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BP Re-Releases 5-Digit Submariners with VR3135

mclarendude

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I am so excited. They also did the Sea-Dwellers


So excited for the 16613.

 
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muiramas

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This is good news. I really don’t care for the Kermit, so will grab one of those hot new 16610’s.
 
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Hagus

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Whoa great, does the new movement mean gen dial swaps instead of the funky spaced dials these used to have!
 

domiffm

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16613..
shut up and take my money GIF by Product Hunt
 

KJ2020

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From the pics it looks like the only change is the movement - the old POS SA3135 is now a VR3135.

All of the old 1661x negatives are still there:

•Lug chamfers are too wide
•Insert is too narrow - not gen-spec
•Bezel uses a wire circlip, no separate crystal retaining ring or other gen-spec bezel parts (presumed)
•Crystal gasket is crazy short in height, ~1mm due to bezel construction (presumed)
•BP gold dial text is weak in intensity - looks faded
•BP blue dials almost universally tend toward purple in harsh light
•Kermit has all maxi hands - should be only a maxi minute hand

All that said the 16610 LN is decent if you just want to keep it stock or swap in a blue insert - plenty of aftermarket 37.5mm inserts. Gen inserts are 37.65mm. These 3135 cases will take a gen-spec crystal but you have to use the stock short height gasket due to the built in retaining ring. At least now you won't have to change the movement too.

Regarding the 16600, BP recently took a step back and starting using a wire circlip bezel again so if that model is a movement only upgrade there's that issue.
 
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FaekieOne

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The bracelet looks nice and looks like the sides of the midlinks are also plated. :oops:
 

muiramas

Aristocrat
18/1/17
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From the pics it looks like the only change is the movement - the old POS SA3135 is now a VR3135.

All of the old 1661x negatives are still there:

•Lug chamfers are too wide
•Insert is too narrow - not gen-spec
•Bezel uses a wire circlip, no separate crystal retaining ring or other gen-spec bezel parts (presumed)
•Crystal gasket is crazy short in height, ~1mm due to bezel construction (presumed)
•BP gold dial text is weak in intensity - looks faded
•BP blue dials almost universally tend toward purple in harsh light
•Kermit has all maxi hands - should be only a maxi minute hand

All that said the 16610 LN is decent if you just want to keep it stock or swap in a blue insert - plenty of aftermarket 37.5mm inserts. Gen inserts are 37.65mm. These 3135 cases will take a gen-spec crystal but you have to use the stock short height gasket due to the built in retaining ring. At least now you won't have to change the movement too.

Regarding the 16600, BP recently took a step back and starting using a wire circlip bezel again so if that model is a movement only upgrade there's that issue.
I actually quite like the chamfer - even if it is a bit OTT. Their absence is one thing I don’t like about modern Rolex…

What do you think about the CG’s - do they look like they have a bit more meat on them than ARF?
 
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KJ2020

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The bracelet looks nice and looks like the sides of the midlinks are also plated. :oops:
BP "gold" color is great. However out of about 10 BP gold bracelets I've owned only one of them has tarnished on me after a few years. It was from a 16613, the only BP 5 digit gold bracelet I have.

I replaced it with one from a 116613, glidelock and all. It and all my other 6 digit BP gold bracelets have held up like new.

The untarnished links had been covered with protective film.

zTRCoi.jpg


Replacement 116613 bracelet, bought about the same time, stored and cared for identically - wiping, desiccant, etc.

16645210453330.jpg
 
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Karbon74

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BP "gold" color is great. However out of about 10 BP gold bracelets I've owned only one of them has tarnished on me after a few years. It was from a 16613, the only BP 5 digit gold bracelet I have.

I replaced it with one from a 116613, glidelock and all. It and all my other 6 digit BP gold bracelets have held up like new.

The untarnished links had been covered with protective film.

zTRCoi.jpg


Replacement 116613 bracelet, bought about the same time, stored and cared for identically - wiping, desiccant, etc.

16645210453330.jpg
This thing is awesome. But I would never be able to rock this 😅
 
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mrsullivan

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Nice to see a bunch of good old classic 5 digits back in the BP line.
@KJ2020 cleared the things to know, thank you. These specs agreed, those "updated" BPs should be a good bang for the bucks with the VR inside.
Tempted by the 16613LN 😎...
 

arna67

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I would not put my money there. I think BP cases are still not GEN dial compatible.

I'll race ya to it!
So we cannot swap the BP dial with a gen one? Someone tried to put a gen dial on and can confirm if fit or not?