Best route to custom Rolex Sub

[TheMainFrame]

So I want a color combination that does not appear to be standard on the Sub reps... and im curious which is the best path since i have zero experiance taking apart a watch....

The goal is a blue dial and black bezel on silver...

Is my best bet to buy a blue rep and a black bezel and try to swap it out... I'm assuming its the easiest path compared to a black sub and trying to swap in a blue dial...

or could this be just complex enough to have a pro do it for me?

 

[TheMainFrame]

on second thought... it looks as if the gen i was refrencing has a custom dial... at least i think its fading darker and its not shadows...

Referenced Watch

 

[FLWatchGuy]

I don't think bezel removal / replacement is for the novice. I tried it on a GMT II and scratched the case up pretty good, and I kind of know what I'm doing.

I've found it's easier to replace the entire movement than the bezel, but that's just me.

Another issue - the blue dial subs usually come with hands that are yellow gold, I think. Those yellow gold hands might not look good with the all-stanless case of the black sub. Just something to think about...

 

[TheMainFrame]

Good point on the hands... wasn't thinking of that.

 

[TheMainFrame]

ok, so the more research i do the more confused i get... Apparantly, as im sure most of you know, this blue fade dial is the Deepsea sea-dweller....

http://puretime.watch/product/sea-dweller-deepsea-116660-d-blue-11-noob-best-edition-a2836/

However, From the previous link that's obliviously labeled as a submariner

http://www.luxuryofwatches.com/role...bJ8mE-o-YMTetWgLFyiVtaI8mDb-rnCMZoaAvvX8P8HAQ

.... so is this a one off custom dial or is this potentially obtainable?

 

[jmb]

Probably a custom but I like it! I like anything Sunburst Blue so I built this a few years ago. I've been told the combo was a Far-East release in gen form.

I kinda wince now when I look at the CGs but back then I don't remember that they bothered me. This hobby will definitely cause you to not be happy with anything!

 

[Ruprekt]

A deep blue Submariner? That's really pretty nice actually. Wonder if Rolex would ever do something like that? It's different for sure.

 

[pilworx]

the prices on that site seem pretty whack, like potentially too cheap, no?

 

[jmb]

Rup - I was told by a WIS that they actually did make one for I think it was the Japanese market.

 

[d4m.test]

The dial isn´t blue, it has a gradient from black to blue with a totally different look that makes it so attractive.
You need:
a 16610 Submariner $198 http://www.intime.co/submariner/939-submariner-16610-a2836-.html this is certainly not the best, but it´s always easy to go more expensive
a Deepsea blue $278 http://www.intime.co/rollie/1842-se...e-noob-best-edition-on-ss-bracelet-a2836.html plus shipping for both

and that watch can be build. You will have a spare asian eta movement and all other parts. You can always revert it and switch it back. You can try to get the 16610 cheaper or much more expensive (depending on the quality wanted) or with time on m2m from a broken movement watch.

Just check if the dial-sizes are different but I´m assuming they are the same. The dial-feet, position of the date window etc are the same as it´s the same movement in both.

With the above solution You can build it for a bit more than the best version ultimate sub-c will cost. Good luck with the project.
Bonesey´s complete pictorial on how to disassemble step-by-step for having a look: http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/...How-to-age-your-Vintage-Rolex-(Bonesey-style)
My TC Rouge Submariner with no-cyclops Seadweller look, red Yachtmaster hand, black, inverted datewheel and submariner-c glidelock clasp

a disassembled Tudor, those will not look much different and You don´t need to disassemble as much

 

[Ruprekt]

Putting a deep sea blue dial in a Sub case may look the same as the deep blue Sub from a distance, but it's the wrong combination of parts.

 

[TheMainFrame]

Putting a deep sea blue dial in a Sub case may look the same as the deep blue Sub from a distance, but it's the wrong combination of parts.

My point exactly... Does anyone know someone or a TD that could facilitate such a custom dial? Maybe we could even organize a small run of them to make it worth a TD's time... crowd source it or something

 

[trailboss99]

Trailie likes. The gen is actually a pretty good price.

 

[Ruprekt]

Is the 12 maker black?

 

[TheMainFrame]

*Update*

I contacted the company selling this "gen" and inquired as to the source of the dial, and if it was a Rolex generated custom job or an aftermarket dial. There responce..

"The dial is aftermaret made by us."

 

[Ruprekt]

Did you ask if they'd make another one?

 

[TheMainFrame]

Did you ask if they'd make another one?

Yes, awaiting a responce

 

[Ruprekt]

Let us know what they want. That's a sweet dial!

 

[Garyb]

Rup - I was told by a WIS that they actually did make one for I think it was the Japanese market.

Yup, this is the Japan only rare model
I'm still contemplating building one like JMB did. He sold me an awesome blue sunburst dial. Thinking about putting it into one of the new BP 16610's but would have to use dial dots because of the different movement I think.

 

[Ruprekt]

Pretty odd looking markers! Does anyone rep this watch? I dig the blue dial with silver script.