Jack1024 Posted February 9, 2011 Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 Hi Everybody! Like a few others, I received my TW Sub yesterday from BK. I'd like to offer my thoughts and pictures for your consideration. First of all the subject... the Rolex 16610 Submariner, lovingly hand assembled and modded by BK. BK sourced this item after the demise of WM9, I suspect with a lot of prodding and poking around the rep industry. In an email with me he says he found this watch by "asking every supplier/wholesaler" he knew. He went on to say that the "thing is the wholesalers are connected to one another. You just have to tell them what you want and get them to believe in you whatever you get will sell." Seems like a whole lot of work and time, and BK is to be commended for his efforts to bring a watch like this to the rep community. At first glance, the first thing I am struck with is just the sheer attention to detail. I have a hard time believing that the WM9 watch was really any better than this one. Sure a few details are different or incorrect from the gen, but this is essentially identical to a $6K genuine watch! BK agrees and says "wm9 is not any better if the watch has the wm9 dial and hands." The dial print is simply amazing. I actually wonder if the cost for BK to produce this watch isn't actually higher than what it takes Rolex to produce one, just that we don't have the watch equivalent of DeBeers in the middle. The finish is impeccable... and totally gen in quality. BK seems especially proud of the crystal saying, "It's the best rep crystal I have seen. It looks practically identical to get in terms of the top edge rounding. Also the cyclop mag. Pretty damn dead on I'd say." I personally have not seen one finer on any sub rep. Even the lovely Clark's isn't as good. The mag is truly spot-on and very well highlights BK's own custom date overlay. The often debated rehaut on this watch is absolutely identical to the gen watch. Even the print is perfect, looking essentially identical, and lining up exactly with 'R's on the left and 'X's on the right hitting the 5 minute marks exactly. BK massages the crown guards on this one. I have to tell you I think they look great. The crown is pretty wonderful too, and I wonder what all the fuss is about the position of it. It just seems perfect. I couldn't see how it can get any higher in the watch. The bracelet, while not technically accurate as it doesn't have hollow links is perfectly brushed and adds a great deal to the overall feel and weight of the watch. Possibly it adds a bit too much as this piece is kind of weighty for a 40mm watch. Nobody is going to say this one 'just doesn't feel heavy enough to be real.' The oft maligned SELs fit perfectly here. I tried another bracelet with hollow links, but the fit just was too disappointing to leave it on. Removing the braclet exposes exactly what you would expect to see for markings and construction. Like everything else with this one, it seems spot on. The clasp is amazingly accurate. See along the bottom of the coronet where it isn't stamped as deeply? Well I have not seen that detail on ANY other Rolex rep, it exists in the gen, and here only on BK's sub. I'm not really a fan of the pearl, although BK's epoxy helps a lot. It looks better in person than this lousy photo, but I still think watchmaterial is in my future, with their sapphire lensed dot. The rest of the bezel is spot on, and the numbers and markings are accurate and beautiful, as is it's position in the ring. Speaking of bezel, this one is constructed like the gen, complete with the click wire and ring. It also turns exactly like the gen, although BK says "I'm most frustrated with the bezel assembly. Like wm9, I still have to spend a lot of time tuning the fit of the bezel assembly e.g. adjust the click wire, clean up debris on the bezel click gears and mill the inner part of the back of the insert. Man, you guys just don't know how hard and how much work goes into properly assembling this (and also wm9) watch." Image credit to BK. I certainly appreciate his efforts, as this thing (after 100 turns or so) feels solid and tight, exactly like the gen LV sub I owned previously. The best thing about buying a rep from BK is the simple fact that they are flawlessly assembled. His attention to detail is superb and this watch is no exception. With every rep purchase, I end up tweaking, tuning and essentially rebuilding until I am happy enough with it to wear. Not this one, it keeps essentially perfect time out of the box, has no apparent defects. It simply just works, although I did have to remove this ugly sticker... I'd like to give a special thanks to BK for some of the quotes in this review and wish him the best of luck in his new offering. Thanks for reading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwatch Posted February 9, 2011 Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 Beauty! So is this one with the upgraded WM9 superlumed dial, or is that the stock TW dial? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrboombasteke Posted February 9, 2011 Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 Beauty! So is this one with the upgraded WM9 superlumed dial, or is that the stock TW dial? I'm curious about this too. Title says WM9 dial, so I'm guessing it's the prior. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack1024 Posted February 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 Yes.... this is the WM9 dial. Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klocklind1 Posted February 9, 2011 Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 BK is a GREAT man to buy the best subs from I bought both the WM9 LV and the V3 sub and could not be more happy with them Regarding the crystal it SURE looks better than even the Clark crystal Wear it well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
82KUBA Posted July 11, 2011 Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 Hey Jack, I just purchased this same watch off the RG memeber you sold it to ... I Cant wait to wear it ... Quick question: Would I be Able to swim in it ?? Pool/Beach no crazy depths .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted July 11, 2011 Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 BK never fails to amaze me. He just keeps turning out great subs. I remember the early noobs which he modded to a high level. That was 4-5 years ago. Then the WM9 came along and now we're onto the TW Best. The only thing I'd do to this present model is install a gen insert. Granted these watches aren't cheap, but the level of quality is superb. And 82KUBA, given the fact that they copy the gen construction so well, I'd figure they're WR for swimming, etc. But it's always a good idea to get it tested first by a watchmaker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
82KUBA Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Thanks alligoat ! ... It has a WM bezel and a clarks bezel spring. The seller said jack made those mods for he's sold him the piece ... But a gen insert would be amazing .. Would the gen insert fit on this watch ? And where would I find it ? This Is why I never got into rollies Way Too Much Reading ! Lol I got the bug now ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eiderdaus Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Hi Everybody! Like a few others, I received my TW Sub yesterday from BK. I'd like to offer my thoughts and pictures for your consideration. First of all the subject... the Rolex 16610 Submariner, lovingly hand assembled and modded by BK. BK sourced this item after the demise of WM9, I suspect with a lot of prodding and poking around the rep industry. In an email with me he says he found this watch by "asking every supplier/wholesaler" he knew. He went on to say that the "thing is the wholesalers are connected to one another. You just have to tell them what you want and get them to believe in you whatever you get will sell." Seems like a whole lot of work and time, and BK is to be commended for his efforts to bring a watch like this to the rep community. At first glance, the first thing I am struck with is just the sheer attention to detail. I have a hard time believing that the WM9 watch was really any better than this one. Sure a few details are different or incorrect from the gen, but this is essentially identical to a $6K genuine watch! BK agrees and says "wm9 is not any better if the watch has the wm9 dial and hands." The dial print is simply amazing. I actually wonder if the cost for BK to produce this watch isn't actually higher than what it takes Rolex to produce one, just that we don't have the watch equivalent of DeBeers in the middle. The finish is impeccable... and totally gen in quality. BK seems especially proud of the crystal saying, "It's the best rep crystal I have seen. It looks practically identical to get in terms of the top edge rounding. Also the cyclop mag. Pretty damn dead on I'd say." I personally have not seen one finer on any sub rep. Even the lovely Clark's isn't as good. The mag is truly spot-on and very well highlights BK's own custom date overlay. The often debated rehaut on this watch is absolutely identical to the gen watch. Even the print is perfect, looking essentially identical, and lining up exactly with 'R's on the left and 'X's on the right hitting the 5 minute marks exactly. BK massages the crown guards on this one. I have to tell you I think they look great. The crown is pretty wonderful too, and I wonder what all the fuss is about the position of it. It just seems perfect. I couldn't see how it can get any higher in the watch. The bracelet, while not technically accurate as it doesn't have hollow links is perfectly brushed and adds a great deal to the overall feel and weight of the watch. Possibly it adds a bit too much as this piece is kind of weighty for a 40mm watch. Nobody is going to say this one 'just doesn't feel heavy enough to be real.' The oft maligned SELs fit perfectly here. I tried another bracelet with hollow links, but the fit just was too disappointing to leave it on. Removing the braclet exposes exactly what you would expect to see for markings and construction. Like everything else with this one, it seems spot on. The clasp is amazingly accurate. See along the bottom of the coronet where it isn't stamped as deeply? Well I have not seen that detail on ANY other Rolex rep, it exists in the gen, and here only on BK's sub. I'm not really a fan of the pearl, although BK's epoxy helps a lot. It looks better in person than this lousy photo, but I still think watchmaterial is in my future, with their sapphire lensed dot. The rest of the bezel is spot on, and the numbers and markings are accurate and beautiful, as is it's position in the ring. Speaking of bezel, this one is constructed like the gen, complete with the click wire and ring. It also turns exactly like the gen, although BK says "I'm most frustrated with the bezel assembly. Like wm9, I still have to spend a lot of time tuning the fit of the bezel assembly e.g. adjust the click wire, clean up debris on the bezel click gears and mill the inner part of the back of the insert. Man, you guys just don't know how hard and how much work goes into properly assembling this (and also wm9) watch." Image credit to BK. I certainly appreciate his efforts, as this thing (after 100 turns or so) feels solid and tight, exactly like the gen LV sub I owned previously. The best thing about buying a rep from BK is the simple fact that they are flawlessly assembled. His attention to detail is superb and this watch is no exception. With every rep purchase, I end up tweaking, tuning and essentially rebuilding until I am happy enough with it to wear. Not this one, it keeps essentially perfect time out of the box, has no apparent defects. It simply just works, although I did have to remove this ugly sticker... I'd like to give a special thanks to BK for some of the quotes in this review and wish him the best of luck in his new offering. Thanks for reading! Nice pictures and I understand that you are proud and happy but do you own a gen to compare ? When I read this is like, this is like gen, and it feels like gen and that is like gen.....the rehaut is far away from gen and the "effect" is only on tw best and supremes and it´s absolutely wrong. the engraving might be alligned but it´s fuzzy when you look from some certain angles. the engraving between the lugs 16610 is incorrect because it must be a T16610 case as this has no lug holes....ok, who will notice with a bracelet but it´s not coreect as per gen some more other anal stuff....but yes, bk is a master in his work but he can only be as good as the material that he works with. the tw best is maybe the best rep case (i say case) to build a very accurate rep of the 16610 (maybe better than a wm9 and maybe better in some areas as the sean case) but I don´t see the comparism that a bezel turns like a gen....when the bezel size at all differs from the gen ;-) but thumbs up for a great rep and a nice catch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 But a gen insert would be amazing .. Would the gen insert fit on this watch ? And where would I find it ? This Is why I never got into rollies Way Too Much Reading ! Lol I got the bug now ! You can find gen inserts on ebay sometimes- you have to know what you're looking for and expect to pay between $75 and $100 or more. Also, Vintage Rolex Market and the Rolex Market at the Rolex Forum are good places to look. Yes, it'll fit, but it might need to be modded slightly or glued in. @ Eiderdaus, please don't copy people's original post, especially when it has alot of pictures. We can all read the original post, it eats up bandwidth which the forum pays for and it's not necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
preacher62 Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 (edited) You can find gen inserts on ebay sometimes- you have to know what you're looking for and expect to pay between $75 and $100 or more. Also, Vintage Rolex Market and the Rolex Market at the Rolex Forum are good places to look. Yes, it'll fit, but it might need to be modded slightly or glued in. @ Eiderdaus, please don't copy people's original post, especially when it has alot of pictures. We can all read the original post, it eats up bandwidth which the forum pays for and it's not necessary. +1 Ali. Also, I never understand posters giving a hypercritique when the OP is obviously very proud of their purchase and did not ask for a critique. If an OP says, "tell me what you think..." then, by all means, tell him, otherwise, let him be proud. That's what this forum is about...purchasing, modding, building, frankening, or otherwise procuring a watch that satisfies you and makes you happy, even is another person would want more. @1024...Great review on a great watch! Great pics! Edited July 12, 2011 by preacher62 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
82KUBA Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 +1 Ali. Also, I never understand posters giving a hypercritique when the OP is obviously very proud of their purchase and did not ask for a critique. If an OP says, "tell me what you think..." then, by all means, tell him, otherwise, let him be proud. That's what this forum is about...purchasing, modding, building, frankening, or otherwise procuring a watch that satisfies you and makes you happy, even is another person would want more. @1024...Great review on a great watch! Great pics! Preach on ! lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eiderdaus Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 +1 Ali. Also, I never understand posters giving a hypercritique when the OP is obviously very proud of their purchase and did not ask for a critique. If an OP says, "tell me what you think..." then, by all means, tell him, otherwise, let him be proud. That's what this forum is about...purchasing, modding, building, frankening, or otherwise procuring a watch that satisfies you and makes you happy, even is another person would want more. @1024...Great review on a great watch! Great pics! if asked or not, if you post it you ask for it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
82KUBA Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Every rep has its flaws .. If not they would be gens ... Honestly to me it's all about the feel ... I had a cheap GMTIIc that felt 10x better and received more compliments on than any of my higher end reps .. What the reviewer meant is that if someone were to pick up that watch that didn't know any better they would be like Oh $*** this watch is no joke .... I have yet be have someone walk up to me and say Hey ur watch is Fake ! And then whip out the exact same Gen Version of the watch and challenge me to a Watch Off... It all about how the watch feels and wears on the wrist ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
preacher62 Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 if asked or not, if you post it you ask for it Opinions vary... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.