Vintage Datejust build // 16013 - VS3135

[Replicated]

Hi RWI,

This build started life as a low budget ETA2824 build. But, after a small disapointment with the Raffles dial (champagne turned out to be more salmon), I decided to go the "franken" route.
It turned out it was easier to make a 16013 two-tone Datejust because there are more champagne/golden dials available.
I always liked the vintage two-tone Datejust, it is a bit shof-off'ish. But, it is ok because it is a nice vintage piece.

What did I purchase:

- Engraved VS3135 movement.
- AliExpress 3135 Datejust hands.
- Gold 3135 date wheel.
- Genuine gold Datejust 16013 dial from eBay.de, straight fit on the VS3135. Excellent seller, made sure I really liked the dial I bought, even showed other options.

I just need those items:

- Rafflesdial two-tone case (ETA2824 based)*
- 16013 crown from AliExpress, better quality, stock one doesn't feel right.

*I already have a completely stripped silver Raffles case, might use that one to enlarge the rehaut and maybe just throw on a new golden bezel.

Just made sure everything would fit on the movement:

Date wheel swap:

Dial installed:

Hands installed:

I am just not sure about the crystal. Should I make it service-friendly and stick with the glass one? Or should I go for a "Sternkreuz cyclop 135"?


Will update soon, loving this build already.

 

[BHtrade]

How good are the raffle cases? What are the difference with original case set and what are the other options?

 

[alligoat]

So the 3135 clone fits in the raffles dial case?

 

[Replicated]

It fits, with a small spacer and a bit of Dremel/Proxxon action.

I got a ton of information from @freebalkany Link to his thread.

 

[Replicated]

How good are the raffle cases? What are the difference with original case set and what are the other options?

Cases are decent, there is no other option. There is a seller in South-Korea who offers a custom vintage 36mm Datejust case that accepts a 3135 out of the box. But, that case is like $450.- The Raffle's case is a lot cheaper.
Yes it needs a bit of work, but it is worth the price.

Also feel free to upgrade the tube and the crown.

 

[Replicated]

Kept pulling the keyless out everytime I removed the stem, but it is done and working!

 

[freebalkany]

Hey,
did you manage to grind enough material in the caseback to let space to let the rotor spin freely?
Could you post a picture of the inside of the caseback?
Nice build, however I would recommend to go plexi. I really try to like them, but sapphire crystal don't look good on oyster cases.
You could use that bezel https://www.ebay.com/itm/154513880857

 

[Replicated]

Hey,
did you manage to grind enough material in the caseback to let space to let the rotor spin freely?
Could you post a picture of the inside of the caseback?
Nice build, however I would recommend to go plexi. I really try to like them, but sapphire crystal don't look good on oyster cases.
You could use that bezel https://www.ebay.com/itm/154513880857

Thanks, I know. I have two "Sternkreuz cyclop 135" plexi's laying around. So I might make that happen, but this is a bit more service friendly.

I did grind a bit of material of the caseback, however: I think it is not enough. So I will go back and take more material out soon.
It was getting late and wanted to see how it looked like.

 

[Replicated]

Done, just received the Raffles bracelet:

 

[Replicated]

Just made a subtle brother:

Same concept:
- VS3135 movement
- Genuine dial
- AliExpress hands
- Raffles 2824 case (Enlarged rehaut with dremel)
- Raffles bracelet
- Movement spacer
- Upgraded tube + crown
Only difference:
- This time with a plexi xtal, somehow Raffles supplied the wrong xtal. Glad I had some plexi laying around.
Had to enlarge the bezel in order to fit over the plexi xtal.

 

[Karbon74]

a question about those vintage datejust
the gen bezel is supposed to be gold or were they in steel back in the days?

 

[369mafia]

a question about those vintage datejust
the gen bezel is supposed to be gold or were they in steel back in the days?

The fluted bezels were yellow or white gold I think the smooth bezels were stainless.

 

[FaekieOne]

And engine turned bezels were steel as well.

 

[jhelper333]

@Replicated - Those are great looking builds!

When you enlarged the rehaut, did you remove it from the case? I'm not actually sure it separates, just trying to learn about this.

 

[Replicated]

@Replicated - Those are great looking builds!

When you enlarged the rehaut, did you remove it from the case? I'm not actually sure it separates, just trying to learn about this.

Sorry, can you be a bit more specific?

 

[tripdog]

When you enlarged the rehaut, did you remove it from the case? I'm not actually sure it separates

The rehaut is part of the case, it can't be removed.

 

[jhelper333]

The rehaut is part of the case, it can't be removed.

Got it. Thank you!

 

[Danza1813]

Thanks, I know. I have two "Sternkreuz cyclop 135" plexi's laying around. So I might make that happen, but this is a bit more service friendly.

I did grind a bit of material of the caseback, however: I think it is not enough. So I will go back and take more material out soon.
It was getting late and wanted to see how it looked like.

Hi did you get the rotor clear? How much material needs removing from the caseback, just the centre or inside edges too?

 

[Replicated]

I don’t know. Dremel away enough until it clears. Never measured it to be honest.

 

[Rolexmike69]

Anyone:
Question on using raffle parts. I get the idea on using a 3135 w/gen dial etc. I believe raffles said you had to replace crystal for a 3135 if using a Gen dial.

Second question:
what about using raffles case, raffles dial and gluing DWO ON A 2824 etc. do I need to change the crystal so the date window lines up or will it be good to go as is, with the glued DWO?
Just trying to build one for my son and see how he does with a Rep before I hand him one of my Gen’s.
Thank you!