Trusty Time's ROLSUB017 Submariner

[buffedupboy]

So, after doing my research on this forum, I decided to take the plunge and buy one to see for myself. Most posts I read were rather negative about this sub, and after purchasing it for myself rightly so I would say. Here are some points that I found out after the fact:

1) The CG shape is not the same as Gen. Bottom and top is also wrong. Spacing between CGs is too narrow. I expected this as that was what most posters mentioned.

2) I am not sure whether the construction of the bezel is the same as new models but it does not feature a click spring, or a internal compression ring. In order to remove the bezel, you will need to remove the sapphire, then the bezel insert, and slowly pry open the retaining spring. There is no other way.

3) I was going to modify the CGs myself so tried to pry open the bezel..... tried so hard I damaged the bezel, warped.... I used a bezel extractor and it was so forceful the sapphire popped right off. AGAIN, THE BEZEL ONLY COMES OFF IF YOU FOLLOW 2 ABOVE!

4) The CG is actually narrower than the original, so after filing the internal width to match the original (which is about 8.8mm wide) when I checked it against a Gen, the external width was narrower. I am not sure whether this is the same for the other sub reps.

5) Crown tube was a pain to remove, mostly because it wasn't meant to be removed.There is no internal catch for a hex, or any other tool. It was only meant to go in one way.... I managed to remove it by first boiling it, to soften the locktite, then jam a file in (damaged internals but there's no other way), and slowly turned it counter clockwise. You can't mod the CG without removing the crown tube.

6) The bezel insert is glued in place, you will need to glue it back after. Something I am not very fond of. Although the bezel insert is relatively well made. Definitely better than a 'clark'.

7) The bracelet and buckle was a little bit of a disappointment. The buckle was very poorly finished, sharp and some of the groove lines were not finished. A file fixed that.

There is no click spring, it does have a spring loaded button, again I am not sure whether newer models of the subs are the same. No doubt design wise it is much better than a click spring, but we don't buy reps for design purposes.

9) The biggest telltale sign for this version is the crown. It is a very cheaply made crown.

So in summary, the construction is absolutely not Gen. It is a painful process to mod this watch. After screwing up the bezel while attempting to remove it, I had to press it flat, file the bottom of the bezel for it to fit again, clean up the underside of all the gouging then glue the insert into place. Well, to the positives then? The hands/ dials are well made, lume is pretty decent, date mag is correct. For the next project I will probably just buy the cheapest version of the sub and do the necessary modifications from there. Pictures to follow later.

[buffedupboy]

Image showing modded CG internal width. Some may notice overall width of CG to be smaller.

From the side. Overall shape of CG including underside was modded.

Just the usual wrist shot:

[freddy333]

The final result looks good & nice pictures, too.