Guest PEGLEG Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 Been researching the "Franken" posts and think I would like a datejust. Where can I start to build one or have one made? Is it relatively expensive compared to a genuine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 When I built mine I probably saved about 60% of the cost to purchase a similar (complete) gen Datejust, based on average values. Cost to have someone else build one for you depends on the fee the builder charges you (I have seen a couple of these exceed the price of the gen itself, so I would encourage you to research gen pricing for the model you want before you contract to have someone else build you a watch). If you have the required watchmaking experience & tools, you can start by collecting all of the parts on ebay. Otherwise, I would start bidding on gen watches or begin the search for a reputable watchmaker who is willing to do the work for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 I think Frankenjusts are a great deal and I've built two of them. This is a 16014 ss case w/ the WG fluted bezel and ss oyster band. 2836-2 movement, datewheel from cubic-works in Hong Kong, case from roling on ebay and the dial came from astorlive. My watchmaker put it together for me for $50 with me supplying all of the parts (except the plastic ring spacer). I spent something like a little over $500. The secoond one is a 16013 TT with the silver dial with gold stick markers, gold hands (Tudor from Clark's Watch Supply), gold crown and TT jubilee band. LOL, I had to get the 2836-2 movement serviced on this one- it was filthy. Around $575 total. Sorry, no pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest watchbuff Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 Ebay is a good source for parts, also Palomino eneterprises has a ton of Rolex parts. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PEGLEG Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 Thank you for the help, I am in Arizona and there is a jewelery clearance dealer in Phoenix that has nice items. I think I will poke around there and I also have been watching some items on Ebay. I am learning alot from here, been reading all about it for 2 + hours so far! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stilty Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 Yes, it all depends on the quality of parts you buy and who you buy from. A lot also has to do with timing, luck, and how much patience you have, especially with eBay. The DJ I recently completed is in the $850 range. The OP Date that I built for my wife this summer was more, and only because the gen Oyster bracelet is double the price of the jubilee bracelet. This does not include the non tangible costs of research, labour, R&D, etc. Factor that in and the cost goes up even more. Hope this gives you an idea of what to expect for a Franken. The possibilities are endless... as is the price! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PEGLEG Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 Thanks for the help. I think E bay is going to be my start point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted December 6, 2007 Report Share Posted December 6, 2007 Ebay worked for me: Case from roling- both were excellent, I didn't use the dials because they weren't what I wanted hands from Clark's Watch Supply- nostalgia 2000 on ebay date wheel from cubic-works.com in Hong Kong crowns from ebay- like a 24-602-1 - search 'rolex crown' you can't beat it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now