freddy333

Looks good as-is, but I think the hands could use some enhanced patination (a few minutes of baking time) so they match the rest of the watch. After that, I would call it done.

I have no experience installing ETAs into Yuki cases (which are made to fit gen movements), but I would expect they will accept an ETA with 1 of Yuki's ETA adapter sets.

My Phase I watch was constructed around a Silix vintage Cartier Sub rep case (you can search out the threads for specific details), which allowed me to fit a proper 6542 bezel/insert. However, due to the construction of the case, I was unable to fully seat the insert into the bezel without compromising the case's integrity. This was 1 of the reasons I began sourcing parts for the Phase II watch even before Phase I had been completed. As far as I know, because the plastic 6542 insert is not concave (its bottom is flat & meant to seat all the way down into the bezel), only a case/bezel combination made to fit it (in other words, a 6542 case).

The insert looks to be the same 1 (minus the lume) that I have (the bezel in my Phase II watch is gen, but the Phase I watch is aftermarket). Glowing lume, on the other hand, may look cool, but it is inauthentic for a 50+ year old Rolex watch. On a vintage watch, I would steer clear of anything that glows

Yes & it looks even better the black dial, which is especially nice for those who like the look of PVD-style (blackened) cases. A black insert was my backup plan in case I was unable to source a plastic insert that met my requirements.

Like they said, no rep (that I have seen) available. Definitely, a roll-your-own project - made much easier now that aftermarket 6542 cases are available, which was not the case when I constructed my Phase 1 (at right) Suggestion for anyone embarking on a 6542 project - Consider using a solid black bezel insert instead of the normal red/blue plastic insert. I have seen pics of gen 6542s (I assume Rolex replaced the original Perspex with the black insert after the Perspex material broke) that look very cool.

Ditto Paralizer. Do you mean paint the engraving? If so, I posted a brief description of the process I used to repaint my gold 6239 Newman's bezel numbers that you should be able to search out

Thanks. I got it just before I joined RWG, but I cannot which seller I got this from, but I am pretty sure Josh sells (or used to sell) the same watch. It is stock except that I modded the 3/6/9 index markers (reshaped like the gen's) & swapped the rep crown/tube for gens. And, as expected, the siren's song proved stronger than my willpower & the white beauty has found her way back onto my wrist for dinner. Oh, the horror of it all

No. It is about 4 years old, but does not get alot of wrist time due to its bling factor. But it is 1 of the most beautiful watches I own & sometimes it just calls me & I fall for it. But, right now, I am eyeing my Phase II 6542, which is equally attractive. So I may end up turning this around & putting it back on later.

Out for a drive late Saturday

Not sure about the later models like your 16710, but I think 55x links should fit most standard-sized case Rolexes with 20mm lug widths. My gen 6542 case accepts a 6510H Jubilee with 55 end links without any problem

The insides of the CGs look a bit odd (edges may be too sharp & angles not matched/too steep), but, otherwise, nice work.

Sometimes, you get lucky. 4 & 5+ years of trouble-free service & counting

After dinner Friday evening

Since I have never constructed a 1655 I could be wrong (I have not performed my usual extensive pre-construction research), but I believe the outer markers should contact the inner flange of the case. Taking versional differences into account, the dials in the 1655s in my picture archives & a couple of my books are all variations on this theme And the 7836 bracelet should be stamped like this with 258, 280, 358 or 380 end links Although the rep has a number of issues, for the price (assuming the bracelet does look like the gen 7836), I think it is a good platform to work with.

Long time no-see, Pete, but it was worth the wait

Ending the work week wearing my beater

I think it is worth noting that none of the secs @ 6 Daytonas I have treated with powdered graphite (including the 1st test subject) have failed. Please do not IM me to request the treatment as I am no longer providing this service. However, Ziggy & other trusted RWG watchmakers can probably include it as part of an overhaul service, which should help to keep your watch running to spec.

In most cases, the tube is a separate component from the middle case. And unless it has been epoxied in, you can usually unscrew it by sliding a triangular hobby file into the tube so that it is wedged into the tube & then unscrewing the tube. Often, a gen tube (which usually requires a gen crown) can be screwed into the existing hole. Sometimes, the hole may need to be cleared of cement/glue before the new tube can be installed, or you may need to tap the threading to clear it (most of the watch parts supply houses - ofrei.com, julesborel.com, cousinsuk.com, etc) sell taps made for Rolex tubes for less than $40). If you decide to replace the rep tube/crown with another rep tube/crown, peruse ebay for replacements.

This 1 does not work for me. I love the gen platinum DD with the ice blue dial & stick markers. The dial on this rep is too busy & its color lacks that magic twinkle of the gen. I have yet to see a rep that gets the dial color correct, which is what makes that ice blue gen dial such a stunner.