jmb Posted October 13, 2011 Report Posted October 13, 2011 I've always liked dark blue dials and thought that someday I would build up a nice blue dialed Sub. Seems all of the ones I'd seen were TT and I really don't like TT so the thought stayed on the back burner for a long time. Last time I ordered some bands and cases my parts guy "owed" me a dial so when he asked me what I wanted I told him to surprise me as long as it was Rolex or Tudor. Yesterday I was on the phone with txrob, talking over some possible future projects, while unwrapping this dial. He was in need of a Sub dial and I thought this was a black dial so I was telling him I was unwrapping his dial but as soon as the light hit it I told him he wasn't gettin' it! My "surprise" was a dark blue Sunburst Maxi dial!!! The light hit it just right and I heard a little voice say "Build me, build me..." I already had a blue/silver insert so I got started. I'm really not that fond of "modern" Subs, SEL bands, rehaut engraving, or no lug holes but I had to have this on my wrist so I used one of the cases I build my no-dates in before lug holes were drilled. The dial came with both sets of feet so I clipped the ones for the a21j, popped it on a 2836, tossed on some silver hands, and put it in the no-date case. After it was together I glued on an ofrei cyclops and attached the band. The one thing I forgot was to mill the inside of the CGs but I'll do that some other day. Although this case does have the rehaut engraving it is not as obnoxious as some as it's not blackened in and under magnification does not look lasered so I left it alone. Just as soon as I stepped out of the shop the sun hit it and it was dazzling! The following pics do a very poor job of giving a hint at what it looks like but maybe you'll get the idea. I realize that this is probably a 100% fantasy watch but I may get rid of all of my other "Submariner Dates" as this is exactly what I had always wanted. 1
Guest zeleni kukuruz Posted October 13, 2011 Report Posted October 13, 2011 You should work at rolex my friend and show them how to make nice and sexy watches!!! The line that rolex is having now is just pure [censored]!!! Sometimes things was better before Love the watch J, i would where it with pride!!!
sneed12 Posted October 13, 2011 Report Posted October 13, 2011 Found my old thread pics are down, let me see if I can find them again
redwatch Posted October 13, 2011 Report Posted October 13, 2011 That is just plain awesome!! I love it!!
woof* Posted October 13, 2011 Report Posted October 13, 2011 Congrats! That is one fine watch J, That dial really shimmers in real life I bet. (we have to fix that pearl!)
jmb Posted October 13, 2011 Author Report Posted October 13, 2011 Congrats! That is one fine watch J, That dial really shimmers in real life I bet. (we have to fix that pearl!) You'll have to see it. I don't have a dawg anymore or I'd pay ya a visit! I'll fix the pearl when I do the CGs...
rol_man Posted October 13, 2011 Report Posted October 13, 2011 Nice build J... actually this isn't a fantasy, Rolex did build these for the Japanese market. Can't remember exactly when however, I believe they called it the "Summer Sub".
jmb Posted October 14, 2011 Author Report Posted October 14, 2011 Cool! But, did it have the maxi markers? If anybody has a case laying around and would want to build one of these I'm going to order a few of these dials on my next parts order. PM me if interested...
sneed12 Posted October 14, 2011 Report Posted October 14, 2011 No, it didn't have the maxi markers. It had those nipple markers.
duke1973 Posted October 14, 2011 Report Posted October 14, 2011 Congrats on your perfect watch! It's a beauty for sure!
jmb Posted October 14, 2011 Author Report Posted October 14, 2011 Twins! Gonna have to dig out the Gold Cup for some companion photos...
alligoat Posted October 14, 2011 Report Posted October 14, 2011 Nice job JB! These blue subs are somewhat custom like this one at Time and Gems- it's a 16800 with a refinished dial http://www.timeandgems.com/Rolex-Mens-Stainless-Steel-Submariner-Blue-Dial-_p_294.html I've also seen pics of the 1680 blue, like someone else mentioned, for the Japanese market.
MAHLER Posted October 14, 2011 Report Posted October 14, 2011 Also this http://www.demesy.com/p/92722.html
jmb Posted October 15, 2011 Author Report Posted October 15, 2011 Hmmm, the last one is a bit "Smurfy" for my tastes. It took me so long to build one due to never finding a dial I was happy with. This one just jumped up, slapped me, and said, "DO IT!!!"
mastrmindalliance Posted October 15, 2011 Report Posted October 15, 2011 I have one of these too even went with the polished midlinks as per i saw on a very old thread or post around here. One thing i like more on this this version is how shiny that insert is in the first pic (hey, it's fantasy anyway right).
danielv2000 Posted October 15, 2011 Report Posted October 15, 2011 Very nice.although I love the new ceramic blue smurf, the "old" blue has something special about it. That's why I love the Tudor blue sub! I wish had your skills.
Vinguru Posted October 15, 2011 Report Posted October 15, 2011 Yes, finally a blue rolex sub that looks good. Love the build! Congrats
jmb Posted October 15, 2011 Author Report Posted October 15, 2011 I've ordered a half dozen dials if anybody wants to "roll their own".
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