2836 16610 transformer to 3185 16710 gmt

[mnkoshka]

We all know that finding a good 16710 base has been tough with the late BP not really up to scratch, unfortunately there’s not even a good 16570 case These days to transformer as well.

I decided to use a TW 16610 case and machine the case to gen spec shape and function.
Just though some may be interested to see how this transformer is possible with the right mods. Hopefully ARF or some other factories start making some more 5 digits In the future as they are a classic and more passable reps especially with all the second hand gen parts on the market.

I machined this case has been slightly thinner to the gen thickness as I had the gen side by side through the whole process.
then I welded the crown guards back to a solid black and machined them out to gen shape, I also doweled and welded the 2836 crown tube position and redrilled for the VR3185 stem hight.
the bezel is from e-watchparts and it needed to be machined for the underneath angle to represent the right shape and relief.
lug holes where also drilled and case back machined to be slimmed down and caseback gasket groove faced to take gen size gasket

the VR3185 fits perfect and I’ll need to still machine the cutout for gen movement screws, unfortunately after installing the gen hands the gmt hand doesn’t stay in sinc and just spins freely sometimes, it’s not a loose hand just something wrong with the movement so I’ll have to strip down and investigate as I’m not to familiar with the 3185.

TW 16610 case
old noob dial relumed
gen handset
VR3185
TC bracelet

all in all the case looks pretty spot on and pretty happy with how it turned out. Here’s a few pics

 

[Tobel]

Impressive work man! Well done

 

[Chiko Corleone]

One hell of a watch!! Impressive indeed


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[mnkoshka]

Thanks guys I just managed to sort the gmt hand issue so she’s definitely going to be the new daily.

 

[heska]

Wow amazing!

the VR3185 fits perfect and I’ll need to still machine the cutout for gen movement screws, unfortunately after installing the gen hands the gmt hand doesn’t stay in sinc and just spins freely sometimes, it’s not a loose hand just something wrong with the movement so I’ll have to strip down and investigate as I’m not to familiar with the 3185.

I had the same problem with my second hand (gen) on a VR3135, i suspect that VR hand pinion tolerance are not very good

 

[Storm.]

Machine a little holding ring for the hands with 0,0 tolerance for the cutout in the hands. You won't see it on the watch, but it will keep the hands in place and fixed.

 

[mnkoshka]

Wow amazing!



I had the same problem with my second hand (gen) on a VR3135, i suspect that VR hand pinion tolerance are not very good

Yeah it’s funny you say that I had to broach the gen sec hands out a bit as the pinion was too big and would not press on. Seems like a hit and miss unless my gen sec hand was damaged.


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[KJ2020]

Great work bro, looks very gen. Many reports of other hands not fitting well on VR pinions. I've had to crimp the collars on GMT and minute hands sometimes and almost always have to broach the second hand. Making a custom collar where needed is a great option if you have the tools and skills.

 

[maxracingshox]

Impressive!

 

[mnkoshka]

Great work bro, looks very gen. Many reports of other hands not fitting well on VR pinions. I've had to crimp the collars on GMT and minute hands sometimes and almost always have to broach the second hand. Making a custom collar where needed is a great option if you have the tools and skills.

thanks bro, thinking about maybe doing a few ST cases the same, I’ll see how I go. Yeah the sizes seem to be a bit broad, there’s definitely QC issue with these movements in that department lol.
I’ve tried looking for stock tube or sets of hand tubes to modify but can’t seem to find anything close enough....Even from watch material suppliers. I’m looking at doing a collar for the 2824 minute wheel to use 3235 hands but I need the 3235 hand hole sizes so I can make a conversion kit, maybe no point seeing as the clone 3235 looks promising if it can take gen hands.

 

[Thrasher]

thanks bro, thinking about maybe doing a few ST cases the same, I’ll see how I go. Yeah the sizes seem to be a bit broad, there’s definitely QC issue with these movements in that department lol.
I’ve tried looking for stock tube or sets of hand tubes to modify but can’t seem to find anything close enough....Even from watch material suppliers. I’m looking at doing a collar for the 2824 minute wheel to use 3235 hands but I need the 3235 hand hole sizes so I can make a conversion kit, maybe no point seeing as the clone 3235 looks promising if it can take gen hands.

Your skills are impressive. You and KJ2020 are truly the masters of the GMT