be turned out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,746 Posted April 11, 2019 OK a bit more. Need to remove the plexi. They really seem to glue these in well. I made a little jig to pop them out. Just a piece of PVC. and out. Now I need to drill the lugs to 1.3mm. Use cutting fluid to drill. Drill at low speed 700rpm or so. Use a good bit. Now for the bezel. Bezel is really sharp. I sanded it to smooth the edges and then repolished it. You can brass the bezel with a torch. Just rotate it evenly through the flame, stop a bit before it looks quite brassy enough as it will carry over. I cut some bevels on the cases with my dremel. And sand and polish it up. Highest speed. Inner edge is usually rough from drilling. Smooth with file. I faded the inserts with bleach. You have to be extremely careful. The 6204 insert would NOT fade. Had to sand it. The milgauss faded in 45 to 60 seconds. Would have ruined in 2 minutes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,746 Posted April 11, 2019 So to continue, I strip the existing lume from the hands with acetone. I aged the hands by rubbing them on a manicure sanding pad. Great tool. Put aside till lume time. I lightly sprayed both dials with this. Then I used an aging kit on the 6204 dial and resprayed to seal it in. To lume I use a water based lume with a white glue binder and a water color set. I suck at straight lines so I tape it off. Milgauss only has circles so that is easier. I do the hands at the same time, lumed dials. Lumed dials with hands reset Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mkiv 2 Posted April 11, 2019 Kudos to you sir they are coming along very well, can't wait to see the finished product. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nikosaldente 630 Posted April 11, 2019 Awesome tutorial Rich Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stfrance 17 Posted April 11, 2019 Wow.. It takes lots of process to make it better.. Great explains with photos.. They would be valued $500 each because of your labor.. But you won't sell them anyways.. Rich.. Please speed up, so that we all can see new art pieces.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theviking 197 Posted April 11, 2019 Mate you're r churning these out! NCR factory! Love the milgause. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,746 Posted April 11, 2019 So the pearls suck obviously on these. To make these better I dig out the plastic they use with a razor blade and apply a drop of lume in the well, then put a drop of epoxy on top of that. Poof.......vintage pearl. So let's move to the cases and finish these. I've sanded and polished all the edges so the cases are smooth and feel 1000% times better. I'm going to put Clark Tropic 21 plexis in these. You can glue these in with hypo cement, but I've superglued these in. They won't leak this way, but you have to leave them to dry a couple days with the plexi down or the off gassing will fog the plexis. Time to assemble Put the movement in with the spacer and grease the seals with silicon grease. Put the backs on. Looking like a watch. Put on the bezels and insert. Just feed the retaining wire back into the groove. Apply the insert with double stick tape. Going to use gen spec spring bars from Cousins. But the bracelet and end links have to be modified. 2mm hex driver will do the trick. End links have to be clipped with dremel cutting disc. You can't ream these out to fit. Just not enough stuff there. They still work fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,746 Posted April 11, 2019 So now, the completed shots. Well, that is it. Hope you can learn a bit and get inspired to do your own! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mkiv 2 Posted April 11, 2019 They turned out great! If I can muster up the courage I would love to try and do something similar with a 1665. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stfrance 17 Posted April 11, 2019 Wow.. They are finally recreated into real vintages..!!! The pearl adds vintage feeling really well and hands and the dial done with Tamiya looking gorgeous.. I wish to have ability like yours Rich.. Throwing a tumultuous applause.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShovelnTC 31 Posted April 12, 2019 Great Tutorial mate, thanks for taking the time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theviking 197 Posted April 12, 2019 (edited) Bravo Rich, they look great. Edited April 12, 2019 by Theviking Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM284 1,518 Posted April 12, 2019 Great tutorial Rich - throughly enjoyed reading with a great result! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CurioLeo 296 Posted April 12, 2019 OK, so ...... serious question - is one of the Milgauss' available for purchase? Awesome work. TC, what TC ???? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JSebwc 87 Posted April 12, 2019 Nicely done Rich. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
splke 4,383 Posted April 12, 2019 very nice pal @NCRich has skills Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scotrick 3 Posted July 2, 2019 A very nice batch Rich and testament to your watchmaking skills! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
semperfi55 4,707 Posted April 15, 2020 On 11/04/2019 at 20:47, NCRich said: I suck at straight lines so I tape it off. Rich what is this type of tape called? It must be a weak adhesive to avoid damage to the dial? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Intresting 21,683 Posted April 15, 2020 They look like painter's masking tape so that they get a straight edge. Leaves no marks. But I could be wrong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites