Rolexman

@Rolexman

Im still waiting for my insert to arrive from WM. You got any macro pic of the pearl & how long took them post the item?

The insert was shipped the day after payment and took 5 days to arrive.

Here you go:

The first bezel I received from WM was bend during shippment (click here) So I wasn't able do descently fit it on to my SSD. Today the replacement insert arrived and guess what? I was able to click it into place. No glue, grinding etc. needed. I've read Gioarmani's post on how to fit this insert on your SSD and he had to grind and glue it in to place. That's why I think the new thicker bezel maybe 1:1. I'm no expert so don't flame me if I'm wrong LOL...

I do however noticed that the insert sits a tad too low. This way the crystal really pops out. Is it very noticeable? What do you guys think?

Easiest way to reomve the pearl from the insert without destroying it is to simply push it out from the back.

I've gotten the larger pearl to fit a number of differing manufacturers inserts (already installed on the watch) by simply putting the small, sharp end of a knife or box-cutter's razor, point down into the insert's hole & twisting the blade in circular motions to widen the hole. Works every time.

Just ruined my insert using that technique. It makes a cone shaped hole which looks terrible.

-Edited-

Just push it from the inside with a toothpic. It will came out easily. Then enlarge the hole with a small file.

So you've removed the entire bezel assembly? I was thinking of removing the pearl (e.g. with a razor) and then the insert by lifting it with a small screwdriver which I put in the whole left by the pearl.

Nice review. I like the black dial as well! This watch is one of my favorites. You could always oil the bracelet (lay it in some silicone oil over night and remove the abundant oil with a clean cloth. Do not use water and soap). This way it will feel less 'flimsy' as you call it. IMO the bracelet feels pretty much spot on with the gen. I held them both.

PS: If you grease all the seals it's also waterproof. Already swam with it... no problems. Great watch!

You could try gently bending it back, but first of all I would send those pictures to the dealer and notify him of the problem. Then if you cannot bend the insert back, at least then he can't argue that it was your mishandling that caused the problem. For something as fragile as that, the dealer really should be aware that ample packaging is required!

Thanks, I just e-mailed the pics to WM. See what they say.

I used the WM/Florida pearl on the SSD rep insert. You need to enlarge the hole and then put it on!

At least, you can save the pearl...

Good tip. How did you go about? What's the best way to remove the original pearl (without damaging the insert) and how did you enlarge the hole?

I think it got bend during shippment. It wasn't well protected, just a thin paper envelope.

Can it still be used or is it FUBAR?

Did you polish the HEV on your gen 16600?... I always thought it was made out of titanium? Looks like SS.

PS: I kinda dig the black leather....

The rep strap looks pretty nice appart from all the dust. IMO it's difficult to spot a rep DP from more than 3 feet...

Will not be 1 : 1 ... movt restriction...

Great news Josh, But isn't it a typical 7753 lay-out a la navitimer?

Do you want the 315-16660, or does the submariner insert- 315-16800-1 work? You might try Raymond Lee, they're in Florida also. What about leaving the insert in and putting a www.watchmaterial.com pearl in there like bklm1234 does? You have to enlarge the hole slightly, but it is a better pearl.

Thanks for the tip Alligoat! I'm kinda a noob when it comes to Rolex (dispite my my name LOL). I don't know anything about insert sizes. I only read Gioarmani's tutorial on modding a Sub/ SD so I got all my info from him. Does the 315-16660 and 315-16800-1 also fit the SSD?

Dear all,

I want to buy a nice after market insert for my SSD and am under the impression the ones from 'Florida watch and jewelers supply' are the best regarding to the pearl. Problem is they don't ship to The Netherlands and don't answer my mails. I stated to them that I'm willing to take all the risks and shipping costs (regular airmail and a padded envelope will do). I inquired about the insert and possible shipping to The Netherlands two times but they just don't reply.

Is there anybody who can help me get a nice insert and pearl for my SSD (315-16660-1-I) ?

Thanks a lot!

Mark

Take a look at my polishing tips (c signature for link)

Maybe he send you an insert of a cheap Asian PO which has a different (read: more inaccurate) bezel diameter.

He's selling an ETA 2892 CLONE for $219... yeah right.

Great pics Lanikai. That aligator keeps amazing me. I do have to get one in the near future LOL.

But after some drooling around in different jeweler stores I noticed most models have NO AR.. none. Also some have the flat feet and some have the clowns feet. The logo is also positioned a tad too high above the Omega writing. No biggie IMO. It seems there are some differences among the genuine model.

Maybe nice to know. After greasing all the seals (pushers also) and thightening the case back this baby is ready to swim. Already dove to 10 feet. No problems waht so ever .

Simple test. Remove the movement. Grease the seals. Screw the case back and crown back on (without the movement). Let it lie in your bathtub for a couple of hours. Take it out and lay it crystal up on your radiator. If the crystal doesn't fog up it's WP. But the watch back together and you can swim with it. Done it with ALL my reps and it didn't ever fail!

No problem with my BCE. Pool and shower (I also greased all the seals). SuperB construction.

Nice watch! But what's up with the gap at the clasp?

Great review mate. That decorated 2824 and spacer look sweet. A gen rotor and you're all set .

here you go rolexman .... the genuine buckles should be here this week .. but IMO the alligator really dresses it up.. would look better with cuffs though

the vintage dial.. red and blue... i think I'll be getting a black one for it..

Thanks for sharing Lanikai. Looks damn sweet. Maybe I'll go for the same combo in the future.

Rolexman,

Thank you for your excellent post and for sharing your knowledge!! With these guideline, it will definately get the job done.

I will do it, and then will bring it to my local watch smith, to test waterproofing. Before, it could take nearly 5 bar. Hopefully now a couple of bar more.

When it is done, i will post it on this forum.

Thanks again Rolexman, You rock!!!

Jouke

You're welcome.

Looks very well finshed. Great Pics!

Thanks

Can't the pics!?!

What happened?

Try again. I resized them.

Wow,.. incredible pictorial and review.. I just put that model on a HK Tan gator...

thanks RM for the time....

Live Strong and Wear it Well

Pics please

Very tempted by this model. You haven't made it any easier Rolexman!

I say gor for it, you won't regret it!

Thank you for your review.

You're welcome.

Great review and pictorial Rolexman!

Thanks. I know you like my reviews so I put in an extra effort .

Indeed.. they are tiny as a mother. Ok here goes. I hope this makes sence.

With my left hand (I'm right handed) I push the case with the chrono pusher I want to remove on the table. So the table will push in the pusher. Now you will see the c-clip. Then I take a small flat screw driver and hold it (at the base of the tip) against the left opening of the c-clip with the point finger of my left hand. This way the c-clip can't turn or move when you try to remove it. Then I will use another flat tip screw driver in my right hand to push against the right opening of the c-clip and so removing it. It usually just falls in the case or jumps against the crystal. Not a great technique but it works for me... you also need a lot of patience and determination to get them out. Just take your time.

Good luck.

PS: Replacing is the easy part. Just take a tweezer. Position the clip on the shaft and push on the dead center point (the center of the round clip) with a flat tip screw driver. Make sure you push straight or else it will rocket off and you will never find it again LOL.