Has anyone ever stripped down a noobmariner case to mid-case and tried to install either a gen or aftermarket bezel assembly with the retainer ring, gaskets and crystal, etc?
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Noobmariner Mods
- Thread starter 40232
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Can't be done.
(Well with enough work anything is possible, so I guess it'd be more accurate to say it can't be done without extensive machining--you'd probably have to weld additional metal to the case and then machine that down).
(Well with enough work anything is possible, so I guess it'd be more accurate to say it can't be done without extensive machining--you'd probably have to weld additional metal to the case and then machine that down).
Is that the Gen construction difference? Anyone know which models have gen like construction? I understand the TW Best does; but what about PT, MBK, ETA Swiss or other who advertise 1:1 or gen like?
Man dude you are asking THE QUENTISENTIAL question we have asked for..well damn near a decade...there are some amazing franken subs out there,,,but you will PAY a ton for then, you will just have to look around, read some threads, watch some sales and get a feel for it. There are so many opinions, wants and needs it's impossible to outline it all.
Good Hunting,
Rob
Good Hunting,
Rob
Sometimes it's just easier to find one that already has been modded and pay the price. My last two frankens were expensive to build and took a long time.
Well, there's a difference between "will accept gen parts" and gen construction.
Even though it's the buzzword du jour, there is absolutely no such thing as 1:1 construction in the rep world. All it means is that certain parts are made to assemble in the same manner as the gen and therefore, in theory, gen parts should easily exchange without mods. Those of us whom have tried to do so will tell you sometimes yes, sometimes no. And the list is long and varied.
Even though it's the buzzword du jour, there is absolutely no such thing as 1:1 construction in the rep world. All it means is that certain parts are made to assemble in the same manner as the gen and therefore, in theory, gen parts should easily exchange without mods. Those of us whom have tried to do so will tell you sometimes yes, sometimes no. And the list is long and varied.
^Exactly. This is why I think if you are willing to spend 2k+ on a franken, you might as well start saving for a gen. There's plenty to be had for $4500-5k.
You had more fun buying that than I had building this?
Heck, maybe you did. I know I don't get a whole lot of pleasure just from buying stuff.
LOL, I'm just not a take it apart and mod it guy, just not me, but I do like your watch, very nice.
You had more fun buying that than I had building this?
Heck, maybe you did. I know I don't get a whole lot of pleasure just from buying stuff.
That's one good looking SD you have. Where did you get the pearl?
Absolutely agree. The hunt for the parts as so much more fun than the hunt for the individual watch, too. Score a fantastic deal on a gen part? Makes you feel like a big game hunter.
Four franken rollies including two date-justs and a 1675 whose only "rep" parts are the movement, hands, and DWO's later, my wallet may need a rest, but I'm sure the need for the hunt shall return sooner than later.
I couldn't agree more.
It's the thrill of the acquisition...sourcing the parts for the build is what I enjoy.
Of course the end result is rewarding but I always seem to feel a sense of being a bit deflated when all the parts for a certain "goal" have arrived and the project is over.
It's the thrill of the acquisition...sourcing the parts for the build is what I enjoy.
Of course the end result is rewarding but I always seem to feel a sense of being a bit deflated when all the parts for a certain "goal" have arrived and the project is over.
I will tell ya a little story from just a guy(me) who has a friend...I bought a noob sub, from a member $100 (my 3rd sub since 2005 including a gen 16610) the lume blew ass...it has a DG2813 aka 21j....my friend who will remain nameless, who is one HELLUVA modder man and rep enthusist,,,relumed the dial, modded the pearl, shaved the crown guards and machine lathed the shitty engraving off the rehaut....next in time will come an ETA 2836 swap and I am DONE...it friggin rocks and when I get round to it....will take some pics and share....total in the watch....about what it costs for a out of the box ETA engined 16610..but better
The TW, WM9, some of the MBK/MBW's and "Sean case" are about the only rep 16610 cases with gen like bezel construction that I know of. But as already mentioned, gen-like doesn't necessarily mean gen size 1:1.
Given time and Technology being what it is today, IMO it's only a matter of time before an exact, 1:1 case is constructed. Gen like, gen size, everything exact.
From a foot distance a modded noob is quite hard to call out, tw best, bklm and stuff like that is probably a part per million chance that someone will ever be able to call it out as long as you don't wear it into an ad with decades of rolex experience and similar places. On the other hand most ordinary folks will simply assume that you're wearing a fake sub even in case you've really got a gen one. recently a work colleague commented my airking 5500 like ha, ha ha , fake rolex... He thought he was funny 
