droptopman Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 First of all, thank you for tolerating the numerous posts regarding this build. The whole build process is detailed here http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/176345-6538-build-progress-movement-discussion/ When I joined the forum, I always thought certain vintage Rolex models were out of my price range. I have been wearing a Rolex since 1987, but just bought a new one every few years and traded in the old one. I found this place doing research for a new Rolex; this was near the end of 2013. So initially I was just looking for information about the new models and stumbled on this forum and figured I could try out some rep models for minimal cost and figure out which gen I would buy. So over a few months I tried about every modern Rolex I liked the looks of—found out I really do not care much for modern Rolex’s. One thing happened that I did not expect, I became part of the community and started participating in discussions and became friends with some of the members here. I really had no idea that I was diving into a new “full time” hobby. As time went on I became more fascinated with the vintage models that members were building and displaying. This led to a few of my own vintage builds. Made some mistakes and had many learning experiences but have been mostly happy with the results. My wife notices how much peace and joy I get from being part of this community and the hobby and actually encourages the “watch thing” as long as I do not go into details about builds as that puts her to sleep. She thinks it is funny that I am a WIS… No one ever really notices my watches. About once of year I run into another WIS and talk watches but really as most of you know this hobby is for yourself and these communities. One of the models that really grabbed my attention was the 6538 Big Crown Submariner, always thought to be too expensive for me to ever afford. Mainly I am talking about Nanuq’s, CC’s and more recently Dbane’s builds. My first real reading as a kid was Ian Fleming’s Bond series and 007 and his 6538 have been favorites of mine for a very long time. I tend to like watches that are simple with no dates and minimal text/distractions. So I did some research and figured out to do one right it would take some knowledge, a lot of help, and it could easily exceed the cost of a nice gen Rolex. Being that I had never worn one, I decided to start with a more conservative approach and bought a nice modified HR 6538 to see how she felt and looked on the wrist. I was pretty much hooked from there. Right away I started doing more research and developed some connections with some of the great members here who had completed these builds. Developed a build plan and a spread sheet to track costs, and then started sourcing parts. Dbane helped throughout this process as for the most part I still an unsure at times of the authenticity of parts and what part is correct for what model. I am learning but always good to have another opinion. It took a while to source all the parts… Dbane is really responsible for putting this together. He has helped me throughout this project. He did the case shaping, the beautiful bevels, lumed the hands, had the movement serviced and did the complete assembly. He is an amazingly skilled and intelligent person who seems to take great pride in whatever he does whether it is building watches or handmade speakers. I have nicknamed him the “case whisperer”. Thank you my friend! Thanks to CC33 and Nanuq who shared their knowledge and experience freely and whose builds were initially responsible for the inspiration. This project was only possible because this forum exists. Specs: Minh Quy case set (mid case, bezel, case back) shaped by dbane and custom engraved by NeckyZips—serial number is period correct but has significant value to me. Genuine spec real gilt dial—hand produced by the nameless one Classic Watch Parts hands lumed by dbane Genuine cal 1030 movement fully serviced Genuine NOS 8mm crown, tube and stem Genuine T-17 dome plexi Genuine MKII long 5 insert. Genuine 7206 bracelet restored by Classic Watch Parts . Thank you so much for being here and for all the help on this project. I really find much enjoyment spending time and sharing with you. This is really the culmination of all the years of collecting watches and my time here so far. Needless to say, I am very happy with the way she turned out. The dial and hands reflect light like no watch I have had. Truly a work of art. I think Mr. Bond would approve. Pics coming from my phone: 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
508-Fanatic Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 I hate you.Kidding aside... wow... that is just gorgeous, a superlative build from a terrific member, wear it in good health and enjoy - undoubtedly it will be admired by all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sub007 Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 Drooling, just saw one up for sale on VRF for 50k and this one looks just like it, incredible build. Verzonden vanaf mijn iPad met Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rower Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 That is a beauty! Incredible attention to detail. Input from the best on the boards. Enjoy it and wear it often. "No Mr. Bond...I expect you to give me your watch." 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam007 Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 absolutely amazing build and a great write up. One of the best frankens I've ever seen... ever. You need to take some wrist shots with the bond strap !! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cc33 Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 spectacular, it makes me so happy to see others enjoying these amazing watches. Dbane did an amazing job and is very talented as you eluded to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lionsandtigers Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 great post and beautiful BC. I hope you get years and years of enjoyment with her on your wrist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronin Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 Looks amazing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mendota Explorer Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 First off, you used the word "tolerating" in your opening sentence. My friend, we are all honored and blessed to be right there experiencing this masterpiece along side you. Seriously, reading all of the updates and seeing the pics of the various parts, reading about the process you went through to source them, and watching this all come together was very exciting for me and everyone else, I'm sure. I got a chance to live vicariously through you, and this really helps define the goal I have for my own grail. If my business were back to where it was pre-recession, I guaranty you I would have taken on this very same project. Without a doubt, this is on my grail list and I know for a fact I am going to do this at some point. I just wish it was now. Enjoy this beauty and please, please, please keep sharing pics of it. I will never grow tired of seeing this. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielv2000 Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 Wow! Absolutely stunning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjmj Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 Jaw droppingly nice!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbane883 Posted May 29, 2015 Report Share Posted May 29, 2015 Hey! That looks familiar! Since you and I first met when I worked on your 5513, you have been nothing but patient and understanding. With any high end project that starts from the ground up, things just don't go smoothly. Something always comes up that further delays the project. While frustrating, overcoming these challenges/obstacles is an opportunity to learn something new. An example was my need to experiment with no less that 40 mixtures of substances to come up with the appropriate texture and color of the no-glow lume to match that of the dial. Not an easy task. For anyone considering builds like this, you should be prepared that there will be hiccups, and your budget for the build may increase beyond what you might think is reasonable. Hopefully in the end, it's worth it. So leave a buffer. It has been a pleasure working with you and I consider you a dear friend. Wear her in good health. We expect a nice wrist shot at the SeaHawks season opener! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted May 30, 2015 Report Share Posted May 30, 2015 Wowwwwwww what an amazing result! That's one to be very very proud of. It's funny, but my whole collection is gen vintages and since I did the Gonzo it's the only one that gets any wrist time. There's just something about a Big Crown, and you knocked this one outta the park! Well done. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skywatch Posted May 30, 2015 Report Share Posted May 30, 2015 Looks fantastic, what a beauty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imajedi Posted May 30, 2015 Report Share Posted May 30, 2015 Congrats - the cumulative of anything is always awesome. This is particularly awesome. Love the Gen 1030. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rillz Posted May 30, 2015 Report Share Posted May 30, 2015 WOWZA congrats! Awesome 6538. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
droptopman Posted June 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 Gentleman, Thank you very much for all the kind words. With most projects, after you study it a bit you find things that you would do different or would like to change. Really cannot find anything on this one that I would do differently. Dbanes work on the hands is really amazing. When viewed in person, they have that subtle blackening that occurs with age and he managed to get the color and texture to match the dial perfectly. I am still in awe of his work. Cannot overstate my thanks to him. We had much fun working on this project. This has been a truly rewarding process. Learned a lot about vintage Rolex and vintage Rolex parts and in the end this is the coolest watch I have ever owned. I know it is material and we should not cherish material possessions, but when going through the process of building it (even though I did not do the work) there is some weird emotional connection that lifts it from its physical state to something else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jelliottz Posted June 2, 2015 Report Share Posted June 2, 2015 I'm not sure what to say that hasn't already been said. Thank you for sharing this whole process along the way. I found it extremely interesting to see what goes into putting together one of these super-franken big crown builds. Your end result is a watch to cherish and pass down when you're finished with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kime Posted June 4, 2015 Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 Wow nice ! very nice ! My 1030 is still waiting for this treatment !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
droptopman Posted June 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 Sent from my droptop using telepathy ️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted June 5, 2015 Report Share Posted June 5, 2015 That is a beautiful watch, probably in the top three that I have seen in all these years on the forum. What is also rewarding is to see a fellow watch lover come on here, and really grow, flourish and become a real knowledgable contributor. Top notch projects are not for the faint of heart, and are often fraught with setbacks, but boy, when you finally get it together, you really have something to be proud of. I used to tell my kids when they were growing up, "The trail to the top of the mountain is always steep and rocky. There are many side trails that are easy, but they go nowhere.take the steep, hard, rocky trail, because when you get to the top you can't beat the view" My friend, you are on the top of the mountain looking down at all of us!! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
droptopman Posted June 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 Still working on photos. Sent from my droptop using telepathy ️ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjmj Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 So nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quaresma7 Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 Amazing build! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mendota Explorer Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 I love these pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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