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RAF 16610, New 5 Digit Factory

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ImportantBug

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27/9/22
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KushBandit said:
Gen is 12.7mm

The crystal sits too high on the RAF ootb, so that's part of the thickness issue. A new hytrel ring will solve the crystal height.


Click to expand...
Thanks for the clarification.
Do you know by chance if it's possible to buy a gen or gen-like hytrel ring only? I'd consider it as the crystal sitting a bit too high bothers me a bit.

Regarding the caseback, is there anything that would indicate that it's not gen-spec and also contributes to the increased thickness? Comparing some pictures, it seems that the RAF one is maybe a bit deeper than gen, but my eyes might be betrayed here and I don't have access to a gen to compare it more precisely.
Thanks in advance.
 
KJ2020

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2.5mm crystal gasket is the next step down. Clark's gaskets on Ebay are gen-spec, though sometimes that can make for a slightly more difficult retaining ring fitting. Rep gaskets are often thinner. WSO also sells crystal gaskets.
 
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McDuck888

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My stock RAF xtal gasket was only 2.5mm in height. (stock crystal height 1.8mm) I wouldn't want to go any lower.
I actually naturally upped my gasket to a 2.7mm when I modded it because it's what I'm used to whacking in sub, and it's not high in the slightest.
I measured mine after mods after seeing what you guys were talking about and my watch head is 12.8mm.

Have we all got the same bits of kit here with our stock RAFs, or do we all have a mish mash of parts haha. I just didn't have a sky-high crystal at all.
 
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Bpyfu

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Is there a noticeable difference between the raf crystal, vs deep vs prof vs gen? I mean I’m sure there is, but just how much and has anyone have any side by side comparisons?
I’ve seen plenty of gen crystals, still blistered on eBay and I’m wondering if the cost is justifiable.
 
KJ2020

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Bpyfu said:
Is there a noticeable difference between the raf crystal, vs deep vs prof vs gen? I mean I’m sure there is, but just how much and has anyone have any side by side comparisons?
I’ve seen plenty of gen crystals, still blistered on eBay and I’m wondering if the cost is justifiable.
Click to expand...
If you are going to be using a non-AR cyclops crystal I wouldn't bother with a gen.

I actually considered putting a Clark's AR cyclops crystal on my gen 16710 because the overall appearance is unquestionably better. But I couldn't bring myself to put  that rep part on it, even though I use a rep Glidelock.

Later I put a gen 6 digit crystal on it and I can't believe it took me so long to make that move. It's an incredible improvement, really a no brainer. I never liked the original crystal. Period correct be damned. The 16610s got the AR cyclops crystals in their later years so that would be the way to go IMO.

15251833599200.jpg


16681050084592.jpg
 
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Bpyfu

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KJ2020 said:
If you are going to be using a non-AR cyclops crystal I wouldn't bother with a gen.

I actually considered putting a Clark's AR cyclops crystal on my gen 16710 because the overall appearance is unquestionably better. But I couldn't bring myself to put  that rep part on it, even though I use a rep Glidelock.

Later I put a gen 6 digit crystal on it and I can't believe it took me so long to make that move. It's an incredible improvement, really a no brainer. I never liked the original crystal. Period correct be damned. The 16610s got the AR cyclops crystals in their later years so that would be the way to go IMO.

15251833599200.jpg


16681050084592.jpg
Click to expand...
Interesting. What is the part number or designation for AR on date window only?
 
KJ2020

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Geonor

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KJ2020 said:
If you are going to be using a non-AR cyclops crystal I wouldn't bother with a gen.

I actually considered putting a Clark's AR cyclops crystal on my gen 16710 because the overall appearance is unquestionably better. But I couldn't bring myself to put  that rep part on it, even though I use a rep Glidelock.

Later I put a gen 6 digit crystal on it and I can't believe it took me so long to make that move. It's an incredible improvement, really a no brainer. I never liked the original crystal. Period correct be damned. The 16610s got the AR cyclops crystals in their later years so that would be the way to go IMO.

15251833599200.jpg


16681050084592.jpg
Click to expand...
Fully agree on the looks, I have a VSF 116610 crystal in my parts bin I'm planning to install in my 16610. Looks so much better than the stock and "correct" crystal.
 
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tongsui

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Not sure posted here or not, looks like raf now has slim hands and non maxi dial ?



 
KushBandit

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tongsui said:
Not sure posted here or not, looks like raf now has slim hands and non maxi dial ?



Click to expand...
The LN always had the correct dial and hands. The promo photo used on some TD sites was just inaccurate. All of us in this thread that bought LNs got the correct parts.


wmass said:
could drilled lugs be on the horizon?
Click to expand...
Not from this factory. They can barely get this 16610T case done properly, if they drilled lug holes it'll probably be inaccurate like the BP/JKF 4 digits. Best to drill they yourself if yoy want drilled lugs. You'll need hollow end links and a 93150 bracelet too.
 
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tongsui

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KushBandit said:
The LN always had the correct dial and hands. The promo photo used on some TD sites was just inaccurate. All of us in this thread that bought LNs got the correct parts.



Not from this factory. They can barely get this 16610T case done properly, if they drilled lug holes it'll probably be inaccurate like the BP/JKF 4 digits. Best to drill they yourself if yoy want drilled lugs. You'll need hollow end links and a 93150 bracelet too.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info !
 
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Sundek

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Hi guys,
where can I find a vr3135 movement at a good price, because the user on the forum seems a little expensive to me.
Do you have any reliable and verified references from aliexpress?
Thank u
 
McDuck888

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I saw that review too. However I definitely receieved a VR3135 very recently. Not an SH.
 
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