1680 rep case

[dog-man]

I saw this 1680 rep case on ebay, Meant to use gen parts.

I researched for info on the seller and apparently he is David Wong and his other watches have been good quality.

What do you guys think of using this as a base for a vintage rolex or tudor build?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIY-CASE-SE...30872710645?pt=AU_Watches&hash=item35c115fdf5

 

[alligoat]

People have had issues w/ the DW 1680 case in the past. DW has also had his ups and downs. But things change in the rep world so you never know.

If you were going to put a 1575 movt in a case, I'd keep looking for a better case. Yuki, NDT and Phong are better choices

If you're looking for a good rep, Angus and Josh have decent cases and if you can get a 2846-2 movt in there, that's a good deal too although sometimes you have to service the 2846 since they are older movts.

 

[dog-man]

Thanks, I would not be using a 1575 movt, but would go with a 2846 or similar movt. I messaged him through ebay and he assured me the gen rolex parts would fit.

So I guess I would be more interested on members thoughts on the case shape and cg's?

 

[alligoat]

Well the crown guards are too long/tall and probably too fat, but that's nothing a file, sandpaper and polish can't fix. Lugs look ok but it's not easy to tell w/ only one pic from the front. You'd need a better bezel insert for sure. For $100 I guess it's worth a try.

Have you looked at Puretime's white 1680?
http://www.puretime.co/product/vintage-white-submariner-1680/
for $238 you get the 2846-2 and case, etc. Still have to trim the cgs, but that's like watch modding 101- uncase movement, file, sand and polish cgs, recase movement.

 

[Bonesey]

Better longer CG's than too short.

Puretime bezel assembly doesn't take a gen crystal btw alli.

 

[alligoat]

Actually it will take a gen crystal, but then you'll need a new retaining ring, like from Clarks or a la jmb. And you may have to service the 2846-2 but it's still a good eta and will last.

For the lesser inclined, I say leave the crystal alone!

 

[Mendota]

Actually it will take a gen crystal, but then you'll need a new retaining ring, like from Clarks or a la jmb. And you may have to service the 2846-2 but it's still a good eta and will last.

For the lesser inclined, I say leave the crystal alone!

Yeah, I learned this the hard way. Technically I have read it is possible to pull it off and still use the plastic rep gasket but it's like winning the lottery and 99% of the time it doesn't work. In my situation we tried it and sure enough, the new crystal cracked and was trashed.

Incidentally, I can't track down jmb anywhere. He has his PMs blocked both here and over on RG. He and I were PM'ing last fall about doing a custom retainer ring and I tried replying back to an old PM but it says he's got them all blocked now. I have his postal address so I might just send an old fashioned snail mail letter.

 

[Bonesey]

Actually it will take a gen crystal, but then you'll need a new retaining ring, like from Clarks or a la jmb. And you may have to service the 2846-2 but it's still a good eta and will last.

For the lesser inclined, I say leave the crystal alone!

That's why I said bezel assembly not case.

 

[alligoat]

Right you are Bonesey! But the bigger problem is there really is no affordable 1680 case out there. Even the much vaunted MBW 1680 is really a 5513 case copy and therefore won't take a 1680 gen dial w/o some mods to either the case or the dial. And By-Tor has taugh us that the MBW red sub dial is atrocious! Josh's case will take a gen crystal, decent bezel assembly, but the cgs are short. Other cartel subs are hit or miss- may take gen crystal or may not.

So Puretimes isn't too bad if you realize there are some costs involved and you want to take it to the next level. Or you move up to the next level- Yuki, NDT and finally Phong and get your check book out.