I always wanted to build a Rolex GMT Master II 116718 because I love building Rolex models where not many people/ no one has done it yet.
The last serious attempt at building a 116718 build was completed in 2017 by @MrBeasy (https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/mrbeasy’s-new-franken-–-116718-gold-gmt2-green-dial.330387/). When I first read that post back in 2017, it inspired me to pursue a 116718 build as well.
Between 2017 to the present, I spent time finding genuine 116718 parts (dial, hands, and date disc) in anticipation of building a fairly simple franken 116718. Concurrently, I also spent time researching for a replica 116718 base watch to install the genuine parts. However, until recently, replica 116718 base watches were poor in the past: e.g., BP/ GMF/ EWF 116718 all have a terrible bezel insert among other problems. Major factories like Clean and ARF have not released a 116718 either. This 116718 project was put on hiatus until a better replica 116718 base watch is available.
Recent breakthrough! A non-TD informed me that they could source a custom Gold Factory 116718 (gain weight) with oyster bracelet and green dial. I immediately pounced onto this opportunity and ordered it. Within a few weeks, the watch arrived.
Here are a few quick snapshots of the Gold Factory 116718 (with oyster bracelet and green dial):
Apologies for the poor image quality as the pictures were taken at night and under indoor lighting.
The genuine 116718 was released in either black dial (with green GMT hand and green date disc) or green dial (with gold GMT hand and normal black date disc):
I took the bracelet off from the Gold Factory 116718. The model number is engraved as "126718." Based on this and the design of the hallmarks on the back, it appears that Gold Factory is using the same case for 126718 and 116718 models.
Looking at the back of the Gold Factory 116718 watch, the outline of the case shape looks to be the same as the genuine 116718.
I opened the caseback of the Gold Factory 116718. To my disappointment, there is a Dandong 3285 movement inside instead of a VR3186 movement. The genuine 116718 uses a 3186 movement.
The tube has two gaskets inside. The tube can fit genuine 704 crowns.
Considering that the genuine 116718 uses 3186 movement and my genuine 116718 parts (dial, hands, and date disc) are designed for 31xx movements, I have to shoehorn a VR3186 into the Gold Factory 116718.
Before proceeding, I fitted a VR3186 movement with 116710 parts on it to see if the crown/ stem/ tube height is aligned. The crown/ stem/ tube height appears to be the same for Dandong 3285 movement and VR3186 movement.
Knowing that a VR3186 can be shoehorned into the case, I proceeded with the project. I installed the genuine dial, hands, and date disc onto a spare VR3186 movement.
I find that all genuine Rolex GMT hands need to be crimped very, very slightly in order to be installed onto VR3186 movements; this is because of varying manufacturing tolerance between genuine and replica parts. Crimping loose hands makes the loose hands grip tighter onto the posts of the movement. Crimping loose hands reduces the risk of having loose hands becoming misaligned/ loose/ touching each and another due to everyday wear (like bumps and knocks). The process of crimping is reversible, using a smooth broaching file. The crimping process took a few hours due to trial and error and patience.
Custom tabs were also made to centre and hold the VR3186 movement. The outer diameter of the stock Dandong 3285 movement is wider than the VR3186 movement.
Done and regulated.
I will take more daylight pictures soon.
The last serious attempt at building a 116718 build was completed in 2017 by @MrBeasy (https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/mrbeasy’s-new-franken-–-116718-gold-gmt2-green-dial.330387/). When I first read that post back in 2017, it inspired me to pursue a 116718 build as well.
Between 2017 to the present, I spent time finding genuine 116718 parts (dial, hands, and date disc) in anticipation of building a fairly simple franken 116718. Concurrently, I also spent time researching for a replica 116718 base watch to install the genuine parts. However, until recently, replica 116718 base watches were poor in the past: e.g., BP/ GMF/ EWF 116718 all have a terrible bezel insert among other problems. Major factories like Clean and ARF have not released a 116718 either. This 116718 project was put on hiatus until a better replica 116718 base watch is available.
Recent breakthrough! A non-TD informed me that they could source a custom Gold Factory 116718 (gain weight) with oyster bracelet and green dial. I immediately pounced onto this opportunity and ordered it. Within a few weeks, the watch arrived.
Here are a few quick snapshots of the Gold Factory 116718 (with oyster bracelet and green dial):
Apologies for the poor image quality as the pictures were taken at night and under indoor lighting.
The genuine 116718 was released in either black dial (with green GMT hand and green date disc) or green dial (with gold GMT hand and normal black date disc):
I took the bracelet off from the Gold Factory 116718. The model number is engraved as "126718." Based on this and the design of the hallmarks on the back, it appears that Gold Factory is using the same case for 126718 and 116718 models.
Looking at the back of the Gold Factory 116718 watch, the outline of the case shape looks to be the same as the genuine 116718.
I opened the caseback of the Gold Factory 116718. To my disappointment, there is a Dandong 3285 movement inside instead of a VR3186 movement. The genuine 116718 uses a 3186 movement.
The tube has two gaskets inside. The tube can fit genuine 704 crowns.
Considering that the genuine 116718 uses 3186 movement and my genuine 116718 parts (dial, hands, and date disc) are designed for 31xx movements, I have to shoehorn a VR3186 into the Gold Factory 116718.
Before proceeding, I fitted a VR3186 movement with 116710 parts on it to see if the crown/ stem/ tube height is aligned. The crown/ stem/ tube height appears to be the same for Dandong 3285 movement and VR3186 movement.
Knowing that a VR3186 can be shoehorned into the case, I proceeded with the project. I installed the genuine dial, hands, and date disc onto a spare VR3186 movement.
I find that all genuine Rolex GMT hands need to be crimped very, very slightly in order to be installed onto VR3186 movements; this is because of varying manufacturing tolerance between genuine and replica parts. Crimping loose hands makes the loose hands grip tighter onto the posts of the movement. Crimping loose hands reduces the risk of having loose hands becoming misaligned/ loose/ touching each and another due to everyday wear (like bumps and knocks). The process of crimping is reversible, using a smooth broaching file. The crimping process took a few hours due to trial and error and patience.
Custom tabs were also made to centre and hold the VR3186 movement. The outer diameter of the stock Dandong 3285 movement is wider than the VR3186 movement.
Done and regulated.
I will take more daylight pictures soon.
