I am attempting my first ever franken build, an early 80’s Datejust (16014), and would welcome any advice. The inspiration for this build is a stonep build with an amazing blue dial:
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...ust-matte-blue
I’ve read quite a few build threads on datejusts which have been really useful with particular thanks to pompompurin for his build threads (though not all pictures are now showing). So far I’m still gathering components and now have these parts on their way.
Gen blue T swiss T dial
Gen Case set with white gold bezel, crystal and crown (thanks to thrillofhunt)
Collecting these parts has so far been relatively easy as they are all gen and designed to work together and I’m now at (I think) the most critical decision – what movement to use.
Gen 3035 movements are scarce (and very expensive) so probably a no go for now. Originally, I was hoping to use a VR3135 as I thought it was same size as the 3035. Using this would mean I wouldn’t have to clip existing dial feet and could use gen hands/dw. However, the more I’ve read it doesn’t look to be possible without modifying the case (which I’m not going to do) so this doesn’t look like an option.
That leaves the ETA route and from previous threads it looks like the options are 2824 or 2836.
ETA 2824:
most commonly used in datejust builds
The other part of the build I am unsure what to go with is the date wheel overlay. I really want an open 6/9 date wheel as part of this build. Pompompurin has said the raffles open 6/9 overlay font (particularly in the 20s) is really for a 70s datejust but is there another alternative (other than trying to find a gen)? I know WSO have an open 6/9 for a 3035 but I have only seen a closed 6/9 from them for the 3135.
This is my first build from scratch so would really appreciate any help/guidance. I’ve swapped movements, dials and removed/attached hands quite a few times but haven’t had to modify/replace parts in a movement before which makes me think an H4 conversion might not be the best option.
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...ust-matte-blue
I’ve read quite a few build threads on datejusts which have been really useful with particular thanks to pompompurin for his build threads (though not all pictures are now showing). So far I’m still gathering components and now have these parts on their way.
Gen blue T swiss T dial
Gen Case set with white gold bezel, crystal and crown (thanks to thrillofhunt)
Collecting these parts has so far been relatively easy as they are all gen and designed to work together and I’m now at (I think) the most critical decision – what movement to use.
Gen 3035 movements are scarce (and very expensive) so probably a no go for now. Originally, I was hoping to use a VR3135 as I thought it was same size as the 3035. Using this would mean I wouldn’t have to clip existing dial feet and could use gen hands/dw. However, the more I’ve read it doesn’t look to be possible without modifying the case (which I’m not going to do) so this doesn’t look like an option.
That leaves the ETA route and from previous threads it looks like the options are 2824 or 2836.
ETA 2824:
most commonly used in datejust builds
- stock hour wheel doesn’t have enough clearance (with DWO) unless Raffles tall hands are used
- H4 hour wheel can be installed but I remember pompompurin saying this was quite difficult and I’m not a watchmaker. If installed startime hands could be used which are longer than gen but can be shortened to the correct length (raffles are too short vs gen)
- H4 hour wheel is stock so no clearance issues
- Potential issues with stem alignment (rubbing with case tube)
- Does the day function need to be removed (is this easy)
The other part of the build I am unsure what to go with is the date wheel overlay. I really want an open 6/9 date wheel as part of this build. Pompompurin has said the raffles open 6/9 overlay font (particularly in the 20s) is really for a 70s datejust but is there another alternative (other than trying to find a gen)? I know WSO have an open 6/9 for a 3035 but I have only seen a closed 6/9 from them for the 3135.
This is my first build from scratch so would really appreciate any help/guidance. I’ve swapped movements, dials and removed/attached hands quite a few times but haven’t had to modify/replace parts in a movement before which makes me think an H4 conversion might not be the best option.
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