It's no secret that my love [borderline unhealthy obsession / addiction] to vintage daytonas is well documented on the forums. Here I want to talk about something that, for me, pushes the daytona obsession into an unrealistic and crazy realm - the 727 rolex movement.
Now, most of us started out with cartel or DW, then graduate to a Valjoux 72. I then moved onto a bridge upgrade to Rolex, then eventually couldn't help but wonder: How can I get as close to a Rolex 727 movement as possible. Obviously Rolex's finishing on their movement is even more finessed but let's also not forget a GEN 6263 is about 50k (sigma) to 1.1mil (paul newman)
What you should know is that a Rolex 727 movement comes in 6263 and 6264 / 6265 daytona references. It is built upon an improved V72, the V726. Rolex then, according to literature, "changed the balance and upped the beat from 18,000 bph to 21,600 bph. This modification entails the replacement of 15 parts, screws and clamps. It makes the movement more precise than the older movements." - from "Rolex Daytona, a legend is born"
So, the parts needed are:
1. 5 lines chronograph bridge $500
2. Train bridge $500
3. Movement Plate for 727 $900
4. Balance Bridge $500
Total - $2400 + $100 shipping = $2500 + various other screws clamps etc $$$$$
Things that haven't been accounted for - various clamps jewels and notice all the Rolex 727 has gold colored gears. Most v72 from donor watches will have silver colored gears so you'll need to find those as well.
Phong's cost for conversion (you provide your own movement) = $3650 including parts - Talk about sticker shock!!! Add a v72 movement from the bay and the total cost easily hits $5k for the movement alone! More if you hunt down a 726 (even more rare!)
That being said, I am absolutely in love with this movement. You can either hunt down a 726 then convert it or have a master chronograph watchsmith convert it from low beat 18,000 bph to 21,600 bph.
I'll have more pics tomorrow but here is what the movement looks like running. Note how much faster the balance wheel moves over a normal V72. I will do a video comparing my non converted v72 with this movement shortly
And completed build!
Now, most of us started out with cartel or DW, then graduate to a Valjoux 72. I then moved onto a bridge upgrade to Rolex, then eventually couldn't help but wonder: How can I get as close to a Rolex 727 movement as possible. Obviously Rolex's finishing on their movement is even more finessed but let's also not forget a GEN 6263 is about 50k (sigma) to 1.1mil (paul newman)
What you should know is that a Rolex 727 movement comes in 6263 and 6264 / 6265 daytona references. It is built upon an improved V72, the V726. Rolex then, according to literature, "changed the balance and upped the beat from 18,000 bph to 21,600 bph. This modification entails the replacement of 15 parts, screws and clamps. It makes the movement more precise than the older movements." - from "Rolex Daytona, a legend is born"
So, the parts needed are:
1. 5 lines chronograph bridge $500
2. Train bridge $500
3. Movement Plate for 727 $900
4. Balance Bridge $500
Total - $2400 + $100 shipping = $2500 + various other screws clamps etc $$$$$
Things that haven't been accounted for - various clamps jewels and notice all the Rolex 727 has gold colored gears. Most v72 from donor watches will have silver colored gears so you'll need to find those as well.
Phong's cost for conversion (you provide your own movement) = $3650 including parts - Talk about sticker shock!!! Add a v72 movement from the bay and the total cost easily hits $5k for the movement alone! More if you hunt down a 726 (even more rare!)
That being said, I am absolutely in love with this movement. You can either hunt down a 726 then convert it or have a master chronograph watchsmith convert it from low beat 18,000 bph to 21,600 bph.
I'll have more pics tomorrow but here is what the movement looks like running. Note how much faster the balance wheel moves over a normal V72. I will do a video comparing my non converted v72 with this movement shortly
And completed build!
