Hey everyone, I’m back again to share my latest project. This time, I decided to try my hand at making a replica of the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea 116660, the classic style. Yeah, you heard that right – a high imitation! It’s a pretty ambitious project, I know, but I was really itching to see if I could pull it off. And let me tell you, it’s been quite the journey!
Getting Started
First off, I spent a ton of time just staring at pictures of the real deal. I mean, I was practically living on watch forums and online stores, soaking in every detail of the original Rolex. This watch is a beast – it’s meant for professional divers, with crazy water resistance and all that jazz. The standard model can go down to 1,220 meters, and the Deepsea version? A whopping 3,900 meters! That’s insane! I knew getting mine to those depths was out of the question, but I at least wanted it to look the part.
The Research Phase
My research was intense. I dug into everything I could find about the Sea-Dweller’s history, its features, and how it’s put together. Apparently, it first came out in 1967, and it’s been a legend ever since. I even stumbled upon some info about a new version in yellow gold – pretty fancy, but I was set on the classic look. I also found some chatter online about which factories make the best replicas, especially the “James Cameron” Deepsea model. There were even reviews, but honestly, it was a bit overwhelming.
The Build
Now, onto the fun part – actually building it. I started by gathering all the materials. Let me tell you, sourcing parts for a watch like this isn’t easy. I spent hours online, comparing different suppliers, trying to find pieces that looked authentic but wouldn’t break the bank. I managed to find a decent case, a bezel that clicked just right, and a dial that, if you squinted, could pass for the real thing.
- Case: Finding a case with the right dimensions and weight was crucial. I finally settled on one that felt solid and had the correct markings.
- Bezel: The bezel on the Sea-Dweller is a key feature. I wanted one that rotated smoothly and had that satisfying click. It took some searching, but I found one that was pretty close.
- Dial and Hands: This was probably the trickiest part. The dial needed to have the right text and the hands had to be the perfect shape. I ended up ordering a few different sets before I was happy.
- Movement: I opted for a reliable automatic movement. Not a Rolex movement, of course, but something that would keep decent time.
Putting it all together was like solving a complex puzzle. I had to be super careful not to scratch anything, and let me tell you, those tiny screws are a nightmare to work with. But slowly but surely, the watch started to take shape. I followed some online tutorials (thank goodness for those!) and with a lot of patience, I managed to assemble the whole thing.
The Final Result
After many late nights and a few near-disasters, I finally finished it. And you know what? It actually looks pretty good! Of course, it’s not a genuine Rolex – any expert would spot the differences in a heartbeat. But for a homemade replica, I’m pretty darn proud of it. It’s got a good weight to it, the bezel turns nicely, and it keeps time surprisingly well. It even looks original, has the box, booklets, green tag.
This whole project was a real learning experience. I gained a whole new appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into making a real Rolex. Would I do it again? Maybe. It was a ton of work, but there’s something really satisfying about building something with your own two hands. For now, I’m just going to enjoy wearing my “faux-lex” and see how long I can fool people with it.
So, what do you guys think? Have any of you ever attempted something like this? Let me know in the comments!
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