Just in - BP 16613LB

[KJ2020]

BP is the biggest player still in the rep 1661x market. JF used to make a good 16610LN and LV, albeit with a lousy SH3135. ARF took this over from JF and their offerings have their own shortcomings. There are many threads on those models.

BP used to offer the "gen" Chinese Swiss ETA in the 1661x, and it may well have had a DWO to accommodate a dial with a Rolex position date window. I have not seen one of these offered by a TD in years, and would be surprised if they were still available. Trusty still lists some, but he is bad about purging old listings.

BPs with the SA3135 will have a Rolex position date window. The SA3135 is worse than the SH3135 and it will need replacement sooner or later.

BP 1661x with ETA clones currently available will have 2824's not 2836's despite what any factories or TDs may claim. This is likely why the decision was made to use ETA date window dials because it's difficult to install a DWO on a 2824. There is very little room for the DWO to clear other movement parts.

Gen-spec DW as a DWO

The Serti shown in Li's QC pic is the same one I have and cannot have a 3135 in it because of the dial date window. At best it could be "decorated to 3135" which means needless deco parts added to the backside with no benefit. AFAIK even those variants of BP 1161x are no longer available and why would anyone choose that anyway?

Bottom line is if you choose to buy a BP 1161x, you can have:

SA3135 with Rolex position date window dial
(no Serti this way, and plan on buying a VR3135 to swap in)

Or

A2824 with ETA position date window dial
(You can retrofit with a gen-spec crystal and Rolex date window dial by modding the dial feet if necessary, and adding a DWO)

 

[KJ2020]

This rep

Is now this, with a conversion as described above (Rolex date window dial, gen-spec crystal and added DWO). Also changed the insert to a more emerald green to match the dial, and the hands have blue lume.

 

[kevin300z]

That probably looks amazing in person.

 

[KJ2020]

That probably looks amazing in person.

That's the standard I strive toward bro, haha.

My Serti awaits a similar conversion.

 

[sgt.njoy]

KJ2020 If my memory is correct few years back someone said that BP case don't accept gen crystal. Do you happen to know if latest batch will accept 295c crystal? Also are side of links platted?

 

[KJ2020]

KJ2020 If my memory is correct few years back someone said that BP case don't accept gen crystal. Do you happen to know if latest batch will accept 295c crystal? Also are side of links platted?

Every recent 3135 BP 1661x Sub I've had in hand recently has a gen-spec crystal. The 2824 and DG 2813 versions do not. None of them will take a gen or gen-spec bezel or insert without some case modding.

The SEL and mid link sides are not plated.

 

[sgt.njoy]

Every recent 3135 BP 1661x Sub I've had in hand recently has a gen-spec crystal. The 2824 and DG 2813 versions do not. None of them will take a gen or gen-spec bezel or insert without some case modding.

The SEL and mid link sides are not plated.

As always thank you for your knowledge

 

[Charizard735]

Every recent 3135 BP 1661x Sub I've had in hand recently has a gen-spec crystal. The 2824 and DG 2813 versions do not. None of them will take a gen or gen-spec bezel or insert without some case modding.

The SEL and mid link sides are not plated.

So the 1661x 3135 with the gen-spec crystal is a direct swap with a gen or a Clark’s crystal? I suppose that’s the only gen part that can be installed without heavy modifications right?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KJ2020]

So the 1661x 3135 with the gen-spec crystal is a direct swap with a gen or a Clark’s crystal? I suppose that’s the only gen part that can be installed without heavy modifications right?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Crystal is direct swap yes.

The rep would take many other gen parts, just not a bezel or insert. For example - movement, dial, hands, tube, crown, bracelet, clasp. If a better rep 3135 movement were swapped in (VR3135), then individual gen movement parts could be used as desired.

 

[Fervid]

A new piece I'm looking forward to receiving, will probably enjoy it as is for however long the movement lasts, then will look at swapping a VR3135 and a gen champagne DW, as the one in this movement does look a bit too yellow!

 

[KJ2020]

A new piece I'm looking forward to receiving, will probably enjoy it as is for however long the movement lasts, then will look at swapping a VR3135 and a gen champagne DW, as the one in this movement does look a bit too yellow!

Looks like a good sample bro. The dial looks better than some I've seen in the past.

 

[Fervid]

They've arrived.. BP never ceases to amaze me.

 

[thediesel17]

They've arrived.. BP never ceases to amaze me.

how do they feel? sturdy?

 

[Fervid]

how do they feel? sturdy?

The hollow mid links of the bracelet certainly don't help, otherwise the watch feels and looks great. Highly recommend.

 

[KJ2020]

They've arrived.. BP never ceases to amaze me.

Looks great bro, congrats!

I keep going back to this one, hoping someone else will buy it so I can't. BNIB, I don't know how this can still be unsold. So tempting.

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/role...-dial-bezel-ss18kt-gold-16613--id22380285.htm

 

[Fervid]

Looks great bro, congrats!

I keep going back to this one, hoping someone else will buy it so I can't. BNIB, I don't know how this can still be unsold. So tempting.

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/role...-dial-bezel-ss18kt-gold-16613--id22380285.htm

Cheers bro! And that is a very beautiful example indeed! I'm still mind blown how good these look in person, along with the nice sunburst dial with its range of colors.

 

[Yogibear]

Cheers bro! And that is a very beautiful example indeed! I'm still mind blown how good these look in person, along with the nice sunburst dial with its range of colors.

totally agree! The dial in person is just incredible.

 

[mclarendude]

I dislike this forum, I went to bed reading this thread and I remembered how much I love the 16613. Now I need one. I blame KJ.

Guess it's time to get a 16613 and a Kermit.

 

[KJ2020]

I dislike this forum, I went to bed reading this thread and I remembered how much I love the 16613. Now I need one. I blame KJ.

Guess it's time to get a 16613 and a Kermit.

Hah, I hear ya bro. It never ends...

 

[Kielxx]

Hi guys
after I saw m2m sale with bp16613lb (to expensive)I decided to ask can td get it ,guess what bp is still available , brand new from td
2836-298$
A3135-338$

I just accepted my qc