I got one and had one shipped to my watch maker. still in need of a crown removal tool - do you have one you would recommend?
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ARF silently released new 16610LN's and 16610LV's
- Thread starter vince23
- Start date
I installed one of these tubes in an RAF case, the crown now sits much more snug against the case, definitely an improvement.
Couldn’t get a great fit with my tube remover, and regardless, the tube was really cemented in there and snapped clean off. Had to use a screw extractor to get the rest out.
Yeah I think you’re right on that, last night I test fit a viet (bivintage), raffles, ARF and RAF crystal and found the RAF to be the better out of that bunch.
I’m pretty impressed with whatever came with my Sillan case. Comparable to a BP crystal.
@soyuzrep i ended up swapping the crown from AliExpress. Now the crown sits tight to the case.
no light gap showing between the case and the crown. thanks for the tip, a great find for $18 CAD!!!
no light coming
*no light coming through between case + crown.
Here’s the BEFORE, with the watch in stock form. Not terrible but with the smallish ARF crown guards it sticks out like a sore thumb.
Here’s the BEFORE, with the watch in stock form. Not terrible but with the smallish ARF crown guards it sticks out like a sore thumb.
- 23/8/07
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FYI, 5-digit Subs have a small gap at the crown, so your before pic is correct.*no light coming through between case + crown.
Here’s the BEFORE, with the watch in stock form. Not terrible but with the smallish ARF crown guards it sticks out like a sore thumb.
6-digit models have little or no gap
Like many others… the crystal retaining ring bent during removal for a gen crystal swap.
if I’m sourcing a gen crystal retaining ring, do I need a new bezel ring as well? Or will the ARF one work?
if I’m sourcing a gen crystal retaining ring, do I need a new bezel ring as well? Or will the ARF one work?
If you're using less than half an hour to remove that single ring, you're rushing it. Clean one is notoriously tight on there.Like many others… the crystal retaining ring bent during removal for a gen crystal swap.
if I’m sourcing a gen crystal retaining ring, do I need a new bezel ring as well? Or will the ARF one work?
Yeah I hear you. Any suggestions for replacement bezel ring and crystal retaining ring?
There is a simple but crude solution that have worked for me several timesLike many others… the crystal retaining ring bent during removal for a gen crystal swap.
if I’m sourcing a gen crystal retaining ring, do I need a new bezel ring as well? Or will the ARF one work?
Take the retainer ring off, place it on a flat hard surface. Take a crystal press die, that will cover the edges of the retainer ring, and bang it with a hammer. It sounds crazy I know, but it will straighten out the ring
I've bought one for an 116713 from ewatchparts on ebay. Never for the 5-digit series though they might have that as well.
Edit: they do https://ebay.us/m/xo6zfy
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Yup my watchmaker helped me out with that - and it was flattened out more or less. Also passed a water proof test to 5 bar once the caseback gasket was replaced with a .9mm gasket.There is a simple but crude solution that have worked for me several times
Take the retainer ring off, place it on a flat hard surface. Take a crystal press die, that will cover the edges of the retainer ring, and bang it with a hammer. It sounds crazy I know, but it will straighten out the ring
But the bad news is that once the bezel is mounted on, it refuses to turn.
Your watchmaker either did a shitty job
or he needs to sand the damaged area so it’s completely flat.I’ve done this build 6-7 times, and it sometimes takes a bit of trial and error
Finally deciding to update my movement. What do you guys prefer, VS3135 or VR3135? I've seen VSF is a better option - but I'm curious for second opinions.
Personally a VR3135 would be my preferred choice unless it was a modded VS3135 that doesn't have the low date issue.
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VR doesn't come with the date issue usually? Looking on Ali trying to find a reputable dealer. Do you have any recs?
I've seen the issue on various VS3135s. The fix, from what I recall, was to replace the VS date plate with that of a VR.
I'd recommend Sillan on Alibaba. I use this supplier for most of my rep part orders.
Typically I will order 2 as per MOQ but have also used the sample price for orders of a single item.
I recently sourced a couple VS3135 from AliExpress. Got lucky and it doesn't have the low date issue. I bought the un-engraved version here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006944470161.html