The 1016: The Under Appreciated Thread

[Karbon74]

I'm a sucker for a project, lol, in for one, although at the rate I'm taking on projects vs the rate I'm finishing them, it may be 2030 before it's wearable, lol.

I have been productive this month

5513
Constellation
Moonswatch
research & parts for the Railmaster inbound

actually I had nothing to do today

I think I need to change my approach and buy in advance to create a backlog

 

[316lad]

He says "smaller"
so sanding won't help.
But hey, let's build a cheapo seikexplorer 1016 rep with the full vintage treatment

I will do it too, I swear

I’m in on that.
What? Standard 36mm Seiko Explorer?

 

[Karbon74]

I'm getting confused...this is for a vintage Seamaster 300 build?

Not yet a project. I was just curious of the target market for the Raffles Seamaster dials

 

[Karbon74]

I’m in on that.
What? Standard 36mm Seiko Explorer?

yeah. but no case reshape. maybe just the crown change. All AliX.
but case, dial and hands ageing

 

[dpd3672]

I have been productive this month

5513
Constellation
Moonswatch
research & parts for the Railmaster inbound

actually I had nothing to do today

I think I need to change my approach and buy in advance to create a backlog

That’s what I’m doing. Pre-ordering parts so I can build whatever my heart desires on any given day.

I finished 2 5500 Explorers this month (Raffles Dial/Hands and Yuki Dial/Hands), with another one (Mochacha Dial/Hands) or more almost done (the third is my last store bought dial, the next ones will have DIY gilt dials).

I MIGHT actually finish the White Whale this month, the “Everest Explorer.” I finally got the red font on the dial worked out, just have to perfect the process. It looks amazingly good, with the red popping out on the dial like the gen, gilt everything else. The lume is killing me, as it's hard as hell on such small indices, but I'm just doing it over and over until it's right.

I WAS going to play with Submariners or GMTs next, but this stupid idea took cuts in line, because now the girlfriend wants one, too…

 

[1016 lover]

I don't understand "the middle case diameter is smaller." Do you mean the opening for the dial, inside the rehaut?

Yes, sorry, not very clear, the middle case crystal fitment diameter is smaller, you cant put gen spec crystal on it. It will non work.

The third link you gave is a good alternative, t22 and t21 ok, need a custom bezel perhaps, i reworked one and i am very satisfied of it, the thread on the case back assembly IS really well executed, the thread for the crown is gen spec, no engraving, the only default IS the lug design, the case as been done on a lathe, and it gave a wrong shape if you look the case from the top

 

[1016 lover]

This case reworked

 

[dpd3672]

Yes, sorry, not very clear, the middle case crystal fitment diameter is smaller, you cant put gen spec crystal on it. It will non work.

The third link you gave is a good alternative, t22 and t21 ok, need a custom bezel perhaps, i reworked one and i am very satisfied of it, the thread on the case back assembly IS really well executed, the thread for the crown is gen spec, no engraving, the only default IS the lug design, the case as been done on a lathe, and it gave a wrong shape if you look the case from the top

Thank you, so the third case for the win, and a little case shaping.

Looks like it's worth it to save $20 or so, since we work the cases anyway.

So just to be clear, since I edited the original post a dozen times, lol, it's the $28 case here or the $18 case here?

 

[316lad]

yeah. but no case reshape. maybe just the crown change. All AliX.
but case, dial and hands ageing

Sounds good. That seems to be what the Seiko Mod crowd want anyway. No aging on the external case and bracelet.

 

[316lad]

This case reworked

That’s what I like about one 1016 - he just glides in gracefully occasionally with an absolutely beautiful example of his work!

 

[1016 lover]

Thank you, so the third case for the win, and a little case shaping.

Looks like it's worth it to save $20 or so, since we work the cases anyway.

So just to be clear, since I edited the original post a dozen times, lol, it's the $28 case here or the $18 case here?

Its the $28

 

[1016 lover]

I am about to do a New raffle order, any one put the 13mm hands in a build already, curious to see them

 

[Timmer]

fou

found it
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! 215,29€ 23％ Off | Watchdives WD1967 Sharkmaster 300 Automatic Watch 300m Water Resistance Bubble Sapphire Crystal Wristwatch BGW9 Luminous Watches

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EywsXwl

Very interesting - and $USD are $191.21-Blue Bezel & $183.03-Black Bezel free shipping.
Thanks Karbon and dpd!

 

[dpd3672]

Ok, so we're collectively building some of the $28 cases? I'll pick up a couple if that's the verdict.

And I got these, but I think there's newer once since then. Or these might be the new ones. It gets confusing.

One Set Of Silver Watch Hands With Luminova Fit NH35/38 For 34mm Rolex 6429 COMMANDO Watch

rafflesdials.com

 

[1016 lover]

Ok, so we're collectively building some of the $28 cases? I'll pick up a couple if that's the verdict.

And I got these, but I think there's newer once since then. Or these might be the new ones. It gets confusing.

https://rafflesdials.com/one-set-of...5-38-for-34mm-rolex-6429-commando-watch/[/URL

http://I talked about the 13mm hand... 13mm that raffledial offer now on a build...

 

[1016 lover]

Sorry, i would like to see the explorer 13mm handset that raffle dial offer, on the build i ve posted before, i ve mixed two raffle time handset to have the good 13mm minute hand...

 

[316lad]

SEKSC
Bit of lemon on the side…

 

[Karbon74]

the stuff of nightmares

 

[1675lover]

Found some alternates to our cases of choice (Raffles, TC, etc). All have lug holes drilled all the way through, and some are very attractive prices. Some of these might be the same case from different sellers, I didn't scrutinize them all, and one has a (bad) Datejust fluted bezel...but if you happen to have bezels on hand, or are ok with reworking them, it's an option.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805723616147.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.67.675d7f78X9yw7k&algo_pvid=fc2521c1-8ed8-4f2b-bdad-b811190090d6&algo_exp_id=fc2521c1-8ed8-4f2b-bdad-b811190090d6-33&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%2119.23%2118.27%21%21%2119.23%2118.27%21%402101f01817088801745122191e8426%2112000034806065340%21sea%21US%214595082603%21&curPageLogUid=X51qSEe0c0Ii&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805910892338.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.13.675d7f78X9yw7k&algo_pvid=fc2521c1-8ed8-4f2b-bdad-b811190090d6&algo_exp_id=fc2521c1-8ed8-4f2b-bdad-b811190090d6-6&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%2126.96%2118.87%21%21%21193.13%21135.19%21%402101f01817088801745122191e8426%2112000035724844435%21sea%21US%214595082603%21&curPageLogUid=6MCxJAAE0cs0&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805714823853.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.7.675d7f78X9yw7k&algo_pvid=fc2521c1-8ed8-4f2b-bdad-b811190090d6&algo_exp_id=fc2521c1-8ed8-4f2b-bdad-b811190090d6-3&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%2127.00%2118.90%21%21%2127.00%2118.90%21%402101f01817088801745122191e8426%2112000034771924694%21sea%21US%214595082603%21&curPageLogUid=chSrOfpW8I9N&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802502022728.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.25.675d7f78X9yw7k&algo_pvid=b721bb7e-924d-4888-8b45-b28d5499858c&algo_exp_id=b721bb7e-924d-4888-8b45-b28d5499858c-12&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%2131.00%2128.52%21%21%2131.00%2128.52%21%40210307c317088800690553832e53aa%2112000021723249959%21sea%21US%214595082603%21&curPageLogUid=5BDolfdJlt9C&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805994876570.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.105.675d7f78X9yw7k&algo_pvid=b721bb7e-924d-4888-8b45-b28d5499858c&algo_exp_id=b721bb7e-924d-4888-8b45-b28d5499858c-52&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%2123.50%2118.80%21%21%2123.50%2118.80%21%40210307c317088800690553832e53aa%2112000036164342951%21sea%21US%214595082603%21&curPageLogUid=5s6ZY01Gjvvu&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802502022728.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.3.ad87586cFkJew2&algo_pvid=c9a70703-5748-4fce-a58a-caa8be213eac&algo_exp_id=c9a70703-5748-4fce-a58a-caa8be213eac-1&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%2131.00%2128.52%21%21%2131.00%2128.52%21%402103297417088861089556355eb0c6%2112000021723249959%21sea%21US%214595082603%21&curPageLogUid=6CuKq7SHZxWr&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

None seem to have Rolex crowns or caseback engravings, they're sterile, and the bezels are just ok, but the lugs are actually a bit more gen than the unmodified Raffles case, imo.

Since many are replacing bezels and crystals and crowns anyway, and engraving isn't too hard to do (I'll be available to engrave any day now, going to do some of my own Raffles cases first to fine tune the technique, with others doing saltwater and photo etching for others and on their own), it's maybe the right option for some builds, especially on a budget.

I'm curious how cheaply one can actually build a passable rep 1016. With a 2813 or A2824 costing about $15-30, these cases going for about $20 or less, and a waterslide/photoresist dial going for almost free, once it's all set up, a good 1016 might actually come in for about $50, more or less.

So if one of these cases passes consensus approval (assuming, of course, some case work is done), what are your thoughts on this build? Again, not going for perfection, just a solid, no apologies, "how cheap can I build this and not have embarrassing tells from 6 feet away?" daily driver, beater.

1. Case ~$20 (from above list, $18 is the cheapest)
2. Crown/tube $1 or here, cheaper if bought in bulk (like $.40 per crown/tube)
3. Hands...tons of options on AliX for $2-3 per set. This isn't a bad option. I use these on a lot of builds, which work out to about $.50/set.
4. $4 here, or upgrade Crystal $15 (Clarks or Sternkruz or whatever you can get cheaply, or live with the sapphire that comes with the case, it's not awful. You could pop off the cyclops with a razor blade until you upgrade.
5. Movement $13 2813 or $21 2824
6. Dial $1-5 (Waterslide decal + Brass Blank + lume) or even Raffles ($35) if you want to splurge.
7. Nato or leather Strap (any number of $1, $2 up to ~$10 straps from AliX). Add a Rep Rolex buckle if unbranded leather bothers you for $3. You can get an absolute shitter Jubilee for $5 if you can stand to look at the clasp, lol)
8. Case engraving (free to $100, depending on how "DIY" you are)
9. Work required would be any case shaping, bezel and crystal tweaking or replacement, case engraving, making the dial from scratch, engraving, and assembly.

I'm getting under $40 at the minimum...maybe a hair under if the AliX coupons knock a buck or two off the order. For a complete, working, 1016 with a decent movement and a bit of passionate working of the various components...this is not intended for a purist, but for a builder that likes to add the perfection himself, rather than buying it. Reasonable, "bang for the buck" upgrades (2824 or NH38 movement, Raffles crown and dial, Raffles bracelet so you can skip the lug engraving) would add about $100, give or take.

Thoughts from my fellow enthusiasts? Anything I'm not seeing on these cases? I'm on the verge of ordering a few to play with, give me a green or red light, lol!

The $4 crystals are too low in height.
they don’t have that “wall” on the sides before reaching a curve dome that we see on vintage daytonas or subs or explorers.

even if u managed to get one with the correct diameter, it will kind of look flushed in height with the bezel.

 

[Karbon74]

we were talking about a "slight" margin