Tudor 9401 build

[extermin8tor]

Hi Guys, Merry Christmas!
I finally received my case from BiVintage and I started my 9401 build last night.
I have the following:
2770 ETA from a Dugena (silver colored mainplate)
Tudor Rotor (No auto-prince engraving) from ebay/Ali/ Le Chine
9401 blue dial from Bivintage
Tropic crystal from local supplier (not sure of brand)
Hands from BiVintage - have left his lume but have barbecued with a butane torch gently to get a nice patina. They look a bit green (bit grinchy just in time for christmas) - need to work on the lume.

So far had some issues,
The dial feet are wrong, need to be 11/41 and not 12/42 - BiVintage can't help, can only sell a new one with correct size. I chopped the dial feet off and have used double sided tape on the movement for now.
The replacement crystal that has a flatter top doesnt clear the retaining ring, it sits on the case very snuggly, but will need shaving on the side to fit - unsure how to do it without a lathe. I dont think sandpaper will cut it.

Crown is destroyed after just 2 test fits of the stem, without any over tightening. Very shite quality.
Case is decent, the threads are good, the fitment of crystal is good.
The bezel spins freely, way too loose.

What I need help with is the following:
Which crown do I source to ideally fit the BiVintage style crown tube?
Is there a crystal that doesn't need modifying? I heard the GS one is good?
How can I adjust bezel slip? It spins very freely, anyone have any tips?

My 2770 has a loud click when you wind it/auto wind, it is coming from the Crown wheel click. I recall fitting the crown wheel from a 2790 as mine was missing, is the 2770 normally noisy or have I fitted a part that is slightly different? It winds well but the click is really loud.


Cheers

 

[extermin8tor]

So I discovered the issue with the movement, part 2770 415 is wrong - I have to order that up from Cousins.
I am also ordering a new bezel slip washer from cousins to see if it works better than the BV one which is a foil washer.

I'm wondering if anyone knows a good source for 703/700 crowns? Is Athaya the most reliable/cheap?

 

[Singapore9]

Athaya for crowns and tubes or maybe a GEN fits and they can be picked up pretty cheaply from someone like Fiery Gems on ebay.

The bezel is an interesting one as there is a Bivintage 9411 case in the Watch Parts forum at the moment and the seller welded the bezel to the crystal retaining ring as I assume he had the same problem. A different or two stacked washer may help. Will be interested to hear back as I like the cases but the bezel and crown feedback isn't great.

Get yourself an acrylic pip for that insert as well, Bivintage actually sell them separately, albeit they're not cheap. Athaya has them too, far cheaper, from memory.

Shame about the dial feet, I have a couple of 9411 Bivintage dials and he made the feet for 27XX movements for me, before ordering - good tip for anyone reading this is to know 24XX/27XX have 41/11mins as opposed to the 28XX 42/12mins positions as you say. Worth repeating for the search

 

[extermin8tor]

Thanks, I will try a second foil washer for the bezel.
I'm debating either getting another dial from him or just sorting mine with epoxy for the feet. I wish I had messaged him. I mentioned in previous conversations but I think you have to specify your movement.

I can see how replica builds quickly add up in price haha!

 

[Prinze20]

The bezel spins freely because there is no pressure from the crystal on the retaining ring.
If you can't get the retaining ring on try to polish the ring a little in small steps untill it fits.

Do you have a crystal press for the ring?

 

[dax007]

Thanks, I will try a second foil washer for the bezel.
I'm debating either getting another dial from him or just sorting mine with epoxy for the feet. I wish I had messaged him. I mentioned in previous conversations but I think you have to specify your movement.

I can see how replica builds quickly add up in price haha!

I just received my 79090 rep from BIVINTAGE.. I Can say the price was very good for a complete build and I did have a issue which they had a local contact repair for me free(except shipping) So i can say BIvintage customer service and response is A+++.. I do have the same issue with the bezel on my 79090.. Really not what i expected! I do have a 9411 build with a viet spec cause and a gen 1680 bezel with gen ring and that operates PERFECT!! Not sure what i will do to upgrade.. wondering if i fork out the money for a gen 1680 washer and bezel if that woudl work better.. hmm

 

[Singapore9]

Pics please @dax007 ! You can still get 5513/1680 crystal retaining rings and bezels new in blister from parts re-sellers, so if you want to spend the money; you can effectively get it 'perfect'. Equally, Clark's 5513 bezel sets come good and tight, to the point they sometimes need a bit of fettling. Good budget option. The Bivintage cases do look good and good value.

 

[jp3007_1]

I just received my 79090 rep from BIVINTAGE.. I Can say the price was very good for a complete build and I did have a issue which they had a local contact repair for me free(except shipping) So i can say BIvintage customer service and response is A+++.. I do have the same issue with the bezel on my 79090.. Really not what i expected! I do have a 9411 build with a viet spec cause and a gen 1680 bezel with gen ring and that operates PERFECT!! Not sure what i will do to upgrade.. wondering if i fork out the money for a gen 1680 washer and bezel if that woudl work better.. hmm

Yeah we're going to need to see some pictures here buddy!

I'll show mine first (and I'll post some daylight pictures later this week too!)

First and foremost huge thanks again to my buddy @Prinze20 for all the help in sourcing parts and assembly + troubleshooting of the watch!

Bivintage 79090 case set with correct B serial dating to 1994. Case reworked to fit gen spec Rolex fat bars, new better quality crown and gen spec tube fitted

Bivintage bezel assembly with beautiful thick font insert (I had to glue this into the bezel with jewelers 2 component glue as it wouldn't stay fitted)

Bivintage dial with rafflestimes hands that were colour matched to lume plots

Gen eta 2824-2 elaboré with time period correct serif font date wheel

Currently on raffles bracelet but a 93150 is on its way from Italy as we speak

 

[dax007]

Pics please @dax007 ! You can still get 5513/1680 crystal retaining rings and bezels new in blister from parts re-sellers, so if you want to spend the money; you can effectively get it 'perfect'. Equally, Clark's 5513 bezel sets come good and tight, to the point they sometimes need a bit of fettling. Good budget option. The Bivintage cases do look good and good value.

Pics please @dax007 ! You can still get 5513/1680 crystal retaining rings and bezels new in blister from parts re-sellers, so if you want to spend the money; you can effectively get it 'perfect'. Equally, Clark's 5513 bezel sets come good and tight, to the point they sometimes need a bit of fettling. Good budget option. The Bivintage cases do look good and good value.

Hello. Ty for this info. BTW I did get 1 of hawks 9411s with upgraded bezel of 1680 and new cmc insert. Omg. It's better than I expected. I ended up going with a raffles 95130 which actually not bad. It's e graded 95130. But eventually like to get a Italian 95130. ..

Going back to my 79090 from bivintage they are top notch as I said BUT WISH WISH
THEY WOULD OF ALLOWED AN OPTION TO..
1. USE GEN ROLEX STEM OR EVEN THAT OTHER rep one athenian or ?
2. Use a 200 swiss eta vs 50$ 2824 rep
3. Upgrade the pearl. Which was done by Bivintage watch gentlemen. He did it when making a repair..
BTW they did provide higher end rolex rep rivet bracelet but it was way to light only 40grams(these are on feebay for 150) I prefer the rep raffles 95130. Only 49 and weights like a gen around 60grams

Here are some pics. Sorry at work

 

[Singapore9]

Do the Bivintage cases have the right thread pitch for a GEN Tube? GEN crown and tube would be nice!

 

[jp3007_1]

Do the Bivintage cases have the right thread pitch for a GEN Tube? GEN crown and tube would be nice!

They do not. New hole needs to be cut and gen (spec) tube installed.

 

[Nathanwatch44]

Hello. Ty for this info. BTW I did get 1 of hawks 9411s with upgraded bezel of 1680 and new cmc insert. Omg. It's better than I expected. I ended up going with a raffles 95130 which actually not bad. It's e graded 95130. But eventually like to get a Italian 95130. ..

Going back to my 79090 from bivintage they are top notch as I said BUT WISH WISH
THEY WOULD OF ALLOWED AN OPTION TO..
1. USE GEN ROLEX STEM OR EVEN THAT OTHER rep one athenian or ?
2. Use a 200 swiss eta vs 50$ 2824 rep
3. Upgrade the pearl. Which was done by Bivintage watch gentlemen. He did it when making a repair..
BTW they did provide higher end rolex rep rivet bracelet but it was way to light only 40grams(these are on feebay for 150) I prefer the rep raffles 95130. Only 49 and weights like a gen around 60grams

Here are some pics. Sorry at work

the bezel seems perhaps a little too clean on the damaged side would be great for the vintage side

 

[extermin8tor]

They do not. New hole needs to be cut and gen (spec) tube installed.

Do you know if the Athaya crown will fit without replacing the tube or cutting a new thread into the case? Would rather avoid that lol.

Looking for best source for riveted bracelet suitable for a 9401?

Yeah we're going to need to see some pictures here buddy!

I'll show mine first (and I'll post some daylight pictures later this week too!)

First and foremost huge thanks again to my buddy @Prinze20 for all the help in sourcing parts and assembly + troubleshooting of the watch!

Bivintage 79090 case set with correct B serial dating to 1994. Case reworked to fit gen spec Rolex fat bars, new better quality crown and gen spec tube fitted

Bivintage bezel assembly with beautiful thick font insert (I had to glue this into the bezel with jewelers 2 component glue as it wouldn't stay fitted)

Bivintage dial with rafflestimes hands that were colour matched to lume plots

Gen eta 2824-2 elaboré with time period correct serif font date wheel

Currently on raffles bracelet but a 93150 is on its way from Italy as we speak

I liked your bezel insert. Mine has quite a thin font and the numbers are close to the edge, where I feel there should be a tiny gap to look more gen-spec.

 

[Singapore9]

Do you know if the Athaya crown will fit without replacing the tube or cutting a new thread into the case? Would rather avoid that lol.

Looking for best source for riveted bracelet suitable for a 9401?



I liked your bezel insert. Mine has quite a thin font and the numbers are close to the edge, where I feel there should be a tiny gap to look more gen-spec.

I thought Athaya did two tube specs, one for GEN fitment and one for the common REP threads. Worth a play on their site. That may just be for a 702 as opposed to a 703. TBH, I'd probably rather have a 702 on a Snowflake.

 

[Prinze20]

I thought Athaya did two tube specs, one for GEN fitment and one for the common REP threads. Worth a play on their site. That may just be for a 702 as opposed to a 703. TBH, I'd probably rather have a 702 on a Snowflake.

Correct

 

[Prinze20]

Do you know if the Athaya crown will fit without replacing the tube or cutting a new thread into the case? Would rather avoid that lol.

Looking for best source for riveted bracelet suitable for a 9401?

You have to look out for a 7836 folded bracelet not a riveted.

 

[extermin8tor]

Hi Guys,
Just an update - I received the Athaya crown - its perfect. Would you believe it, but when I unscrewed the old crown, the tube undid itself (seller didn't use loctite). I noticed that Bivintage doesnt use a gasket between tube/case.
The new Athaya crown has a lovely gasket on the tube side, It is a true Triplock crown. The tube is interchangable with Bivintage's case if anyone needs to know.
I faded the bezel insert in some bleach for 45 seconds and fitted the acrylic pip from Athaya. IMO it needs a tiny amount shaved of the height, but I couldn't be bothered, inserted and lumed with some tinted lume. I might pop the bezel out and glue it properly but thats a later job!.
For now I'm happy - just waiting for a ratchet wheel for the barrel. The one cousins sent me was for an ETA 277.0 not a 2770! Hahahah!

 

[Singapore9]

Yessssss! Pip looks good! Please would you post a link to the right Athaya crown and tube, so it's a reference here for the BV case?

 

[extermin8tor]

Yessssss! Pip looks good! Please would you post a link to the right Athaya crown and tube, so it's a reference here for the BV case?

Aftermarket 702 Crown and Tube – Athaya Vintage Parts

parts.athayavintage.com

Sorry - thanks for reminding me!

It's a 702 crown and tube.

 

[jp3007_1]

Aftermarket 702 Crown and Tube – Athaya Vintage Parts

parts.athayavintage.com

Sorry - thanks for reminding me!

It's a 702 crown and tube.

Cool! So this works without any adaptation to the Bivintage case?