tomhorn

Yep, hands touching the crystal is the main issue. There are some conversion kits available to do it, but mixed results from people I know who have tried. If you want saphire, you really need to find a 162xx case. You can build an Explorer out of a DJ case. The most popular version is the vintage 1016 Explorer, although finding an acceptable dial is the main issue with this build. Also, you're best off getting the bezel from JMB, as just putting the Rolex DJ smooth bezel isn't accurate. You can also use the 162xx case for a 14270 Explorer build. Ubi did a very nice one and has a thread about it somewhere.

+1 I think you can be pretty safe in getting most of your money back out of a vintage Rolex build as long as you shop wisely ... especially since parts prices have gone up so much. For example, with my last DateJust build (which is all gen except the movement), I doubt anyone could build it buying the parts now for any where close to what I have in it. I don't want to sell it, but based on the offers I got from people after posting the build thread, I have no doubt I could easily sell it for a profit if I did. I expect once MD2020 finally gets to work on my 1016 (hurry up Whoopy with the dial ... ) that I could probably move that one at a profit too, as I won't have much in it since a lot of the parts are leftovers from other projects. A little tougher to do with modern Subs. The WM9/TC Subs are too good out of the box to pay much of a premium. I have a WM9 LV, and haven't even thought about adding gen parts to it.

I actually prefer doing the builds now. Wasn't always that way. I treat it more like a hobby now, instead of just wanting to buy the latest and greatest version of something. While I spend more in some cases, I now keep fewer in the watch box. I get to wear them more often and enjoy them more this way. The main thing you have to be careful of is don't spend more (as a % of the gen price) to make the watch completely unsellable.

Unless you are just trying to spread the payments out by buying things piecemeal, you really won't save much money over buying the TC. You can easily sell the parts you don't use, and you'll save a lot of time in the process. Plus, you can then build in stages instead of having to wait until you find all the parts. For example, to find a gen bezel insert without paying an arm and a leg could take some time. You might want to contact him and see if he'll sell only the parts you think you need, but personally I'd go for the whole kit. I think the Sean case and the BK case will both take gen parts if you want to go that route.

There are plenty of posts about the various versions of the GMTII-C. In general, there are no 'perfect' replicas. Each one will have it's own set of flaws. Only you can decide whether they are acceptable.

With all of the franken projects going on I was a bit surprised that no one took up the project of custom spacers after Stilty stopped doing them. I wish I had the skills to make them, but it seems like everyone is going the raffles-time route. I know PBdad had to modify mine during the DateJust build. Wish there was an easier way. The Stilty rings took a lot of the difficulty out of the builds.

Not that this answers your question, but a 16014 would have used a 3035, not a 1570. Gen dial will be awesome. Finding a decent dial has always been the toughest part of these builds. Can't wait to see the result!

+1 on it's all about the shoes. Go to a running shoe store and get fitted. Buy your first pair from the store. Most running shoe stores have some sort of guarantee where you can return them for a different pair if they don't work for you. I have weird feet/ankles due to my tennis playing days. There is literally one pair of shoes (in the Asics line) that are designed to handle my situation. Until I got in them I had tried probably 10 different pairs to try to get to where I could run long distances comfortably. After that, there are plenty of online places to buy the next pair at a substantial discount. It's easy to find most shoes in the 30-35% off range online. You can also save money on shoes that were just discontinued. Avoid rep shoes. Your body will thank you later.

Don't we all ...

Don't know that the Stilty rings are still available. I reached out a couple of times and never got a response. I used the raffles-time #2 ring for mine. You'll just have to mill a bit for the case clamps. Make sure you get the right one for your movement.

On the low end ... assuming you can actually get the parts from DW (or better yet find them on the board for sale) you're looking at a minimum of $2k - $2.5k using all DW parts except a gen crown, tube and T21, plus the v72 movement (and service). This assumes you shop well and don't over pay for anything. You can go as high as you want from there. The Phong Case and the gen dial are going to be the most expensive parts, so if you can find acceptable alternatives to those it will help keep the costs reasonable.

I bought gen Tudor hands for my DJ project.

Make that 7 ...

Well, the OP said he bought one direct from BK a month ago, so have you asked BK? Otherwise you'll need to find one on the sales boards, or check with TC and see if he is still selling his version (which is supposed to be from the same factory).

rower has two requested on the other thread. 1x 5517 - rower 1x 5514 comex - rower http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/155332-vintage-rolex-dial-interest/?p=1243056

I'm in for one 1016.

Well, that's assuming you can actually get one ordered ... I emailed a couple of weeks ago asking to order one, and it's been radio silence ever since. Given the recent posts about the dial size, I think I am eliminating that one as a possibility now, I have been waiting on Whoopy's project to come together (thanks for your patience MD2020). Am about to just go with the NDtrading dial (despite the price) just to get my project done ...

It happens ... this is a gen dial in my franken trying to imitate the FM Crazy Hours ...

No point in rep clubs really ... as other have said, you can easily find used, or even better can often find last year's models selling for less than half of their 'new' price. For the beginner to someone who shoots 85, you aren't going to know the difference.

The Costco on Gulf to Bay in Clearwater has had several Panerai's in recently.

I know I've commented on previous threads with quite a few. Can't remember if it was here or over at RG.

Good work! Like the dial almost as much as my silver roman.

Many excellent pieces here ... congrats to all on your builds. Having said that, I think Ubi's LV build he just posted may be the winner.

I for one always like hearing about places I've never been, whether its a report about shopping for reps, or just general information. Go for it!