UPDATED: MAY 22 2014 - PHOTOS ADDED *SEE POST #14
Hey guys,
I've been building what I call TC "lite" frankens for god knows how long. It wasn't until about a month ago did I decide to build my "last one" and lock it in the watchbox. Back in January of 2012 through to the beginning of 2013 I built a few v serial engraved TC Sub's, sold them all not knowing that TC's unique v serial engraved case offering would become limited and impossible to find now. In the last year I built probably half a dozen v4/v5/v6 cased frankens all of which I have also sold. Why? I've always found a more interesting build to focus on until now...
A month ago RSH reached out to me and asked if I was interested in a v serial engraved TC case. As most of us know, this particular case was a limited run of a 150 or something (don't quote me) and in my opinion was one of the better cases with better finishings and workmanship. I jumped on it and said hell yes. One thing led to another and here we are. I'm building hopefully my last TC sub!
Having been around the forums for several years and built relationships with several of the Rolex veterans around us, I've had the opportunity to learn a lot. Arcadia's recent period correct threads have also been a tremendous help so Kudos to him and thank you.
Anyhow for those interested here are the build specs I am working towards. I am hoping to have all the parts together by late next week and a finished watch before the end of April. *Arcadia at some point in another thread I believe you quoted a similar recipe if not the same one.
Rep components:
Case: TC v serial engraved case (approx. 2 years old, rehault sanded by RSH)
Dial: TC KH dial
Hands: TC hands (same generation as dial to ensure lume is consistent)
Bezel: TC v6 bezel assembly
Bracelet ends: TC v3 ends with engraved endlinks (c/w 2mm springbars)
Datewheel: TC v4 datewheel
Genuine components:
Insert: Gen Rolex
Crystal: Gen Rolex non-AR with LEC non-service (I will reuse the rep gasket)
Crown: Gen 703
Clasp and dive extension assembly: Gen Rolex 93250 (AB code circa 2000) *alternatively a TC v4 clasp would be the best budget friendly option
Movement: Swiss Eta 2824 (salvaged from the original 2 year old case)
Budget:
$1,200.00CDN
I'll be taking random photos of all the parts as I gather and assemble them... Should anyone need or want specific angles feel free to ask and I can post them. I'm really starting this thread as general discussion.
4.16.14 - mid case:
4.16.14 - gen insert and crystal:
4.16.14 - dial, movement and hands assembled:
*BK dwo needs to come out, date also appear to be right justified a tad. Strange as dates were perfectly centered when the original (non-KH) dial was installed...
4.17.14 - gen Rolex 93250 clasp
My observations as follows:
- spring bar that holds the dive extension in place has dimples on the ends
- fliplock on clasp has polished edges
- rivets that hold fliplock in place are much smoother and tighter/flatter against the clasp. Gaps appear to be equal
- clasp in general snaps much smoother and folds in and out smoother. No tight spots. All sharp edges normally found on a TC clasp are relatively smooth
- clasp assembly identical to TC's, steel thickness and dimensions appear to be the same
4.17.14 - TC v3 bracelet ends
Hey guys,
I've been building what I call TC "lite" frankens for god knows how long. It wasn't until about a month ago did I decide to build my "last one" and lock it in the watchbox. Back in January of 2012 through to the beginning of 2013 I built a few v serial engraved TC Sub's, sold them all not knowing that TC's unique v serial engraved case offering would become limited and impossible to find now. In the last year I built probably half a dozen v4/v5/v6 cased frankens all of which I have also sold. Why? I've always found a more interesting build to focus on until now...
A month ago RSH reached out to me and asked if I was interested in a v serial engraved TC case. As most of us know, this particular case was a limited run of a 150 or something (don't quote me) and in my opinion was one of the better cases with better finishings and workmanship. I jumped on it and said hell yes. One thing led to another and here we are. I'm building hopefully my last TC sub!
Having been around the forums for several years and built relationships with several of the Rolex veterans around us, I've had the opportunity to learn a lot. Arcadia's recent period correct threads have also been a tremendous help so Kudos to him and thank you.
Anyhow for those interested here are the build specs I am working towards. I am hoping to have all the parts together by late next week and a finished watch before the end of April. *Arcadia at some point in another thread I believe you quoted a similar recipe if not the same one.
Rep components:
Case: TC v serial engraved case (approx. 2 years old, rehault sanded by RSH)
Dial: TC KH dial
Hands: TC hands (same generation as dial to ensure lume is consistent)
Bezel: TC v6 bezel assembly
Bracelet ends: TC v3 ends with engraved endlinks (c/w 2mm springbars)
Datewheel: TC v4 datewheel
Genuine components:
Insert: Gen Rolex
Crystal: Gen Rolex non-AR with LEC non-service (I will reuse the rep gasket)
Crown: Gen 703
Clasp and dive extension assembly: Gen Rolex 93250 (AB code circa 2000) *alternatively a TC v4 clasp would be the best budget friendly option
Movement: Swiss Eta 2824 (salvaged from the original 2 year old case)
Budget:
$1,200.00CDN
I'll be taking random photos of all the parts as I gather and assemble them... Should anyone need or want specific angles feel free to ask and I can post them. I'm really starting this thread as general discussion.
4.16.14 - mid case:
4.16.14 - gen insert and crystal:
4.16.14 - dial, movement and hands assembled:
*BK dwo needs to come out, date also appear to be right justified a tad. Strange as dates were perfectly centered when the original (non-KH) dial was installed...
4.17.14 - gen Rolex 93250 clasp
My observations as follows:
- spring bar that holds the dive extension in place has dimples on the ends
- fliplock on clasp has polished edges
- rivets that hold fliplock in place are much smoother and tighter/flatter against the clasp. Gaps appear to be equal
- clasp in general snaps much smoother and folds in and out smoother. No tight spots. All sharp edges normally found on a TC clasp are relatively smooth
- clasp assembly identical to TC's, steel thickness and dimensions appear to be the same
4.17.14 - TC v3 bracelet ends
