Akira Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 (edited) If you want to build a nice 1675 you need to do a lot of research. I spent hours comparing the different series and dial variants, to get a clearer picture of what Rolex actually did around that time. Since you need to source all parts yourself and mostly from different suppliers, being well informed is a must! Rolexaddict built my 1675 using quite a few genuine parts, which didn't require any modding. He did an awesome job on case and CG shape as well as the lugholes. However, we never discussed the bezel shape, so he used it the way it arrived from WSO990. With WSO990 you can't be 100% sure their finish is always the same quality. Some day you get a deep cut bezel, the other a flatter cut. Keep in mind, my 1675 bezel had the correct Rolex specs and fittet perfectly. The only thing I needed to do now, was matching it to the dial and series. A small reference what different bezel shapes Rolex used over the years and how they gave the watch a different look. All gen pics are property of their owners and just used for reference. Hopefully you'll have a better idea of what I'm talking about. Rolex GMT Master 1675 Pointy Crown Guard chapter ring exclamation dial 0.8 Million Serial Around 1963 Very pointy looking bezel, deep and big cuts. Rolex GMT Master 1675 PCG Corino 0,6 Milion Serial Early 1960's Almost similar cuts the the chapter ring dial, but even a little wider to my eyes. Cuts having more of a "U"-form. Rolex GMT Master 1675 PCG Corino 1.1 Million Serial (very late issue for PCG) Around 1965 Also very pointy and deep cuts, but not as much as the sooner chapter ring dial. The cuts are simillar in depth but not as wide as on the earlier issue. Rolex GMT Master 1675 1.6 Milion Serial (one of the first MKI dials) Around 1969 Not as wide and not as deep cuts, gives the bezel around "swinging" and rounder shape. Cuts more of a "V" form with pointy ends. This is the look I wanted for my MKI dial Rolex GMT Master 1675 5.4 Milion Serial Around 1978 Quite similar to the first MKI issue, but not as deep cuts and not as wide. Again more "U" style cuts. Gives the watch a more undefined and softer bezel look. Edited January 16, 2012 by Akira Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akira Posted January 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 So what had I learned? I wanted my watch to simulate a 1969 MKI 2.4 Million Serial The bezel I got had kinda flat cuts, which weren't deep enough to actually be from 1969. They looked more like the ones from 1978 or later. Moreover the cuts were uneven, some deeper, some flatter. So I started to plan the recut: I used a goldsmith's file and the hand polishing machine. (I'm related to a goldsmith) This is the final result: I hope you too think this is an improvement Please share your thoughts and feedback Cheers Akira Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwatch Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Very impressive amount of research!!! The work looks very good. Only issue I see is not the bezel, but the insert. It needs to be pushed into the bezel more in some places. That to me is a much bigger issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FxrAndy Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Great reaserch there mate, I assume that the different styles that rolex made these was not an intentional difference but just a different machine tool I am wondering if it would be possible to do similar on my mini lathe with an indexing plate and gear cutting set up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akira Posted January 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Only issue I see is not the bezel, but the insert. It needs to be pushed into the bezel more in some places. That to me is a much bigger issue. I took the insert off for modding the bezel and just put it back in for the pics. I didn't push it in hard enough obviously...it sits flush and thight now @Andy I had a dremel as well, but it's pretty hard to work exact with it. Using a jewelers file, having the right shape is easier and more exact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FxrAndy Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 I have the ability to make my set up into a multi axis mill but using the gear cutting set up it would be possible to be consistant, i have a couple of spare old bezels at home so i may give it a go some time, I fully agree you went about this the right way and did not use the dremil, a fast cutting hand tool and a bezel would be a bad recipe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akira Posted January 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 I have the ability to make my set up into a multi axis mill but using the gear cutting set up it would be possible to be consistant Sounds good, would make the job a lot easier. Share your results if you try it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donerix 2.0 Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Well done.The bezel has always been the biggest issue for me when it comes to GMT builds. I once tired doing the same with a bezel but my result wasn't even close... I wish FxrAndy would make some, I am sure he would make a lot of people happy ... because I have ordered several supposedly gen-like bezel assemblies fro different suppliers and they are all just slightly different submariner bezels. NIce job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FxrAndy Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 I will look at mddding an existing bezel but i dont think could make one Maybe i will look at it next time i have a week at home (wont be before apri) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gplracer Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Great job, very informative. I really want to do either a 1680 or a 1675. I just cannot decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akira Posted January 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Well done.The bezel has always been the biggest issue for me when it comes to GMT builds. I once tired doing the same with a bezel but my result wasn't even close... I wish FxrAndy would make some, I am sure he would make a lot of people happy ... because I have ordered several supposedly gen-like bezel assemblies fro different suppliers and they are all just slightly different submariner bezels. NIce job Thanks for the kind words. The thing is, I'm always unafraid to mod my own watches...I broke a few tho' I have done small modding jobs in the past for RWG friends, but I'd never take any money for it.... However I can't cover if anything goes wrong either. Little difficult, but modding those supposed to be "gen-like" bezel to match your dial and case is possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwatch Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 I took the insert off for modding the bezel and just put it back in for the pics. I didn't push it in hard enough obviously...it sits flush and thight now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronin Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Excellent post. I poured over bezel photos for hours on VRF and elsewhere. My conclusions were: 1.) With Rolex, there is no hard and fast rules governing parts/replacement parts. 2.) I have found some examples of shallow bezel cuts that look almost spot on to WSO's shallow cut bezel. 2a) I also think shallow cut looking bezels could also be the result of wear and tear and/or polishing. 3.) Rolex GMT line, especially 1675's have the most variations of ANY Rolex Sport Model ever produced. Based on the following photo's what are your thoughts on these? Gen/Rep etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akira Posted January 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Roning, it's safe to say : The only thing consistent with the 1675, is the inconsistancy Your bezel is a genuine post 1975 bezel...very late issue I'd say. It's too evenly defined to be an aftermarket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Original Scope Posted January 16, 2012 Report Share Posted January 16, 2012 Great post Akira. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolexaddict Posted January 17, 2012 Report Share Posted January 17, 2012 (edited) Yes a great post from Akira and great responses and infos from members Flo, for the dremel, I recommand silicon polishing discs and pointy bits (search for Proxxon flexible silicone polishing discs) if you run a high speed, it removes also a little material. Its good for the finishing after the file to remove tool marks. fix the dremel and work holding the part with both hands. Protect your eyes and use a magnifying glass a good lighting of the work station Edited January 17, 2012 by Rolexaddict Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akira Posted January 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2012 Much obliged RA & Scope Naturally, since l only had this bezel to try out the technique, the finish could be a little bit better. The post was more ment to be a guide for those with actual skills and tools like RA, Scope and Andy as well as Donerix I'm just a kid who likes to experiment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjule111 Posted January 17, 2012 Report Share Posted January 17, 2012 Wow. Nice job I have the same issue with my wso bezel ring I mite attempt this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjule111 Posted January 17, 2012 Report Share Posted January 17, 2012 So just grab a jewelers file and take a lil of both sides? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star69 Posted January 17, 2012 Report Share Posted January 17, 2012 So just grab a jewelers file and take a lil of both sides? yepp - nothing can go wrong - these 30+year old watches have all kind of bezel shaps - polished prob a lot, a lot of DNA inside - everything possible Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjule111 Posted January 17, 2012 Report Share Posted January 17, 2012 Wtf. Im going to do it! Once I get watch back from getting the yuki dial installed. Thanks mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielv2000 Posted January 17, 2012 Report Share Posted January 17, 2012 Akira, impressive work and impressive research! There's a lot of 1675 love these days! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeyB Posted January 17, 2012 Report Share Posted January 17, 2012 Rolex GMT line, especially 1675's have the most variations of ANY Rolex Sport Model ever produced. I believe your conclusions to be spot on. The 1675 had the longest production run of any GMT model, so it makes sense that there would be some variations. The 6542 had many variations as well, at least 6 variations of the Perspex insert alone, but being the 1st model that made sense too. I get the impression that Rolex was experimenting in the `50s and `60s quite a bit, always looking for perfection. That must have been an exciting time for Rolex. Thank goodness for the internet! Imagine trying to build a good rep without all the information and pictures! The thing is that with all the variations, and the aging, building a very good rep is a bit easier for us all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cib0rgman Posted January 17, 2012 Report Share Posted January 17, 2012 Are Yuki Dial and Gen different diameter, I have a Gen Dial That I trying to install on a Josh's 1655 case bit is a little bit too small maybe half of a milimiter or one. I do not want to cut the feet fo the Dial and ruining it if this will not work. Anybody is having the same issue, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akira Posted January 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2012 Are Yuki Dial and Gen different diameter, I have a Gen Dial That I trying to install on a Josh's 1655 case bit is a little bit too small maybe half of a milimiter or one. I do not want to cut the feet fo the Dial and ruining it if this will not work. Anybody is having the same issue, Yuki and gen dial should have the same diameter.... I'd say you have had bad luck with your case maybe? One of a kind faulty rehaut? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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