Question on raffles gloss dial with date window for the 16610 case. How close to gen look would it compare ?
Thanks in advance .
Thanks in advance .
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Raffles gloss dial comparison
- Thread starter Raymond
- Start date
- 12/3/18
- 37,356
- 79,286
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You should post some pics of each of the dials you want comparison opinions on. Or at least a link to the Raffles dial so people don't have to go hunting for it.
Generally speaking Raffles dials are a little better than "entry level" quality but easily detected as fake by anyone with good knowledge of Rolex parts.
That doesn't mean you can't use one and be happy with it. I probably have 5 or 6 reps with Raffles dials. The dial coronets are universally bad - the bottom base is typically too curved and the hole is too rounded. Also the text is typically close to but not totally accurate in height, spacing, thickness, font style, etc.
But enjoying a rep is always about deluding ourselves and living vicariously. Sometimes you have to work a little harder at it.
Generally speaking Raffles dials are a little better than "entry level" quality but easily detected as fake by anyone with good knowledge of Rolex parts.
That doesn't mean you can't use one and be happy with it. I probably have 5 or 6 reps with Raffles dials. The dial coronets are universally bad - the bottom base is typically too curved and the hole is too rounded. Also the text is typically close to but not totally accurate in height, spacing, thickness, font style, etc.
But enjoying a rep is always about deluding ourselves and living vicariously. Sometimes you have to work a little harder at it.
No rep is perfect, most...even the shitters...could pass cursory inspection by anyone but an obsessive watch enthusiast.
It basically comes down to how much you're willing to spend to approach perfection, knowing you'll never quite get there without going gen. On that continuum, many parts offer great value for the money, and I'd put Raffles (with some exceptions) as very high on the "bang for the buck" list.
Bear in mind, also, that it's not just the dial that will be scrutinized...it's the hands, case (including lugs, overall shape and height), bezel, insert, date wheel that will also be looked at. Anyone who could spot the flaws on a Raffles dial will almost certainly pick up on the flaws of these other parts.
In a nutshell, either go gen or accept the flaws you can live with, and the parts that are within your budget.
What I'd recommend is looking at other 16610 builds posted by members here and on the other replica forums. You'll start to see the relative accuracy of the various offerings.
It basically comes down to how much you're willing to spend to approach perfection, knowing you'll never quite get there without going gen. On that continuum, many parts offer great value for the money, and I'd put Raffles (with some exceptions) as very high on the "bang for the buck" list.
Bear in mind, also, that it's not just the dial that will be scrutinized...it's the hands, case (including lugs, overall shape and height), bezel, insert, date wheel that will also be looked at. Anyone who could spot the flaws on a Raffles dial will almost certainly pick up on the flaws of these other parts.
In a nutshell, either go gen or accept the flaws you can live with, and the parts that are within your budget.
What I'd recommend is looking at other 16610 builds posted by members here and on the other replica forums. You'll start to see the relative accuracy of the various offerings.
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FWIW, I think the TC (no longer produced, rarely available M2M) were considered the gold standard. I'd use that as the reference, and try to get as close as you can.
As my two fellows have said above - you get what you pay for. Raffles might not be my first choice for a fit it and forget it dial which I want to be as close to Gen as possible but Raffles are popular amongst us modders as they're relatively bomb-proof and allow lots of creativity on them such as luming, ageing, etc.
- 12/3/18
- 37,356
- 79,286
- 113
Pretty easy to see quality differences if you know what to look for
Raffles dials
TC
BP
Raffles dials
TC
BP
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I already am I have two a clean rep and this one have another build on way from
Raffles 5513 lol
I had a gen for 7 years had to sell it for personal reasons, it I am proud of this since I put it together myself. Going to order a bi vintage case , gen dial,crown and whatever else I can get gen that will fit in it.
Thanks for info
I love being on this forum selling gen and looking forward n line at reps for me here.going to work on the lugs and see what gen parts I can put on it