jackflash

Unfortunately, the triangle marker at 12 is too stubby/wide on the Yuki meters first dial. It will bug you when you start comparing it to a gen. You may prefer to go for a MQ dial instead. More expensive, but closer to a gen.
http://vintagewatchesmq.com/minhquy/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1093&category_id=146&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

No worries, lots of great info on the forum.

 

Yeap, the retaining ring holds the crystal on the case. The bezel itself clips onto the retaining ring.

 

Here’s a shot of the midcase and then the crystal and retaining ring in place.

41 minutes ago, e30m3 said:

You guys think I should try to return it? Or make it work?

It's not difficult to replace the crystal, you're half way there. If you were intending to the mod the watch you may as well keep it. Trust me on this – the Cartel does need modding to get anywhere close to the original.

1 hour ago, Jack1993 said:

Where did you purchase this? Am I aloud to ask that..

You can pick them up from here:

http://www.pf-818.com/watches/rolex/submariner/vintages/0-0-0-0rlsv01006-vintage-5513-no-date-submariner-asia-eta-2836.html?___SID=U

Personally I’d go for an Ofrei PA 462 66 crystal. It’s a very similar look to a T19 service crystal. Don’t go for a Clark T19, there’s too much rehaut distortion. You can read about my v.2 build in the link below which may help.

https://rwg.cc/topic/181702-modded-cartel-5513-v2/

5517 today

5517 today

5513 today


Together with DRSD 1665

WIP today

Actually, I‘m in two minds about putting the DRSD 1665 up for sale. It’s the Ofrei PA462-67A on the watch now.

Do you think I could get a wrong size "Air King" dial? (Just a little bit...)

Drop them an email. Ask what they have available.

Actually the Clark T39 is better than their T19, different curvature so less unwanted distortion. I’ve only used the Ofrei service style T39, I prefer the look on my 1665.

There’s a lot of rehaut distortion with the Clark T19 crystal. Here’s a side by side of the same watch - Clark vs CWP.

 

Cheaper is the Ofrei PA 462 66. It has a lower profile but is very close to a T19 service crystal.

 

 

 

 

Maybe you could ask him for an unlumed one with white paint base coat?

Did that too. Paradoxically it’s more expensive than the lumed version as it’s considered to be a custom job, almost twice the price.

DRSD 1665 today

DRSD 1665

5513 today

The crown on that dial...... is it supposed to have an uneven spike on the crown?

Here’s a 1970 gen for comparison, also has the uneven spike:


Btw. Had a chat with MK from HR and pointed out the current lume deficits. Hopefully the next batch will be improved. Don’t hold your breath though!

Modded HR dial cased-up:

5513 today

After more research, I see that people saying HR? 

Yeap, very good dial print. Lume is all wrong though. However with a bit of work you can get acceptable results.

Modded:

As delivered:

 

You will need to email and request the 5513 dial. It’s not listed on their website.

 

 

Excellent job as always!

1665 today

5517 today

 

You covered it very well. Helenarou, Yuki and JK Horological (pretty much identical to Clark, but much cheaper) offer sets too.

 

Sometimes it pays to mix and match. Hands can also vary from batch to batch.

 

Here was a comparison, some broken links to images unfortunately:

https://rwg.cc/topic/179042-ultimate-rolex-mercedes-hands-comparison/

 

Here's my 5513 with a Clark handset and Helenarou dial.