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1:1 Nautilus 3700 Case/Bezel/Rehaut Run Interest List
- Thread starter Davin0011
- Start date
- 25/12/21
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Update: I have pricing for the crystals. We can do $140 for those on the run. My friend taking on inventory may have adjusted pricing, but I've got you guys locked in.
The crystal is designed using a genuine crystal that was scanned with optical metrology equipment for micron precision. Research was done regarding the chamfer, thickness, and any sort of AR coatings (patek does not use any). I will be reaching out to everyone on the run to allocate crystals. Gaskets details will come shortly hereafter
The crystal is designed using a genuine crystal that was scanned with optical metrology equipment for micron precision. Research was done regarding the chamfer, thickness, and any sort of AR coatings (patek does not use any). I will be reaching out to everyone on the run to allocate crystals. Gaskets details will come shortly hereafter
- 25/12/21
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Deposit received for the last kit. There is one kit that has not received a deposit. If the deposit is not sent by the time the kits are finished, the spare kit will be listed for sale at the adjusted price mentioned prior.
Thanks all! Also, I have made a whatsapp group chat for those on the run. To join feel free to DM me
Thanks all! Also, I have made a whatsapp group chat for those on the run. To join feel free to DM me
- 25/12/21
- 169
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Update on printed gaskets:
I used a resin mix of a flexible filament with similar properties to hytrel, and combined it with a standard resin until the result was a printed plastic around 72D. However, despite the printer being a 12k screen SLA model, I could not get usable tolerances. I tried with supports, without supports, multiple angles, even printed jigs to hold the gasket to sand to size. Nothing ended up in a usable state.
The injection molded hytrel is the only way to go, really.
I used a resin mix of a flexible filament with similar properties to hytrel, and combined it with a standard resin until the result was a printed plastic around 72D. However, despite the printer being a 12k screen SLA model, I could not get usable tolerances. I tried with supports, without supports, multiple angles, even printed jigs to hold the gasket to sand to size. Nothing ended up in a usable state.
The injection molded hytrel is the only way to go, really.
- 25/12/21
- 169
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Cold Forging: Mystery Solved.
For ages I wondered why the case is constructed how it is. There is a little lip on which the movement sits, and then below it the diameter is larger, like a glass jar. There is no mechanical reason for this. However, after speculation and discussion with a steel material sciences engineer, I have a theory that's all but proven. Moreover, this leads into my next project, a 5402 kit.
The cases were originally cold forged out of 316L. We can confirm this with articles going over how the 5402 cases were made, and they were done by the same manufacturer. It is also clear from the lugs on my case that they were not fully machined from scratch.
Forging steel is tough and wears down tools. But the opening needs to be precise to hold the movement. So they forge the case hole oversize to account for tolerances, and they machined a separate ring to press into the case and fit the movement. Mystery solved!
For the 5402 run I want to do, I would do cold forging. Why? It's more accurate to the source, and strengthens the material as well. However, the tooling cost is high, and to hit a price range around $2k we would need to make at minimum 25 kits, but likely closer to 40-50. I'll be posting about this after the 3700 run is done.
For ages I wondered why the case is constructed how it is. There is a little lip on which the movement sits, and then below it the diameter is larger, like a glass jar. There is no mechanical reason for this. However, after speculation and discussion with a steel material sciences engineer, I have a theory that's all but proven. Moreover, this leads into my next project, a 5402 kit.
The cases were originally cold forged out of 316L. We can confirm this with articles going over how the 5402 cases were made, and they were done by the same manufacturer. It is also clear from the lugs on my case that they were not fully machined from scratch.
Forging steel is tough and wears down tools. But the opening needs to be precise to hold the movement. So they forge the case hole oversize to account for tolerances, and they machined a separate ring to press into the case and fit the movement. Mystery solved!
For the 5402 run I want to do, I would do cold forging. Why? It's more accurate to the source, and strengthens the material as well. However, the tooling cost is high, and to hit a price range around $2k we would need to make at minimum 25 kits, but likely closer to 40-50. I'll be posting about this after the 3700 run is done.
- 25/12/21
- 169
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- 25/9/22
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I'm not gonna lie. I was skeptical because we have seen people talk the talk alot about building and investing in niche replicas cases and kits. "It must be easy I'll do it myself".
But seeing real drawing schematics with title blocks, tolerances like a professional factory and the real results, I'm impressed. Sourcing contacts, foundries, putting this together, it's basically entrpeunership to develop a product. Alot of time, effort, and research....
Thread shows how difficult it is to produce a replica set, just the case. And not to mention the up front capital.
Props to you sir and I hope it turns out fantastic.
But seeing real drawing schematics with title blocks, tolerances like a professional factory and the real results, I'm impressed. Sourcing contacts, foundries, putting this together, it's basically entrpeunership to develop a product. Alot of time, effort, and research....
Thread shows how difficult it is to produce a replica set, just the case. And not to mention the up front capital.
Props to you sir and I hope it turns out fantastic.
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I wish a rep factory took an inspiration from your great project to manufacture a good 3700 rep using a modifuUpdated photo to not dox myself
I wish a rep factory took an inspiration from your great project to manufacture a good 3700 rep using a modified Miyota movement.Updated photo to not dox myself
- 25/12/21
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Thanks! It is definitely more involved than people assume. This is far from my first CNC run project, though it is my foray into watches; without prior experience I would not have taken this on, or if I had it would not have gone so well. Having good relationships with manufacturers streamlines everything.
- 25/12/21
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If you can use a mod Miyota in a 15202, you could mod it similarly for this build
- 25/12/21
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UPDATE: my friend is taking inventory of gaskets and crystals to lower cost.
1x Crystal: $140USD
3x Gasket: $250USD
Payment for these can be made any time, and is optional. The gaskets are made to fit the CNC bezel. The crystals are made based on a gen Crystal. There is no guarantee either are compatible with Gen parts. As Gen gaskets do not exist for purchase, I do recommend securing gaskets at the least.
1x Crystal: $140USD
3x Gasket: $250USD
Payment for these can be made any time, and is optional. The gaskets are made to fit the CNC bezel. The crystals are made based on a gen Crystal. There is no guarantee either are compatible with Gen parts. As Gen gaskets do not exist for purchase, I do recommend securing gaskets at the least.
- 25/12/21
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A rock and a hard place: gasket update
Just last night, the person I bought my case gasket from told me they had secured a crystal gasket. Normally this would be great news, but the timing is quite poor. The bezel design, specifically regarding the gasket, was based on the original patent, reasonable assumption, and measurements provided by a gen owner. However, the gen bezel was quite worn, and the measurements were not precise to the tenth of a millimeter.
What does this mean? Well, first of all, the shape of the gasket is not what I expected. I had on good authority that the gasket should match the crystal shape. However, the gen gasket is round. Who is correct? Is the watchmaker correct that the gasket should be shaped, or is the seller correct that the gasket is genuine?
Being that the seller provided a genuine case gasket and is certain that the crystal gasket is genuine, I’m inclined to believe them.
So… the gasket is round. How does this affect things?
First, I need to measure the height of the gasket. The bezels are made for a 1.5mm gasket. If the gasket is taller, I can have the bezels machined down. If the gasket is smaller, I will leave them as is.
It’s possible to find an off the shelf gasket, depending on the actual sizes. I was able to find 1.7mm thick ones, so it’s possible that is the right height. If no correct size can be found, I will reassess the gasket production. But for now, I will not produce gaskets.
Just last night, the person I bought my case gasket from told me they had secured a crystal gasket. Normally this would be great news, but the timing is quite poor. The bezel design, specifically regarding the gasket, was based on the original patent, reasonable assumption, and measurements provided by a gen owner. However, the gen bezel was quite worn, and the measurements were not precise to the tenth of a millimeter.
What does this mean? Well, first of all, the shape of the gasket is not what I expected. I had on good authority that the gasket should match the crystal shape. However, the gen gasket is round. Who is correct? Is the watchmaker correct that the gasket should be shaped, or is the seller correct that the gasket is genuine?
Being that the seller provided a genuine case gasket and is certain that the crystal gasket is genuine, I’m inclined to believe them.
So… the gasket is round. How does this affect things?
First, I need to measure the height of the gasket. The bezels are made for a 1.5mm gasket. If the gasket is taller, I can have the bezels machined down. If the gasket is smaller, I will leave them as is.
It’s possible to find an off the shelf gasket, depending on the actual sizes. I was able to find 1.7mm thick ones, so it’s possible that is the right height. If no correct size can be found, I will reassess the gasket production. But for now, I will not produce gaskets.
Regardless, I'd highly recommend to anyone who wears one of these to avoid any bodies of water. As look as the parts are kept securely in place, you should be good to go.