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5 digit sub reps in 2021, franken or?

xray7

Renowned Member
1/4/18
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Old Dart
Had and flipped TCs, then a DJ41 franken, and after a gen-only spell (I've confined myself to Longines and cheaper), I tried out a ceramic no date VSF and just did not like it.

I'm a 16610LN man (who dreams of a birth year NOS 16800 with box and papers, but I digress) and as lockdown lifts in Blighty I'd like to get one back on the wrist so I can enjoy the little energy boost that comes with it.

No factory is making a good 5 digit sub OOTB anymore, that much we all know. Is there a tried and tested combo of mostly rep parts anyone likes at the moment to get a decent 16610LN together?
 
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Layo

You're Saying I Can Sell?
29/11/17
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I just had a pretty thorough franken done on a 16610LN. It's based on the ARF watch, which in my opinion is too pricey for what you get: loose bezel and questionable movement. The crystal is also a couple mm taller than gen. So, I went and got a VR3135 + gen datewheel as well as a clark crystal for those issues. The bezel action bothered me so I also sprang for a gen retaining ring, washer, and insert. I wasn't going to put a gen dial in mine, but the ARF had a pretty bad dial (lume plots were bulging out of the metal surrounds) so I got a gen tritium dial. The lume doesn't quite match the hands now, but it's something that I can live with.

In my opinion, if you want a really meticulous franken 16610LN build, don't bother getting an ARF. Get a ST caseset and source a VR3135 movement as well as a rep dial/hands, unless you want to go gen for the dial, hands and insert. The ARF bracelet is pretty good if that's important to you.

Let me know what you end up deciding on. I would love to see the route that you take.
 

XpanzerX

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I would not use a ST case as it needs dramatic reshaping. I’d go the ARF route gen hands and dial and insert, Clark’s crystal and a VR3135 with either stock of Gen Datewheel. I’ve build many 5 digit subs and that’s the best you can get now that TC is gone. I have a ARF case I’m debating building but have enough 5 digits at the moment, I can send you pics if you wanna see a bare case, it’s gen spec and will accept all genuine parts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

p0pperini

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I agree with the wise words of Xpanzer88x . My preference is for gen dial and hands, VR3135 with gen DW, gen tube/crown, gen crystal, gen insert.

I've just had an ARF case arrive from tripdog, who reworked it for a 16800 build. It looks very nice indeed. He mentioned (the well known issue) that the CGs are just a little short on the ARF case, but it's still the current best starting point.
 

KJ2020

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12/3/18
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No factory is making a good 5 digit sub OOTB anymore, that much we all know. Is there a tried and tested combo of mostly rep parts anyone likes at the moment to get a decent 16610LN together?

Take a look at this build. I still may do one, but I recently scored a TC so another 16610 build dropped down the priority list a few notches.

https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...0ln-submariner

I would also change the caseback and the clasp but what a beauty.
 
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p0pperini

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KJ2020 Ah of course, I keep on forgetting about the Ginault option! Well worth pointing out.

I wasn’t sure if the combo of no lug holes and no rehaut engraving made it incorrect, but a few early M serial models came like this.
 
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alligoat

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I apologize for pointing this out, but the bezel insert on lawlessflyers watch is a pre-2003 insert- last seen on the cases with lugholes- early Y serial as I recall. No lughole 16610 T serial cases have the pointed 4 in 40 insert.
Nevertheless, it's a beautiful watch.
 
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McPwn

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21/9/20
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ARF is the way to go. I believe you can even buy the caseset sans movement for $200 on Ali. Here is mine with gen dial/hands/insert/crown/VR3135. Also did light lug thinning to give it a more used look. Great bang for buck. Yes, i used a tritium insert, but it got it for $75 lol.

Actually the ARF crystal is surprisingly decent. Nice black hole effect and barely any distortion on the cyclops. No AR as is correct for this model.
8a71ea9fb9feec60bbd212a0c1dd3d3a.jpg


Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk
 
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Th4ySoN

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I’ve just pulled the trigger on a super Franken 16610LN.
To look 1989 with a faded blueish bezel.

Base: ARF with a SH3135.
Gen parts: Tritium T25 Dial, Tritium Hands, Crystal, DW, Faded Bezel insert, Crown, Barrel + Mainspring
Service/Mod: Full service, Case lugs holes mod, Waterproofing (to use it at pool and steam room).

It will be amazing!
Nikz19
 
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SudoHtop

Horology Curious
26/5/21
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I recently bought an ARF 16610 LN and have really been enjoying it. It's my favorite rep by far for sure.

The Crystal height is definitely the biggest disappointment with it. I compared it to a gen 14060 and the way the gen crystal sits (much lower down to the bezel) is just incredibly sleek. But overall it's a decent buy and out of the box the SH3135 doesn't run horribly (+/- 5-10 s/d with regulation).
 

mrsullivan

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I just received my first 5 digits Sub from M2M, I'm a beginner with those, and I'm surprised to actually like it more than the 6 digits.

I share it here as another example in that range of models, but also as a follower of all the good hints coming in this thread.

It's a modded ARF 16610LV, meaning maxi dial, with a BP dial (which seems to be a very good option), mounted with a gen black "flat 4" insert and gen crystal. A VR3135 powers it.
I plan to turn it back into an LV, and I'm on the hunt for a B3 gen lime green insert right now, which may be period correct with the BP dial's "oyster" position.

When LV done, I plan to get another 16610LN to reuse the gen LN insert, and maybe mod it a bit then.

I was initially looking for a TC, as many here, but ARF seem the good alternate way to go.

Many posts are to be found on the forum about these 5 digits, but this fresh thread is welcome to update the news. Definitely following that thread.
3e1e37ae5d07fa3f3151399124865b44.jpg
b310d7b60aca5fc25bf71820ab9e1533.jpg
e74c265dc27d513e220e3c40af9c304e.jpg


Envoyé de mon SM-G991B en utilisant Tapatalk
 
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ornateLover

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Please remember BK makes a modded arf with gen eta, fixed bezel, Clark crystal, and I think shaved crown guards
 
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p0pperini

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I just received my first 5 digits Sub from M2M, I'm a beginner with those, and I'm surprised to actually like it more than the 6 digits.
Hoorah! Another convert to The Church of the Holy 5 Digits! Yours looks lovely Mrs. Ullivan, and I can’t wait to see it as a FrankenKermit with the gen insert. Congrats and wear it in good health.
 
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mrsullivan

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Thanx mate, have I finally seen the Light ? ;)
I've always loved the aesthetic of the ceramic Subs but somehow had worries to keep them on my wrist.

That 16610 has'nt left my arm since I got it, it kind of feels more balanced and natural. Brilliant (and scary for my wallet lol).
839a687e24fd4ac2e6f6699a735a588e.gif


Envoyé de mon SM-G991B en utilisant Tapatalk
 
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McPwn

Active Member
21/9/20
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I recently bought an ARF 16610 LN and have really been enjoying it. It's my favorite rep by far for sure.

The Crystal height is definitely the biggest disappointment with it. I compared it to a gen 14060 and the way the gen crystal sits (much lower down to the bezel) is just incredibly sleek. But overall it's a decent buy and out of the box the SH3135 doesn't run horribly (+/- 5-10 s/d with regulation).
Crystal height seems pretty good to me. Ive compared it to a gen ( with lugholes) and the difference is miniscule. You'll be hard pressed to notice it.

Also the 14060 has slightly different case dimensions than a 16610. The case is actually a bit thinner among a few other things.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk
 
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SudoHtop

Horology Curious
26/5/21
13
4
3
I just received my first 5 digits Sub from M2M, I'm a beginner with those, and I'm surprised to actually like it more than the 6 digits.

I share it here as another example in that range of models, but also as a follower of all the good hints coming in this thread.

It's a modded ARF 16610LV, meaning maxi dial, with a BP dial (which seems to be a very good option), mounted with a gen black "flat 4" insert and gen crystal. A VR3135 powers it.
I plan to turn it back into an LV, and I'm on the hunt for a B3 gen lime green insert right now, which may be period correct with the BP dial's "oyster" position.

When LV done, I plan to get another 16610LN to reuse the gen LN insert, and maybe mod it a bit then.

I was initially looking for a TC, as many here, but ARF seem the good alternate way to go.

Many posts are to be found on the forum about these 5 digits, but this fresh thread is welcome to update the news. Definitely following that thread.
3e1e37ae5d07fa3f3151399124865b44.jpg
b310d7b60aca5fc25bf71820ab9e1533.jpg
e74c265dc27d513e220e3c40af9c304e.jpg


Envoyé de mon SM-G991B en utilisant Tapatalk

Looks great! How is the timekeeping of your VR3135? Was that preinstalled when you bought it M2M or did you do it yourself later? I’m thinking of doing that movement swap myself and trying to figure out if it’ll be worth it.
 

SudoHtop

Horology Curious
26/5/21
13
4
3
Crystal height seems pretty good to me. Ive compared it to a gen ( with lugholes) and the difference is miniscule. You'll be hard pressed to notice it.

Also the 14060 has slightly different case dimensions than a 16610. The case is actually a bit thinner among a few other things.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

Thanks for pointing that out. Do you have any idea if the crystal height on the gen 14060 sits lower than the gen 16610? If so, it might not have been a fair comparison to put the ARF next to a 14060.

All this talk is making me wish someone would actually make a decent 14060(m) rep….