1655 semi fantasy build using Sugess/Homage Base?

[Reaps]

Hi all, been really interested in the 1655 recently.

Doing research it seems there are barely any high quality OOTB replicas (only BP/Cartel 1655 exists). Only two ways exist to make a ok-ish 1655 is to use a Vietnam case and build or heavily mod the BP with Tiger Concept parts and case shaving.

However, doing more research into homages, there exists Sugess and Hrudoland 1655 homages, both using NH34 movements.

I want to take one of these and replace the dial with a Rolex dial and age it... also switch out the hands so lume matches... vintage look but with modern comforts

Of course such a build is a fantasy (bracelet is a dead giveaway + case + bezel + hands) but do you think it is feasible?

What do you guys think? I was looking at Rafflesdials for nh35 1655 explorer dials but it seems like you might need a custom decal or printing to make it work... or a modified vietnamese dial...

Any help or advice would be wonderful before I jump onto this.

 

[Reaps]

Here are the dials and hands I was looking at.

1655 Dial McQueen Style for Seiko 7S26 NH35 Movement MOD White Lume 28.5mm

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rafflestime.com

Dirty Yellow Pilot Explorer II 1655 Watch Hands for Seiko 7S26 NH35

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rafflestime.com

 

[Dizzy]

I would get the one with the crownguards. It’s actually not a bad place to start. When you do a Rolex dial, it will move that datewheel in slightly so hopefully you can fit a Rolex acrylic crystal on there from an old GMT master 1675 or something. You will need lug holes drilled through to make that vintage look. Either way it will be a fun project and that’s how you learn. Who cares if it’s not 100%. It’s a fun process. The only other option is to search for a vintage 1675 gmt master because it’s almost the same case And small crown size. Not sure if anyone really makes one or not. Go for it and post pics of how it turns out.

 

[369mafia]

I still think you are better off with the BP cartel piece yes you have to shape the one lug down slightly but its alot easier than drilling fresh lug holes, dealing with date window alignment issues , dial size, alignment issues, etc.

You will also need to swap the bezel as the #4s are different on the gen vs bp IF you need a hand with the case work, reach out to me.

 

[nathanwind]

I've actually had the same 1655 obsession....so had picked up a Seestern to wear for a bit while I've been waiting for my 1655 build to wrap up (which just happened....should be in-hand soon!). Definitely no complaints on the Seestern, it's been a good little knockaround watch - but the 1655 rep will definitely be taking it's place in the queue . Pics below....

 

[nathanwind]

If you’re still in the market for a 1655 rep, I can say that I absolutely love the build that Kilowattore did for me….haven’t taken if off in weeks since it arrived
:

 

[Thecloudhopper]

If you’re still in the market for a 1655 rep, I can say that I absolutely love the build that Kilowattore did for me….haven’t taken if off in weeks since it arrived
:

Beautiful watch!

 

[Reaps]

If you’re still in the market for a 1655 rep, I can say that I absolutely love the build that Kilowattore did for me….haven’t taken if off in weeks since it arrived
:

Thanks for sharing. That NOS look is gorgeous.

 

[nathanwind]

Yes Kilowattore really knocked it out of the part once I worked with him to lay out the “look” I was after….highly recommend, he was awesome to work with!

 

[nathanwind]

Meant to say “knocked it out of the *park*”, damn autocorrect….

 

[Gen8M15053 & ModHobbyist]

I'm looking for an additional R signed dial source other than Ken over at R__f____s. He is very limited on dials to fit NH34/35/36/38s. Have you come up with any other good, reliable sources? Would appreciate any referrals. Lots of dial making shops, but they shy away from the R word. But you know someone is supplying all the quality reps out there.. Thanks in advance!

 

[alligoat]

~ Vintage Rolex #1655 EXPLORER II Matte Black Refinished RAIL Dial ~ - MoChaCha

~ Vintage Rolex #1655 EXPLORER II Matte Black Refinished RAIL Dial ~ >>> Free Ship from Canada <<< This #1655 Matte Black RAIL dial will fit for Rolex Cal.#1575 Movement Diameter = 27MM Dial feet position at 30 & 57 Minute Lume = Brown Lume, Glowing Poor Condition: Overall in good Refinished...

www.mochacha.org

The markers are too orange for my liking, but maybe they could come up with something closer to a vintage yellow.

 

[369mafia]

~ Vintage Rolex #1655 EXPLORER II Matte Black Refinished RAIL Dial ~ - MoChaCha

~ Vintage Rolex #1655 EXPLORER II Matte Black Refinished RAIL Dial ~ >>> Free Ship from Canada <<< This #1655 Matte Black RAIL dial will fit for Rolex Cal.#1575 Movement Diameter = 27MM Dial feet position at 30 & 57 Minute Lume = Brown Lume, Glowing Poor Condition: Overall in good Refinished...

www.mochacha.org

The markers are too orange for my liking, but maybe they could come up with something closer to a vintage yellow.

He will likely encounter fitment issues. a microbrand probably uses a 28-29mm dial and gen spec parts will not fit the case

You would be better off starting off with a sub or gmt microbrand watch that has drilled lugs and decent crown guards

the raffles dials would be your only option to fit a dial to a microbrand.

that is what I did on my build. I used a microbrand case set with a 7mm crown but had drilled lug holes . had to machine the dial down slightly to fit the dial seat I am pleased with the results and in fact am wearing it right now

1655 Explorer II : Ugly duckling or King of cool ?

Rolex 1655 Explorer II The Rolex Explorer II 1655, famous among the fans of the crowned house, was introduced in 1971 and came in different versions with small graphical updates on the dial and bezel. These details, undoubtedly, have made this watch highly collectible and sought after in all...

forum.replica-watch.info