The Vintage DateJust Thread

[Carrera]

@Tony-Soprano I'm nearing the end of my 16200 build, your posts have been a massive help. In one you mentioned some concerns with space between the movement and case. How did you end up solving this issue? Did you use the movement clamps?

Also I have heard about people screwing up the 'keyless works' on VS3135s, which is the correct crown position to remove the stem?

Thank you all so much for your help. I have attached a pic of my build so far.

 

[beanvatan]

@Tony-Soprano I'm nearing the end of my 16200 build, your posts have been a massive help. In one you mentioned some concerns with space between the movement and case. How did you end up solving this issue? Did you use the movement clamps?

Also I have heard about people screwing up the 'keyless works' on VS3135s, which is the correct crown position to remove the stem?

Thank you all so much for your help. I have attached a pic of my build so far.

Oh no, another new member falling for the rabbit hole! @Tony-Soprano What have you done, bro???

That's a nice setup, by the way, I love that white dial- it looks so clean! Yes, to safely remove the stem from the movement, you need to pull it out to the third position ( ie. the time setting position ) and gently press the release button. Do not abuse it like Tony did, LOL ( just kidding ). Raffledials sells those crystal gaskets that are small enough to fit between the movement and the 2824 cases they have. And you will need the tiny case tabs ( movement holder tabs) to secure it.

 

[beanvatan]

I love all linen dials. I am sure it looks amazing.

Here you go buddy, sorry it took me so long to take this picture for you. I am thinking of changing it back to the Roman pyramid dial with the no-luminescent hands. But too lazy to do so. LOL

 

[Replicated]

Oh no, another new member falling for the rabbit hole! @Tony-Soprano What have you done, bro???

That's a nice setup, by the way, I love that white dial- it looks so clean! Yes, to safely remove the stem from the movement, you need to pull it out to the third position ( ie. the time setting position ) and gently press the release button. Do not abuse it like Tony did, LOL ( just kidding ). Raffledials sells those crystal gaskets that are small enough to fit between the movement and the 2824 cases they have. And you will need the tiny case tabs ( movement holder tabs) to secure it.

This is correct, you can also buy this pack of two for a little less:

https://www.cousinsuk.com/search?searchTerm=IG293285C2

 

[Carrera]

Oh no, another new member falling for the rabbit hole! @Tony-Soprano What have you done, bro???

That's a nice setup, by the way, I love that white dial- it looks so clean! Yes, to safely remove the stem from the movement, you need to pull it out to the third position ( ie. the time setting position ) and gently press the release button. Do not abuse it like Tony did, LOL ( just kidding ). Raffledials sells those crystal gaskets that are small enough to fit between the movement and the 2824 cases they have. And you will need the tiny case tabs ( movement holder tabs) to secure it.

Oh you bet I've fallen haha! Thank you, the white dial is a personal favourite, perfect in the summer.

Fantastic, I've removed the stem and have placed the case over the movement. I have the gasket from RD, and I believe the movement holders came with the case also!

Now, my original idea was to keep all rep parts without Rolex logos, but I'm now having second thoughts with the crown. I'd hate to downgrade this watch I have put so much time into with this unsigned crown. So, should I stick with my original plan?, or wait a couple of weeks for a signed crown? I welcome any thoughts on this, thank you.

 

[Tony-Soprano]

@Tony-Soprano I'm nearing the end of my 16200 build, your posts have been a massive help. In one you mentioned some concerns with space between the movement and case. How did you end up solving this issue? Did you use the movement clamps?

Also I have heard about people screwing up the 'keyless works' on VS3135s, which is the correct crown position to remove the stem?

Thank you all so much for your help. I have attached a pic of my build so far.

Sorry for just seeing this! Yes used movement clamps and a movement spacer from raffles. Congrats on the build. I have repaired a few keyless already but no longer an issue. Be gentle with the stem release and you’ll be fine! To release the stem it’s an inverted nipple right where the stem is. (If that makes sense). If doesn’t send me a message and I can help!

 

[Tony-Soprano]

Oh no, another new member falling for the rabbit hole! @Tony-Soprano What have you done, bro???

That's a nice setup, by the way, I love that white dial- it looks so clean! Yes, to safely remove the stem from the movement, you need to pull it out to the third position ( ie. the time setting position ) and gently press the release button. Do not abuse it like Tony did, LOL ( just kidding ). Raffledials sells those crystal gaskets that are small enough to fit between the movement and the 2824 cases they have. And you will need the tiny case tabs ( movement holder tabs) to secure it.

What can I say! Please call me Tony Keyless

 

[Tony-Soprano]

 

[Tony-Soprano]

On queue…. coming soon to the bench!

 

[beanvatan]

On queue…. coming soon to the bench!

Now I thought I bought 3 Gen dials in a row was a bad idea. LOL

 

[Carrera]

Hi all, I've just attempted to case my 16200, and have just grazed off 4/5 lume pips in the process. I'm feeling quite out of my depth here, and would really appreciate some help.

I have cleaned everything up again, and the movement is back in the case upside down. I have the dial spacer and movement clamps in front of me. Do I need to cut the movement spacer to accommodate the crown stem? Do I put the movement spacer in first or the movement clamps?

Thank you so much. Please if anyone has any photos of how the movement clamps sit I'd really be grateful if you could post them!

 

[Rolexmike69]

Another simple 16200 build:
- Gen patina black dial
- Gen hands
- JMB smooth bezel
- VR3135
- Rafflesdial 3135 white date disc
- Rafflesdial case set
- Rafflesdial oyster bracelet
- Replica 604 crown
- Swiss 5330 tube

And lots of modding, like enlarging the rehaut diameter.

How do you personally enlarge the rehaut diameter? I’m sure you use a Dremel but what is your process? Do you start from the front or the back of the case? What is your suggestion for the gen dial?

 

[pompompurin]

How do you personally enlarge the rehaut diameter? I’m sure you use a Dremel but what is your process? Do you start from the front or the back of the case? What is your suggestion for the gen dial?

I get them machined locally by a machinist with a lathe. The machinist does the magic

Swiss made or t swiss made t dials are generally the only period-correct dials for rafflesdial 162xx builds

 

[ImportantBug]

Hey there, is there a consensus on the topic Raffles bracelet vs the Italian bracelet from Mark? More specifically on the Oyster one.
I have a franken built with an SK case and a raffles oyster bracelet. My bracelet doesn't look very nice compared to gen in pictures (which it's absolutely fair given the price, I know.) and feels low quality in feel and finishing.
The thing is, mine is 4 years old, and from the more recent pictures I saw here it seems the raffles one apparently improved quality (as it happened to the case) at some point.
I'm debating whether it's worth spending $350 on an Italian one or just ordering a new Raffles one, which costs roughly 10% of that, and maybe the newer ones should be good enough.

Maybe some of you had both in hands and can share your thoughts on this?

Sharing one of my builds with you:
SK case, Gen dial, Clark crystal, Aftermarket crown and hands, VR3135 and raffles bracelet.

 

[Replicated]

May I ask you what crystal gasket you used for the engine turned bezel?

 

[xray7]

Hey there, is there a consensus on the topic Raffles bracelet vs the Italian bracelet from Mark? More specifically on the Oyster one.
I have a franken built with an SK case and a raffles oyster bracelet. My bracelet doesn't look very nice compared to gen in pictures (which it's absolutely fair given the price, I know.) and feels low quality in feel and finishing.
The thing is, mine is 4 years old, and from the more recent pictures I saw here it seems the raffles one apparently improved quality (as it happened to the case) at some point.
I'm debating whether it's worth spending $350 on an Italian one or just ordering a new Raffles one, which costs roughly 10% of that, and maybe the newer ones should be good enough.

Maybe some of you had both in hands and can share your thoughts on this?

Sharing one of my builds with you:
SK case, Gen dial, Clark crystal, Aftermarket crown and hands, VR3135 and raffles bracelet.

Wondering the same.

 

[Tony-Soprano]

May I ask you what crystal gasket you used for the engine turned bezel?

Just used the ones from the raffles 3135 crystal

 

[Tony-Soprano]

 

[Rolexmike69]

Anyone using a dremel to widen rehaut. Do you all go from the front of the case or back or does it matter?
I just started going from the front cause a little extra work when I’m having to re-polish or brush the rehaut.

 

[clock_licker_lover]

I'm kinda new to this site, who does make this custom datejust build like this one? And how much is the expected price?