KinCaidk 0 Posted March 1, 2010 This is a Rolex Submariner 1680 that I bought from Silix. Promotion price: 30 USD, if memory serves me right. I have swapped the crystal for a Tropic 127 from Clarks, bleached the insert (will probably go back to a non-bleached at some point), banged up the case, re-polished it, worked the CG (still needs work), polished away any rough edges to make it look like it has been used for 40 years, nicked one of the edges on the crystal and scratched it lightly, baked and torched the dial and vintaged the hands with strong coffee. The pearl fell out at some point - but it doesn't matter much as it was a new style pearl, not a acrylic. well... I am not entirely satisfied with the result... but I am still learning, so I guess it's okay. Sorry about the pics, I didn't do much about this photoshoot.: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sconehead 5 Posted March 1, 2010 Looks ok to me Kinky, makes that cheapie look soooooo much better... ...at first I thought this thread was about Joey's room number in Hawaii... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KinCaidk 0 Posted March 1, 2010 Looks ok to me Kinky, makes that cheapie look soooooo much better... Thanks mate. I would still like to drill the lug-holes and get some gen spec (fat) spring-bars. ...at first I thought this thread was about Joey's room number in Hawaii... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KinCaidk 0 Posted March 2, 2010 Rapist... "I'm going to say this again: I did not have sexual relations with that watch." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg_r 83 Posted March 2, 2010 hehe nice work, K - looks like you've dragged that thing behind the car for a couple thousand miles Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dingle 57 Posted March 2, 2010 Rapist... "I'm going to say this again: I did not have sexual relations with that watch." yes you did. admit it..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailboss99 997 Posted March 2, 2010 Hey that looks great mate Nice work indeed. Hard to belive it's a 30 dollar watch! Col. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SliceMaster 281 Posted March 2, 2010 I just have one question Kincaidk: WHY???? It doesnt do it for me but if you like it so go for it!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailboss99 997 Posted March 2, 2010 I just have one question Kincaidk: WHY???? 'cause ya never gunna get called out on that are you? Col. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KBH 7 Posted March 2, 2010 Yep, drill the spring bars, and square off those CG's a little and you'll be looking good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Massimo 53 Posted March 2, 2010 I like that! The Clark crystal looks really good. What's up with the drilled lugs, they already look drilled to me? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailboss99 997 Posted March 2, 2010 Not to size tho mate. Holes are too small on these to take 1.5mm spring bars. Rolex use 1.8-2mm bars. Col. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RolexAddict 1 Posted March 2, 2010 (edited) Chapeau bas ! KinCaidk, (French expression, means : I incline myself, reverence, and put off my hat) You are following the natural trend which consists to buy a rep, to wear it, then to disassemble it, then to buy parts, tools and products on the web, to mod and so increase your skills, knowledge, creativity, etc.etc... BTW, less junk at home, less bling, more qualilty and more hobby-money in your pocket. Chinese need to learn to consider us a little bit different as Occidental city pigeons eating shit in the streets this being said, soak inserts in bleach is not the best method as some inserts are not basically anodised but had a backing laker finish which resists even to trichloetylen and acids. To age , I use 1200 - 1500 grade sand paper ans steelwhool About Rolex lug holes: reps come with 1mm lug holes diameter. The Rolex spring bars -the more accurate are those from OFrei- have 1,2mm end diameter. Overdrill lugs at 1,3mm. You will get the best realistic and reliable operations with OFrei or gen sprinbars and the look of your case drilled at 1,3 is fantastic and so realistic Edited March 2, 2010 by RolexAddict Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KBH 7 Posted March 2, 2010 Au contraire, mon frere! I always wanted to say that. :sh_h: I have been understanding that the early Subs and SD's were 1.8mm lugs. I ordered and recieved (alledged) gen spring bars for my GWSD and they measured 1.8mm. I overdrilled to 2mm after finding the 1.8mm holes were too tight. Maybe the Subs are drilled different than the early Sea Dwellers??? I'm only here to learn. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KinCaidk 0 Posted March 2, 2010 Thanks for your inputs fellas. It's great with all the different opinions. RA- I think you're right about the bleaching of the bezel insert. I will buy a new one and try sanding it instead Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RolexAddict 1 Posted March 2, 2010 Au contraire, mon frere! very good ! I am not really a Sub and SD specialist, What I noticed is that rep Subs/SD cases -modern and vintage- have various specs like rehaut, thickness, diameter, dial clearance etc... depending of sources. Nothing to be compared whit gens. IMHO, dealers/makers are feeding us with shit, sorry. [MODE CRITIC/SARCASTIC_ON_LOL] Today, march 2, year 2010, nobody here, or on another board, vrote a threat with pics comparisons between a rep and a gen 5513 or SD case specs to give us knowledge. [MODE CRITIC/SARCASTIC_OFF_LOL] My experience : I have lot of collector shops around my home. I can just look watches, talk with the vendor, handle material, dream... and print in my mind some details. I cannot enter in the shop and say "hello Sir, please show me this 1970 submariner, I will take shoots for RGW and compare with mine from Josh" But I assume, stuff on forums looks far away from the real things I see in the collector shops windows and gallery -speaking about Subs/SD- I don't know exactly what the right specs for Subs/SD, I just refer with OFrei catalog : I use these for 1675 GMT's and it sounds to be correct. I suppose the same material is used for 5513, 1680 etc. I could be wrong Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
