The Vintage DateJust Thread

[JSL121]

I have made 4 vintage datejusts using the Raffles case as a base. The variances in the cases over the years is surprising. The early ones from 2020-2021 had a better side profile around the crown tube though their dial side opening was just a hair too small that the acrylic crystals wouldn’t snap on tight whereas the ones I got in 2022-2023 had a weird bump/indentation around the crown tube but the dial side opening fit the acrylic crystals (and gen spec sapphire) perfectly.

First one was back in 2020 and all using Raffles parts except for a gen engine turned bezel and an ETA 2836 movement (picture with the silver dial and Roman numerals).

Second one I used the Raffles case, ETA 2824, Raffles hands with long posts, gen dial (taupe patina), gen crown, gen engine turned bezel, and a Delugs band. I really reworked the case using a dremel and it turned out near perfect.

Third one was a two tone using a Raffles case, VS3135, gen dial, Clarks hands, gen crown, gen gold bezel, Clark’s AR crystal and the gold filled bracelet from Raffles which actually is very nice. I made a list awhile ago that gives a step by step guide on shaping the case.

The last one uses the Raffles case, VS3135, gen while dial, Clark’s hands (with a vintage gen gold seconds hand), Clark’s AR crystal, gen crown, gen engine turned bezel, and an Italian bracelet. The Italian bracelet is worth every penny!

I’ll attach the pics and happy to give any tips as to my trials and errors!

Wow! Each of those builds are amazing. Great photo taking as well! The silver and white dial with Roman numeral builds are spectacular. Nice work my friend!

 

[TheAmazingMrZ]

I did purchase the dials from eBay.
You can also try and search on Chrono24, I've also seen a lot for sale on "firstclassdials.com" - Never purchased from them, but I've seen them on Chrono24 and eBay too.

Cases, bracelet,etc. you can buy fro

Wow! Each of those builds are amazing. Great photo taking as well! The silver and white dial with Roman numeral builds are spectacular. Nice work my friend!

Thank you! I got into this hobby because I wanted to make my own watches back in 2020 using ETA movements and randomly found that Raffles website which then led me into Franken watches and here I am.

 

[TheAmazingMrZ]

For those that are interested in shaping your Raffles case I will post some pics below. The lugs come too wide and point too long. All you need is a dremel! At the time I didn’t have a reference point or measurements, just a picture of my gen 5 digit sub next to a vintage DJ from a local jewelry shop.. it was that crude! TBH the first one I did turned out very well and the one in the pictures below has the lugs just a bit too wide (also shows the difference in the old style Raffles case vs the newer one. So the first pictures show my first shaped case next to an untouched Raffles one.

 

[TheAmazingMrZ]

Here’s the rest of the build. There used to be a debate on fitting a clone 3135 in a Raffles 2824 case, many people have proven it fits perfectly (as you’ll see below). Only trick is fitting a movement spacer. My solution was trimming (nothing thinning and shortening) a black zip tie I had. I ended up cutting that in two pieces to fit in the case. Seems to be the trick! Also are pictures from the rest of the build for fun:

 

[freebalkany]

Here’s the rest of the build. There used to be a debate on fitting a clone 3135 in a Raffles 2824 case, many people have proven it fits perfectly (as you’ll see below). Only trick is fitting a movement spacer. My solution was trimming (nothing thinning and shortening) a black zip tie I had. I ended up cutting that in two pieces to fit in the case. Seems to be the trick! Also are pictures from the rest of the build for fun:

Hey there, nice build!
I will repeat this as much as it is needed.
Given my experience with Raffles cases (based on a sample of 1 ), the VS3135 will fit in the case, however there is not enough space in the caseback to let the rotor spin freely. You need to do some unsightly dremeling to make it all work.

cheers

 

[1675lover]

Hey there, nice build!
I will repeat this as much as it is needed.
Given my experience with Raffles cases (based on a sample of 1 ), the VS3135 will fit in the case, however there is not enough space in the caseback to let the rotor spin freely. You need to do some unsightly dremeling to make it all work.

cheers

alternatively u can screw the caseback loosely and pray water will never get in

 

[nickelodeon]

Nice builds and thanks for the dremel tutorial.
Raffles is now offering gaskets which are perfectly fit as a spacer between the case and the VS3135 movement.
I'm looking forward receiving movements and cases from china to start building

 

[1675lover]

Nice builds and thanks for the dremel tutorial.
Raffles is now offering gaskets which are perfectly fit as a spacer between the case and the VS3135 movement.
I'm looking forward receiving movements and cases from china to start building

shit, i found it on the website. now im hooked.
any good source for getting a vs3135?

 

[nickelodeon]

shit, i found it on the website. now im hooked.
any good source for getting a vs3135?

alix or taobao should do the trick

 

[TheAmazingMrZ]

Hey there, nice build!
I will repeat this as much as it is needed.
Given my experience with Raffles cases (based on a sample of 1 ), the VS3135 will fit in the case, however there is not enough space in the caseback to let the rotor spin freely. You need to do some unsightly dremeling to make it all work.

cheers

When did you get your case from him? I have no rotor issues with the case I got from him in 2022/2023.

 

[TheAmazingMrZ]

Nice builds and thanks for the dremel tutorial.
Raffles is now offering gaskets which are perfectly fit as a spacer between the case and the VS3135 movement.
I'm looking forward receiving movements and cases from china to start building

Woah how far things have came with the gasket offering! Looks like it’s a pack of 10… Anyone order them? I’d gladly buy one off of you and pay for a stamp

 

[nickelodeon]

Woah how far things have came with the gasket offering! Looks like it’s a pack of 10… Anyone order them? I’d gladly buy one off of you and pay for a stamp

I've ordered them and if you are patient, I will do, but it will take time from EU.

 

[freebalkany]

When did you get your case from him? I have no rotor issues with the case I got from him in 2022/2023.

I'd say August 2022

 

[Timmer]

I'd say August 2022

Are you certain it was Raffles 2824 case and not his 2836 case?

 

[TheAmazingMrZ]

I'd say August 2022

Ok maybe it’s changed because the case I ordered in Feb 2023 is different than the ones in April 2021 and earlier.

 

[EnryDJ36]

I'm planning to install a new sapphire cyclops to fit the Gen dial, but I'm not sure what size to choose. And can I use UV resin adhesive?

Buy a Clarck's crystal, much much better than Raffles!

 

[TheAmazingMrZ]

Buy a Clarck's crystal, much much better than Raffles!

100% agree. I have both his acrylic and the AR Coated sapphire. I like it so much I put in on my gen sub.

 

[TheAmazingMrZ]

Are you certain it was Raffles 2824 case and not his 2836 case?

Yes it’s the 2824. I only used the 2836 once and used an actually ETA 2836 in it.

 

[Timmer]

Yes it’s the 2824. I only used the 2836 once and used an actually ETA 2836 in it.

And you can actually hear that the 3135 rotor spins freely with the caseback on? that was fortunate!

 

[TheAmazingMrZ]

And you can actually hear that the 3135 rotor spins freely with the caseback on? that was fortunate!

Oh yea! Maybe just order a new case from him and see if it’s materially different. Can you send a picture of the side case with the crown tube exposed? The one below is the older case and the newer one I got is completely different:

Old one: