- 12/3/18
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Can't say firsthand bro but gen 5 digit Sub and GMT crystals are the same diameter - 29.5mm
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New Ebay 1:1 16710 Case Review
- Thread starter KJ2020
- Start date
@KJ2020, I ran into the same problem, I've got gen hands and a gen dial. Is this an hour wheel issue or something else?A note on using gen hands with a VR3186:
The gen hour hand clearance to the dial is extremely short. I was able to fit it with a little angle up toward the hand tip but wasn't really happy with it. Then when I pressed the GMT hand on it pushed the hour hand down onto the dial. Ouch.
So I was able to get the GMT hand off by itself but had to put some wax paper under the hour hand and use the dial to lift the hour hand enough to use my levers.
This may not happen in every install but there are other reports of it and if not paying attention it can quickly damage a dial.
An example (source unknown)
So I came up with a fix by using an ETA GMT hand hole surround as a spacer on the hour hand wheel.
The fit was perfect, 2.0mm. The hole surround needs to be sanded down on top and bottom to make the spacer. It's not hard to do, you just have to adjust height incrementally to give the hand a little boost but leave it enough vertical room to grip the post.
I made a few of these and the ring I ended up using (shown above) was bigger in diameter than the dial center hole. After I put the movement in the case, apparently the dial contacted the spacer and was affecting the hand post movement, occasionally slowing it down.
The fix was to reduce the diameter of the spacer to smaller than the dial center hole.
Junk dial
Heads up to use extra care with the hour hand, especially if it's a gen hand!
Undoubtedly some suitable 2.0mm hole washers can be found online. Thin, foil type ones can be stacked, etc. I like to just make stuff if I have a usable material.
And since i have more money than skills
I'm wondering if this can be corrected with actual parts...
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The gen 3186 hour wheel does indeed have a hand collar support ring built in to it. You can see it in @CTime's pic. I've never used a gen hour wheel in a VR3186 so I can't say if it's compatible. Both parts have 45 teeth, which is a good start, haha.@KJ2020, I ran into the same problem, I've got gen hands and a gen dial. Is this an hour wheel issue or something else?
And since i have more money than skills
The thing about the VR3186 though is it is really a 3185 so I think it would need a gen 3185 hour wheel, which is shaped pretty much like the VR hour wheel.
Here you can see it, part 3185-284
I was able to get my hour hand to clear the dial with the addition of the little added support ring shown in my post that you quoted. Little bit of a headache to make if it's not your thing I get it. IDK of a better approach unless you want to try a gen 3186 hour wheel.
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Guys do you get back an answer from ebay case seller? I’ve bought two cases from him three weeks ago but i never get back an answer.. I’ve sent him another two email to update me but never get an answer also in these two occasions..
- 12/3/18
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Did you not get any shipping info on your last purchase? Maybe he is awaiting a new batch.
- 30/3/08
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You have a multi account issue, no one can see your posts, take out a ticket and have it fixed.
No just “payment received, it’s a pleasure deal with you” but after that i’ve emailed him after one week with my details about the adress and then about updates of the order but didn’t ger back any answer unfortunally.
- 12/3/18
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Bro this same issue arose when swapping a VR3185 into an ARF GMT - the hour hand had to be pressed carefully (and not down fully) to avoid contacting the dial.@KJ2020, I ran into the same problem, I've got gen hands and a gen dial. Is this an hour wheel issue or something else?
And since i have more money than skills
So this gave me an idea - I can try fitting a VR with an SH hour wheel and see if it's compatible. The SH hour wheel has the built in hand collar support ring like the gen 3186 part has.
I will try to fit it today or tomorrow. If it works, it should be allowed to run several days to evaluate the stability and reliability. I have several of these parts so if it works I can send you one. We'll see!
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OK the SH3186 hour wheel (and presumably the gen part) is a no go.
While they are the same diameter and number of teeth, the 3185 part has a recess in the bottom to allow room for the circlip on the GMT module.
Stacked
3185 on left
Circlip on GMT module
I thought maybe I could hand drill a little recess under the 3186 part to fit the circlip
Initially it went well and there was some hope but before the recess was large enough it broke through. The 3186 base is too thin!
So, back to plan A. Arghh.
- 12/3/18
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Pretty sure this could be done with one of these tools and I have one but the bit is dullOK the SH3186 hour wheel (and presumably the gen part) is a no go.
While they are the same diameter and number of teeth, the 3185 part has a recess in the bottom to allow room for the circlip on the GMT module.
Stacked
3185 on left
Circlip on GMT module
I thought maybe I could hand drill a little recess under the 3186 part to fit the circlip
Initially it went well and there was some hope but before the recess was large enough it broke through. The 3186 base is too thin!
So, back to plan A. Arghh.
US $38.00 | Repair dial feet Repair Watch Tools Repair Welding and Bonding Watch dial Table feet Tools
This ebay case is amazing. The machining quality is very clean and precise, which reminds me of TC.
I compared the lug shape to my gen and its overall dimensions seem to be spot on. But chamfers need to be added to the lugs, like my gen.
Disadvantages:
- The crownguard needs more material on both sides. But maybe this flaw could be dismissed and deemed to be a feature of an over-polished gen.
- The case doesn't come with a bezel. High quality 16610 / 16710 bezel assemblies are hard to find, and WSO is not a quality option.
Overall, I love this case. Here is my superfranken with chamfers added to the lugs, using a dremel and polishing bits. The chamfers make the stock lugs looking less bulky.
I compared the lug shape to my gen and its overall dimensions seem to be spot on. But chamfers need to be added to the lugs, like my gen.
Disadvantages:
- The crownguard needs more material on both sides. But maybe this flaw could be dismissed and deemed to be a feature of an over-polished gen.
- The case doesn't come with a bezel. High quality 16610 / 16710 bezel assemblies are hard to find, and WSO is not a quality option.
Overall, I love this case. Here is my superfranken with chamfers added to the lugs, using a dremel and polishing bits. The chamfers make the stock lugs looking less bulky.
What bracelet? It looks like it fits wellThis ebay case is amazing. The machining quality is very clean and precise, which reminds me of TC.
I compared the lug shape to my gen and its overall dimensions seem to be spot on. But chamfers need to be added to the lugs, like my gen.
Disadvantages:
- The crownguard needs more material on both sides. But maybe this flaw could be dismissed and deemed to be a feature of an over-polished gen.
- The case doesn't come with a bezel. High quality 16610 / 16710 bezel assemblies are hard to find, and WSO is not a quality option.
Overall, I love this case. Here is my superfranken with chamfers added to the lugs, using a dremel and polishing bits. The chamfers make the stock lugs looking less bulky.
Gen 78790 bracelet
But for period correctness (in conjunction with the "SWISS" dial), I will be looking for a hollow end link bracelet.
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No need to take the gen absolutely ... the 7890 from Markimark will do the trick ... the Italian bracelets he sells are of excellent quality.
Italian Rolex bracelets (
Introduction A lot of people asked about my Italian bracelets that I include in my builds, so I decided to buy a few extra for those who want edone as my supplier only sells in bulk. That kinda escalated and I bought even more. tripdog bought from me and he told me it was the best he has seen. I...
forum.replica-watch.info
thx for the tip. I already have gen 78790 because i own gen Rolex 16570 and 16710No need to take the gen absolutely ... the 7890 from Markimark will do the trick ... the Italian bracelets he sells are of excellent quality.
Italian Rolex bracelets (
Introduction A lot of people asked about my Italian bracelets that I include in my builds, so I decided to buy a few extra for those who want edone as my supplier only sells in bulk. That kinda escalated and I bought even more. tripdog bought from me and he told me it was the best he has seen. I...
No need to chnage bracelet, as 2000 and 2001 series did have swiss only or swiss made dial with drilled lugs and SEL
You got source?
This finding is contrary to the gens I have seen, but I am curious to know.