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There are 3 roads to non-genuine Newmans - 1. the cheapest/easiest option, buy a rep ($300+) 2. the moderately expensive/difficult option, build an ETA 7750-powered franken ($1,000+) 3. the expensive/difficult option, build a Valjoux 72-powered franken (genuine 62xx Daytonas are powered by [Rolex] modified V72 movements) ($3,000-$6,000+) 3a. buy a pre-assembled V72-powered franken from 1 of the aftermarket parts sellers & have it professionally overhauled (these things often look like they were assembled by monkeys & arrive in dirty/dodgy condition) ($3,000-$4,000+) For option 1, do your research before you begin! Spend time looking at genuine Newmans on gen watch sites & ebay. Learn the differences between versions & Oyster/non & collect pics of gens for comparison. Then, browse the dealer listings in the Watches section. For option 2, beginning with the same rep, swap out as many of the rep components with better aftermarket or genuine Rolex components as you can afford. For option 3, get a 2nd (or 3rd) job, start saving & pulling your hair out. At the same time, start searching online for a used V72 movement & have it properly overhauled. Then, buy an aftermarket case, dial/handset & bracelet. Optionally, if you have sufficiently deep pockets, you can replace the aftermarket crown/tube, crystal, pushers, dial coronet & bracelet with genuine Rolex components. Whichever way you go, there are many threads on RWG that detail members' previous project watches & be aware that as the price rises, so too does the complexity & likelihood of problems. Rarely, do the high end franken projects go according to plan. So be prepared to deal with the inevitable problems, cost overruns & detours along the way.

Hi friends ! After reading jelliotz last build & JoeyB advices, I want to try dial decals print by myself. Rolex 6536 custom build http://rwg.cc/index.php?/topic/182539-Rolex-6536-custom-build Bought decal paper, micro set and Sennelier gloss acrylic varnish. I can't find Krylon Crystal Clear spray in France. Found a good high res 6538 pic and worked it on photoshop. It's a very long pixel by pixel work, and many high quality printing test on photo paper. First decals test printing is good, better than I expected. Bubbles are due to some dust on decal paper sheet. The varnish spray remove the ink from bubbles, leaving holes in print. It's not serious for a first test try. I'll clean sheet before print next time. Here is the result on a dial plate. I think it's sharp enough. More soon... Thank you for reading

I'm sure many of you are familiar with the Cartel maker (aka JKF) who released a load of decent Vintage Rolex recently. I saw on Ryans site that he now offers a second "Best" version that appears to be from a different maker. I don't know in what way it should be better, it's just called "best", so I'm going to keep referring to it as "best" to distinct it from the JKF/Cartel edition. I personally prefer the "best" version's insert. Crown guards appear to be bigger, which isn't a bad thing if you're a modder. I personally don't care about the dials, since I would never wear either one of these with the stock dial, but I assume there are plenty of others who intend to keep the dials. Below is a side-by-side between JKF/Cartel (always on the LEFT) and the "best" version (always on the RIGHT). I'd be curious if the 1680 "best" version takes gen dials (the JKF does not without mods! Gen dials are about 0.5mm too big) Rolex 1680 Red Sub (JKF vs. BEST): Rolex 1665 Double Red SeaDweller (JKF vs. BEST): I have not taken a loupe to compare them pixel-by-pixel, but here's what struck my eye. Better on the new "Best" version: Bezel Insert (Fatter font & already slightly faded color) Bezel Ring (Slimmer, Groves not as deep) Better on the JKF/Cartel Version: Clasp (rolex coronet is slimmer) Endlinks (they are both wrong, they shouldnt have holes for a springbar tool, but at least the JKF has the correct number -580- on the otherwise wrong endlinks)

I recently started getting into vintage Rolex watches. Specifically the Paul Newman watch. Every time I travel to a different city I go to vintage watch stores to check out what they have. Most of you know that the vintage rolex watches are crazy expensive. Having said that how difficult is it to build a new perfect vintage Paul Newman Rolex? I know there are a few different color options and of out of those which is the coveted among the Paul Newmans? I have a few genuine rolex watches and just now have done more and more research on forums like this. I dont think I will ever buy a genuine watch again given that several websites have great replicas. I would rather pay a couple hundred dollars than $8,000+. Let me know what you guys think and if any of you members has any vintage Paul Newmans youre looking to get rid of I would be interested. Thanks.

It depends what you are happy with. To do it right you are looking at a bit more than 200 dollars. I would guesstimate 5000 to 6000 to make a convincing Newman. A Valjoux 72 is going to cost 1000-1500 before conversion parts are added and there isn't really a great substitute available. For a case, other than genuine, a Phong/Jenson is about 1400 IIRC, DW or Tonnywatches a bit less with a correspondingly less accurate design. Dial, well again Tonnywatches is around 400, good vietmanese a thousand plus or best of all a genuine one, but probably not a true Newman. Daytonas are not easy. I am sorry to welcome you to the forum with such bad news. On the up side virtually any other Rolex is easier and cheaper. As cheap as 120 Dollars for a reasonable 5513. Ideally you would want a crown, dial and crystal upgrade on that, so maybe view it as a starter kit. This hobby is addictive.

Have a good Friday y'all.

People like me, who only dive for lobster up to 35 feet. Over 60 feet I agree it's better to use good gauges and computers.

First one just arrived. I'll do some full frame dslr shots tomorrow.

Perhaps he is moving on to a more professional website. I think people are quick to jump to a negative idea of what's happening. He is a smart guy I'm sure he realizes he needs a little bit more to his site than just being a blog.

Hi guys, how is this? A prototype dial for my custom watch. using a method I invented myself and unfortunately must keep private.

Fresh off the boat from China

It might.... Drill and try to sink the tube and thus Athaya 700 crown a teenie bit. Lengthwise the CGs should do, however creating the almost square shape in a "crown face" - projection might be on the edge. Luckily the crown is a bit flatter than 703/704.

New prints this morning. Tried to had red depth line with no success. Well, keep it gilt.

If we had allowed all kinds of fake stuff here we would have been shut down years ago