Rolex 5512-New JFK Cases, not bad at all.

[jdog111578]

Not that the topic hasn't been discussed before, but this was my first opportunity to work on one. Most of my customers and builds I've done were based off the old MBW, Old Cartel (Requiring a ton of case work), Phongs, and Yuki's. Having recently been looking at the newer versions, I decided to pull the trigger and see what the fuss was all about. The usual work was done, plus some new techniques and things I've been trying. Overall, not too bad.



-JFK Case-Redrilled to 1.3mm for the lugs. Reshaped the guards, lugs and rebeveled the top of the lugs. Slight age and then a re-polish. The goal was to still have some shine, but a fair amount of age.

-Yuki hands relumed to match the dial.

-Aftermarket dial with amazing print

-Reshaped the cartel crown to mimic a 702. A 700 will eventually go on.

-Unknown super fat font insert with broken pearl (Very common for the time) Using a new technique to fade as well as get the textured age. Compared to a gen mark 2 insert I have, its damn close in texture and color.

-Swapped out the movement for a NOS Gen Swiss lowbeat 2789 with the correct sweep for a vintage sub

-Aftermarket bezel assembly functioning as should with push to turn.

-Faded Blue Horween Chromexcel Strap to match the insert and make those beautiful buttery yellow markers pop.

-Aftermarket T19 crystal with the appropriate age.



All in all, I think it came out really well and I am certainly liking these new cases with plenty of meat to work with. Hope you enjoy the pics!



~Jase

 

[NCRich]

Outstanding. That work on the crown is art. Well to be fair it all is.

 

[bobandshawn]

Very nice. I've done a couple of these and the hardest part seems to always be the crystal (to me anyway). The seems to be some variability at the case's crystal lip O.D., the thickness of the crystal, and the bezel retainer I.D.. In other words, when trying to mount the crystal the ring seems way too tight and will probably crack the crystal when pushed down (which I've done), or it's too loose and will probably not seal properly.

Either of you seen this jdog, rich?

P.s. what crystal worked for you guys?

 

[yodog]

Always needed to shave down whatever new crystal I was putting on. If it was stock it goes back on perfectly of course. Gen crystal that I use need a shave and cartels may or may not need shave on the sides.

I concur these are pretty good bases but everything else about them is not that great. The bezel assembly I have the biggest problem with, always need to add another custom fit friction washer for them to even have a slight bit of turning resistance. Profile is also pretty off, mbw's are much better or of course WSO's if you want to spend $160.

 

[NCRich]

It is a tradeoff between the profile you want and the diameter of the plexi. The t19 during the run of subs were of varying sizes and the retaining rings were disposable at service. You can buy a one with the right diameter (30.3? can't remember) but the profile may not be what you want.

There is a T19 that fits, and the T39 from Cousins fits. Profiles are wildly different.

 

[Submarinermk2]

Where can I buy the crown? Athaya 702 for 1680.

Thanks!!

 

[jdog111578]

Where can I buy the crown? Athaya 702 for 1680.

Thanks!!

The crown was made by myself but Adrians crown will fit these cases.