dbane883 Posted March 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 I've cut bevels by hand before (most notably on my 6538 phong case). 100% accuracy is not necessarily required on a 50+ year old case because the cases need to be slightly weathered. But using a Dremel will result in the angle of the bevel varying slightly and the edges being slightly rounded. To the naked eye at arm length, it can be perfectly fine. But my goal for the past year was to be able to maintain the same exact angle throughout the bevel run from lug tip to lug tip. This cannot be achieved if either the cutting tool or the case is hand held. I use about 6 different abrasives discs and can maintain the angle exactly the same through each of the disc changes. It's a tedious process but worth the effort. In a similar fashion, the case sides and bezels can also be shaped and polished.... Either with a mirror or satin finish. I have seen some of ABC's work and it is impressive for the most part. I've seen some questionable examples too.. I have no idea how they cut their bevels/chamfers, but my guess is that they hand hold the cases ala old-school. Would be curious to see what lapping machine they use. At any rate, there's always room for improvement in our collective pursuit of perfection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbane883 Posted March 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2015 Here's an example of why there are no bevels (chamfers) on modern Rolexes: This is a macro of a Tudor BB. Note how the bevel varys from thick to thin, back to thick. The top edge sharpness is ok, but the side edge has been rounded over. This is not very well done if you ask me. The mid-case was clearly hand-held when it was cut and then the sides were finish-polished later. Frankly, this case should have been rejected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cc33 Posted March 17, 2015 Report Share Posted March 17, 2015 That's not done well at all... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seacraft Posted March 17, 2015 Report Share Posted March 17, 2015 If you read the current Hodinkee article (pretty good article) it states that all Rolex cases are hand polished - assuming the same for Tudor, you would get this. Bane, I assume you are using a mechanical method to guide the case along the lapping machine to maintain angle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbane883 Posted March 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2015 thats a good article: http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/inside-rolex Even on modern Rolexes, there will be varying thickness of crown guards and other assymetric characteristics. Yes, my cases travel along 3 axiis to get the right geometry. A CNC could produce similar angles, but the finish would have to be hand done - which would then remove the crispness of the edges. Case sides however still need to be rouged on a wheel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
508-Fanatic Posted March 18, 2015 Report Share Posted March 18, 2015 Bane are you accepting cases to work on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbane883 Posted March 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 18, 2015 Bane are you accepting cases to work on? You can PM me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kime Posted March 18, 2015 Report Share Posted March 18, 2015 Good god this is good work. I think when you get to the point that you can recognise Rolex's work to be inferior to your own you have amassed some serious skills. I salute you for time patience and dedication ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tframo Posted March 18, 2015 Report Share Posted March 18, 2015 I think this is my 5513 used in his pics! Or at least I hope so 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quaresma7 Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 :notworthy: Wow Y... It's simply amazing my friend... Would be perfect if you could make something like the 168000 bevels in my lugholed TC case please!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skywatch Posted March 23, 2015 Report Share Posted March 23, 2015 Amazing work, you are a true artisan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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