cc33 Posted June 21, 2014 Report Posted June 21, 2014 So I picked up a cool old 6204 from the sales board last week. It was purchased in Vietnam a long time ago and after inspecting it, I can see that it's a hand made replica from back in the day. The whole case reeks of "handmade" goodness. The shape is slightly off and a little too "round" but I think it looks really cool. I'm not too hot about the dial, the lume is so perfect but the dail is matt not glossy. MY makes these pencil hands but for an a260 mvmt (which I will be using). I will be asking my dial maker to make me a proper 6204 dial using a gen plate and he can lume the dial and the MY hands to match! The bezel isn't made to gen spec on the inside but visually from the outside it's spot on. I really just wanted to show the way I got it, so when I have the case polished/cleaned and make my upgrades you'll be able to see the diff.
freddy333 Posted June 21, 2014 Report Posted June 21, 2014 If the final dial is accurate & MY is able to replicate the original dial's patina, it will be a beauty. But matching that patina without it looking manufactured will be the key.
cc33 Posted June 21, 2014 Author Report Posted June 21, 2014 I know.. I was torn but this dial and hands are in bad shape, (minute track missing gold paint in areas) and the dial feet are gone so it's a floater. I'm fairly certain that my dial guy can make a convincing one, and I've already seen the MY hands, they aren't bad, ill age them as usual and do the best I can with it. There's something special about this case even though it isn't exactly right it feels right and is aged incredibly well. I will have it polished to freshen it up and so the dial and hands don't look too out of place. It will look a little something like this exept with pencil hands and no depth rating. Shoot, I just realized that the MY hands aren't exactly right Maybe I can use the hands that came on the watch but have them relumed?
JoeyB Posted June 21, 2014 Report Posted June 21, 2014 I used an ETA 2846 and cartel case in my 6204 build and had to make the hour hand and second hand because nothing I could find was suitable. It is my only Submariner, and I love it.
cc33 Posted June 21, 2014 Author Report Posted June 21, 2014 I remember that one! I can't believe you made those hands, wow
freddy333 Posted June 21, 2014 Report Posted June 21, 2014 My official starting point I would not change anything on that case.
ww12345 Posted June 21, 2014 Report Posted June 21, 2014 Ditto - I think the "handcrafted" aspect really works for a vintage model. Cool build!
Nanuq Posted June 21, 2014 Report Posted June 21, 2014 Dang.... if only I had clicked "buy" 2 seconds before you did! What a jaw dropping beauty.
ogladio Posted June 21, 2014 Report Posted June 21, 2014 I also thought long and hard about buying this, but glad it went to you cc - it deserves a high end dial to match that seducing case shape!
cc33 Posted June 21, 2014 Author Report Posted June 21, 2014 Thanks guys, I'll leave the case the way it is now. It does have a nice patina. I will do this case proud and put a great dial in it. I wonder why they decided to engrave it " r.s.c. - 1038 or 7038 " strange
ThePunisherXIX Posted June 22, 2014 Report Posted June 22, 2014 I also Pm'ed the seller for this beauty! Great catch :-)
Mendota Explorer Posted June 23, 2014 Report Posted June 23, 2014 Wow! Very cool. I'm really looking forward to seeing the progress you make with this, and the finished product. Beggars can't be choosers, but it would be fun to see pics and updates along the way so it can be like we are looking over your shoulder while you transform this into pure joy!
danielv2000 Posted June 23, 2014 Report Posted June 23, 2014 Congrats Cc. I'm sure you'll turn this into a real gem.
cc33 Posted June 23, 2014 Author Report Posted June 23, 2014 I will be happy to make a public build log as I go. I had to source a + crown and a260 movement before anything else and I've done that today. 67$ for the crown (thanks nanuq!) and 1009$ for the movement (won't be using dial hands and crown)
droptopman Posted June 23, 2014 Report Posted June 23, 2014 CC that is going to be awesome. Sent from my droptop using telepathy.
Mendota Explorer Posted June 24, 2014 Report Posted June 24, 2014 a260? What models was that movement used in? I've never seen that number referenced before as a caliber. I looked it up on this chart and I don't see it. http://www.bernardwatch.com/Rolex-Movements-and-Calibers
cc33 Posted June 24, 2014 Author Report Posted June 24, 2014 It's an old 50's movement used mostly in the bubble back watches. I had the choice between that and an a296 but the a260 seems more readily available for parts so I went with that. Remember this was the very first submariner ever made so I guess they borrowed a movement they already had. The 1030 was then developed and used for the next generation models http://www.vintagesubmariner.com/vintagesubs.html
droptopman Posted June 24, 2014 Report Posted June 24, 2014 Thanks I had the same question about the movement. Sent from my droptop using telepathy.
Mendota Explorer Posted June 24, 2014 Report Posted June 24, 2014 (edited) Thanks! I never knew about the a260. Sounds like the a296 was used in the 6200 and then they moved onto the 1030 for the 6538. You learn something new every day! Edited June 24, 2014 by Mendota Explorer
Seacraft Posted June 26, 2014 Report Posted June 26, 2014 I almost bid on that movement for my 6205 (gawd I need some hands). The A260 is also referred as the Rolex Caliber 645 and as mentioned above is in BBbacks, 6202, 6204, and some others of that vintage.
Nanuq Posted June 26, 2014 Report Posted June 26, 2014 Man, I can't wait to see this piece come together. That case is............... You know, when you finish this it will compete with your Big Crown for wrist time, and since the 6538 is God's Own Watch .... the 6204 will languish in its dark wooden box. Poor forgotten thing....... At that time, please remember yer old buddy in Alaska. My checkbook will be ready.
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