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MrBeasy’s new Franken – 116718 Gold GMT2 (Green Dial)

MrBeasy

Respected Member
8/2/16
3,068
875
113
I am happy to present my latest build. The Franken Rolex 116618 GMT2 (Green Dial) :B:

I started this Project probably back in April this year when I was seriously considering acquiring the gen version of this, but I concluded that I couldn’t justify the cost for a watch that I wouldn’t be wearing daily to work (can’t show up my bosses 116613LB two tone… hehe… can’t let him think that he pays me too much…) so I started hunting around for parts – I was a man on a Franken mission.

After months of painstakingly collecting the parts, shipping delays and anxiety as parts cross into that customs vortex “Germany”, then patiently waiting for the watchsmith and the ever-present last minute build hiccups – 6 months later and bang! Here it is, just came back to me today...

Gen Specs:

  • Gen Dial (I chose the green dial as I think it is more interesting than the black dial and is characteristic to the gold GMT2 only, unlike the black dial version which is similar to the black dial submariner)
  • Gen 18k hands
  • Gen 18k Bezel Assembly
  • Gen Ceramic Insert
  • Gen 18k Crown
  • Gen Tube
  • Gen GMT2 Crystal
  • Gen Date wheel (I opted for the standard black over the green datewheel version)
  • Gen Rolex 3186 GMT (Bang! – this is the icing on the cake. I was going to add a tickleshoes yuki GMT2 hybrid CHS but a unique opportunity came up to get the real deal so I took it)
Other specs:
  • BP Gold Wrapped case and bracelet (the one with the correct gold colour! – not the super bright yellow, nor the coppery yellow colour found on other versions)
  • BP Stem
I have tried on the Gen 116618 and played with the functions many times at my local AD and this feels exactly the same to me (as you would expect given the gen parts). I love the crisp bi-directional click of the bezel and the jumping hour hand; I feel like I don’t have to worry about the hour hand breaking, unlike my reps with the noob CHS movement or even the hybrid yuki CHS GMT movement that I have in my other two tone GMT2 Franken.

Overall I am really happy with it – I haven’t seen a Franken like this before on RWI or RG, but even if there has been, I feel a real sense of pride in this specific build.

Some build pics first then some shots mounted on the gold wrapped bracelet. I love it – but just don’t ask me how much it all cost me (my wallet is still groaning…)

Special thank you shout out to the watchsmith who made it happen and the various contacts here in RWI and RG who helped me source the parts and answered some of my dumb questions. You know who you are!

And believe it or not, I have a bunch of other crazy Rolex and AP Franken builds coming up in the next month or so… dare I say even crazier than this one! Watch this space for more…
 
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MrBeasy

Respected Member
8/2/16
3,068
875
113
Pics!
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blackboxes

Advisor/Supporter
Advisor
31/5/15
7,844
3,051
113
Truly one of a kind Beasy! This is very inspiring indeed.
 
D

d4m.test

Guest
absolute stunning my friend.. i mean gen movement? wauw:clap_1: how much are the costs of this project may i ask? and were do you find a gen movement...
 

JohnnyBe

Respected Member
3/1/16
4,011
438
83
Nice!!!enjoy it man..wear it in good health..hope to see more pic of this beauty on your wrist :)
 

QueTip

Super Duper Galactic NutSwinging BootyGrabbin Mod
Staff member
Global Moderator
Certified
3/6/14
14,655
6,065
113
Beautiful. Wear her in good health brother. Will be a great addition to .... you know what I mean hehe.
 

MrBeasy

Respected Member
8/2/16
3,068
875
113
Some wristies at different angles in natural light.

First day out in the wild!

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zechef350

Renowned Member
17/4/10
573
25
28
The gold tone on the sub/gmt np wrapper cases and bands are as close to 1:1 as you’ll ever find. The day dates just don’t compare. Even the bp wrapped day date isn’t the right tone.