Rolex 1655: Chronotac - Tiger Concepts - BP -..

[jam_27]

I have been itching for a 40mm Explorer II REP/homage for some time now, but since it appears that good 16570 is no being longer made, I have decided to go for 1655.
There is a Chronotac version and Tiger Concepts and then there is a BP version or any other I may not be aware of....
The Incipio which comes around from time to time is beyond my current budget for a REP/homage (which is $150).
So, I would like to know the following from the owners/experts here the following before I take the plunge.

1. Which one, Chronotac, Tiger or BP is better in terms of QC or is this a wrong question to ask as you don't know what you are going to get anyway?
2. Are they known to be made by different factories or do they all come from the same e.g BP?
3. Are the cases interchangeable?
4. Can the movement (dg3804b?) be changed/upgraded?
5. Are there aftermarket dials and hands available? I know of this but is expensive.

Waiting for some feedback?

Cheers and stay safe.

 

[mclarendude]

1. I have owned all three makers. They're all around the same quality.
2. I do not know if they are from different factories, but I know that Tiger movements are very good even if they're DG's. I had one that kept great time OTB. But this can be a hit and miss from every maker.
3. I wouldn't think they are. The Chronotac is more of a modern homage, hence it has a Maxi case. Tiger & BP? Maybe. Don't expect the Tiger to have case engravings. It's sterile.
4. If you want a better movement, get a BP with a A2836, it shouldn't be that much money extra compared to the DG version. Down the line, I recommend servicing the movement. DG's are easy to replace, to upgrade? not so much.
5. There should be aftermarket parts but I would expect them to be easy to find. Yuki would be your best best right now. Probably a vietnam dial would be more expensive than that.

You can't build one of these on a low budget, sadly.

 

[Pickledbeetroot]

DHGate is a minefield of shite unless you know how the system works, you won't get specific QC pics of the actual watch you're purchasing, just stock pics without the logo removed and its doubtful the rep listed is BP factory anyway.

you could try here- https://www.pfclones.com/0-00rlex00104-vintage-explorer-ii-1655-ss-ss-blk-asian-2813.html

admittedly not a td here but is a TD next door. RWG.bz

The rest well, Q1.. is up to you whether you want rep or homage.
Q2.. different places at different times,
Q3 probably not
Q4.. yes but will need to change hands and dial and maybe datewheel overlay, or could just spend more and get the 2836 from perfect clones
Q5.. dials and hands linked are for a different movement, so hands won't fit the stock movement, dial will need a little modding.





if i were you i'd buy from the link i posted, then look into a little mod work, maybe look at all the different cases here- https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/references/rolex-1655

see how the crown guards differ in shape ever so slightly, see the bezel font is different, some worn a little more than others, get some small files and some wet/dry sandpaper.....

see the hands different colours

replacement hands- http://rafflestime.com/search.php?Search=&search_query=1655


all that is just the tip of the iceberg... or rabbit hole :lol:


best of luck

 

[jam_27]

you could try here- https://www.pfclones.com/0-00rlex001...sian-2813.html

all that is just the tip of the iceberg... or rabbit hole :lol:

best of luck

Thanks
Indeed tip of the iceberg... or rabbit hole.

As this would be my first REP purchase, I will think I will go for the A2813 based model
and not for the little more expensive A2836.
Will contact pfclones and see if these are still available?

In the current situation, it may be sometime before I get my hands on one.

My plan would be to change the movement to a more trusty one and maybe upgrade the dial and the hands.
But this all depends on the quality of the case.

Wish me luck as I am a newbie when it comes to watch mods (but I am good with hands and precision engineering).

Will get back here when I have more info.

Meanwhile thanks and keep safe.

 

[jam_27]

DHGate is a minefield of shite unless you know how the system works...

Took the plunge and got one for $98 shipped from DHGate (mainly as got some good QC pictures before shipping). It is a 2813 movt. and from BP. I like it except the three things mentioned below
BTW time keeping has been excellent the past three days. - less than +/-10 seconds in 24 hours depending on how I keep the watch (worn or on desk).

1. The lug edges are sharp and protrude too much (BP exclusive?) which look a bit ugly to be honest. Do not know how much the lugs protrude in the gen?
2. Depending on how I look at the cyclops, it can appear to be at a slight angle w.r.t the date window. Is this how it is supposed to be?
3. The bracelet is a joke. Is there a quality bracelet which can match (and may be hide) the protruding lugs mentioned in my point 1 above?

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[mclarendude]

The bracelet is supposed to be a joke. That's how Rolex bracelets were back then. Make it better by cleaning and lubing it.

 

[Perpetual]

Agreed totally with mclarendude

and also I would add, you have an absolute stunner right there under 100usd! It has very high potential, my suggestion would be study the gen and slowly start transforming it.

the bracelet is correct (folded links) and it looks like a great date wheel

cheers mate!

 

[Perpetual]

Took the plunge and got one for $98 shipped from DHGate
[*]The bracelet is a joke.

also, if you do decide to part with that bracelet give me a shout

 

[jam_27]

Agreed totally with mclarendude
It has very high potential, my suggestion would be study the gen and slowly start transforming it.

Thanks, It would be very useful for me if I could get some pointers as to what can be easily modified and what need special skills/tools.

 

[jam_27]

Took the plunge and got one for $98 shipped from DHGate
[*]The bracelet is a joke.

also, if you do decide to part with that bracelet give me a shout

The quality of the steel in the bracelet is poor and the clasp is loose. But I like its light weight.
I am happy to part with the bracelet if I can get a suitable replacement. Some hint here about a bracelet which can possibly mask the extra protruding lugs for BP. Anyone know more about this bracelet. pm'd kj2020..waiting for his reply.

 

[mclarendude]

Thanks, It would be very useful for me if I could get some pointers as to what can be easily modified and what need special skills/tools.

There are many threads on here on that. Scour the Rolex section.

 

[TudorGstaad]

Took the plunge and got one for $98 shipped from DHGate (mainly as got some good QC pictures before shipping). It is a 2813 movt. and from BP. I like it except the three things mentioned below
BTW time keeping has been excellent the past three days. - less than +/-10 seconds in 24 hours depending on how I keep the watch (worn or on desk).

1. The lug edges are sharp and protrude too much (BP exclusive?) which look a bit ugly to be honest. Do not know how much the lugs protrude in the gen?
2. Depending on how I look at the cyclops, it can appear to be at a slight angle w.r.t the date window. Is this how it is supposed to be?
3. The bracelet is a joke. Is there a quality bracelet which can match (and may be hide) the protruding lugs mentioned in my point 1 above?

1. 
   
   
   
   

Omg I'm in love