Vintagerc10

I bought this case on ebay, the seller said it was in very nice condition. It wasn't. Someone mangled the inside channel where the movement screws fit, and you could not install the movement (see first picture). Fortunately, I have fixed this sufficiently. Problem now, is one of the lugs is bent, probably from a drop at some point, and I am forced to use a leather band. Picture two shows the completed watch. The lower left lug is bent in by at least 1mm but you can not see this in the photo very well. Is there anyone with experience that can offer advice on the best way to straighten lugs on a rolex case? I have my pliers ready, but.... Lol. Thank you!

I agree with both statements. I would like to remove the step in order to lower the wall. It certainly would, but first I have to measure the inside diameter of the wall compared to the outside, I don't want things getting too thin. I was hoping to find a crystal that slips over (I have quite a few). I'm not sure what kind of bezel I would like to use yet but, I need for a retaining ring for a sub bezel right? I had to work today, so no new progress, but I appreciate the ideas and will think about them. Thanks!

...and then I finished the rest of the case, and started to smooth out one side with a finer file and a little work on the lugs. So far so good. I also took the lip off of mine as I would like to use a crystal that slips over the rehault (?) Anybody have any thoughts or suggestions. I would appreciate any input. Thanks!

My hands hurt but here is where I got tonight.... First I did half the case and took pictures.

Hi, Sorry about that. Yes if I was planning on the milgauss I would have to remove the crown guards but the steps I am referring to are the machining that is around where the bezel would sit. It is not flat like an original case. Filing this down would make the case and lugs thinner like the original vintage case which is what I am trying to achieve. I am wondering if CAREFULLY filing the case down seems possible. I have no real experience with stainless steel, only aluminum... Anyways, I have tons of original parts like bezels and crystals (just won about 70 on eBay), and a few mens datejust cases, but I just can't afford to make a replica of a vintage GMT out of an original case, and anything Milgauss is just way too pricey... PLUS the fun is trying to make something, right? Wish me luck, I think I am going to need it

Hi all, I'm a new member here and this is only my second post but after reading some member posts, I decided to take the plunge. I already whipped up a quick DJ but I thought I would really put my skills to the test. Ok so tell me if this looks impossible. I bought this cheap replica sub at a yard sale a few weeks ago. I took it apart and I know this sounds crazy but I would like to FILE the case down in order to remove the "steps" in the case to make it flat like a real case. I hope to be able to either use this case for a sub/gmt or preferably and with a bit more work, a vintage milgauss replica... Any thoughts? Thanks!

Hey all! I wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I've been perusing the site for some time now, totally digging Franken-just builds and all the info some of the members have supplied. Thanks to all who contribute, you have given me a world of info in a short amount of time. I've already taken the plunge and purchased a few items on eBay like gen cases and dials at super cheap prices cause I am in no rush and love getting sweet deals. I've also picked up the necessities like movement clamps, rings, hands, and of course some tools. So today I was out yard saling and I hit the mother load! I picked up three Swiss 25 jewel movements all in nice working condition and then, the very next yard sale, I snagged two Rolex sub replicas. One was quartz but the other had 22 jewels. Not the best copies but I was so excited to find some replics. After I came home I decided today would be the day I introduce myself and share my lucky finds, they are out there! I do not profess to know much about watches, I am a total noob, but I will definitely post some future build pics and I hope to be able to contribute to the forum and pass along where I found some great posts that will help future members, so they can get inspired and enjoy their projects as much as I am right now! Thanks for letting me ramble and its nice to be aboard. Enjoy the photos!