Help needed for SEL issue on Franken Sub 116610LN

[divemax]

So I began this project last year. The watch started as a VSF rep from a TD and so far, I've swapped out and added a Gen Dial, Gen Bezel assembly including ceramic insert, Gen crystal, Gen hand set, and Gen ETA 2836 movement. I LOVE how it has turned out thus far. However, the biggest tell on my wrist (although very subtle) is the bracelet SELs. They are not recessed like the Gen. They are almost flush across the lugs. As you all know, the Gen SELs are recessed a bit from the lugs. Someone a while back had mentioned using an ARF bracelet, but I don't know if that would correct this issue. Is there anything that can be done short of drilling new spring bar holes in the lugs to lower the SELs? I would greatly appreciate the help from anyone who knows how to correct this.

 

[KJ2020]

The best solution would be to find a bracelet that fits well and has a recess you are happy with.

It is possible to mod existing SELs by sanding the outer SEL sections down a little. It's pretty challenging to do it in a uniform way - you have to take a little off the ends and match the lug curve. But this means creating a slope from the middle outward that isn't obvious, or shaving the entire outer sections of the SEL evenly so the edges are lower without a slope.

Even after doing this, one must then brush the parts that were sanded in a precise way to regain the uniform single line reflection across the entire SEL that is so characteristic of the Rolex bracelet. I dabbled around on a couple of bracelets in an attempt to do this. I managed a reasonable re-shaping and edge reduction but regaining the proper lustrous and straight reflection proved too difficult.

There are some very skilled metal modders that can do this, you might talk to Jonj480 about it.
​​​​​​​

Before

After

Example of proper SEL reflection that was never achieved

.

 

[Shany]

The best solution would be to find a bracelet that fits well and has a recess you are happy with.

It is possible to mod existing SELs by sanding the outer SEL sections down a little. It's pretty challenging to do it in a uniform way - you have to take a little off the ends and match the lug curve. But this means creating a slope from the middle outward that isn't obvious, or shaving the entire outer sections of the SEL evenly so the edges are lower without a slope.

Even after doing this, one must then brush the parts that were sanded in a precise way to regain the uniform single line reflection across the entire SEL that is so characteristic of the Rolex bracelet. I dabbled around on a couple of bracelets in an attempt to do this. I managed a reasonable re-shaping and edge reduction but regaining the proper lustrous and straight reflection proved too difficult.

There are some very skilled metal modders that can do this, you might talk to Jonj480 about it.
​​​​​​​

Before

After

Example of proper SEL reflection that was never achieved

.

Very helpful!!!

Which papers/grain did you use ?

 

[KJ2020]

Very helpful!!!

Which papers/grain did you use ?

The first one I did completely by hand with grits ranging from 220 to 600. SS is plenty hard so it can take some pressure to start wearing away material.

A later one I did I used a 600 grit drum on a low rpm drill to get a nice headstart on it. you have to be really careful and roll the SEL while barely touching the drum. Then the rest is done by hand.

 

[Shany]

The first one I did completely by hand with grits ranging from 220 to 600. SS is plenty hard so it can take some pressure to start wearing away material.

A later one I did I used a 600 grit drum on a low rpm drill to get a nice headstart on it. you have to be really careful and roll the SEL while barely touching the drum. Then the rest is done by hand.

Very cool, I Maybe try this on my broken noob v7 today

 

[Spoons]

Hello,

If you're just trying to get a better recess on your SELs, then you might try the electrical tape trick that botsyboy described in this thread: https://forum.replica-watch.info/fo...e-zzf-v2s-114060-vr3130?p=9179652#post9179652

Just modded mine and now much improved.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[StreetFighter]

You have a 2836 in a 3135 case with a 3135 dial and hands? Are you sure? I didn't think this is possible, a 2836 is a different thickness than a 3135...

 

[WatchSmith.US]

I did mine on my VSF 126610. I used a bracelet puller to dismantle the links so I could work on them individually with files and stones. The VSF was about perfect except for a small portion where the link would become flush with the case, so I ripped it apart and reshaped it. It's not perfect but it's close and there's nothing to notice without a loupe. It's a ridiculously tedious and time consuming operation.

@kj2020's result looks damn good.

 

[KJ2020]

I did mine on my VSF 126610. I used a bracelet puller to dismantle the links so I could work on them individually with files and stones.

That's great work bro.

 

[Shany]

I did mine on my VSF 126610. I used a bracelet puller to dismantle the links so I could work on them individually with files and stones. The VSF was about perfect except for a small portion where the link would become flush with the case, so I ripped it apart and reshaped it. It's not perfect but it's close and there's nothing to notice without a loupe. It's a ridiculously tedious and time consuming operation.

@kj2020's result looks damn good.

Left is after I guess, I tried today to reshape without dismantle but it didint Work well...

Do you have a link or a photo of your tool?

 

[myfirstwatch]

Thank you for your hints!!!

 

[WatchSmith.US]

Left is after I guess, I tried today to reshape without dismantle but it didint Work well...

Do you have a link or a photo of your tool?

Similar to this one: https://www.esslinger.com/rolex-oyster-watch-bracelet-link-remover-tool/

 

[WatchSmith.US]

That's great work bro.

Thank ya brother.