Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a Rolex Submariner for the longest time. But, let’s be real, those things are expensive! So, I decided to try my hand at building a high-quality replica, specifically the two-tone black Submariner, you know, the classic style that just screams cool.
First, I started by looking around for parts. I needed a good quality case, a movement, dial, hands, bezel, the whole nine yards. Let me tell you, it’s a jungle out there! You have to watch out for fakes or low-quality parts. I spent hours on forums, reading reviews, comparing prices. It was tough, but I learned a lot. For example, I found some clues that the Omega Seamaster and the Tudor Black Bay have a lot in common with the Rolex Submariner, which is pretty interesting.
Sourcing the Parts
After a ton of research, I finally settled on a supplier. I ordered a stainless steel and gold-plated case that looked pretty much spot-on. The weight felt right, and the finish was really nice. I also got a decent automatic movement – nothing fancy, but reliable. It’s important to get a movement that fits the case properly, or you’ll run into all sorts of problems later on.
Next up was the dial and hands. This is where things get tricky because you want them to look as close to the real deal as possible. I found a black dial with the right markings and lume, and a set of gold-plated hands that matched perfectly. I also picked up a black ceramic bezel insert – it’s crucial to get the font and spacing right on these or it will be obvious that you have a fake one.
Assembly
Once I had all the parts, it was time to put this bad boy together. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy! I watched a bunch of videos and read a ton of tutorials online. You need some specialized tools for this kind of work – a case back opener, tweezers, screwdrivers, a hand setting tool, etc. I bought a basic watchmaking toolkit online, and it did the job.
- First, I carefully installed the movement into the case. This was nerve-wracking because you don’t want to damage the delicate movement.
- Then, I attached the dial and hands. This requires a very steady hand, let me tell you! One slip and you can scratch the dial or bend the hands.
- After that, I installed the bezel. This was relatively straightforward, but you need to make sure it clicks properly and rotates smoothly.
- Finally, I put the case back on and added the bracelet. I chose a two-tone bracelet to match the case, and it looked great.
The Final Product
After a few hours of careful work, I finally finished my two-tone black Submariner replica. And you know what? It looked amazing! I mean, it’s not a real Rolex, of course, but it’s a darn good imitation. The weight, the feel, the look – it’s all there. I’ve been wearing it for a few weeks now, and I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on it. People can’t believe it’s not the real thing. Some even ask me if it is the 2018 version.
Building this watch was a fun and rewarding project. I learned a lot about watches, and I ended up with a pretty cool timepiece. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, just be prepared to put in the time and effort. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely doable. And hey, if you’re not into building your own, there are some pretty good homage watches out there, like the Seiko “Sea Urchin”, that give you a similar look for a fraction of the price. But for me, nothing beats the satisfaction of building something with my own two hands.
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