Which way to go? Rolex 16610

[theslash]

Hi Guys,

I want a 16610 Submariner as I like the vintage look and feel more than the 126610.
The Question is: Which way to go?
I know the BP one is not moddable, the ARF one is.

I would like to have one in the "older" style, means drilled through lug holes e.g.
Would it be a bad idea to buy rafflesdials parts and set one up myself?
I know the pip in the bezel is wrong in the raffels piece, and the crown is not very good.

Any Idea with what parts I can replace it? I dont really want to go the Franken way, because this will be a daily beater.
It just shouldnt look too "fake" at first glance.

Just buy a BP one and be happy? Or build one myself? What would you do?

Did anybody build one with the Rafflesdials parts?

Greetings from Germany

 

[mclarendude]

I've had both and enjoyed both ARF and BP.

You already answered your question, honestly.

ARF would be the way to go if you want to mod it to an extent.

BP if you just want to have a fun watch to wear.

Raffles Build would probably need a lot of work to get it close to ARF.

 

[ap9791]

Building a raffles sub is fun, but the case is so far off it won't feel like a 16610 at all when you wear it.
If you just want a budget beater then the BP will hit the spot, but in reality you should spend a little extra and get the ARF you will be so much happier.
I'd suggest messaging Andiot who is a trusted RWI dealer, he has great low prices on ARF 16610, and if you ask him if he has any specials on he may give you a discount code for your first order as well, meaning it won't be too much more than the BP from another TD

 

[p0pperini]

Go for an ARF. You won’t be disappointed.

If you want the earlier drilled lugs style, send it to a modder who can drill the lugs. For the full early 5-digit look, source a 93150 bracelet and 501B endlinks, a tritium dial and get the modder to install the dial and polish the rehaut too.

 

[RW5513]

After all these years I gotta think something I have learned but maybe not.

I'd say for someone starting with a tight budget, get a BP the cheapest possible, and enjoy the heck out of it.

Then, if you REALLY like it and one more... Well, the world is your oyster !

 

[theslash]

Ok, thank you all for your suggestions. At the end probably the ARF one is the right way to go.

 

[alligoat]

M2M is another possibility. Gen like construction 16610s have been around for quite a while now.
WM9 was one of the early ones- say 2010 maybe. I also was able to convert an MBW to gen like construction around that time. Startime cases were available back in the day and worked well for a 16610 build.
TW Best 16610s followed
TC came around after that and was pretty popular.
JKFs came after that and then ARF and RAFs. BPs are decent but are not gen like construction.
But you have to keep your eyes open for an M2M deal- they typically go fast.

 

[tbandy]

How About JF, they claim that all external parts are 100% compatible with genuine
But in the other side the movement sucks !
But if it's replaced by an VR or VS then we will have a very good looking watch.

 

[pinoyako04]

ARF for mod/franken
BP ootb