[Pompompurin's] Let's build a superfranken Rolex Datejust 36mm 16014

[pompompurin]

Many years ago, gen 16000 cases (e.g., 16000, 16030, 16014, 16013) used to be affordable and plentiful. They were excellent choices for simple/ affordable superfranken projects. However and in the recent years, the prices and rarity of gen 16000 cases have increased, making them uncommonly used for superfranken projects. Additionally, the advent of shoehorning 3135 clone movements into the affordable rafflesdial 162xx cases furthers the rarity of using gen 16000 cases for superfranken projects.

Often, ETA-based 2836-2 or 2824-2 movements are installed in gen 16000 cases to build a superfranken. However, there are members who have also successfully installed modified 3135 clone movements into gen 16000 cases. I prefer to use the 2836-2 (instead of 2824-2) movement because of the instant date flips (at midnight) and because I am unable to fit a 3135 clone movement inside a gen 16000 case.

The choice of movement ring for holding the 2824-2 or 2836-2 movement includes Rafflesdial movement ring, old-school 'stilty' movement ring (which has an integrated dial spacer), and Helenarou movement ring. The Helenarou movement ring works well for gen 16000 case sets (https://www.helenarou.com/eta-adapter-for-genuine-or-clone-rolex-5512-5515512551355141680.html), despite it is marketed for gen cases that use Rolex 15xx movements.

For ETA-based 2824-2 and 2836-2 movements, Clarks dress hands have the closest looks and dimensions to the gen Datejust 16000/ 16200 hands. However, the back of the Clarks dress hands (hour and minute hands) needs to be shortened. Ultimately, gen Datejust 16000/ 16200 hands are the best (if you know what to look for) but they are not directly compatible with ETA-based movements like the 2824-2 and 2836-2 movements.

The choice of DWO (datewheel overlay) is limited. Rafflesdial open 6/9 DWO do not have accurate fonts for this build. Therefore, I resorted to using closed 6/9 DWO which I consider to be generally more accurate. Gen closed 6/9 date discs for Rolex 3035 movements do exist as RSC (Rolex Service Centre) service parts. Therefore, using closed 6/9 DWO for a Datejust 16000 build is still correct and within gen parameters.

Here are the build specs:
- Gen 16014 case set (mid-case, caseback, 14k fluted bezel) (the case appears to be unpolished and in excellent condition)
- Gen linen dial (excellent condition)
- TC dwo (new old stock)
- Clarks dress hands
- ETA 2836-2 movement (new)
- Aftermarket Swiss 25-135 plexi
- Helenarou movement ring
- Aftermarket 6mm 600 crown





As i progress, I will update this build diary with pictures and more information. Stay tuned!!

 

[alligoat]

Gone are the days when you could pick up a 16000 case and dial for around $200 from a seller on eBay in HK named 'roling'. Story was that the Asians were taking the Rolex movement out of the DJ case and planting it in an aftermarket gold case. This was around 2006-7. My first franken was a 16014. Same formula as pompompurin's, but my DWO did have open 6/9s, and the crystal came with the case. Not sure where the movement spacer came from. Swiss 2836-2 etas were easy to come by in those days.
I was so happy with the results, I immediately bought a 16013 case and built the second DJ. This one had a white DWO with closed 6/9s and the dial was silver with gold stick makers.

Sorry for the old picture.
A few years ago I picked up a white dial for my 16013, it's one of my favorites.

Back in the day I built these two DJs for around $500 each.

 

[pompompurin]

Gone are the days when you could pick up a 16000 case and dial for around $200 from a seller on eBay in HK named 'roling'. Story was that the Asians were taking the Rolex movement out of the DJ case and planting it in an aftermarket gold case. This was around 2006-7. My first franken was a 16014. Same formula as pompompurin's, but my DWO did have open 6/9s, and the crystal came with the case. Not sure where the movement spacer came from. Swiss 2836-2 etas were easy to come by in those days.
I was so happy with the results, I immediately bought a 16013 case and built the second DJ. This one had a white DWO with closed 6/9s and the dial was silver with gold stick makers.

Sorry for the old picture.
A few years ago I picked up a white dial for my 16013, it's one of my favorites.

Back in the day I built these two DJs for around $500 each.

If only I could franken a time-machine to score deals like this. Comparatively, I paid around 1k USD for my 16014 case set with white gold fluted bezel. Your 16013 and 16014 builds look amazing, with a high price-performance ratio as well.

Back in 2006-2007, I was in secondary school. All that I cared about was chasing girls and homework. I wouldn't have known better about such deals, unfortunately.

 

[Kerbus]

I’ll be keeping an eye on this

I just finally bit the bullet and bought a gen bracelet for my 16013.

The watch is a keeper. Built in 2011, it looks like its 2836 could now use a service.

 

[Drummania]

Who modified 3135 to put in 16000? I've tried to put vs3135 in a 1501 case (not 16000). It slightly scrapes the case back but not too much. However, I think 3035 hand adjustment direction is opposite of 3135.

 

[pompompurin]

Who modified 3135 to put in 16000?

Franken Rolex Datejust build with VS 3135

Some years ago, my Datejust 1603 was stolen. I got this watch from my father, who got it from his father. So it was a bit more than just a watch to me and I decided this year to get a similar Datejust. After searching here at the forum, I found that it is not that difficult to create a Rolex...

forum.replica-watch.info

However, I think 3035 hand adjustment direction is opposite of 3135.

That's true. The hand setting direction for the date is also in the opposite direction

 

[Kerbus]

I got my gen bracelet installed in maybe 10 mins. I had gen spec spring bars on it but one got compressed and i couldnt fix it to properly fit so for the time being I used a cheapo spring bar. It holds fine but I’m going to get new gen spec ones. I’m not risking losing a gen bracelet

its insane how much trouble I had with installing a rep President bracelet. I think I’m going gen spec forever now since they sure seem infinitely easier

my previous bracelet had a gen clasp I remembered how I installed it. I used a cheap bracelet pin tool that you twist to force the pin out. Worked flawlessly to remove the clasp, superior to trying to bang it out with a bracelet block and a hammer. I would recommend having a bunch of these tools since they can be had for a few bucks each unless you are a pro,not a hobbyist like me

I’m going to go Cape Cod that clasp now…..

 

[Kerbus]

Re reading this thread, I wanted to add that back in 2011 I had a custom movement ring created for my watch and had to have the hands from Star Tine broached. The watch is a center piece of my collection since the parts are valuable

 

[pompompurin]

Here are the build specs:
- Gen 16014 case set (mid-case, caseback, 14k fluted bezel) (the case appears to be unpolished and in excellent condition)
- Gen linen dial (excellent condition)
- TC dwo (new old stock)
- Clarks dress hands
- ETA 2836-2 movement (new)
- Aftermarket Swiss 25-135 plexi
- Helenarou movement ring
- Aftermarket 6mm 600 crown

Ultimately, I decided that using an ETA 2836-2 is too easy/ boring, so I decided to try to shoehorn a VS3135 movement into the case. I was inspired by this post: https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/franken-rolex-datejust-build-with-vs-3135.10919812/.

Since I am using a VS3135 movement, the build specs were changed:

- Gen 16014 case set (mid-case, caseback, 14k fluted bezel) (the case appears to be unpolished and in excellent condition)
- Gen linen dial (excellent condition)
- Aftermarket open 6/9 3135 date disc (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007655696180.html)
- VERY gen-spec mix of hands (including external dimensions, dimensions of the lume plots, finishing, and the cylindrical feature on the seconds hand)... let's just call these pompompurin V1 datejust hands
- VS3135 movement
- Aftermarket Swiss 25-135 plexi
- Silian 3135 tab/ screws
- High quality aftermarket 6mm 600 crown

The VS3135 movement was partially disassembled and taped before using a dremel to reduce its external circumference.



After trial and error and various attempts, I managed to make the VS3135 fit inside the gen 16014 case set.





The movement was reassembled and tested. The Aftermarket open 6/9 3135 date disc was fitted and tested to flip properly at every date and 12:00am positions.



Since 3135 movements' crown/ stem/ tube height differ to 3035 movements (and the gen linen dial that i am using for this build does not have dial feet), i added two layers of double-sided sticky tape to act as shims (to align the crown/ stem/ tube height) and to mount the gen dial onto the movement.



I also used silian's 3135 tab/ screws to align the movement inside the gen 16014 case set (https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...-Clamps-Securing-Screw-Fit_1601442652554.html).







The crystal, hands, and bezel were eventually installed. I decided to use my pompompurin V1 hands (which were already lumed by me, using Swiss C1 superluminova). Superluminova hands on a vintage Rolex are within gen parameters because there are vintage Rolex that were serviced by RSC (Rolex Service Centre) and have replacement superluminova hands (service hands). Also, due to added layers of the double-sided sticky tape, the movement sits lower and the minute/ seconds hands were bent slightly to clear the dial indices.



The watch is now complete!