Justasgood Posted January 15, 2007 Report Share Posted January 15, 2007 In all the mods I have seen, the one nuance that the vintage Rolex/Tudor subs had that hasn't been replicated is the subtle curve of the case sides and soft edgdes. If you have owned or own a Gen, look down the lug side and you will see what I mean. Also, in modding these vintage pieces, most of the time, the results don't appear to have the age and scars such a piece would accumulate. Submitted for your feedback is the work I am doing to achieve these features. I am also considering offering work to members if my vision and skill is desired. So, without further ado, I give you.....extreme mods... 5513 with case mods, new Gen Crown/Tube. Slow beat movement on the way and case holes to be drilled for Gen Springbars. Gen dial is being sought as well as gen bracelet. Next on the bench, 5517, case work started, slow beat movement in place, gen crown installed awaiting gen tube. original fiaxed pins removed (to give it a civilianized look), Gen spring bars in place. Dial rotated for lefty appearance. A little something to make every Rolex Lover Pant..... All original(except crystal, 1655 Orange hand dream watch. Thanks in advance for all feedback, praise and criticism. Regards, Kurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docblackrock Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 That 1655 looks like it's spent time Chez Nanuq Curious, if it's gen, why not slap a T116 on it? Cheap enough. Case shaping I agree is often overlooked on vintage pieces, something I'll be looking at carefully with my 6542 - lots of nice ref pics of rounded sloping case sides and lugs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justasgood Posted January 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2007 That 1655 looks like it's spent time Chez Nanuq Curious, if it's gen, why not slap a T116 on it? Cheap enough. Case shaping I agree is often overlooked on vintage pieces, something I'll be looking at carefully with my 6542 - lots of nice ref pics of rounded sloping case sides and lugs Thanks for the reply. The 1655 is original and unfortunately........it isn't mine. A good friend's Father in-law owns it and at one point, I almost talked him out of it......but, I would not have been able to deal with guilt I finally convinced him to give me a few hours with the watch to bring some decency back to it. I removed the bezel, bracelet and crystal. Cleaned the bracelet, polished the crystal, cleaned up the case and re-assembled it with the bezel in the proper position. Unfortunately, I was so excited with the results....I forgot to snap some after pictures.....DOH! I am sure he will give me the opportunity to catalog the results and I will post a follow up. As for the mods, I have a really good friend/watchmaker with a Rolex account. So I can get all things (Excluding inserts and dials) at a very good price. So, I have decided to mod the 5 vintage pieces I have to give a realistic appearance. Gen Crowns/Tubes, gaskets and crystals. Slow beat movements that have serviced/regulated, and true appearance that represents the age and use of the watches. I have always loved the subtle curve the vintage pieces have to their cases as well as the appearance the piece takes on from an owner who enjoys wearing the watch. Hopefully I have come close and with a search for Gen dials/inserts, I feel these watches will absolutely pass muster(not that I care if anyone thinks they are Gens), I am trying to replicate the look and feel of every vintage Rolex sport watch I have owned, sold and regretted letting go. Regards and thanks again for your input, Kurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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