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Rolex 1665 Viet case refinished... Approaching perfection?


rolojack

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Excellent choice by using a Vietnamese 1665 case as a base for reshaping

I only swear by Vietnamese cases for vintage builds

They have the right general proportions and thickness (especially for the 1675), and they all have the correct crown/stem/tube height (unlike the Cartel / BP vintage / JKF watches which are designed to house the 2836-2 @ 2.25mm stem height or the 21j)

Vietnamese cases might cost $800 each for a complete case set, but it saves me from headaches and paranoia from getting called imo

I wished there were more options between the price jump of a cartel/ BP vintage / JKF and a Vietnamese case. I could already confirm that a Helenarou 5513 case is very inferior to my Vietnamese 5513 case
 

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Yes, Viet cases are the best base but it has a price tag... However: deep reshaping of a cartel case by shaving it and engraving it brings you pretty near that price ! There are no big savings to do that way if you want your built to be presentable...

 

That case belongs to a client. It was retailed by Phong and was really worn. I did not do anything between the lugs. I reworked the sides and carved the CG as those details were off. As well as the top of the lugs: the big flaw of Viet cases.

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  • 9 months later...
Now, one can always find something to say... But we're getting close here !!! 
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Hi Rolojack, question on your caseback where it says Rolex, it is stamped or engraved? I'm looking for someone who can stamp Rolex into the caseback instead of engraving Rolex onto it???


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This is stamped. However, the "stamped" look can be achieved with engraving: after engraving polish to clean edges, then wash the surface with acid to give a sandblasted look to the bottom of the letters/numbers and finally do the final brushed finish. Result will be perfect.

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GK:

"I only swear by Vietnamese cases for vintage builds.  They have the right general proportions and thickness (especially for the 1675), and they all have the correct crown/stem/tube height (unlike the Cartel / BP vintage / JKF watches which are designed to house the 2836-2 @ 2.25mm stem height or the 21j).  Vietnamese cases might cost $800 each for a complete case set, but it saves me from headaches and paranoia from getting called imo.  I wished there were more options between the price jump of a cartel/ BP vintage / JKF and a Vietnamese case. I could already confirm that a Helenarou 5513 case is very inferior to my Vietnamese 5513 case."

 

I noticed the case has the O ring groove on the top side like later genuine watches...and MBK cases.  Afaik MBK were some of the very few mainstream (affordable) replica cases with this groove and fairly accurate genuine specs/dimensions. 

So...I wonder if MBK and Vn cases are close to the same? 

IF they are...a first rate detailer (Rolojack!) could probably turn an MBK case into a masterpiece as well for a lot less $$ spent up front for the bare case. 

 

As I have said before, standard 55xx/1680 MBK cases are all 1680 spec and will accept a rlx 1570/5 and Eta 2836 with the only problem being the dial window is too small to properly work with a 26.5mm 1680 dial, an easy fix.  Also, since the MBK case will take a rlx 1570/5 date movement, the crown location is correct for a 1680 but it is a hair too far toward the back for a 5512/13, but few will notice.

 

The reason I posted this is because some members may have an MBK case and would like to have it 'souped up' to a top line case and not have to buy the $800 Vn case. 

Otoh one big problem with MBK cases is the ratty laser etched letters/numbers on the case and case back. 

 

 

PG:

"...on your caseback where it says Rolex, it is stamped or engraved?"

 

RJ:

"This is stamped. However, the "stamped" look can be achieved with engraving: after engraving polish to clean edges, then wash the surface with acid to give a sandblasted look to the bottom of the letters/numbers and finally do the final brushed finish. Result will be perfect."

 

Thanks.  Good info.  :thumbs:

Acid = common muriatic (hydrochloric) acid maybe? 

I've cleaned a lot of rusty motorcycle gas tanks out with it.

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This is stamped. However, the "stamped" look can be achieved with engraving: after engraving polish to clean edges, then wash the surface with acid to give a sandblasted look to the bottom of the letters/numbers and finally do the final brushed finish. Result will be perfect.
Thanks Rolojack, is there anyone you recommend that could do this special job for me? Appreciate your feedback, please feel free to PM with the details, I want to get my case back perfect. Thanks

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