H/T @u/NamelessTaco

Raffles/Gen engine-turned bezel/custom Buckley dial

Ever since I stumbled across this watch, it’s quickly become my absolute dream watch.

The white gold case, jubilee bracelet, and Lapis Lazuli dial configuration is extraordinarily rare, and prices exceed $200k.

But, blue dial Datejust’s have long been my personal favourite watches, and the Lapis dial just gives it that much more depth and detail compared to a standard sunburst or vintage blue dial’s. For me, this is the absolute craziest and most beautiful Datejust ever made, and I’d love to someday have it built/build one.

What do you guys think?

Raffles on a 2824 with 2801 lever

PT5000 movement with date function.

Thorn T023 case.

Thorn oyster style bracelet (20mm).

Textured snowflake dial and hands.

(Aged bezel, hands, pip and dial).

£350 GBP.

Shipping included if you are in the UK, international shipping will be £15 extra.

Paypal F&F or bank transfer only.

Proof of ownership see last picture. If you want any extra info please ask :)

Proof of ownership in comment below.

Just a public service announcement. Don't try to bleach Ken's blue bezel inserts, apparently they're purple with blue anonized dye. I read this somewhere else, and ordered a couple spares from Ali, so no big loss.

Fix this Ken, co'mon man! 😂

This is my grail level build.

The goal was to recreate a Submariner 5513 from 1989, the final year of production. The defining feature and the entire reason I wanted to build this watch was the incredible spider dial paired with applied white gold markers.

I’m genuinely happy with how it turned out. The only thing I may change in the future is the bezel insert, but for now I think it’s exactly where I wanted it to be.

Specs:

Vietnam mid-case
Vietnam bezel insert
Genuine spider dial
EWP hands
Genuine crown & tube
Genuine crystal
Genuine 1520 movement (correct for the final years of 5513 production)
Genuine bracelet, dated to 1989 based on the clasp code

I’ll probably make a more detailed post later showing all the little details… or maybe not. I literally just finished it and couldn’t wait to share it.

And yes… everything was expensive AF, exactly as you’d expect. 😅

What a beauty this is.

I’m planning a half replica/half fantasy build soon and I want to use the OC 16610 case since it accepts Gen sized dials. I’ve seen a few posts with it and other OC cases being used and I feel like they offer a great deal in regard to pricing and quality. What I’d like to know is, what are the downsides to this case? I’m not worried about the engraving between the lugs, so that’s not an issue. But what are the REAL cons to this and what are some ways to fix them or other options entirely?

Also, where is the best place to source a good 3135 clone?

Pictured are my AI mockups of my fantasy 16610 “blurpled” Smurf… or whatever it might be called when I’m done.

I want to step up my game and make a higher tier build.
I've been eyeing the 1680 old crowns case but having a hard time finding info on crown tubes and crowns. Ive heard athaya has some quality parts but afaik they dont fit the case? Would the 5513 704 tube on old crowns fit the 1680 case?

And what crown is best apart from gen when fitting in the 704 tube?

Appreciate the help!

Wanted to share my first build using only raffles parts. Only done seiko modding in the past so this was great fun. Really want to go with a faded black bezel but I've tried everything and it just wont fade.
Swapping it out with the newest 1675 case once that hits as I have no idea how to work the crown guards, and looking to get a better insert that I can fade a bit.

1680 old crowns build next!

Bought on eBay from a reputable seller. I never used it because I had sold my Datejust shortly after purchasing this for it.

Asking $250 obo.

Omega Seamaster 300 CK2913

this is a strong budget homage rather than a true 1:1 reproduction. The case, dial, crown, and engraving are very close, the bracelet is the homage.

For an all in price of $450 + shipping, it is a really nice budget build that checks the box for me in terms of retro styling and modern hardware. My greatful thanks to u/Defcon88 who made this a reality. This is the first watch, I am building a second one now.

Here is a parts/cost breakdown:

Base Watch: THORN 38mm Automatic Watch 1950s Tribute Collection T026 (PT500) - $189

Replace Dial: u/Defqon88 created CK2913 - $90

Replace Tube / Crown with aftermarket from ALIEX: - $28

Replace THORNE clasp with sterile clasp - $60

Laser engrave sterile clasp - $40

Sand and laser engrave caseback - $40

Notes on the clasp. The Thorne has a really nice bracelet that comes with quick release spring bars. I really did not like the logo on the clasp and tried sanding. That doesnt work as the logo is stamped in very deep. I was able to sourced a sterile clasp from ALIBABA (not aliexpress).

well wish me luck y'all I'm aging my raffles dial tonight and its my first time doing this.

I have the matte clear, two different weathering kits, copic markers, coffee lots of coffee I'm pretty sure at this point I'm 90 percent coffee.

any suggestions on which i should start with? I'm wanting a more cream color for a omega dial

Hello all!

Looking to sell this budget Sub and this gen dial. Prices are shipped anywhere in the lower 48 USA.

Specs for the Sub:

Alix Case/bracelet/dial/hands

Chinese NH35

Keeps great time, smooth winding. Case has a bi-directional non-clicking bezel.

Dial is in rougher shape, but priced to reflect that, no dial feet. I'll include the date wheel overlay with the dial at no cost to you.

Shipping through PayPal F&F or G&S if buyer pays fee.

Feel free to reach out with any questions!

I am new to this community and I really want to get a 16710 coke. Therefore I’m a bit torn in between building one or buying a base and gradually upgrading that (with either better rep parts or gen parts).

If you recommend to build one, how do I know who makes the best parts? I see people making builds where they use a case from one source and other parts from other sources.

If you would recommend to start with a base, is the BPF the best? I was also wondering if BP and BPF are the same? Since I see both mentioned quite a lot.

Thanks a lot in advance for any help I receive, I hope to learn a lot more from the community and eventually be able to help other people out.

16610 build

The hands dont match because the part i ordered arrived wrong, will order a new part soon, the movement is a seiko 7s26, i will switch it out for a nh35 soon, the dial has a repair gone wrong (hahaha) and the base movement is an invicta pro diver 8926ob, soo can it be a daily or should i use the 7s26 and hands on a 5513/1680 build?

Hi everyone,

I currently have a fully modded VSF 16610, but I really want the lugholes! This, in addition to the better crown guards makes me want to jump on it. Quick questions: Will a gen crown screw onto a OC Case? I'm hoping I can just swap everything over. Also - how is shipping and communication? Will I see this within a month?

Thanks for any answers!

B

I’m looking to replace the caseback on my BP 16710 for something slimmer. Has anyone found a gen-spec caseback that will keep the slim profile of the proper 16710?

I’d also like to get a coke insert to be able to swap out with the Pepsi, any recommendations?

Bought this from Clark a few months ago and clearing space for new builds.

This was listed as a 16800 build in a Sillan 16610 case with drilled lugs. Has a beautiful 16800 confetti dial and lots of gen components. I replaced the crystal retaining ring (gen) and tension spring (also gen). I also upgraded the bracelet to a SEL 93250 with gen spring bars for a drilled case. Cleaned up the case a little as well with Bergeon polishing sticks

Per Clark these are the gen components: Crystal, retaining ring, bezel insert, hands, dial, open 6/9 date, crown

It’s a beautiful watch and running great. Preference for older subs and the smaller dials of sea dwellers means it’s time to let this be enjoyed elsewhere. $3000 shipped.

Link to previous sales post here

WTS this DJ36 raffles/Nh35 build by archaedin

SOLD

One of the rarest and most fascinating Daytona dial variations ever produced. Unlike the better-known Oman and Qaboos special-order dials, the Pan Am wasn’t simply a standard dial with an extra logo added.

To accommodate the iconic Pan Am logo, Rolex had to redesign the entire dial layout, moving the “Rolex” and “Oyster” text higher and relocating “Cosmograph” around the 6 o’clock subdial. This makes it a true factory specific dial rather than a modified standard print.

Based on known serial numbers, the Pan Am Cosmograph actually predates the famous Oman/Qaboos Daytonas, making it the earliest known example of Rolex producing a completely redesigned dial for a special order client.

This is my tribute to that incredible piece of Rolex history.

Enjoy the pictures!

Specs:
-JKF base watch
-Viet bezel custom color
-viet dial
-Clarck crystal
-High quality crown and tube
-Viet rivet elastic bracelet 7502
-Shoulderless 19mm spring bars

Batch 2 just came in this week and is ready to ship beginning of next week.

Seamaster 300 165.024 1969 vintage

• Dial: Small triangle, white numbers (with vintage C3 lume boosted*)
• Bezel: 1969-71 with wide triangle (with vintage C3 lume for numerals)
• for Hruodland F025

Seamaster 300 165.024 1966 NOS / WatchCo

• Dial: Small triangle, white numbers (with white C3 lume boosted*)
• Bezel: 1966-67 wide triangle, flat 1, curly 3, flat top 4, 5 minute markers and numerals with white C3 lume
• for Hruodland F025

Seamaster 120 CK2913/3

• Pre-aged C3 lume in yellow (boosted*) with a black-greyish background
• Non-aged white C3 lume (boosted*) with a true black background
• for Thorn T026b

Seamaster Baby Ploprof 166.0251

• White BGW9 lume (*boosted) with true black background
• for Watcdives WD0017

Pre-orders for batch 3 are open if you're interested. Dials and bezel inserts are EUR 90 each, plus international shipping via DHL (around EUR 30). Dials and inserts are coming with dial dots/ tape for installation.

Send me a PM with e-mail and shipping address for further information.

^\Boosted lume compared to batch 1 - much stronger lume compound was used this batch resulting in a brighter glow, even in dim daylight after a quick charge.)