34 mm Tudor Prince Oysterdate build - bezels

[Sweep2ndhand]

Greetings-

I have been following this site for a while and I am ready for a beginner build. I am starting my first build with a 34mm Tudor Prince with a mix of gen and rep parts. I am looking to use a different bezel than the smooth or fluted From Raffles or eBay.

Does anyone know if a Rolex 34mm bezel (1500/Air King series etc) fit on a gen 74033 case? It seems like a gen 34mm Tudor bezel is impossible to find. I would like to use an engine turned bezel if possible.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[beanvatan]

Greetings-

I have been following this site for a while and I am ready for a beginner build. I am starting my first build with a 34mm Tudor Prince with a mix of gen and rep parts. I am looking to use a different bezel than the smooth or fluted From Raffles or eBay.

Does anyone know if a Rolex 34mm bezel (1500/Air King series etc) fit on a gen 74033 case? It seems like a gen 34mm Tudor bezel is impossible to find. I would like to use an engine turned bezel if possible.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

There are a few questions you need to ask yourself before going down this route.

1st- Are you planning to wear this watch for a long time, or it's just a temporary build? If you plan to wear this watch long time- then I would recommend building the basic with just rep parts, and eventually go for gen because it's not worth Franken it. Rare parts- compatibility issues, and not high demands for Tudor dress watch.

2nd- Are you planning to build then sell or build to enjoy? If you build to sell, I would recommend looking into the 1500 Rolex series instead because they are easier to sell than the Tudor model. Again, nowadays, not many people wear 34mm unless you're targeting old folks like me. LOL

3rd- what is your budget- I know this is a sensitive question, but you have to set your limit! Franken is fun, but it's costly! you have to factor in the cost of broken/replacement parts (if any). Lots of things can go wrong, but if you want to do it, it's your choice. I only speak from my experience.

Below is the measurement for the rep bezel:
Outer diameter is 33.2mm. Inner diameter is 29.0mm. Thickness is 2.0mm.

And here is the Gen measurement listed on eBay:
Diameter: Outer: 33 millimeters. Inner: 29.3 millimeters. - link

It might fit. But again, the cost of the Genuine Rolex parts is sometimes the same as the whole 74033/34 rep watch, so I don't think it's worth Franken it. But again, it's up to you.

If you want to Franken this model, I highly suggest you save the money to get the Tudor Gen 2824 Hands, and an ETA 2824 Gen. The other, is not worth it to be honest.

Best of luck to ya.

 

[Sweep2ndhand]

Thanks for you quick response beanvatan!

I appreciate your insight with all facets and possible challenges & pitfalls with this type of build.

The watch is for me which is why I wanted to use a few gen parts without going $ crazy. I got a great deal on a gen case and dial. I will be using an ETA 2824-2 movement.

I will take you advice and look use a 3rd party bezel. The cost can creep up in a hurry.

I would like to use this build as a springboard to the Rolex 1500 build. My hesitation lies in the movement. Do you know what is typically used (non gen)?

Thanks again for the advice and information.

 

[beanvatan]

I appreciate your insight with all facets and possible challenges & pitfalls with this type of build.

The watch is for me which is why I wanted to use a few gen parts without going $ crazy. I got a great deal on a gen case and dial. I will be using an ETA 2824-2 movement.

I will take you advice and look use a 3rd party bezel. The cost can creep up in a hurry.

I would like to use this build as a springboard to the Rolex 1500 build. My hesitation lies in the movement. Do you know what is typically used (non gen)?

Thanks again for the advice and information.

The 1500 Rolex uses either the 1565 or 1575 movement, which runs at 19800 vph or bph. To today's standard, no replica movement can run at specific speeds, so a lot of people are substituting it with either 2824-2, 2836-2, Miyota, DG-2813, etc... I like the NH-35/38, even though it's not running at 19800 bph, but at 21600 bph to be is close enough.

cheers.

 

[Sweep2ndhand]

Great. Thank you!