whoopy12

Here's a 34mm case, might be too thick though http://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentique-rolex-5500-case-et-caseback-explorer-1972-/141802548458?hash=item2104172cea:g:xdQAAOSw0HVWAZ85

I know neckyzips makes hands, you could ask if he could make these perhaps.

How's this?

Hey James, A big factor regarding the fading color is what type of anodization was utilized during the insert's production. A great illustrated example of this can be found in the link below. Of course fading technique is also important. Also, a lot of the gen blue inserts you see started out on the blue Tudor submariners, and over the years were swapped onto Rollie's. To achieve a similar baseline, you may want to consider purchasing an aftermarket blue insert, and experiment with fading from there. The 2846 is the ETA movement most people prefer (regarding beat rate accuracy) for these vintage builds.

This is most likely the issue

Skip to 4:20 for a laugh guys

For parts, I always try sourcing through 3rd parties as the generics are easier to find as long as you have proper measurements. Try: http://www.esslinger.com http://www.ofrei.com/WatchMaterials.html

Here it is

Thanks guys for the responses! M helped me out This is why I love this forum

Hey guys, I'm hankering to order a jacket from a Dutch company that doesn't ship to the US from what I understand. If anyone in the Netherlands can lend a hand in helping order/ship I'd be happy to work something out

Get one of these first: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LUDV9ZG/ref=s9_top_hd_bw_g469_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=0N8ZS5YXPN764E8TMFT4&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2125375802&pf_rd_i=256414011 Then you can measure to your heart's content and source the parts that way (I.E. '28.5mm crystal', etc).

Do NOT put the entire watch in the oven. Will mess up the movement tenfold

There should be a list of modders here: https://rwg.cc/forum/179-repairmodification-services I have also had firsthand experiences with both Neckyzips and Misiekped that were excellent, so I would highly recommend them.

Hi Rick, Welcome to RWG! This is easily the best forum for vintage builds, so keep digging through old threads and talking with members and you'll come out on top. I'm not as familiar with Tudor builds, but generally (not always), the higher priced cases (Yuki, Phong, Minh, etc) are closer to genuine spec than the cases that come from the trusted dealers (cartel, pure time, etc). Trustytime is a trusted dealer who sells cartel vintage watches (have to purchase the entire watch). Regarding DW, he is a scammer, pure and simple. A while back he just stopped sending items out period. You may be able to find a DW-based build on the member trade section, but finding just that particular case will be difficult. Good luck with your build mate!

It's definitely gen. There were 2 distinguishable MK3 'variants'. One looks a hair thicker (Nanuq's) and the other is a tiny bit thinner. On the thinner one's I've noticed that the printing is often not centered as nicely which explains why the '20' and '30' go off the inner bezel insert's edge.

quagmire

Excellent job! You sure take some pretty pictures as well

Yup! Every 1665 case that I've purchased has had thicker cg's that need modding: just another thing that needs to be done

Hey Hun, Cases are Phong's forte. However dials, inserts, etc aren't. I would recommend sourcing other parts separately, finding a donor movement from a 1500 Rolex date, and putting everything together from there (or sending it to an RWG approved watch smith to assemble). It will take longer to source everything, but you will be MUCH happier when it's all together as you'll likely have more gen parts, better aftermarket parts (accuracy-wise), and a story behind your franken Good luck!

The dial is actually mine, printed on a genuine plate

Tender Love & Care

No good

As a member of the small wrist club.... I find this extremely offensive

Looks great A! The only thing I would suggest is going over the case/bracelet with a finer grit sandpaper

I like it Dave. Gives it some EDGE Only question is: are you gonna dive with it?