daveb33

So. Took the movement to a watch maker - 10 mins from my home. Turned out to be a really cool guy. I had taken along the parts needed for the franken datejust project and showed him just what the movement was for. He was cool about it, kinda seemed a little impressed that I managed to source everything needed to do the project. Long story short, I left everything with him and he is going to take a look and get back to me with the cost of fixing the movement and maybe the cost of the whole project assembly if he fancies it. Got a few of the old mechanic head shakes, deep breaths and talk about how much work is involved for him but he will be getting back to me soon. I'll keep you all posted on what happens next! Thanks again, Dave

Thank you all so, so much for the helpful information guys! So, after reading the first link posted on here, watching the vid and reading this post http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/132392-eta-keyless-tutorial/?p=987221&hl=sneed12&fromsearch=1#entry987221 I felt confident attempting the fix myself. Got as far as taking off the rotor and thought to myself, 'Right, this is it, you have committed' - Went on to unscrew the next step but my screw drivers are very cheap and I could not get a good purchase on the screw to loosen it - I then thoughy, nah, I dont wanna mess anything else up. Flipped the movement over and decided to try and take the datewheel off - same thing happend. I think in this instance, I will take it to the watch maker to see what the cost will be - esp as I want the h4 set up to allow more clearance over the stick markers. But, what I 100% know will do is buy a cheaper movement and have a tinker around - I really do fancy attempting this and see a new obsession forming. Time for me to look into some better tools. Thanks again Dave

I actually love tinkering with things - I have contacted a watchmaker and he is happy to do it for me, but once I am finished with my last client (im a tattoo artist) I will do some reading up to see if I feel confident. I get lots more satisfaction doing things myself but I like to think that I am aware of my limits. Thank you for all the help everyone, I will keep you posted on how I get on. Thank you, Dave

Cheers guys, Ill do some searching but i thin this is a job for a pro = I cant face messing it up further!

So, My brand new eta 2824-2 came in the post today. Eager to start my franken datejust build I got to work. Installed the crown onto the stem and checked the postions to try and turn the date wheel to align the overlay.... The stem came out as I must have used too much force. I pushed the stem back in, now it wont hack, nor does it click into either date or time setting position. Any ideas what I have done? I know it hasnt done it any good I can see that for myself! The one thing I can describe is that there is a little cog the stem connects too that turns the one above it is all lose inside like something has broken off, come apart - does this terrible description make the slightest bit of sense? God I feel sick...and stupid...and gutted. Cheers Dave

Yeah. I know I know that. Think I just needed to hear someone else say. If its worth doing, its worth doing right

Ok. So getting the parts together for this project has taken me considerable longer than I first thought. I am nearly there. So far I have Gen 16234 Complete case with sapphire crystal and white gold fluted bezel Gen 6mm crown with smaller 5.3mm inside, aftermarket with gen tube Genuine clasp Aftermarket jubilee Gen 555 end links Silver eta hands (tudor) Datewheel overlay from a previous rep dj Raffles time number 2 brass ring/spacer ets case clamps Brand new, gen eta 2824-2 oem datejust 1.8mm spring bars Upon searching and advice already given to me, I am told that I will need to swap out the h2 set up to the h4 to allow clearance over the stick markers. I have found a local watch maker who is willing to do the work for 50 pounds ($80) My question is, Is this change 100% neccesary or can I complete the project with the h2 set up by puuting a little bend in the hands? Has anyone got any experience in doing so? In all honesty, its not the money that i am looking to save, I have a wedding coming up this weekend and really wanted to have the watch ready by then - Ive waited long enough that im sure another week wont kill me, but you all know how crazy waiting for these projects to come together can be! Cheers Dave

Just had a message back saying serial is vms3359. Doesn't sound remotely familiar with me. I hope the auction doesn't get cancelled - if I could win I will be able to find the guys address if he was stupid enough to use a real one when he joined to eBay - maybe not but could be the case. If he was within a hundred miles of me I would pay him a visit. Had enough of scammers and fancy serving some justice.

I messaged the seller and asked if the watch was genuine Rolex. This was the reply... Hello yes this watch is 100% genuine and has all original parts, it also comes with paperwork but not original box. I would consider buy it now if the price is right as its also on sale in my shop. Hopefully we can agree a price, thanks. - thomasrobinson_100 Ive asked for a picture of the paperwork so that I can identify the age of the watch... Lets see what happens

Bargain Going here! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oyster-Perpetual-Datejust-/131288123877?pt=UK_Jewelery_Watches_Watches_MensWatches_GL&hash=item1e9161c9e5 I cant believe its hit 51 pounds already - I'd love to see this run until the end to find out how much it could go for Or This one??? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rolex-16013-16233-Datejust-Men-watch-Band-Buckle-parts-only-Bid-1-NR-free-shp-/261585190336?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ce7b13dc0 There was me thinking that people had half a clue about fakes! I wont report just yet as it has a couple of days left, wanna share with you guys first! Dave

Great advice, thankyou. The case is genuine with visible lug holes so I will purchase some 1.8 OEM steel bars. Much appreciated, Dave

Hi there everyone, I am after some nice sturdy spring bars for a datejust 16234 case and jubilee bracelet. Am I correct in thinking that I need to order some 1.8mm bars? If so, would these be a good shout? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-20mm-Watch-Strap-Spring-Bars-1-8mm-Dia-Ex-Strong-/400078824938?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_WatchAccessories_SpareParts_SM&hash=item5d268e65ea I have been looking at the 2mm ones also but I am not sure if they will fit I am aware that they need to be 20mm but would like to get the thickest/strongest possible. Thank you for any help, Dave B

Thank you Tomhorn, I really appreciate you taking the time out to help. I will find a crown a get to work with some progress pics.

Hey people. So, after my package being held in customs, I finally have my hands on my gen 16234 case with white gold fluted bezel and sapphire crystal for my franken datejust project. However, this case came with a tube but no crown. I already had a gen 6mm tube and crown and thought that the crown would simply fit the tube on the new case - nope, the crown I have is bigger. Upon further searches, I have found some information saying that when the datejust changed to sapphire crystals, the tube was 5.3mm with a 6mm crown? Anyone familiar with this? If this is the case, could i not just get a gen 5.3mm crown to fit the tube currently installed? Any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks, Dave

Sorry guys, how do i get positive feedback to be able to make a purchase with TC? I need to build my feedback up to 100% How do I go about this? Cheers, Dave

Thanks Tomhorn, Ill contact TC... Thank you Dave

Good Morning Guys and Girls. Could anyone please share their thoughts about this movement with me in the link provided? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Automatic-GP-Movement-Compatible-With-ETA-2824-2-/261498827369?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ce28b7269 Would this be a good option for my project? All input appreciated, thank you, Dave

Mate, I see you have really good standing in these forums and I take your advice with greatful thanks. I appreciate it. Do you have a white overlay that I could purchase? Any places you could reccomend to me in the uk to purchase said movement? Thanks again Dave

Cheers for that chaps. Mymanmatt, why just a 2824-2 not a 2836? Is that right, that you could supply me with a decent date overlay? In white? I'd be interested in buying one, cheers

Hey People, I am currently waiting on my Datejust Franken project to arrive so I can get started on putting it together. By the looks of the tracking, I should be recieving my case this coming wednesday Here is the link of what I have purchased... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271549956346?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Dial-/251584645055?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=ydLUAOPnXrafdOOmdLt%252FGc0L74k%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rolex-16200-Dial-And-Hands-for-Repair-repaint-/221494210735?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=ydLUAOPnXrafdOOmdLt%252FGc0L74k%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc I took 2 of the stick markers from the old dial and fitted them to the white one and it looks brand new - the ebay pics make it appear marked but there is not a single scratch on the whole dial - it is spotless. I have a steel engine turned bezed and gen 6mm crown for this from another project. So, I have the 16234 case with serial (date is for 1990s I believe) , a white gold fluted bezel, 16200 case back, Sapphire Crystal and gen dial, gen 6mm tube and crown - now I need some more parts! What I am thinking of getting is this from silix http://silix-prime.co/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=115_158_218&products_id=2154 to obtain the eta clone with the datewheel attached. Does this seem like a good idea? I will also be buying a #2 moventment ring in brass to add to the weight and some aftermarket tudor eta hands (they should fit onto an asian eta clone?) Or, Would it be better me (being in the uk) the just order an eta 2824 or 2836-2 from cousins uk? both around £145 each and finding a white datewheel overlay seperately? Any input is very welcome, thank you for taking the time to read this, I am new to the site and look forward to sharing my project Cheers all, Dave

Its amazing how the newer model looks so much bigger with such small changes! Love them both though, real nice Cheers Dave

This has come in so handy! Perfect, thank you so much Dave

What a useful post! Cheers all Dave

Thanks for the welcome guys. Yeah, Im sure that just one wont cut it, but, its not a bad place to start! Ive just checked the tracking and my case is just waiting to clear uk customs, cant wait to start tinkering! Right, off to find myself a nice eta movement.... Cheers all Dave

Hey guys and girls. Dave B here, been a lurker for a couple of years now, thought that it was time to say hi! Love watches and unfortunately I currently dont own any nice timepieces at the moment as I have a habit of selling them to pay for other things in life -my first watch was a Breitling Colt that I sold to get my sleeve tattoo finished (wish I never), Then I had a Breitling Superocean Steel Fish that I sold to get some money towards my wifes engagement ring and then I had a Rolex Datejust in stainless steel that i sold to get funds to put towards a wedding! Anyways, I have a small window before my wife wants to have children that I can get myself a watch before they come along, saying that, I have just purchased a 16234 datejust case complete with sapphire crystal, white gold fluted bezel and I have a white stick/track dial to go with it. Im gonna make a franken for 3 main reasons to ensure that I keep it 1 - the time and effort put into it would not allow me to part with it 2 - the fact that it is franken will mean that I cant just take it to a pawnbrokers/online auction site and sell for anywhere near as much as an original 3 - Its about time I had a nice watch as I have just turned 31! Anyways, just saying hi to everyone so I dont just jump into peoples threads without people having the slightest clue who I am! Any questions, I will happily answer, Right Im off to search the Franken Datejust threads! Thanks all, Dave