taukappaepsilon 0 Posted March 29, 2013 I just ordered a 1680 from Ryan and was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about it. I think its the cartel version. Will the Clark t19 crystal fit in this without any additional mods? What do you all suggest I do for mods? I was thinking swap out the crystal, put in gen crown, and try to waterproof it. What do you all suggest? I hate how yellow the dial is but there isnt much I can do about that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arism 26 Posted March 30, 2013 Not sure whether a new crystal will fit, but if it was me, I'd relume and swap the datewheel. Looks way too "silvery". Depending what your budget is you could send it to Rolex Addict. He is the maestro of vintage Rolex builds/mods. Check out some of his work in his subforum. RolexAddict's Watch Parlour Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
solkryssare 109 Posted March 30, 2013 It Will not take a gen specs crystal without modification. A relume, better crown and softening of the case is as far as I would take it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amit 72 Posted March 30, 2013 If course you mean Insert fade as well Solk. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
taukappaepsilon 0 Posted March 30, 2013 What does "soften the case" mean? I've been seeing that term everywhere. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
J.Eric 693 Posted March 30, 2013 What does "soften the case" mean? I've been seeing that term everywhere. It means to give a used look. Not beaten up. Imagine how all the Sharp edges on the case would feel like if you actually worn the Watch for 35-40 years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
taukappaepsilon 0 Posted March 30, 2013 So how do I soften the edges? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyr 4 Posted April 5, 2013 So how do I soften the edges? A diamond file, then finer and finer grades of aluminum oxide paper and finish with cape cod. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BC1221 44 Posted September 17, 2014 If that's Ryan/sora 1680, your biggest problem is the lug holes being waaaay too close to the edge. Other than that, it's not bad out of the box. Shave the crown guards. relume it and get a new Insert. Maybe a new plexi. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daywatch 4 Posted September 17, 2014 Suggest to try it out just like it is and to see how well it runs. Next would be aging the case (scratching/filing/repolishing) and to shave the crown-guards. Aging/bleaching the insert works best imo, not just scratching it. Try a leather and a NATO strap, maybe with gen-spec 1.9 or 2mm lugbars (depending if the lugholes can be drilled). All of this can be done with simple means and without spending money or risking anything. Later: maybe an Athaya or gen crown (if You have experience in swapping out the stem) and relume/ age dial and hands (or change the dial for an already re-lumed one of Your choice). Started a project like this - initially wanting to change everything (crown/dial/hands etc.) but it turns out I like the little watch so much and it just works so well that I ended everything else right there (for now) on the 2nd pic before any damage is done to it - lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pratt 0 Posted March 12, 2015 I just ordered a 1680 from Ryan and was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about it. I think its the cartel version. Will the Clark t19 crystal fit in this without any additional mods? What do you all suggest I do for mods? I was thinking swap out the crystal, put in gen crown, and try to waterproof it. What do you all suggest? I hate how yellow the dial is but there isnt much I can do about that. same here ..the yellow just looks funny Share this post Link to post Share on other sites