Awesome. Thank you!It's this one:
I just found this on AliExpress:
24,59€ | 36mm Watch Case Easy to Use Practical Watch Accessories for NH36 Movement
Not sure if it's really worth the try - on the other hand it's cheap. Height with acrylic is 13.3mm.
Caseback is big, maybe another caseback can be used. The part of the rehaut where the crystal sits is very tiny. And you have to find an other crystal. Diameter is 29,0 mm
Some more pics
And found this kind of silicone ring on the outside of the rehaut. Glue? No clue!
-
Tired of adverts on RWI? - Subscribe by clicking HERE and PMing Trailboss for instructions and they will magically go away!
The 1016: The Under Appreciated Thread
- Thread starter ebzen02
- Start date
"The part of the rehaut where the crystal sits is very tiny. And you have to find another crystal. Diameter is 29,0 mm."
Just now measured two genuine Rlx cases, 16200 (R serial) and 16234 (E serial). They are very low mileage (with spring bar holes) and have been stored for about 30 years. Both have crystal necks rising 1.02mm to 1.03mm above the case deck with crystal necks measuring 29.48mm to 29.49mm OD where the crystal gasket (sapphire) or crystal skirt (acrylic) mounts.
An oem spec sapphire crystal and gasket or 25-135C acrylic crystal will fit these cases with proper bezels. A 25-22 1016 crystal will also fit them but the ID of the bezel must be cut to fit the thicker crystal skirt.
They make excellent 1016 or DJ project cases (high WR) and I machined the 16220 case to accept an ETA 2836, 2846, 2789 etc. in 1994 or 1995.
The modified case will accept a Rlx 3035, ETA 2836 etc. to make a DJ with either sapphire or acrylic crystal. I had a 3035 with a 'Buckley' type dial in this case for a while back then but sold the movement soon after putting it together.
Catch 22...since the dial seat has been machined deeper into the case making the dial mount higher in the case...when using a dial with applied markers, the second hand may rub the crystal when using a sapphire crystal (this is the reason for the 'Buckley' dial). This is not a problem when using an ETA 2836, 2846, 2789 etc. with acrylic crystal.
There is always more than one catch...
Genuine Rlx 162xx cases are high $$ now and many of the cases for sale are ratty, some ground and buffed to the max, and others rotted out by corrosion.
Typos are free.
Just now measured two genuine Rlx cases, 16200 (R serial) and 16234 (E serial). They are very low mileage (with spring bar holes) and have been stored for about 30 years. Both have crystal necks rising 1.02mm to 1.03mm above the case deck with crystal necks measuring 29.48mm to 29.49mm OD where the crystal gasket (sapphire) or crystal skirt (acrylic) mounts.
An oem spec sapphire crystal and gasket or 25-135C acrylic crystal will fit these cases with proper bezels. A 25-22 1016 crystal will also fit them but the ID of the bezel must be cut to fit the thicker crystal skirt.
They make excellent 1016 or DJ project cases (high WR) and I machined the 16220 case to accept an ETA 2836, 2846, 2789 etc. in 1994 or 1995.
The modified case will accept a Rlx 3035, ETA 2836 etc. to make a DJ with either sapphire or acrylic crystal. I had a 3035 with a 'Buckley' type dial in this case for a while back then but sold the movement soon after putting it together.
Catch 22...since the dial seat has been machined deeper into the case making the dial mount higher in the case...when using a dial with applied markers, the second hand may rub the crystal when using a sapphire crystal (this is the reason for the 'Buckley' dial). This is not a problem when using an ETA 2836, 2846, 2789 etc. with acrylic crystal.
There is always more than one catch...
Genuine Rlx 162xx cases are high $$ now and many of the cases for sale are ratty, some ground and buffed to the max, and others rotted out by corrosion.
Typos are free.
I replaced the sapphire crystal on my Raffles case with a generic Tropic #25-22 acrylic. It was easier than I expected..
* soaked in boiling water for a few minutes.. The crystal & bezel pushed right out.
* Dremmed/sanded ID of the bezel to 30.8mm
* pushed the crystal onto the inner case bezel, slid the newly widened outer bezel over the crystal.
* Cheap crystal press to push everything in nice and tight.
Exactly as stated multipule times in this thread
I also gave up on UV aging dials and went with a simple black tea die job. (brew i nice glass of tea.. drip/paint tea water on dial.. put in sun until dry.. drink left over tea... use q-tipe to lightly rub off/lighten spots you don't like)
Still need to hit the case a few times with a bag of rocks.. but for now the Albino is done.
* soaked in boiling water for a few minutes.. The crystal & bezel pushed right out.
* Dremmed/sanded ID of the bezel to 30.8mm
* pushed the crystal onto the inner case bezel, slid the newly widened outer bezel over the crystal.
* Cheap crystal press to push everything in nice and tight.
Exactly as stated multipule times in this thread
I also gave up on UV aging dials and went with a simple black tea die job. (brew i nice glass of tea.. drip/paint tea water on dial.. put in sun until dry.. drink left over tea... use q-tipe to lightly rub off/lighten spots you don't like)
Still need to hit the case a few times with a bag of rocks.. but for now the Albino is done.
This is a great article debunking the 'myth' of the Space Dweller.. Fun fact, there are no known 'Space Dwellers' existing BEFORE 2002. There is great evidence that all 'Space Dwellers' are Frankenwatchs
perezcope.com
Space Junk – The Reality of the Infamous Rolex ‘Space-Dweller’
Space – the final frontier. These are the tales of the infamous Rolex ‘Space-Dweller’ whose strange existence is shrouded in mystery, whose story boldly went where no other has gone bef…
perezcope.com
- 20/4/21
- 187
- 293
- 63
Some money shots as long as it is not sold
also an unrelated question. wasnt there some case manufracturer by the name of Dr. vintage or something? cant find him
16000 Midcase Set (Replacement Case for Rolex Date Just 36mm)
This high-quality watch case set is the perfect basis for your custom watchmaking projects or restorations. It is compatible with various movements and ensures precise fit for a professional result. Technical Details: Compatible Movements: 3130, 3135 (with spacer ring also ETA 2824) Suitable...
old-crowns.com
@drvintage
Here is an RWI explorer I have built on the 16000 v2 case
Did you manage to find a crystal that actually fits? I’m using the same case for a Datejust build and I am having a hard time finding a crystal with an ID of 29 mm. I’m thinking about using a crystal gasket which I set around the rehaut and then using a 29.5mm crystal.It's this one:
I just found this on AliExpress:
24,59€ | 36mm Watch Case Easy to Use Practical Watch Accessories for NH36 Movement
Not sure if it's really worth the try - on the other hand it's cheap. Height with acrylic is 13.3mm.
Caseback is big, maybe another caseback can be used. The part of the rehaut where the crystal sits is very tiny. And you have to find an other crystal. Diameter is 29,0 mm
Some more pics
And found this kind of silicone ring on the outside of the rehaut. Glue? No clue!
There are a few Crystals with a 29mm (25-116, 25-118.. etc). The 25-118 will have a higher dome.. and you may have to dremel out your bezel to fit.
For simplicity.. I just went Raffles case with a 25-135 crystal on my 160x0 datejust. (I did order a few of the cases you are talking about to play with)
The 25-118 has an ID of 29.4mm, which wouldn’t fit the case. I already tried that. It could fit, if you place an extra gasket around the outside of the rehaut. Not sure if it looks decent…There are a few Crystals with a 29mm (25-116, 25-118.. etc). The 25-118 will have a higher dome.. and you may have to dremel out your bezel to fit.
For simplicity.. I just went Raffles case with a 25-135 crystal on my 160x0 datejust. (I did order a few of the cases you are talking about to play with)
If I have understood correctly (apologies if not) but if the OD of the rehaut is too small could you increase it by adding heatproof tape?you essentially wrap the tape around the rehaut then cut it flush with a sharp knife
I was recommended doing this when fitting the crystal to my Milk 5513 case and it worked really well, not sure how it would fare at sea
but feels secure
There is the option of chrome pinstripe tape or brushed metal tape if visible
I was recommended doing this when fitting the crystal to my Milk 5513 case and it worked really well, not sure how it would fare at sea
but feels secureThere is the option of chrome pinstripe tape or brushed metal tape if visible
Thats actually a very good tip. I think I’m gonna try that. And yes, you understood me absolutely rightIf I have understood correctly (apologies if not) but if the OD of the rehaut is too small could you increase it by adding heatproof tape?you essentially wrap the tape around the rehaut then cut it flush with a sharp knife
I was recommended doing this when fitting the crystal to my Milk 5513 case and it worked really well, not sure how it would fare at sea
There is the option of chrome pinstripe tape or brushed metal tape if visible
Thank you!!