Wow. Beautiful work and amazing write up. Thanks for sharing your journey with us
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A Rolex 6538 prototype learns how to fly
- Thread starter matzemedia
- Start date
The movement
Back in the day, it was pretty standard for brands to snag movements from ETA, Valjoux, or manufacturers like Zenith, and then jazz them up to fit their fancy. But not Rolex! These guys were trendsetters, crafting their own movements from the get-go. The 10xx-series set the stage for what was to come. Enter the calibre 1030, making its grand debut in 1950. You'd spot this powerhouse in the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, the Submariner (think James Bond’s slick Submariner with the Ref. 6538 or the Ref. 6536), and the Rolex Explorer, because why not make a statement with your movement game? The 1030 is powered with just 18.000 bpm.
And again not in my budget. So I have to go different ways like most of you do. I chose an old ETA 2836 movement with 28.000 bpm. That is a nice movement where my hands, dial fit. The old ETA 2836 (not ETA 2836-2) is a bit The old 2836 is somewhat fragile. Particularly in the winding area, I had the problem several times that the steam was not fixed or was difficult to change between the individual settings. I can only advise against using this movement. But it is what it is. As you can see in the picture, I have changed the rotor.
Back in the day, it was pretty standard for brands to snag movements from ETA, Valjoux, or manufacturers like Zenith, and then jazz them up to fit their fancy. But not Rolex! These guys were trendsetters, crafting their own movements from the get-go. The 10xx-series set the stage for what was to come. Enter the calibre 1030, making its grand debut in 1950. You'd spot this powerhouse in the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, the Submariner (think James Bond’s slick Submariner with the Ref. 6538 or the Ref. 6536), and the Rolex Explorer, because why not make a statement with your movement game? The 1030 is powered with just 18.000 bpm.
And again not in my budget. So I have to go different ways like most of you do. I chose an old ETA 2836 movement with 28.000 bpm. That is a nice movement where my hands, dial fit. The old ETA 2836 (not ETA 2836-2) is a bit The old 2836 is somewhat fragile. Particularly in the winding area, I had the problem several times that the steam was not fixed or was difficult to change between the individual settings. I can only advise against using this movement. But it is what it is. As you can see in the picture, I have changed the rotor.
Time to lift the curtain
Now, what makes this watch a real standout is the magic that happens on its dial face. When the light hits those golden numerals, they catch it just right, creating this insanely gorgeous reflection. It's a special touch that, honestly, I've only spotted on one gilt dial.
Now, what makes this watch a real standout is the magic that happens on its dial face. When the light hits those golden numerals, they catch it just right, creating this insanely gorgeous reflection. It's a special touch that, honestly, I've only spotted on one gilt dial.
freebalkany
Active Member
- 24/8/21
- 302
- 321
- 63
Awesome build, I really enjoy reading that thread.The movement
Back in the day, it was pretty standard for brands to snag movements from ETA, Valjoux, or manufacturers like Zenith, and then jazz them up to fit their fancy. But not Rolex! These guys were trendsetters, crafting their own movements from the get-go. The 10xx-series set the stage for what was to come. Enter the calibre 1030, making its grand debut in 1950. You'd spot this powerhouse in the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, the Submariner (think James Bond’s slick Submariner with the Ref. 6538 or the Ref. 6536), and the Rolex Explorer, because why not make a statement with your movement game? The 1030 is powered with just 18.000 bpm.
And again not in my budget. So I have to go different ways like most of you do. I chose an old ETA 2836 movement with 28.000 bpm. That is a nice movement where my hands, dial fit. The old ETA 2836 (not ETA 2836-2) is a bit The old 2836 is somewhat fragile. Particularly in the winding area, I had the problem several times that the steam was not fixed or was difficult to change between the individual settings. I can only advise against using this movement. But it is what it is. As you can see in the picture, I have changed the rotor.
Fun fact, Rolex did not in fact manufacture their own movement, Aegler did.
How Aegler Became Rolex’s In-House Movement Maker - Bob's Watches
Before 2004, a separate company owned by the Borer/Aegler family made movements for Rolex watches. Let's discover the history of Rolex movement production.
www.bobswatches.com