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JF 16610 Upgrades

2fake4u

Put Some Respect On My Name
20/9/16
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Instead of your typical review of the JF 5 digit subs, that lots of people have posted up, I am going to be diving into what I think needs to be done to get these up to “super rep” status that will give you a solid watch with some gen parts that will leave you feeling like you have that true “Rolex” experience sitting on your wrist.

I have both the JF 16610LV and the JF 16610LN, and will be discussing both throughout this.


Case: For the JF 16610LV we all know about the “wokky rehaut”. In my mind, this is one of the 1st things to go. A quick sanding starting with 200 grit and working up to 3k grit sandpaper then buffing it out with a cape cod cloth does wonders. Finish it with a scotch brite pad to give it the brushed look, and it makes a world of difference.

For the JF 16610LN, the rehaut is shaped much better. You can sand off the engraving if you want, but it is not needed in my opinion.

Cost: $20 for supplies and ~1hr of time

Before pics. Also, relates to the next point. Bezel was removed while sitting in my office with no tools.

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In progress

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Final product. Compared to TC V6

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Bracelet: Both bracelets are a little rattly to me, so a quick oil bath is all I did to them.

Cost: $5 for supplies and 5 minutes of prep. Let sit for 24 hoursish

Close up of the Sels of Both LV and LN

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Bezel: Here is where the LN version shines. The LV has a bezel that can be easily popped off with slight pressure. It needs to be replaced with either the updated bezel from JF, or a TC. PA1 and PA2 both fit perfectly, as does gen and startime. Take your pic based on what you want to spend.

For the LN, Bezel assembly is good to go as is.

Cost: $40-XXX depending on which bezel you go for

PA1 Bezel w/ gen insert installed on JF LV Franken w/ gen dial

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Insert: Inserts and Pearls are one of those things that I feel you can easily tell while its on your wrist. For me, a gen insert is one of the must have mods on any 5 digit; JF, TC, etc. LN inserts can be found everywhere, LV inserts will take some hunting.

Cost: $100-200 for LN depending on condition. $400-700 for LV depending on condition

Stock insert on LN

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Gen insert on LN. Wish I had a gen LV insert to show as well.

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Xtal: On both versions, the Xtal is another thing that needs to be replaced. Magnification is a touch too high, and there is too much glare off the JF xtal cyclops. Gen xtal is the best, but the TC V7 xtal is a cheap alternative. The difference between the TC v7 and the Gen is minor in my eyes. Gen is b25-295-c2-c4. Depending on what year youre going for, No AR and No LEC or No AR w/ LEC is correct. Although the AR w/ LEC xtals look great as well, they are not the correct one and they cost a significant amount more.

There is also a new xtal out there that should be hitting the market soon. crystal cleAR. They are doing a nice blackhole xtal and can do double AR as well. priced below gen prices. I posted some pics on post #65 of this thread. https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/jf-16610-upgrades.388007/page-3#post-3597811

Cost: $40-60 for TC V7. $100-150ish crystal cleAR once released. $130-200 for Gen depending on condition. Gen is b25-295-c2-c4

Gen on Left (LV), JF on Right (LN). Hard to really capture in pictures.

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Dial: The dials are very well done on these. Unless you are going for a superfranken, a gen dial is not needed in my opinion. Some stock ones I have seen with a dirty dial, so clean that up and youre good to go.

Cost: None

Gen Tritium Dial

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JF LN Dial

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Hands: Similar to the Dial, I don’t feel these add a significant amount of accuracy to justify the high costs. Again, if dirty, clean up and enjoy them.


Movement: The SH3135 Movement is a great movement. There are a little bit of QC issues that I have noticed where gen parts don’t always fit exactly correct, but they are close enough that you can make them work. Of the 3 sh3135s that I have, all 3 have fit gen parts a little different.

Some people prefer a gen autowind to get a smoother winding feel. If this is a big deal to you, do it, but I don’t feel it is a great way to spend $300-400. I personally dont let other people wind my watch, so it isnt something that i would ever worry about getting called out about. A quick lube of all the jewels and gears does enough for me.

What is needed is a gen date disc. The LV Date is way too bold, the LN Date is a little less bold, but the Gen just sets it apart.

Cost: $100-200 for Date Disc depending on condition. $300-400+ on autowind depending on condition.

LV Date

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LN Date

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Gen Date

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All said and done and you do the things I’ve recommended, you are looking at a $750-1k total depending on how hard you search for deals. This gives you a solid Franken 5 Digit that even some of the biggest Rolex Fans wouldn’t be able to tell a difference with.


If you have any questions or suggestions to add to the list, let me know. I am always on the look out for new mods, new ways to do things, and new franken parts.


And just for fun, the JF LV with gen xtal and date disc and a cheap blue insert. Love the looks, so a gen shark insert has been ordered. I will post up pics of that once it arrives.

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Moldy780

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21/8/16
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Great guide. I've been thinking of doing the same mods recently!

I agree 100% with the "must haves" you've posted in this guide
 

CarpetRyd

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Love it! Super informative and sums up the 5 digit sub mods! This "should" resolve all the newbie "what mods" question for this watch!

Nicely done sir!
 

2fake4u

Put Some Respect On My Name
20/9/16
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Great!
Where can I get a blue insert for the LV bezel?
cheapo ones all over ebay.

gen ones are much harder to find. The Rolex Forum, Ebay and M2M here are your best bet.
 

Soldier2304

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Excellent and informative contribution OP. Thank you this helped me a lot making my decision on my future project
 

Danlee224

Renowned Member
27/6/17
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Awesome little guide. Ive got a jf ln coming with a gen date disc, trit. dial, insert and xtal for sitting on my desk. This just made me a little more excited to put it together.
 

DrJohnWatsonJr

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27/12/16
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This is the kind of post I come back to the forum for! Thanks for the in depth review and comparisons, this is invaluable information.

Keep up the good work and thanks once again!
 

CarpetRyd

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Great!
Where can I get a blue insert for the LV bezel?

cheapo ones all over ebay.

gen ones are much harder to find. The Rolex Forum, Ebay and M2M here are your best bet.

Just note there is no gen blue/silver insert. The true shakey are faded 16613, 16808, 16618 inserts where the gold numbers have turned a silver color. You will notice that the pearl ring will still be gold!

They're hard to spot in pics, but they're around on eBay for a decent price... I picked mine up for about $70...
 

2fake4u

Put Some Respect On My Name
20/9/16
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Just note there is no gen blue/silver insert. The true shakey are faded 16613, 16808, 16618 inserts where the gold numbers have turned a silver color. You will notice that the pearl ring will still be gold!

They're hard to spot in pics, but they're around on eBay for a decent price... I picked mine up for about $70...
yeah i should have clarified.

$70?!?! some of the better ones i were finding were a lot more than that. Great price.
 

hurk

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Nice!!!
I miss seeing posts like these by modders.
I just happen to have one on the way and if my balls allow, this guide would make this "tc killer" somewhat deserving to be referred to as a "tc licker" or "tc's retarded cousin"

Time to get my tools out!

Or send to 2f4u. Hahahaha
 

Art Tic

Time Machine Collector
26/2/17
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This is a great guide for beginners itching to start modding their JF16610. I don't have the watch, but may get one if finances allow in the future. My one question after reading the excellent guide - How about the JF clasp? Is it good enough or should one scour the M2M parts for a replacement (TC or BP)?
 

Micolix

Active Member
12/8/15
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I completely agree with this mods, I suggest also the gen bezel with gen insert, the JF one is a little bit higher then gen and the feel it's a little bit like a box. With the gen one the shape of the watch is more smooth and elegant...


Inviato dal mio iPad utilizzando Tapatalk
 

2fake4u

Put Some Respect On My Name
20/9/16
3,037
475
83
This is a great guide for beginners itching to start modding their JF16610. I don't have the watch, but may get one if finances allow in the future. My one question after reading the excellent guide - How about the JF clasp? Is it good enough or should one scour the M2M parts for a replacement (TC or BP)?
its good enough that you dont need to worry about it. The TC is better, but only marginally.
 

2fake4u

Put Some Respect On My Name
20/9/16
3,037
475
83
I completely agree with this mods, I suggest also the gen bezel with gen insert, the JF one is a little bit higher then gen and the feel it's a little bit like a box. With the gen one the shape of the watch is more smooth and elegant...


Inviato dal mio iPad utilizzando Tapatalk
The TC bezel is an upgrade, but the JF LN is better than the LV in terms of closeness to gen.

Ill bust out the calipers on a JF vs TC bezel assembly this week.