sneed12 Posted May 13, 2013 Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 built a 1675 a while ago (http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/147952-cartel-1675-converted-to-low-beat/) but sold it when I needed some cash last winter. Since then I've had an itch for another, so I started the build process again a few months ago. Begins with a stock cartel 1675: This rep has some great parts, but also some pretty bad flaws from the factory. Most of them have been discussed before. The biggest ones, to me, are the caseback, bezel, and case shape. This rep is built on the same case that 1680/5513 reps come from. The case has too much meat on it, especially under the CGs The first thing I want to do is have the case reshaped. RolexAddict at RWG is well-known for his work reshaping cases, so I strip the watch down and send the midcase off to France. Next, I dig in the parts box until I find a caseback that is the correct shape. The only one I find that fits this case is from a 21j Daytona rep (incorrect 1680 "bubble" caseback on the right) but some quick work with some sandpaper cleans off the engraving Now time to change the bezel. The rep comes with this bezel from the factory The shape is correct for a 1680 but all wrong for a 1675. I order a Clark's bezel with the correct profile the only annoying thing about it is that the whole thing comes bead blasted. It should have polished sides. I'll polish it later. Time to swap out the clone ETA movement for a slow beat Swiss 2846 Need to take the GMT bits off the clone movement and put them on the Swiss and then it's time to wait for the case to come back from RolexAddict. Three weeks later, it's back. Here's the CG shape before and after The overall shaping of the CGs and is fantastic, but honestly I wasn't too happy with the finishing. As you can see from the pic, the polished surfaces look a bit wavy and there are still scratches and tool marks evident in the surface. The other side of the case looks the same way So, I get out the polishing stuff and set about re-finishing the polished case surfaces. I go all the way back down to 320 grit: on both sides and on the flat top part of the CGs Up through 400, 600 grit 800 grit I just cut a little piece of each successive grit, so it doesn't take much sandpaper to do a whole case and by the time I get through 1000, 1500, 2000 grit it's getting pretty shiny Hit it with the Dremel and some green jeweler's rouge for that mirror finish and we're done. Polished the bezel ring at the same time. Forgot to take a pic at this stage, but this is what the completed finish on the case and bezel ring looks like but I'm jumping ahead. Movement installed Clark's T116 crystal fitted and the first use of my new press that I won in the tutorial contest (thanks, Offshore!). Amazing how much nicer it is to work with a proper press. I decided to throw it on a jubilee for now and keep the rivet bracelet in reserve in case I get bored. Here's the completed watch Very happy with the way it came out. Considered aging the bezel insert, but honestly now that it's all shiny and new-looking maybe I'll leave it the way it is for a while. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eduardor Posted May 13, 2013 Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 Very nice sneed! it came out pretty damn good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgtguk Posted May 13, 2013 Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 Great work polishing the case back up, looks bloody awesome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docthor Posted May 13, 2013 Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 really nice work...btw...where did you get that nice Jubilee from?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolexaddict Posted May 13, 2013 Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 (edited) congrats, nice work, You are right, the only way to put off all tool marks is to use sandpaper before using the dremel with polishing compounds really nice work...btw...where did you get that nice Jubilee from?? Try Rafflestime, Ken shows sterile stuff, but send him a mail to ask the Rolex markings Edited May 13, 2013 by Rolexaddict 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ceejay Posted May 13, 2013 Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 A little tip for all you polishers out there. Try Micromesh abrasive cloth, you can get a selection pack on eBay going from 1500 grit through to 12000 grit it's brilliant stuff, waterproof & hard wearing. from 6000grit upwards you achieve a perfect mirror finish. Not the cheapest but worth every penny! P.S. What a excellent job you done there, in fact I rekon you could have done that case re shape yourself, no? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dutchguy2 Posted May 13, 2013 Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 Wow, great result.One comment, try Yuki's GMT hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sneed12 Posted May 13, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 congrats, nice work, Thanks! Means a lot coming from you. The case shaping looks really, really good. I rekon you could have done that case re shape yourself, no? No way. Look how even and consistent RA got the CGs. The points on each side are the same size, same angle... no way I could get it looking that good by hand. Finishing and shaping are two very different things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted May 13, 2013 Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 WOW!!! That looks fantastic. I love my Ceramic, but the old plexi GMT's have a special place in my heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted May 13, 2013 Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 Very nice job sneed! And a great little tutorial to boot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattt74 Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 Really nice work, PM me when you decide to let it go...Inviato dal mio iPad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woof* Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 Wow sneed! This all happened while I was gone, this is the first I've seen it. Fantastic job! As soon as I get back up and caught up..we need to talk! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grifter Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 Looks sooo good man, and I agree with you to keep the insert as is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vibramute64 Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 well done...I marvel at the work you guys do! I can barely change a watch strap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtiis Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 Very nicely done. I think you have my mailing address. if not, PM me ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue. Posted August 28, 2013 Report Share Posted August 28, 2013 Nice finish, great job Sneed and RA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrasher Posted January 5, 2015 Report Share Posted January 5, 2015 This is fantastic and a great guide for someone who wants to start there own build really great. Thank You Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrasher Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 I just bought this and received it today, Steve went overboard to help me out great transaction and great watch Thank You Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
997 s Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 Impressive build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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