RAF 16610, New 5 Digit Factory

[KushBandit]

Recieved mine this evening. The bezel ootb feels worse than most AliExpress shitters. I swapped the bezel with the Wso assembly. Still feels like crap. I will have to try different combinations of spacers bezels and click springs. Honestly overall I’m not impressed at all with the fit and finish of the watch.

I received mine 2 days ago, and outside of the bezel, the watch is pretty damn good for a 16610 OOTB. 5 digit models aren't comparable to the 6 digits, especially the bracelet and clasp. My bezel action isn't even that bad, just not equal to gen Rolex.

I'm going to do a write up with photos when I get a chance, probably tomorrow night.

 

[Bpyfu]

Are you familiar with gen 5 digits? Youre right about the bezel but the rest in terms of fit and finish is pretty good.

I guess I’m spoiled because I have a Ginault. So I’m familiar with the feel of a quality 5 digit. So maybe I should lower my expectations.
But I have built a handful of 4 digit pieces from AliExpress parts, and I have built a 5 digit completely from raffles parts.
I guess I was just expecting too much. But the bezel out of the box rotates in both directions. The crown sits too proud of the case ( which I expected). The crown is wrong for the reference, which I knew from the qc. The crystal/cyclops compared to my ginault is underwhelming to say the least.
I purchased this to hopefully build out as a Franken project. I probably will still try to make it work. I have a vs3135 to go in it when the sh gives up the ghost. I have a gen crown ordered.
In all fairness, the bracelet feels great, the clasp is another story. I have no complaints on the shape and finishing on the case.

 

[GrandmasterChime]

I guess I’m spoiled because I have a Ginault. So I’m familiar with the feel of a quality 5 digit. So maybe I should lower my expectations.
But I have built a handful of 4 digit pieces from AliExpress parts, and I have built a 5 digit completely from raffles parts.
I guess I was just expecting too much. But the bezel out of the box rotates in both directions. The crown sits too proud of the case ( which I expected). The crown is wrong for the reference, which I knew from the qc. The crystal/cyclops compared to my ginault is underwhelming to say the least.
I purchased this to hopefully build out as a Franken project. I probably will still try to make it work. I have a vs3135 to go in it when the sh gives up the ghost. I have a gen crown ordered.
In all fairness, the bracelet feels great, the clasp is another story. I have no complaints on the shape and finishing on the case.

Yeah a ginault is essentially a 6 digit with 5 digit aesthetics. The clasp is par for the course with 5 digits. If you push down as you turn you will feel what it should be like. Because its loose the click spring rides under the teeth sometimes. It needs a couple of washers to push up the spring. On the spring i snapped mine eventually so im waiting on a new one to arrive.

 

[Bpyfu]

Maybe my initial assessment was too harsh. My main complaint lies with a bezel that ootb rotates in both directions. I guess I expected more for a $440 rep.

 

[Bpyfu]

And swapping with a wso bezel hasn’t helped. Extra Spencer was too tight to rotate at all. I’ll have to dig through my parts drawer and see if I can find another solution.

 

[GrandmasterChime]

And swapping with a wso bezel hasn’t helped. Extra Spencer was too tight to rotate at all. I’ll have to dig through my parts drawer and see if I can find another solution.

Is the wso sloppy too? Did you replace the spring as well

 

[McDuck888]

Recieved mine this evening. The bezel ootb feels worse than most AliExpress shitters. I swapped the bezel with the Wso assembly. Still feels like crap. I will have to try different combinations of spacers bezels and click springs. Honestly overall I’m not impressed at all with the fit and finish of the watch.

I wasn't impressed either OOTB either. It's a bit of a dog in most aspects. But I needed a watch case.

 

[KJ2020]

And swapping with a wso bezel hasn’t helped. Extra spacer was too tight to rotate at all. I’ll have to dig through my parts drawer and see if I can find another solution.

You can try thinning one or both spacers a little so the end result is like 1.5x instead of 2x. Also make sure the click isn't getting jammed up due to the extra part.

It's easy to do, tape a piece of worn 400 or new 600 grit sandpaper to a flat surface then lay another piece on top and rub the spacer between the two.

 

[McDuck888]

tape a piece of worn 400 or new 600 grit sandpaper to a flat surface then lay another piece on top and rub the spacer between the two.

One spacer sandwich for the good man @Bpyfu. Coming right up.

 

[Bpyfu]

Thank you guys, when I get some free time I will try some of these tricks. The quality of the inner teeth of the wso is inferior to the stock Arf teeth.
Also it appears the stock spring might have been broken, as it is shorter than the spring that came with the wso assembly, and does not have the bend near the tip that engages with the teeth.

 

[GrandmasterChime]

Thank you guys, when I get some free time I will try some of these tricks. The quality of the inner teeth of the wso is inferior to the stock Arf teeth.
Also it appears the stock spring might have been broken, as it is shorter than the spring that came with the wso assembly, and does not have the bend near the tip that engages with the teeth.

Those arf spribgs are weak i snapped end of mine so not surprised.

 

[Relos_Indios]

Is this RAF/ARF 16610 a better platform for a 14060 build than any of the BP 5-digit reps?

Btw, I'm thinking the upcoming DD3230 might be a good option to use on a 14060 build as well.

 

[KushBandit]

Is this RAF/ARF 16610 a better platform for a 14060 build than any of the BP 5-digit reps?

Btw, I'm thinking the upcoming DD3230 might be a good option to use on a 14060 build as well.

It depends for the 14060. BP would probably be a better option. The ARF/RAF 16610 might work, but the BP dial opening is slightly smaller AFAIK. The 14060 has smaller dimensions than the 16610.

VS/VR 3135 is better for a 14060 than the DD3230. The dial feet are completely different for the 32XX movements.

 

[Sundek]

You can use either. 703 was the one originally used for 5 digit subs, but Rolex will replace with 704 if sent in for service with a bad crown.

Hi guys where can i get gen o rep crown?
what is the adjusted average cost for a gen? and rep of which factory do you recommend?
Thank u

 

[Bpyfu]

Hi guys where can i get gen o rep crown?
what is the adjusted average cost for a gen? and rep of which factory do you recommend?
Thank u

I purchased my gen crown on eBay. There seems to be a lot available in various condition. I’ve seen the prices start around $60-$70 for some rougher crowns, and can go up from there. Rep crowns I suppose you could ask a td to source for you, or look on AliExpress. I’m really not sure how much rep Rolex crowns cost, but I purchased an omega rep crown and crown tube for around $30. All these prices are in usd.

 

[5Digits]

Absolutely loving my modded RAF.

 

[Sundek]

I purchased my gen crown on eBay. There seems to be a lot available in various condition. I’ve seen the prices start around $60-$70 for some rougher crowns, and can go up from there. Rep crowns I suppose you could ask a td to source for you, or look on AliExpress. I’m really not sure how much rep Rolex crowns cost, but I purchased an omega rep crown and crown tube for around $30. All these prices are in usd.

Thank u so much

 

[Sundek]

Absolutely loving my modded RAF.

tell us more what changes did you make?

 

[rockdaytona]

Just approved my QC now wait

 

[McDuck888]

@5Digits I LOVE that insert colour.