My newly completed franken ARF 36mm DateJust 116234 SH3135 white baton dial on jubilee

[RobLive7]

I just posted most of the below into my original dealer reviews thread, but realised that it will probably be more useful in the correct RWI sub-forum - apologies if I've done the wrong thing.

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Ok so I finally got all my parts in order & had them expertly installed by Ray over at BLK.W.EXPRESS and I'm finally here to post the results.

I'm super happy with how it came together - and I have to give a huge shout out to Ray at Blacktown Watch Express for all his expert advice & work, especially regarding his guidance about which parts I should get to make for a smooth install process. I really can't overstate how much of a huge help he has been and would absolutely 100% wholeheartedly recommend him to any Sydney based rep enthusiasts.

Here is a summary of the parts/process [& prices] for anyone who is interested/thinking of doing the same thing:

1. ARF 36mm DateJust 116234 SH3135 white baton from puretime [$418 USD = $615 AUD]
2. Gen white baton (stick) dial [$375 USD = $552 AUD]
3. Gen 3135 datewheel [€80 = $88 USD = $129 AUD]
4. Gen mounting plate (3135-600) [$99 USD = $145 AUD] because I believe that a Gen datewheel will sit too deep into the ARF mounting plate (too far back behind the dial)
5. Gen date jumper (3135-614) [€40 = $44 USD = $64 AUD] to ensure proper functioning of the Gen datewheel and to avoid any modifications
6. Clark brand sapphire crystal with AR coated cyclops (non-Gen) available here [$38 USD = $56 AUD]
7. SH3135 movement service [$150 AUD = $101 USD] because I believe the SH3135 comes "dirty" from the factory and will be much more reliable and accurate with an early service​

A few people have messaged me asking why I went with the Clark crystal and didn't just stick with the ARF crystal, and there was a couple of reasons.
The main reason was that my ARF cyclops was a tiny bit crooked, which really started to bug me. I had noticed it on the QC pics but didn't really think it was that bad, but I found it more noticeable IRL.
So I knew I definitely wanted a new crystal, but a Gen crystal with AR was going to cost me in excess of $600 AUD !!
That's why I decided to "take the risk" on the Clark crystal. I saw the Clark recommended by a user of a different rep forum who was happy with it - it seems to have a slightly more rounded top edge when compared to the ARF, and it was literally 1/10 of the price of a Gen.
Obviously a Gen crystal would be even nicer, but I had to draw the line somewhere.

If you want to see the BEFORE photos of the watch (pre-mod), then please refer to my original post here.

Below are the AFTER photos, with all the parts together in all their glory:

I hope the above will be useful for some of you.

I think if I had been more patient I could have sourced particular parts for cheaper, but everything that I purchased was immediately available, which made the whole process quicker, and was also less effort (rather that sleuthing through sale posts and bargaining with online sellers).
If anyone knows of any reliable sources for the above parts that are cheaper than what I paid then feel free to post them below - I'm sure that others will find that info super helpful.

 

[johnlogan]

Beautiful !! I own the same and the DW is bugging me.

 

[antoktok]

I have to say that is stunning, any lume shots my friend?

 

[RobLive7]

I have to say that is stunning, any lume shots my friend?

Oh yeah whoops - I forgot about the classic lume photo. I’ll take some in the next day and then post them below.

My guess is that the lume will be noticeably different between the gen markers and the ARF hands.
It will be interesting to see to what extent though.


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[RobLive7]

I have to say that is stunning, any lume shots my friend?

Ok I took some lume shots

I’m not the worlds best photographer, so my apologies that they don’t look that great -

You can see that the lume in the hands looks very slightly more green when compared to the gen dial marker lume, which is slightly more white.
They are both very bright though

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[Skydrag]

Beautiful mate, great build, may i know how you source all those gen parts ? via members here ?

 

[RobLive7]

Beautiful mate, great build, may i know how you source all those gen parts ? via members here ?

Thanks mate,
- no it wasn’t through members here, although I think that’s typically the most economical way to do it. Either through members here or over at the gen rolex forum. Only downside is you might wait a while till you get the parts you need.
I messaged a European eBay seller about the datewheel and jumper, asking him if he could give me a better price if I bought both and just went through PayPal (and not eBay so he would avoid fees) and he was happy to do that.
I just bought the seating plate from another US based eBay seller, I think I waited a week or so and it went on sale- (I think the seller was having a store wide sale).
And the dial I got from “first class dials” - a US based gen dial reseller


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[Skydrag]

Thanks mate .
Will try the method you use, really nice build you have there
Keep me drooling


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[antoktok]

You can see that the lume in the hands looks very slightly more green when compared to the gen dial marker lume, which is slightly more white.
They are both very bright though

damn those ARF second hands are good! Don't see that much of a difference to be honest, random people in public places won't even notice.

wear it in good health, awesome piece you got there! In fact this might be a future project of mine after seeing yours lol

 

[RobLive7]

Just wanted to share a photo I took today. Enjoying my franken result very much

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[RobLive7]

Just sharing another photo. This time looking good in that campfire glow

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[Skydrag]

Nice one mate
Keep those photo coming
And hook me up if you ever wanna depart with it mate
Cheers


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[stufuse]

Looks great


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[masterpiece777]

Stunning watch!!

 

[masterpiece777]

I have planned to build (optical) almost the same as yours,and already have all the gen parts ready and have exactly the same White dail with baton markers.
The donor watch (I have ordered the blue arf dail) is shipped and should arrive tomorrow.
Than the game can begin

Can you explain the difference between stock ARF white dail and GEN?
I thought the coronet on the stock arf dails where way more flat and to high placed right under the railroad border.
It’s hardly noticeable from the before and after pictures you have posted.
But it’s seems that they have done a very good job, the coronet place hight and 3D shape looks stunning on your pictures,and the only difference i mentioned are:
1: Text “ OYSTER “ (arf) and “ 0YSTER “ on the Gen.
2. the “D” “ DATEJUST “ have serifs where the ARF appears that it don’t have .

My build will be like this :

ARF Donor watch 116234 SH3135 V2 904L Blue dail)

1. Case (including tube)
2. caseback/gasket
3. bracelet/clasp
4. Fluted bezel stock ARF for now
(looking for a gen or good aftermarket 18k white gold i have seen one from WSO@ eBay anyone know if this is worth the money and will be a direct swap on the arf?)
5. PushPins
(are the gen pins put any profits on the ARF jubilee bracelet/lugs and fit ?)

Gen:

1. Caliber 3135 Rolex movement (new)
2. White dail stick markers (new/mint)
3. Hands (new)
8. Crown (B24-604-0-G1) (new)
9. Crystal/gasket (B25-295-CAR-V4-C1) (new)
8. Roulette DW (B3135-16206-K1) (new)

Best regards and wear your beautiful date just in good health!


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[irishjohn]

nice work, my franken with tuxedo dial says hello

 

[Hrcoffee10]

NICE!!!

 

[RobLive7]

Can you explain the difference between stock ARF white dail and GEN?

Hi masterpiece777 - You are correct mate - the stock ARF dial looks really close to gen. Amazingly so. That's why its so difficult to tell them apart in the photos.

I can notice a difference between the markers - the gen markers are extremely refined and have highly polished surfaces at very exact angles, which makes them really 'pop' in the light and adds to the 3D effect. The ARF markers arent quite as refined. It's pretty hard for me to describe the difference (because it is so small), but the difference is there.

Another difference is the shade of white. The ARF is not quite as "white" as the gen, and in some lights it looks very very slightly yellow/gray. I thought the gloss finish on the ARF almost seemed a little bit "plastic" like - which is again very hard to describe. But there is a difference in the colour and finish of the paint.

As far as the printing goes, the ARF dial letters are very good, but the gen is finer. And yes, the gen dial has serifs and the ARF dial does not.

And like you mentioned, the coronet on the ARF is very good. I had read that there were some quality control problems and that some dials had the coronet placed too high or too low. I just asked my trusted dealer to choose me one with a well placed one. The gen coronet looks slightly more 3D.

I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing how your completed watch looks, maybe you could tag me in your post when you put photos up? I've been agonizing about getting gen hands and a gen crystal for a long while now lol

Good luck mate - looking forward to seeing your results

 

[RobLive7]

nice work, my franken with tuxedo dial says hello

OMG what a beautiful dial - I'm getting some serious jealousy over here lol. amazing - looks so good on the wrist.
Can I ask - what case is your franken based on ? ARF?

 

[masterpiece777]

Hi masterpiece777 - You are correct mate - the stock ARF dial looks really close to gen. Amazingly so. That's why its so difficult to tell them apart in the photos.

I can notice a difference between the markers - the gen markers are extremely refined and have highly polished surfaces at very exact angles, which makes them really 'pop' in the light and adds to the 3D effect. The ARF markers arent quite as refined. It's pretty hard for me to describe the difference (because it is so small), but the difference is there.

Another difference is the shade of white. The ARF is not quite as "white" as the gen, and in some lights it looks very very slightly yellow/gray. I thought the gloss finish on the ARF almost seemed a little bit "plastic" like - which is again very hard to describe. But there is a difference in the colour and finish of the paint.

As far as the printing goes, the ARF dial letters are very good, but the gen is finer. And yes, the gen dial has serifs and the ARF dial does not.

And like you mentioned, the coronet on the ARF is very good. I had read that there were some quality control problems and that some dials had the coronet placed too high or too low. I just asked my trusted dealer to choose me one with a well placed one. The gen coronet looks slightly more 3D.

I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing how your completed watch looks, maybe you could tag me in your post when you put photos up? I've been agonizing about getting gen hands and a gen crystal for a long while now lol

Good luck mate - looking forward to seeing your results

Thanks a lot for your input mate!
Really appreciate your help.

I have all parts ready but the gen crown dont fit on the arf tube.
There’s 2mm space between the case and crown when it’s totally screwed in.
That’s a bummer but I have ordered a aftermarket tube.(WSO from eBay)
Hope it’s working.

I surely will tag you but for some kind of reason I can’t upload pictures in tapa..

But if you like send me a pm and i can send you the pictures by WhatsApp.





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