The Vintage DateJust Thread

[intellects]

Can you specify which crystal you got?

It’s this one: https://a.aliexpress.com/_EzKSkSh

The user in this thread seemed to have no issues with it: https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/rolex-datejust-two-tone-16013.10918954/page-2#post-11922199

I just tried putting the smooth bezel from the raffles on and it’s the same issue, it fits over the crystal fine but it’s too lose for the case.

Could it just be the case of the crystal being too large? It’s weird that it works for others

 

[1016_idiot_savant]

The bottom line is that the crystal does not fit the case. I would measure the diameter of the case lip and go back to a Sternkreutz crystal, as these have internal and external diameters available.

Depending on your dial version (4 or 5 series) you will need to choose a model which matches the cyclops position with the date window. I believe these will fit:

4-series:



5-series (the one I used for a Raffles sapphire case):

 

[intellects]

Thanks a lot, I suppose that is the most logical explanation. My engine-turned bezel has an internal diameter of 30.4mm, an outside diameter of 34.7mm and a height of 2.0mm. That should align with the sizes for a 16030 bezel rather than a 16200 bezel from my research. I picked the 1016 explorer case to use as a base for 16030. Will the XS 307.457 from Sternkreutz be the right match for this setup then?

 

[Rolexmike69]

Can you specify which crystal you got?

Thanks a lot, I suppose that is the most logical explanation. My engine-turned bezel has an internal diameter of 30.4mm, an outside diameter of 34.7mm and a height of 2.0mm. That should align with the sizes for a 16030 bezel rather than a 16200 bezel from my research. I picked the 1016 explorer case to use as a base for 16030. Will the XS 307.457 from Sternkreutz be the right match for this setup then?

Not to answer for @1016_idiot_savant but I used that case with a Clark’s 25-135. It fit and lined up. I had to use a dremel just a bit on inside of Gen ETB just to press on easier. It was tight as a drum once pressed on with crystal press. Just thought I’d share.

 

[Iksander]

Not to answer for @1016_idiot_savant but I used that case with a Clark’s 25-135. It fit and lined up. I had to use a dremel just a bit on inside of Gen ETB just to press on easier. It was tight as a drum once pressed on with crystal press. Just thought I’d share.

True. My setup also.

 

[intellects]

Thank you guys. Clarks seems to be less available in Europe for a reasonable price and shipping time so I hope the Sternkreutz will be good too. I'm hesitant on modifying the bezel so hope it will fit as is. had a Sternkreutz before but I cracked it, probably because some shards of the old raffles crystal was still glued on.

 

[Replicated]

It’s this one: https://a.aliexpress.com/_EzKSkSh

The user in this thread seemed to have no issues with it: https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/rolex-datejust-two-tone-16013.10918954/page-2#post-11922199

I just tried putting the smooth bezel from the raffles on and it’s the same issue, it fits over the crystal fine but it’s too lose for the case.

Could it just be the case of the crystal being too large? It’s weird that it works for others

My builds were with a 1603 and 16030 ET bezel. Hope that helps.

 

[Iksander]

In the end I’m gonna use this cheap jubilee.

 

[goodpm]

Finally “done” with my first Datejust build. I say “done” because I’m sure I will continue to upgrade parts on it, but it’s wearable as-is.

Does anyone have tips on getting the dial centered perfectly? As you can see, 3 o’clock is sitting closer to the rehaut than 9 o’clock. I’m using the spacer (crystal gasket) included with the Raffles case, but the movement still wiggles quite a bit before tightening down the clamps.

 

[goodpm]

Does anyone have tips on getting the dial centered perfectly?

Figured out a solution on my own. I hadn't filed down the movement tabs equally. Easy fix!

 

[pompompurin]

gen dial
gen hands
gen bezel
gen date disc
gen 5320 tube
gen crown
Rafflesdial case set + increased rehaut diameter + polished/ rebrushed rehaut
VR3135 movement
Rafflesdial bracelet

 

[pompompurin]

Does anyone have tips on getting the dial centered perfectly? As you can see, 3 o’clock is sitting closer to the rehaut than 9 o’clock.

Figured out a solution on my own. I hadn't filed down the movement tabs equally. Easy fix!

I find that not all gen 162xx have perfectly centred dials. As long as it is within gen-spec tolerance (like your watch pictured), i think it is good

 

[trash3939]

 

[fatarms]

Finally “done” with my first Datejust build. I say “done” because I’m sure I will continue to upgrade parts on it, but it’s wearable as-is.

Does anyone have tips on getting the dial centered perfectly? As you can see, 3 o’clock is sitting closer to the rehaut than 9 o’clock. I’m using the spacer (crystal gasket) included with the Raffles case, but the movement still wiggles quite a bit before tightening down the clamps.

I've been asking around for this exact watch. It's beautiful, man. If you ever want to sell it, let me know...

 

[Davidoff06]

Hello everybody.
I am reading this thread now for five or six months ago and I want to start a new build.
Until now, I have only built SeikoMOD on AliExpress.

So I want to make a raffles assembly

And I still have some doubts. I will first order two complete raffles kits. One explorer and one date just.

But I'm considering improving this construction afterwards. By putting a vs3135 on him and that's where the doubt sets in.

Could I keep the Dial from Raffles with the 3135??or only gen Dial ?
I understand that i have to replace the Dial and the crystal.
And how is quality of dials from raffles?
Thanks you.

 

[beanvatan]

Could I keep the Dial from Raffles with the 3135??or only gen Dial ?
I understand that i have to replace the Dial and the crystal.
And how is quality of dials from raffles?

The 3135 movement is only suitable with the 3135 dial. Many reps dials for 3135 are hard to find unless you contact the TD and ask them to source you some. However, if you look hard enough, you can see some of the 3135 rep dials on sites like Alibaba, Aliexpress, etc... But if you already decided to make a build using the 3135- I would suggest you go with the Gen dial- It's a world difference in the build so to speak 5 digits DateJust. Plus on top of that, if you can find genuine hands that match the dial you're golden!

If you have already browsed Raffles' site, you should have a very solid understanding that as of this moment, they don't have any 3135 dials to offer. Most dials on the sites are for 2824/36- newer listings are for NH35/36.

In terms of quality- they are okay... at least to me, Remember- you are comparing a dial that is worth $28-35 to a $100-$500 range. The quality will be a significant difference. Let me phrase it this way- Raffle's dials are dials that you put into a watch to scratch an itch for the model you are after- but to enjoy the model to its fullest- you will have to go the Gen.

 

[Rolexmike69]

Hello everybody.
I am reading this thread now for five or six months ago and I want to start a new build.
Until now, I have only built SeikoMOD on AliExpress.

So I want to make a raffles assembly

And I still have some doubts. I will first order two complete raffles kits. One explorer and one date just.

But I'm considering improving this construction afterwards. By putting a vs3135 on him and that's where the doubt sets in.

Could I keep the Dial from Raffles with the 3135??or only gen Dial ?
I understand that i have to replace the Dial and the crystal.
And how is quality of dials from raffles?
Thanks you.

You can get a dial from raffles IF you don’t want to spend the $$ on Gen. @beanvatan is correct that nothing beats Gen. if you go with a raffles dial, you would have to clip off the dial feet and use dial dots to secure the movement to the 3135. I’ve done it in the past and it works fine. But again it just depends on what you’re after. You have to make sure that you get a raffles dial with the date window for a 3135. If not, it will not line up properly and will look very odd. Good luck with your build.

 

[Hasslebank]

 

[goodpm]

Love it! This is exactly what I’m planning on building next. Did you remove the lume plots yourself or buy the dial that way?

 

[Hasslebank]

Love it! This is exactly what I’m planning on building next. Did you remove the lume plots yourself or buy the dial that way?

Got it that way mate