I wanted to join Bonessey’s raffle. That’s why I’m making this thread. :hehehe:
This is a follow up to my previous old thread about the rep sub and Gen Y series. You may find the link here:
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/tc-sub-and-103387
As I research the best all-rep parts to mod a 16610 Sub, I tried a number of part suppliers and compared them part per part. The reason I wanted to make a modded 16610 using only rep parts is because of the following:
1. Not everyone can afford a Franken. There are more than 50,000 members in RWI. They want to enjoy their reps with the closest replication to the gens. This is especially true to the iconic Submariner 16610. But not everyone can buy a gen insert (US$200-250 good condition); a gen crystal (US$200-250 great condition); and gen crown and tube (US$80-120), among other gen parts. Those alone will bring the rep price to additional US$500 minimum. Likewise, not everyone can monitor the sales section, first to PM, and buy a built one. I would like to appeal to their financial needs first and find out the best rep parts as affordable options for the community.
2. Build the most period accurate 16610 using only rep parts. If affordability is the only concern, it is better for us to buy the cheapest canal street sub rep. But the second reason is to find the most accurate rep parts one can buy and slowly build a 16610 indistinguishable from the naked eye and even in the hands of a gen Rolex owner without using a loupe (If you find a guy carrying a loupe around, run. He’s not normal!).
3. I would have chosen a Sean case set but because of #1, I have to choose otherwise. His case set alone is already US$480.
With these objectives, this is the relatively affordable yet accurate all-rep parts modded 16610 submariner:
TC V-series case set with shaved rehaut
TC V-series dial and hands
TC V-series crown and tube
TC 93250 V3 bracelet with 2.0 spring bars
TC 93250 V3 clasp with V2 diver extension
Clark 25-295C-2 crystal
Clark bezel assembly with TC click spring
Clark bezel insert
Watch Material pearl
BK Dwo
ETA 2824 movement
Find below as it is compared to a gen Y-series of 2004. Gen pic on top, Rep at the bottom:
The Clark insert now sports a number of scratches as I wear this often. Obviously, I needed the watch to look like 10 years old. The WM pearl (thanks to RSH) matches the lume given by the TC dial and hands. SEL fitting is absolutely the best in repdom, period.
This particular gen Y series still does not have the LEC at 6 nor the ARed Cyclops. It’s supposed to start that same year but could have fully began on the 2004 F series. So our crystal is still acceptable compared to the gen’s assembly period. I’ve decided to choose the Clark for its clarity.
The Clark bezel teeth is better than the TC’s for a 2004 and later sub replication. My only concern on the Clark bezel assembly is that it is too polish all over. In fact, it’s too blingy even inside the teeth. What I did was to carefully sand off the polished inner teeth using a 1500-2000 grit, one by one. The outer assembly remains polished ‘tho.
The lugs and bracelet also have light scratches to best represent a decade old beater.
TC’s click spring was maintained as it works better.
The TC v2 diver extension is also more accurate.
What are the needed improvements?
1. If you have a serviced SA3135 or Y3135 movement, that could be the next step.
2. Very minor but the TC crown/tube set is not as ‘fluid’ when being unscrewed like a gen set (I know, I sound like nitpicking). This is only noticeable by those whom you allow to handle your watch, especially by old time gen WIS. Otherwise, no one would know.
3. Personally, it could be also ideal if TC can offer a sterile case set but someone can accurately engrave customized serial numbers between the lugs. I actually prefer a D or Z series numbers. Again, not a big issue.
Just to kindly remind everyone, the gen counterpart is a superior product with far better manufacturing system, quality control, and resale value. The rep one, uhm, is simply a replication.
But this rep has been seen and handled by a few self-proclaimed gen WISes. Without setting the time or unscrewing the spring bars, no one could call it out.
A few more actual pics from a simple camera phone:
I hope this helps. Enjoy.
This is a follow up to my previous old thread about the rep sub and Gen Y series. You may find the link here:
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/tc-sub-and-103387
As I research the best all-rep parts to mod a 16610 Sub, I tried a number of part suppliers and compared them part per part. The reason I wanted to make a modded 16610 using only rep parts is because of the following:
1. Not everyone can afford a Franken. There are more than 50,000 members in RWI. They want to enjoy their reps with the closest replication to the gens. This is especially true to the iconic Submariner 16610. But not everyone can buy a gen insert (US$200-250 good condition); a gen crystal (US$200-250 great condition); and gen crown and tube (US$80-120), among other gen parts. Those alone will bring the rep price to additional US$500 minimum. Likewise, not everyone can monitor the sales section, first to PM, and buy a built one. I would like to appeal to their financial needs first and find out the best rep parts as affordable options for the community.
2. Build the most period accurate 16610 using only rep parts. If affordability is the only concern, it is better for us to buy the cheapest canal street sub rep. But the second reason is to find the most accurate rep parts one can buy and slowly build a 16610 indistinguishable from the naked eye and even in the hands of a gen Rolex owner without using a loupe (If you find a guy carrying a loupe around, run. He’s not normal!).
3. I would have chosen a Sean case set but because of #1, I have to choose otherwise. His case set alone is already US$480.
With these objectives, this is the relatively affordable yet accurate all-rep parts modded 16610 submariner:
TC V-series case set with shaved rehaut
TC V-series dial and hands
TC V-series crown and tube
TC 93250 V3 bracelet with 2.0 spring bars
TC 93250 V3 clasp with V2 diver extension
Clark 25-295C-2 crystal
Clark bezel assembly with TC click spring
Clark bezel insert
Watch Material pearl
BK Dwo
ETA 2824 movement
Find below as it is compared to a gen Y-series of 2004. Gen pic on top, Rep at the bottom:
The Clark insert now sports a number of scratches as I wear this often. Obviously, I needed the watch to look like 10 years old. The WM pearl (thanks to RSH) matches the lume given by the TC dial and hands. SEL fitting is absolutely the best in repdom, period.
This particular gen Y series still does not have the LEC at 6 nor the ARed Cyclops. It’s supposed to start that same year but could have fully began on the 2004 F series. So our crystal is still acceptable compared to the gen’s assembly period. I’ve decided to choose the Clark for its clarity.
The Clark bezel teeth is better than the TC’s for a 2004 and later sub replication. My only concern on the Clark bezel assembly is that it is too polish all over. In fact, it’s too blingy even inside the teeth. What I did was to carefully sand off the polished inner teeth using a 1500-2000 grit, one by one. The outer assembly remains polished ‘tho.
The lugs and bracelet also have light scratches to best represent a decade old beater.
TC’s click spring was maintained as it works better.
The TC v2 diver extension is also more accurate.
What are the needed improvements?
1. If you have a serviced SA3135 or Y3135 movement, that could be the next step.
2. Very minor but the TC crown/tube set is not as ‘fluid’ when being unscrewed like a gen set (I know, I sound like nitpicking). This is only noticeable by those whom you allow to handle your watch, especially by old time gen WIS. Otherwise, no one would know.
3. Personally, it could be also ideal if TC can offer a sterile case set but someone can accurately engrave customized serial numbers between the lugs. I actually prefer a D or Z series numbers. Again, not a big issue.
Just to kindly remind everyone, the gen counterpart is a superior product with far better manufacturing system, quality control, and resale value. The rep one, uhm, is simply a replication.
But this rep has been seen and handled by a few self-proclaimed gen WISes. Without setting the time or unscrewing the spring bars, no one could call it out.
A few more actual pics from a simple camera phone:
I hope this helps. Enjoy.
Anyway, I really like a build with only rep parts that's still this gen looking. It's very cool to see what can be done without expensive gen parts.
