Hey guys,
A while ago, I got into 3D modeling, just as a new creative outlet. Eventually, I bought a 3D scanner and for fun, scanned my gen DJ36. Not long after, I ended up selling the watch since I was mainly wearing larger pieces at the time. But the scan stayed with me.
Back then, I owned several original DJ36 midcases and about 6-7 months ago, I built a few Franken watches, since I had gen midcases lying around. I unfortunately sold everything, still convinced that I preferred larger watches, at least 40mm. But somehow, I couldn't let go of the classic DJ36.
Some time later, I built a few Raffles Franken projects for friends and myself. But as many of you know, there's a difference between the 16000 and the 16200 – the elegant, flat lines versus the bulkier successor. While the gen 16200 is may be not bad, I just couldn't enjoy the Raffles build as much. I really missed the classic DJ36 on my wrist.
Since there wasn't a good alternative to Raffles, especially in a low price range, I decided to create my own case to meet my needs. That led me to produce a small series for me and anyone else who appreciates the timeless elegance of the classic Datejust.
I can't say enough how much I enjoy being part of RWI, and I'd love to support our forum and community with special discounts. Send me a PM to get the RWI discount on the parts.
Now, about the midcase set itself:
The quality, as well as the price, falls between Raffles and Viet. I'm not skilled at engraving yet, but I'd rather leave the parts unengraved than do it poorly.
Midcase:
In my opinion, the midcase turned out really well! The gen parts with 3135 fit perfectly, and the shape is very accurate since I had a 3D scan of an original. The holes are 1mm, it seems gen has 0,8mm..
3d model:
Scan of gen midcase:
Real part vs gen:
Caseback
I'm less proud of this one, as the producer made some changes. It looks okay, but it will be revised in the next version (if there is one).
Bezels:
I made both bezels as refined as possible to look as close to gen as I could. I think they turned out well, but I haven't compared them with a gen yet, so I'd love to hear your opinions and get your eagle-eyed feedback.
PS: I'm pretty nervous, so don't grill me too hard.
A while ago, I got into 3D modeling, just as a new creative outlet. Eventually, I bought a 3D scanner and for fun, scanned my gen DJ36. Not long after, I ended up selling the watch since I was mainly wearing larger pieces at the time. But the scan stayed with me.
Back then, I owned several original DJ36 midcases and about 6-7 months ago, I built a few Franken watches, since I had gen midcases lying around. I unfortunately sold everything, still convinced that I preferred larger watches, at least 40mm. But somehow, I couldn't let go of the classic DJ36.
Some time later, I built a few Raffles Franken projects for friends and myself. But as many of you know, there's a difference between the 16000 and the 16200 – the elegant, flat lines versus the bulkier successor. While the gen 16200 is may be not bad, I just couldn't enjoy the Raffles build as much. I really missed the classic DJ36 on my wrist.
Since there wasn't a good alternative to Raffles, especially in a low price range, I decided to create my own case to meet my needs. That led me to produce a small series for me and anyone else who appreciates the timeless elegance of the classic Datejust.
I can't say enough how much I enjoy being part of RWI, and I'd love to support our forum and community with special discounts. Send me a PM to get the RWI discount on the parts.
Now, about the midcase set itself:
The quality, as well as the price, falls between Raffles and Viet. I'm not skilled at engraving yet, but I'd rather leave the parts unengraved than do it poorly.
Midcase:
In my opinion, the midcase turned out really well! The gen parts with 3135 fit perfectly, and the shape is very accurate since I had a 3D scan of an original. The holes are 1mm, it seems gen has 0,8mm..
3d model:

Scan of gen midcase:

Real part vs gen:

Caseback
I'm less proud of this one, as the producer made some changes. It looks okay, but it will be revised in the next version (if there is one).

Bezels:
I made both bezels as refined as possible to look as close to gen as I could. I think they turned out well, but I haven't compared them with a gen yet, so I'd love to hear your opinions and get your eagle-eyed feedback.


PS: I'm pretty nervous, so don't grill me too hard.