Does A Rolex Take A Year To Manufacture? This One Does...

[ubiquitous]

As many of you guys know, I've always loved the Daytona. And, I've always wanted to add one to my collection. After much deliberation, and a few replicas that turned out to be more disappointment than anything else, the opportunity came along to build my favorite watch. About a year ago, I purchased a 16520 Daytona case kit, which consisted of a genuine Daytona case, bezel, crystal, pushers, crown, tube, hands, bracelet and a refinished dial on a genuine base. The kit looked like this:

All I needed to add was the movement- A Zenith El Primero caliber 400 was the one to use, as Rolex used this movement in the 16520, reworked and renamed the Rolex 4030. Finding the movement was the difficult part, as not just any movement would do for me. There were lots of old El Primeros out there; many of which came in old Zeniths and Movado Datrons, however the majority that I came across were very old and worn (sometimes not in working order), and oft times only the 17 jewel models (I was after the 31j). The movement that I was after was typically selling for well over the $1k price point, and after having watched the sales of several 31j El Primeros on eBay and other venues I was convinced that I would have to spend $1300.00 on a donor watch only to strip the movement from.

Then.... A good friend and member of this board showed me something that made my eyes widen- That being a brand new EP 400 from an Ebel 911, brand new and in the plastic factory case untouched. After discussing price, this one had my name all over it. Payment was made, and the movement was in my hands the following day (thanks, Chris!!).

So, now we're getting somewhere...

After looking at this view for a little short of a year...

...I now saw this:

And now, some behind the scenes pics...

Here is the date wheel and date changing mechanism removed from the movement:

Here is the process of adding hands (which I tackled just this afternoon):

And finally, everything in the case, buttoned down:

With everything completed and tested, it's time for some glamour shots

Bracelet fitted:

And, with a Daytona of older vintage...

So, after nearly a year my quest for my holy grail frankenwatch is now completed. I'm breathing a sigh of relief... And I have a feeling my trusty old Sea-Dweller may have to cope with being 2nd favorite for a while...

If you've managed to make it this far, thank you. Thank you for reading and taking part in what has been for me, a fantastic and somewhat emotional experience

All the best,

Randy

[watcher71]

utterly amazing! Congratulations...she is beautiful and I'd bet well worth the wait.

[thomasng]

WOW! Looks great. I wonder if something like this could be sold as genuine, which would be a very scary thing.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost you in total? I'm more interested in the cost of the genuine bracelet, case, etc. It must have been hard to get such parts.

[TwoTone]

Randy:

Your work, pictures, and explanations, simply amaze me. You are indeed a irreplaceable member of this board.

TT

PS: If you ever want to sell that baby, PM me first...

[700club]

Holy Sh*t!

That is absolutely amazing.

Congratulations. That is one damn nice Daytona.

You are a lucky man Randy.

Man I can not get over how nice that turned out.

Breathtaking!

I think I am jealous. LOL

[miquel]

Very nice work on a very, no, extremely important project. Your extreme patience and motivation to finish without giving up are something to admire!

Good job and hope it keeps time for a long while!

[XRT]

That is absolutely incredible.

Congratulations Randy!!

That piece could easily be sold as genuine...scary.

Your persistance and patience is commendable...so are your pictures.

[sonystyle]

Wow, thats really amazing...

I didnt think you could buy Rolex parts alone like that - I know Rolex is really tight with their part distribution. Even more so these days.

I suppose Rolex Daytonas in SS go for about 10,000 USD now - you have a really superlative watch!

[Craytonic]

wow! You built the same watch for ~1/10 of the price... and it is a thing of beauty.

[ehtolcad]

great watch for a great guy!

and that dw aint too shabby either

Edited June 15, 2006 by ehtolcad

[aaronk_83]

that is one amazing piece! I would also love to try this, but like Admin said, just wondering the price?

Again amazing work, and amazing patience to get this all together awesome work

[cskent69]

Simply incredible. How did you get the case, etc in the first place?

[Brian]

WOW !!

Randy, that is absolutely AWESOME !!

A totally amazing project. That must have been a thrill and a half putting that together, and can imagine the gigantic rush when you put the last piece on it and got to look at your fantastic watch. Great pics as usual in a sharp layout with your concise captions that I've always enjoyed looking at and reading and usually learning something new . . . and this time got to look and read just for sheer pleasure. Congratulations on your finished watch project. This will definitely be one post for the archives that may never be topped.

Brian

[yodaddynukka]

congrats on this stunning holy grail, my friend. envy isn't the word to describe what im feeling, lol. this project couldn't have happen to a better more deserving person. enjoy!

[Dirk Pitt]

Awesome work! It's great to see a project like that complete.

[fitmic]

Absolutely stunning!!!

[Guest TTK]

Nice work Randy......and an excellent article and pictorial......I wish you good health to wear it.....!

Edited June 15, 2006 by TTK

[slay]

wow, I remember you having this case set for a long time... looks terrific, well worth the wait! this one's a keeper!

[Watchmeister]

Randy-

Congrats. I know how hard you have worked on this, And it is the holy grail of reps. Kudos to Chris as well. How one would know that a 1911 movement would fit is a scary thought.

[Jetsons]

Randy, you have the honors of having completed the most fantastic project I have ever seen on thse forums. Amazing work and most importantly, perseverance.

I'm not sure what you can possibly come up with to top this one but I'm sure you'll think of something.

Many congratulations on a fantastic watch. You deserve it.

Two thumbs up, way up to Chris for helping you complete your dream watch.

Enjoy!

Jet

Edited June 15, 2006 by Jetsons

[Tribal]

Hi Ubi,

eyery work i have seen from you is fantastic.

I'm amazed of this Daytona...

It look very good compared to the real thing...

I think its the best modern Daytona i have seen...

Fantastic.

RG Tribal

[ubiquitous]

Hey gang,

I must say that I am overwhelmed by all of your kind comments! Thank you! This project has been a fascinating 'journey' for me. I learned quite a lot along the way- Perhaps the most important lesson for me being patience (I'm not typically a very patient kind of guy, heh heh. But I'm learning...). Finishing up this watch was like finally being able to take a breath of air after holding it for so long... I think I'm still in a little bit of disbelief

Anyways... To answer some questions...

The case kit was purchased for $1400.00 (if I recall correctly). That was for everything, except the movement. The movement was another $800.00, and was brand new, still in the packaging from Ebel. So, all in all, I've got around $2400.00 into this. As for where I purchased my kit... The seller doesn't want me to say. All I can divulge is that I was at the right place at the right time There are, however, Italian made cases, dials, etc for around the same price. I have no idea where to find these cases, but if someone happens to know or is able to find out, I'd like to know too, please

So, now all I have left on my to-do list for this watch is to pick up a genuine rotor, a 4030 bridge, and source a genuine box set; I don't typically purchase box/paper sets for my watches, but this one will be the exception only because of what I've put into this watch thus far. No, it won't be sold but rather passed down to my son when he's older (who hopefully won't sell it either ). Speaking of which, I must add that my son sat next to me the entire time while putting this together, just watching his Dad at work with great interest and quiet as a mouse (which is a bit surprising for a 2 year old). I think I'm making a watch nerd out of him too!

Anyhow... Thanks again for the very kind comments! It is all very much appreciated!

Cheers,

Randy

[Steve G]

Great work Randy, the watch looks amazing! No doubt I have a greater appreciation for those who are "crafty" with their abilities, considering I made my first attempt (with your help and movement of course) with not as good as your results. But it was fun, and you have to start somewhere.

Wear in good health my friend.

ps. I thnk my wife is now hooked on the scrapjazz site.

[cwai02]

It looks great.

Edited June 15, 2006 by cwai02

[mikellem]

Hi Randy,

Thanks for sharing such a fantatic project with all of us... My hat always comes off to you my friend. Your tutorial is excellent and no one could have done a better job.

I love and respect your work, and you are a fantastic contributor to this board.

Thanks Again,

mike