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[Pompompurin's] Let's build a Rolex GMT Master II 116718 (gain weight) using a Gold Factory 116718/ 126718

pompompurin

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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):

57_46abdca1-0c62-4368-bc18-6c48d6af6097.jpg


39427-1.jpg


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.

57742-4.jpg


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.
 

KJ2020

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12/3/18
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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):

57_46abdca1-0c62-4368-bc18-6c48d6af6097.jpg


39427-1.jpg


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.

57742-4.jpg


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.
Very nice work bro, looks awesome. What crystal did you use? And how is the bezel action on the Gold factory case?
 

mega12

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Very nice one. Congrats. The gold tone seems a bit yellow - but crown is gen, right?
A very nice piece. What’s the weight with all that tungsten parts? Especially the rehaut on the case looks very nice considering the material
 

pompompurin

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Very nice work bro, looks awesome. What crystal did you use? And how is the bezel action on the Gold factory case?

Thank you! The crystal is stock. It looks nice like a deep crystal. The bezel works fine, and it is smooth to operate.

Very nice one. Congrats. The gold tone seems a bit yellow - but crown is gen, right?
A very nice piece. What’s the weight with all that tungsten parts? Especially the rehaut on the case looks very nice considering the material
The crown is stock.
Total weight of the watch with all of the links installed is around 198g.
The watch head is very heavy, whereas the bracelet feels like the weight of a normal plated steel bracelet.
 
Last edited:
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gdh1r

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Dude, @pompompurin, this thread is straight-up legendary! 🔥🙌


The level of detail, effort, and pure watch-nerd wizardry you put into this gold GMT-Master II build is amazing. This isn't just a build thread—it's a masterclass in how to do reps the right way. The breakdowns, the gold factory casework, the part selection—this is the kind of content that makes RWI the best damn place on the internet.

Big respect for taking the time to share all this knowledge with us. This post is gonna be bookmarked, referenced, and drooled over for years. You, my friend, are doing the lord’s work. 💪😂
 
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pompompurin

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Dude, @pompompurin, this thread is straight-up legendary! 🔥🙌


The level of detail, effort, and pure watch-nerd wizardry you put into this gold GMT-Master II build is amazing. This isn't just a build thread—it's a masterclass in how to do reps the right way. The breakdowns, the gold factory casework, the part selection—this is the kind of content that makes RWI the best damn place on the internet.

Big respect for taking the time to share all this knowledge with us. This post is gonna be bookmarked, referenced, and drooled over for years. You, my friend, are doing the lord’s work. 💪😂
Thank you for the kind words. When i got time, part of the fun is documenting the build like a diary!
 
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