Any upgraded Sea Dweller 1665 out there?

[TubeGuy]

Hey there

I see the 1665 for $258 that have the Asia ETA 2836-2 and I'm wondering if there is something better out there. Any ideas?

 

[p0pperini]

It's not a model that rep factories are falling over themselves to make, so the "cartel" JKF/BP versions you see are the only stock factory ones you'll find. And of those, the best are the Asian ETA version - the alternative is a cheap 2813 powered variation. The nice thing about the ETA version is being able simply upgrade it by swapping out the Asian motor for a Swiss gen.

The cartel 1665 is perfectly acceptable in its own right. But the most glaring "instant tell" (shudders at using the phrase) with any factory-fresh vintage is the fact it's a brand spanking new version of a 50/60 year old watch. So any vintage will benefit from being mildly modded to at least look like it's been around for longer than 5 minutes.

To get something better you'd need to invest in a modded custom build, either by a Vietnam maker, or by one of the forum modding specialists. They crop up here from time to time. As a "for instance" here's the search result for 1665 on MQ's site (Vietnam builder/parts supplier):

Search

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vintagewatchesmq.com

You need to email them for prices. IIRC (I never do) a complete MQ build will be well north of $1 - closer to 2k. Dials are generally IRO $500. All prices subject to my absolutely ridiculously bad memory... I've not ordered from MQ but have enquired, in the dim and distant past.

 

[TubeGuy]

Thanks @p0pperini and double thanks for the way you take your time on this forum. You rock.

Are JFK/BP two different watches or the generic name for one watch factory?

 

[p0pperini]

JKF (as distinct from JFK, whose watch collection was somewhat light on reps) and BPF are/were different factories both of which specialise(d) in the vintage Rolex sports models. Collectively their output were known as "cartel reps" for historical reasons (to do with a couple of dealers' pricing strategy, I believe).

A couple of years ago, members ordering JKF watches started reporting they received BP instead. BP have some notable differences to JK - in particular a tendency to use a non-genlike bezel construction (using a wire circlip to hold the bezel on) whereas JK were more gen-interchangeable. But conversely, BP dials have always tended to be superior. Further to this, I believe that often dealers wouldn't know/care which factory these vintage models came out of as they appeared pretty much of a muchness.

Long story short, it seemed that JK faded out, while BP are still going. Unless I'm out of the loop (as is often the case) and JK is back...

 

[TubeGuy]

Right on. Wow...thanks so much. It's the stories like this that are helpful. I'll just buy one and not worry. The aged dial looks kind of OK but they don't age the PIP. I have a beautiful Gen 1665 that I'll never sell, but I guess I'm curious about the rep.

EDIT I hope it's OK to mention a TD here. Trustytime has JKF or BP. I'll never turn the bezel, so maybe BP is the bomb. They're so cheap collect 'em all.

 

[p0pperini]

I have a beautiful Gen 1665 that I'll never sell

Ooooh nice - don’t blame you!

I'll never turn the bezel, so maybe BP is the bomb.

Ah, sorry I should have explained that better… the BP bezel works absolutely fine, it just employs a non-standard method of attachment to the case. Visually and functionally it’s identical to a JK. It only becomes a minor pain if one has to remove the bezel for any reason, in which event it’s necessary to prise the insert out first in order to access the locking circlip.

 

[NCRich]

Ooooh nice - don’t blame you!


Ah, sorry I should have explained that better… the BP bezel works absolutely fine, it just employs a non-standard method of attachment to the case. Visually and functionally it’s identical to a JK. It only becomes a minor pain if one has to remove the bezel for any reason, in which event it’s necessary to prise the insert out first in order to access the locking circlip.

Hmm......pretty sure JK is still around. I got one from MR recently.

 

[p0pperini]

Hmm......pretty sure JK is still around. I got one from MR recently.

Ah cool, cheers Rich. I’ve not bought any vintage from a TD for a couple of years!

 

[TubeGuy]

Hmm......pretty sure JK is still around. I got one from MR recently.

Can you share what you bought and your thoughts? Thanks!

 

[NCRich]

Can you share what you bought and your thoughts? Thanks!

Just look here.

NCRich - List of All Builds

I thought it would be useful for members to see some of the things Ive learned over the years and to see the different builds. I divided it by type. Vintage subs https://www.rwg.bz/board/index.php?/topic/113934-double-red-rollie-my-first-attempt/ https://www.rwg.bz/board/index.php?/topic/115743-r...

www.rwg.bz

 

[wayne42]

I just finished modding a JK case with a 3135 movement and other work.I just finished modding a JK case from Trusty added a 3135 and Clark crystal. I'd add pics but this stupid website keeps coming up with an error.

 

[wayne42]

I just finished modding a JK case with a 3135 movement and other work.I just finished modding a JK case from Trusty added a 3135 and Clark crystal. I'd add pics but this stupid website keeps coming up with an error.

 

[wayne42]

Or mabe the user is the error lol.

 

[Bolduc Zogmar]

Mine.
JKF Great White 2813. Less than +5s/day, depending of rest position (sometimes around +1s/day). Relumed by manodeoro. I didn't like the flat lemon yellow of the original which looked very fake. Shine like a torch (I like to be able to read in the dark and don't care aboute the "authenticity" of an original lume). Manodeoro told me the movement was very good (was lucky) and about 48h reserve. He modded the cg and gave a little patina to the insert. Bracelet is from Raffledials, since when I ordered from MR, they were no bracelet available. Thick bars Rolex like. Water resistance tested to 5 bars. No other mods.
I love it ! Maybe better than my 114060 from VSF.

 

[Bolduc Zogmar]

PS : what I like with these vintage is it can take bumps and scratches which add realism. I wear it in any conditions. It's a tool watch after all. And being a scuba diver for 50 years, I am happy to wear this legend.

 

[Dizzy]

I’ve had a few of the JKF 1665’s and there are very, very good starting base. The crown guards need a lot of work, but other than that, it’s pretty good case, and you can build a pretty decent 1665 with a Vietnam Dial for under $1000. My last one I did with a Vietnam case and bracelet, dial, gem crown and insert, Swiss eta etc was over $2500. honestly, the only way to really tell the difference is by looking at the crown guards, because I take need to take a lot more metal off the JFK case to make it right.

 

[Dizzy]

I just finished modding a JK case with a 3135 movement and other work.I just finished modding a JK case from Trusty added a 3135 and Clark crystal. I'd add pics but this stupid website keeps coming up with an error.

what did you have to do to the case to fit the 3135 movement? Is it something that can be done by hand or do you need to use a lathe and turn it?