Drilling case for genuine Rolex tube

[tony5haw2013]

Hi, can somebody advise what work is involved fitting a genuine Rolex crown and tube into a rep case?

I have the crown and tube but I understand it's not a straight fit, is there anybody on the forum that can do this kind of work for me?

Rolex air king 116900

Cheers

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[Tickleshoes]

You need a genuine tap. No need to drill the hole first. You light also have to shave the little lip of the gen tube. I do it on the lathe and provides a tight fit.

Gen left, rep right.

 

[alfonzo]

I can attest that it is a Giant PIA. I was able to make it work but it would be better to send it to a pro for sure.

 

[tony5haw2013]

You need a genuine tap. No need to drill the hole first. You light also have to shave the little lip of the gen tube. I do it on the lathe and provides a tight fit.

Gen left, rep right.

Thanks for the reply mate, I had a feeling it hasn't going to be straight forward, do you know any body that would be able to do this work?

I'm going to remove rep tube and see how close it is but ideally need somebody to send it to.

Cheers

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[tony5haw2013]

I can attest that it is a Giant PIA. I was able to make it work but it would be better to send it to a pro for sure.

What tools would I need to attempt this mate? I want the watch watertight afterwards but I'm confident I could do it with a little guidance

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[Hazing]

What tools would I need to attempt this mate? I want the watch watertight afterwards but I'm confident I could do it with a little guidance

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At the very least, you need a genuine Rolex tap and die set and than ain’t cheap.

 

[tribal]

It is easier to countersunk the case hole instead of working on the Tube.
You need to retap the casehole with a 3x0,25 tap.

 

[alfonzo]

I drilled out the hole, used a M3x.35 tap it was close then I used 2 tubes as tools (destroyed the first one in the process) to force/chase the threads to the correct size then countersunk the case hole as tribal said and then epoxied the tube in permanently. Looks good but was sketchy and I wish I had the Rolex Tap. If you are not careful doing the countersink you can tear out the side of the case.

 

[tony5haw2013]

Anybody know somebody that is capable of doing this then? Sounding like a bad idea to do it myself.

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[alfonzo]

Here is a link to my build thread I have some pics of the process there.

https://forum.replica-watch.info/fo...s-intro-and-first-116610-franken-build-thread

 

[alfonzo]

Anybody know somebody that is capable of doing this then? Sounding like a bad idea to do it myself.

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I believe Tickleshoes may be a good resource. He posted above.

 

[Tickleshoes]

 

[tribal]

I drilled out the hole, used a M3x.35 tap it was close then I used 2 tubes as tools (destroyed the first one in the process) to force/chase the threads to the correct size then countersunk the case hole as tribal said and then epoxied the tube in permanently. Looks good but was sketchy and I wish I had the Rolex Tap. If you are not careful doing the countersink you can tear out the side of the case.

So, I have a two Rolex tapping tools for 5,3 and 6mm.
For Sportmodelle the tapping size is 3x0,25mm!
I've done this thousand times in the past. Everytime the tubehole must be countersunk to install the the tube properly.
This is needed to fit the Tube right on the case!

 

[tony5haw2013]

So, I have a two Rolex tapping tools for 5,3 and 6mm.
For Sportmodelle the tapping size is 3x0,25mm!
I've done this thousand times in the past. Everytime the tubehole must be countersunk to install the the tube properly.
This is needed to fit the Tube right on the case!

You fancy taking this on for me tribal? Obviously I will pay you going rate for your time and expertise??

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[tony5haw2013]

You wouldn't fancy taking the job would you mate? You do seem to have the tools and experience and I do want it done right after all, would you consider taking it on for me?

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[alfonzo]

For Sportmodelle the tapping size is 3x0,25mm!

Everything I found when I went searching said 35 so that defiantly explains the need for brute force LOL. I appreciate the education I will give that a go next time I!

 

[Tickleshoes]

Actually it’s 3.05x.30:

 

[tony5haw2013]

Do you can use an aftermarket tap to cut the threads? Could I not just order correct size and do it myself at home or is difficult without machinery?

Do you know what angle the countersink needs to be? Need to figure out what tool to use to countersink.

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[tribal]

Actually it’s 3.05x.30:

I've seen that too.
But it is 3x0,25mm pitch.????

 

[bill33]

Do you can use an aftermarket tap to cut the threads? Could I not just order correct size and do it myself at home or is difficult without machinery?

Do you know what angle the countersink needs to be? Need to figure out what tool to use to countersink.

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You can, I’ve used a 3x0.30, not perfect but it does the job.

Cousins have the correct taps now:

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/taps-for-rolex-pendant-tubes