dbane883

I've cut bevels by hand before (most notably on my 6538 phong case). 100% accuracy is not necessarily required on a 50+ year old case because the cases need to be slightly weathered. But using a Dremel will result in the angle of the bevel varying slightly and the edges being slightly rounded. To the naked eye at arm length, it can be perfectly fine. But my goal for the past year was to be able to maintain the same exact angle throughout the bevel run from lug tip to lug tip. This cannot be achieved if either the cutting tool or the case is hand held. I use about 6 different abrasives discs and can maintain the angle exactly the same through each of the disc changes. It's a tedious process but worth the effort. In a similar fashion, the case sides and bezels can also be shaped and polished.... Either with a mirror or satin finish. I have seen some of ABC's work and it is impressive for the most part. I've seen some questionable examples too.. I have no idea how they cut their bevels/chamfers, but my guess is that they hand hold the cases ala old-school. Would be curious to see what lapping machine they use. At any rate, there's always room for improvement in our collective pursuit of perfection.

For sure the bevels cut. 30+ years were not this sharp. The cases were held against a lapping wheel free hand, and then buffed on a polisher; which would result in slightly rounded edges. The bevels I cut here have not been touched on a buffing wheel and came straight off the lapping machine/bevel cutter. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you've ever reshaped a mid case, one of the toughest mods to do properly is being able to cut bevels that have crisp/sharp edges. Here's an example of stock Yuki 5513 case lugs. Note how the edges are slightly rounded and the satin finishing on the top of the lugs have bled over to the bevel itself. Not cool: After spending some time on my lapping machine, here's what (I think) bevels on a 5513 should look like. Lugs have been slightly thinned, repolished, satinized, and bevels cut last:

The dial I need is a matte MKI long E. I believe the set on TRF is a modernish glossy dial.

Can anyone in NYC recommend a decent watchsmith for a vintage DJ service?

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I scrunch.

He has about 4 of these sets. Plus he's getting old.

Curious, were the gen 6200 plates etched/carved to hold the lume on the 5 minute markers like the gilt explorer dials?

Giddyup!! I know it's hit and miss with Phong cases, but with those bevels, it looks like you got a winner. Man, that insert!!

Uh, it's the easiest tool to use. It's just a wrench. Place watch head in holder (picture the holder being clamped to a workbench: Place appropriate wrench on caseback: Turn , counterclockwise to remove (duh): Voila: Reverse steps to install caseback.

Dropped by my watchsmith's shop today. He had a spare vintage case opener set that was gathering dust. It has found a new home in my basement. While the Bergeon No.5 openers are acceptable, nothing fits a genuine Rolex caseback like a genuine opener. The teeth just grab better.; Not to mention the fact that these look so much cooler.

HBO

Vampires

You'll need to drill the case with a 3.6mm bit then tap with an M4x0.35mm pitch tap to correctly fit the Athaya tube.

very nice... Yuki dial, yuki 7206? Cartel case? gen service dome?

Thanks. I usually take pics of my watches at red lights on the way to work. Find lighting is best around 8-9am in the shade. Anyhow you have the best long 5 insert I have ever seen.

Ralph

Detective

Boston

Town

Goose

Weave