mcloud 0 Posted December 22, 2008 Sorry if this has been discussed before and there are probably pictorials on the forums, but I was wondering what the problem is in swapping out an Asian 21j with an ETA, Swiss or clone. I have just fixed a regular Sub where one of the lume markers fell off inside the watch. I just removed the caseback, a couple of screws holding the movement and pressed the button to unscrew the crown and out it all popped. The worst part, after I glued the marker back on (very carefully) was to clean the inside of the crystal, as there was minute dust and hair - I ended up using a mini computer vacuum cleaner. I just thought to myself at that time, if I had an ETA movement and it was cheap enough, I should just be able to fit that instead. Am I wrong and there's a lot more to it? Anyone had a go at this? :Yawn: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KBH 7 Posted December 22, 2008 The movement holders are different sizes. The hands are different sizes and the dial feet are different. Not sure if the crown stem would line up. Just a few minor obstacles to overcome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcloud 0 Posted December 22, 2008 Okay thanks for that. I will get started and order some. :Yawn: What I don't understand, is that when I released the movement, then I am just left with the shell. It seemed to me that this is standard and any movement should fit in there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG 41 Posted December 22, 2008 Okay thanks for that. I will get started and order some. :Yawn: What I don't understand, is that when I released the movement, then I am just left with the shell. It seemed to me that this is standard and any movement should fit in there. Yeah, it can be done, but from what I have read and like what KBH said, it is not as simple as just swapping the movement out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcloud 0 Posted December 22, 2008 Okay, thanks John, I will do a bit more research on this subject. I feel like playing around with some of my cheapies on a rainy night :Yawn: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KBH 7 Posted December 22, 2008 The cheapo plastic movement holders would be better than the metal ones. At least you can work with them to fit. Or try Silly Putty. :o :o Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG 41 Posted December 23, 2008 The cheapo plastic movement holders would be better than the metal ones. At least you can work with them to fit. Or :o try Silly Putty. :o I saw a thread at RWG.cc where somebody had used chewing gum. No shit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RolexAddict 1 Posted December 23, 2008 (edited) I did that kind of swap with a Beginmariner LV. Last year instead of what announced on Perfect clones web catalog, Beginmariner came with a different case and a plastic movement holder inside. I change the asian mov. for a 2836-2. Everything was fine : stem/crown lining, dial and the metalic mov. holder also, except for the hands I used spare fat hands from a GMT C. Everything perfect. The swap of a ETA in a Beginmariner, those with the accurate case called "swiss case" who is thinner, is no possible. Edited December 23, 2008 by RolexAddict Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
