Okay, so I’ve been messing around with watches for a while, and lately, I’ve been trying to put together a pretty convincing Rolex Submariner, the no-date version. I wanted to share my journey, start to finish, with all of you, because it’s been a real eye-opener. You know, seeing how close you can get to the real deal without actually buying one.
First, I spent days, maybe even weeks, just staring at pictures of genuine Submariners online. I scrutinized every detail, like the shape of the case, the way the bezel clicks, and the specific font used on the dial. I compared different versions and models and tried to find as much information as possible about the real thing.
Gathering the Parts
Then, I started hunting down parts. This was a real adventure. I ended up ordering from a bunch of different sources to get the best quality for each component. For example, I got a really good case from one place and a decent-looking bezel from another. It felt a bit like being a detective, piecing together clues. Some of these parts, especially the movement components, are just mind-blowingly close to the originals. They say even some experienced watch guys can’t tell the difference without really, really looking closely. That’s wild, right?
The Assembly Process
Putting it all together was nerve-wracking. I used some simple tools, watched a bunch of tutorials, and just went for it. I can say that the real one is heavier than what I assembled. The original has a weight of around 150g while mine, after I made it, has only 120g. I think that the problem could be in the material of the movement and bracelet, they are similar, but for sure not authentic. Slowly but surely, the watch started to take shape. I installed the movement, attached the hands, and carefully placed the dial. Each step felt like a major accomplishment. I even tried to get the little details right, like making sure the hands glowed in the dark, just like a real Rolex is supposed to. I read somewhere that testing the luminosity is a good way to check if it’s fake or not.
- Sourcing the case: I found a really good quality case that had the right weight and feel.
- Finding a bezel: The bezel was a bit trickier, but I managed to get one that clicked nicely.
- Choosing a dial: The dial is the face of the watch, so I made sure to get one that looked authentic.
- Selecting hands: The hands were tiny, but I found a set that matched the style of the Submariner.
- Movement installation: This was the most challenging part, but I managed to get the movement in place.
The Final Product
When it was finally done, I was pretty impressed with myself. It looked remarkably like a no-date Black Submariner. Of course, I knew it wasn’t the real thing, but it was a fun project. It gave me a new appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into making these luxury watches. It’s not just about telling time; it’s about the artistry and engineering. I would like to mention that the original Submariner is 40 millimeters in case diameter, and mine too. So, it’s a good thing, considering the size.
This whole experience has been a blast. It’s like building a puzzle, but way cooler. If you’re into watches and looking for a challenging project, I’d definitely recommend giving this a try. Just remember, it’s all about the journey, not just the destination.
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