1665 MBW "upgrade" help

[vortx]

Ok. After over 3 years of daily use, my mbw 1665 tube threads has worn off, and I can't screw down the crown:(

So I was wondering if there was tutorials on how to (searched up and down all yesterday):

1: Install a new (gen/aftermarket) tube and crown

2: Drill lugholes, and what springbars to buy

Cheers

[freddy333]

There are many tutorials that you can find via the Search. I would start with Edge's pinned guides posted in the Watch Repair and Upgrades forum.

[Omega]

Without needed "hardware" it is not easy to do. Contact a modder in your country and you can go sure the work will be made correct...

[RWG Technical]

Irrelevant...lack of interest...

[freddy333]

If you are careful, you can drill lug holes with a hand drill, by hand (that is how I do it). And I have done a couple of cases without removing the movement or crystal, but I would not recommend doing that for an important watch since you increase the likelihood of damage.

I would still recommend that you read the pinned guides in the Watch Repair forum.

[RWG Technical]

...

[freddy333]

Weird, Zig. I have done lugs on more than 2 dozen cases with a total of 3 drill bits, a hand drill & 3-in-1 oil. No broken bits or ovaled holes.

Maybe you are wearing the wrong shoes?

[RWG Technical]

Could be the shoes...most likely it's having drilled through my finger once (drilling a sheet metal hole, while holding it together...)I am a bit gun shy when it comes to hand holding and drilling.

This one case was the hardest metal I have ever seen, it could barely be cut with a dremel cut off saw, maybe it was 914 or something, whatever it was, it took a nice shine when all done.

[freddy333]

Hey, Zig, how was your summer? Did you & Ms. Z have enough time to see all the sites?

[RWG Technical]

I guess vortx didn't find our reply's of any value or use since he's not made one reply...

Back to the topic at hand Freddy, we had a great summer, but as always it seems to be too short and not warm enough. So much for global warming...

[freddy333]

I guess vortx didn't find our reply's of any value or use since he's not made one reply...

You may be right about that. Another happy RWG customer.

Back to the topic at hand Freddy, we had a great summer, but as always it seems to be too short and not warm enough. So much for global warming...

Yes, the global warming craze seems to have cooled off a bit.

Did you get in alot of traveling? I seem to remember you guys had quite an interesting road trip last summer.

[RWG Technical]

We didn't do any travelling at all. It was more of a "staycation" where we just took it easy and did some riding in our local area's.

Saving up for another road trip next year...

[vortx]

Sorry for being late on reply (have been reading old posts, shopping for tools and taking care of an ill lady, forgot to check back on my original post)!

I found your tips very helpful. A bit embarrased to "discover" the knowledge base just now. I narrowed all my searches to the "rolex section"...

I have ordered several tools for the job and am determined to learn how to do these things. I also been around the local hardware stores shopping a vice, drill press, tapping tool, cutting fluid.

There is one post I remember reading a long time ago from The Zigmeister. It was about replacing rep tube and crown with gen/aftermarket. But the link is unavailable.

A couple of questions remain:

Is this the correct tap? Tap Individual, Bergeon 30063B2 Size Ø3.00mm ref. T6459 from cousins (http://www.cousinsuk.com/catalog/6/0/1312/2468.aspx)

And where do I source aftermarket crown and tube?

Thanks very much for your help!