Franken Rolex Datejust build with VS 3135

[matzemedia]

Some years ago, my Datejust 1603 was stolen. I got this watch from my father, who got it from his father. So it was a bit more than just a watch to me and I decided this year to get a similar Datejust. After searching here at the forum, I found that it is not that difficult to create a Rolex Datejust. @johloo helped me with some tips on how it could work.

My idea was to find a case where I can mount a 3135 movement. And it must be a case with plexi crystal. The most obvious is the case from rafflesdials. During my search of the parts, I found an auction on eBay for a gen case with gen dial. So I got unreasonable and bought it.

 

[matzemedia]

First at all here the list of all parts:

• gen 16030 case
• gen crone
• gen dial
• gen crystal
• gen bezel
• aftermarket hands
• aftermarket tube
• WO datedisc (open 6)
• VS 3135 movement

 

[matzemedia]

Here comes the story about putting everything together. The Rolex 16030 case was delivered with a 3035 movement. The fact that a lot of people remove the movement from the Datejust and use it as replacement in more popular watches, the Datejust parts are affordable. I decided to buy a VS 3135 movement because I had some good experience. It is reliable and most similar to the original 3135. But what I did not know, it is not identical in size to a 3035 movement. To fit it into the case, I have to reduce the diameter of the movement or increase the diameter of the case. Working on an original case is beyond my limits. So, I decided to work on the movement and dremel it. It was a painful process and the first time that I realized that the movement is built from bras.

 

[matzemedia]

OK, the rest of the build is straightforward and just putting everything together. The dial feeds are fitting exactly at the movement, so there was nothing to change. The old Datejust watches use a calendar typo with an open 6 and 9. The VS 3135 movement is shipped with another datedisc. I found a thread where people ask for buying a 3135 datedisc with open 6. You can get a gen datedisc but not for less than 300 EUR. I could only find one dealer who sells them as aftermarket parts. I bit the bullet and ordered the part for about 50 dollars. Well, it does its job.

 

[matzemedia]

Actually, the rest should go by itself. But things sometimes go differently than planned. The case was delivered without a crown. I was still lucky enough to have a Datejust crown in my part's assortment. Unfortunately, the thread did not match. After a lot of research and measuring back and forth, I realized that Rolex had changed something in the model years and that the only way to make the case compatible with the modern crown (24-604) was to use a special tube.

 

[matzemedia]

Here how it lookes after fitting dial and hands

 

[matzemedia]

And finally the finished watch

 

[matzemedia]

 

[PAPA_WHALE]

What is the total for the project?

 

[matzemedia]

What is the total for the project?

It is not for sale and I did't count all the parts, taxes and time for the project. But I can tell you I started the project with collecting parts in June 2022.

 

[FaberNewBuilder]

This is the first I've heard of anyone dremeling the movement. Good job

 

[Luquito]

Absolutely fantastic build! Great job!

I’m sure it keeps the memory alive of the sentimental piece that was unfortunately stolen.

Would love to see some wrist shots

 

[matzemedia]

Would love to see some wrist shots

 

[Mapearso]

Great build!!

 

[Patek570fan]

This is awesome, great build man!

 

[Winni1611]

Great work, you can be proud of it. Hope it gives you a feeling of your fathers watch.

 

[matzemedia]

Great work, you can be proud of it. Hope it gives you a feeling of your fathers watch.

Thanks! Yes, this watch is always a reminder of my fathers watch. I showed him the result... but he has no connection to replicas.

 

[VC202FanBoy]

It is a very nice watch, so I found a seller who sells glass, case, crown for 2600 dollars on chrono24. I want to buy it. Most likely, I will use the vs3135 movement, but I got very stressed because it wouldn't fit in the case. Do you have any idea what clone mechanism is best for Gen 3035 cal? Also I want to use the original datewheel.

 

[FaberNewBuilder]

It is a very nice watch, so I found a seller who sells glass, case, crown for 2600 dollars on chrono24. I want to buy it. Most likely, I will use the vs3135 movement, but I got very stressed because it wouldn't fit in the case. Do you have any idea what clone mechanism is best for Gen 3035 cal? Also I want to use the original datewheel.

Do you know the reference number of the case?

 

[VC202FanBoy]

Do you know the reference number of the case?

this is the link