Datejust 1600/16000

[IAN2109]

Hi

I am looking to build a 1600/ 16000 datejust

I will look to buy a gen caseset and dial

My question is about DWO/ movement

What movement should I use and where would I get DWO?

Thanks in advance!

[automatico]

The 1600 models have a 'pie pan' dial that allows the movement to mount higher in the case to give the illusion of a thinner watch.  Omega and a few other companies also did this in the 1960s because 'Thin Is In".  Back then.

This means you may need to use a genuine type pie pan dial in order to stuff an Eta 2824 etc movement into the watch.  An Eta 2836 may be a 'no go' in this case but I have never tried it.  Others on the forum can chime in.

The bottom line on genuine 1600 cases is that they are thinner than the average project case.

 

A rolex 16000 case uses a flat dial and cal 3035 movement.  There is room for an Eta 2836 in one.

A rolex 16200 case has a cal 3135 and it is thinner than a cal 3035 so a flat dial and Eta 2836 with DWO may not work.  Never tried it.

 

An Eta 2824 is 28800 beats per hour and is faster than the 1600 DJ with a 1530 base movement.  They were 18000bph and 19800bph depending on the year the watch was made. 

Rolex 16000 and 16200 movements were all 28800bph...same as Eta 28xx movements.

A 2836 date movement will have more room on the top side for a DWO after the day of the week parts are removed.  The 2824 does not have as much room.

Eta 28xx movements are 11.5 ligne size (26mm) and rolex movements are 12.5 ligne size (28.2mm) so you will need a special case spacer when using a genuine spec rolex case and Eta movement.

 

I put a few DJ projects together using replica 16200 cases made for an Eta 2836 with DWO with aftmkt or genuine dials and tudor hands.  A relatively low hassle/low buck solution but most of the cases have blind lug holes...aka 'no hole' cases so if you want the vintage look you will need to have the lug holes drilled...NOT as easy as it sounds. 

Easiest route is a replica 16200 case made for Eta 2836, proper dial, spacer, DWO etc.  Go with fresh swiss 2836.  No Asian Clones! (imho)  Drill lugs if desired.

 

There are quite a few threads on these projects on the forum.

A good start:

 

https://rwg.cc/topic/25638-want-to-put-eta-movement-in-gen-rolex-oyster-34mm-case/

 

Btw, I have the T69xxxx 15200 project watch with the nos chronometer grade Mido/Eta 12892 that 'Stilty' posted about in this thread.  Bought it from him March 5, 2009.  Best 'Frankenstein' I have...complete genuine case (like new), genuine dial, genuine modified hands, genuine date wheel etc.  Still has the faded original green sticker on the case back iirc. 

 

FYI...

The Mido/Eta 12892 is 12.5 ligne size same as rolex. 

The internal dimensions of the 15200 case are the same as any rolex case using the cal 3135. 

Rolex 3135 date wheels turn in the same direction as Eta 28xx.  Rolex 15xx and 3035 DW turn in the opposite direction.

 

Go to Google and search the projects out, most will come up from RWG.

Find DWO on eBay under 'Eta date wheels'.

 

Good luck!  

[tomhorn]

My 16014 project is linked in my signature below. Answers the 160xx questions. I haven't done a 16xx project, so can't help you there.