KushBandit
I'm Pretty Popular
16610's are also considered the last of the iconic dive watches by many collectors. The 6 digits just don't have the elegance, and are more boisterous. The green bezel really turns it up a notch.
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RAF 16610, New 5 Digit Factory
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Saggiolus
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- 14/9/22
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Totally from that school of thoughts. The 1266xx series got a little better, of course beautiful watches, but the 5 digits are just a classic of sport and elegance melted together in 130g of shiny steel
Yeah ..I think the same .. a part form green aluminum bezel that pops.. also 5 digits lugs are far superior from an optical perspective than more modern Subs..
KushBandit
I'm Pretty Popular
I had to go through a few models to finally realize the 5 digit is what I truly want. I had about 7 11-series 6 digit subs, and recently sold my 126610. The 126610 is the closest to the 5 digits, but still misses the mark. They are absolutely stunning, and built extremely well. Definitely steps above it's predecessors, but not what I'm looking for anymore.
Sleeker case and bezel assembly, thinner taper of the lugs to bracelet, thinner crown guards, and less blingy and more understated. The lighter bracelet and clasp is more comfortable IMO, and it doesn't constantly remind you that you're wearing a watch. I've stepped away from the jewelry appearance on my sports models, like Subs/GMTs/Seamasters. Tool watches are where it's at for a daily wear.
I heard a quote that said "5 digit subs sit quietly in the corner of the cafe, and you have to go to them to talk. 6 digit subs get up out of their chair and come up to tap you on the shoulder and say 'look at me'." 5 digits know they're cool, and have nothing to prove.
Saggiolus
Known Member
- 14/9/22
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Bpyfu
Known Member
- 19/1/21
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So after not being able to source a seamaster, I decided on getting the ra/arf from Hont. He was super fast with qc and I approved the first one he found. The only red flag for me was the timegrapher numbers, -32 spd, I can regulate that hopefully. If not I’ll just throw a vs3135 in it.
I might try to use this as my first opportunity to do some mild Franken attempts, if I can find some parts on the bay. From the qc pics it looks like the crown is still wrong. So maybe I’ll start there.
I might try to use this as my first opportunity to do some mild Franken attempts, if I can find some parts on the bay. From the qc pics it looks like the crown is still wrong. So maybe I’ll start there.
me too.
Did you recevied your QC Pictures ?
I was wondering, I ordered a RAF 16610LV but .. my QC Pictures of the RAF has a Rehaut and I tought RAF do not have a rehaut !?
Bpyfu
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- 19/1/21
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I think in the gens, they started adding the rehaut engraving around 2007/2008. So it’s still correct either way, just depends what you’re going for. Although I have heard that it’s getting harder for td to source bare rehauts. The first one that Hont found for me was engraved, I don’t mind the look so I accepted it.
Bpyfu
Known Member
- 19/1/21
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It would appear to me that there is a noticeable gap between crown and case. It’s possible that it’s not screwed down completely, or it’s another example of a known issue with these particular batches
McDuck888
Respected Member
- 22/2/17
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Thanks a lot mate. I haven't been following the RAF thread at all, so it's really helpful you telling me that this is a possibility. Cheers so much
Bpyfu
Known Member
- 19/1/21
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Somewhere in this thread there’s mention of how to countersink the hole so that the tube and crown will seat lower. It doesn’t seem terribly difficult but I’m not sure if that’s a step you want to undertake on your own though.Thanks a lot mate. I haven't been following the RAF thread at all, so it's really helpful you telling me that this is a possibility. Cheers so much
Some people here are crafty as hell when it comes to shaping cases, machining cases, even machining and milling their own parts! A lot of talented folks on this site that’s for sure.
McDuck888
Respected Member
- 22/2/17
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Same crown issue with mine. I'll fix it if it bothers me on the wrist. Prior posts talks about swapping the crown with another makes it better as well. Also, funny story, I asked for one with rehaut engravings but he sent me these QC pics and just accepted cause I liked it anyway. Hont might have swapped our orders lolAs for my qc pics, I may have a bit of a gap between my crown and case as well, but it’s hard to tell from the angle. While I do have the tools to countersink the case if I have to, I’d rather not bother and just enjoy my watch as is.
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McDuck888
Respected Member
- 22/2/17
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Dang, This one looks like it's sticking it's arm out to ask a passing bus to stop. I love your mention of possibly improving it with a different crown because I'd planned to change the crown for a yellowgold one on my build. I was only buying the watch for the case really so will have to wimp out and refuse mine.Same crown issue with mine. I'll fix it if it bothers me on the wrist. Prior posts talks about swapping the crown with another makes it better as well.
