Hey all,
Some of you may want to build your own watch from Rolex parts while others may just need to replace certain parts on your genuine Rolex for whatever reason. This reference is so that you always get the correct parts for your watch. Feel free to comment anything I missed or got wrong and I'll add it to this post.
I'll list out the Rolex part, the alternatives, as well as the prices you should expect to pay for each part. CTRL+F your reference number. Prices are generally for new parts, as used/older part prices are negotiable depending on the condition. Chances are, the parts you find are cheaper than the prices I listed here, so think of this more as an upper bound of what you're expected to pay. I've included some sample builds from my own collection, as well as builds from some of my friends so you can get a good idea of real world costs.
By the way, there are official part numbers for everything, like asking for B13/116408-120-K1 for GV milgauss dial, or B3186-16201-K1 for a green rolex datewheel. I choose not to include those part numbers because when you're looking for stuff on Ebay/Chrono24, you're going to just search up something like "16610 bezel assembly". The official codes are only relevant if you have a source within RSC that's willing to sell them to you.
This is a work in progress and I'll add even more models/prices as time goes on
16610
The 16610 is the classic watch that every watch enthusiast loves. This watch is probably the easiest to franken due to very easy to access parts, as well as having numerous high quality aftermarket replacements.
Case: 16610 serial number case from Rolex
Price: $1500-$2500, if you can even find one, and it’s usually a service case
Price: $750 (only about $300-400 value if you get it with an insert usually)
Price: $200-$225 LN, $575-675 LV
Price: $150-$200
Price: $100-$125
Price: $300-$325 CAR, $350-$375 C12, $375 No AR/LEC
Price: $150-$200
Price: $750-$850 LN, $1750-$2000 LV
Price: $300-$350 LN, $400-$450 LV
Price: $1250 93150 bracelet, $1500 93250 bracelet
Price: $2250-$2500
16613
Sample Builds:
16622
Sample Builds:
16623
Sample Builds:
116610LN/116610LV
The 16610's big brother, complete with beefier lugs and a ceramic insert. Since this hasn't been in production for as long as the 16610, parts are going to be harder to find and somewhat pricier. The main component that needs updating is the bezel insert, which can go upwards of $800. Consider this one if you're looking for a submariner that commands more wrist presence.
Case: 116610 serial number case from Rolex
Price: $2000-$3000, if you can even find one, and it’s usually a service case
Price: $750 (only about $300-400 value if you get it with an insert usually)
Price: $800 LN, $1500 LV
Price: $150-$200
Price: $100-$125
Price: $300-$325 CAR, $350-$375 C12
Price: $150-$200
Price: $750 LN, $1500 LV
Price: $350
Price: $2000
Price: $2250-$2500 BNIB
116710LN
The 116710LN is always overshadowed by it's brother, the BLNR, but is still an amazing watch in it's own right. This is the watch to go if you want an affordable modern Rolex GMT, with the parts being very accessible at cheap prices, especially for a six digit.
Case: 116710 serial number case from Rolex
Price: $1500-2500, very rare
Price: $600, very cheap and easy to find, as opposed to the rarer BLNR
Price: $150-$200
Price: $100-$125
Price: $300-$325 CAR
Price: $150-$200
Price: $300-600
Price: $250
Price: $2000
Price: $2250-$2500
Lume Reference
Parts Vendors
http://www.jewelryandwatch.com/
http://www.vintagewatchmaker.com/
http://www.startimesupply.com/
http://www.helenarou.com/
http://rafflesdials.com/
https://www.ebay.com/usr/wholesaleoutlet990
http://www.yukiwatch.com/
Some of you may want to build your own watch from Rolex parts while others may just need to replace certain parts on your genuine Rolex for whatever reason. This reference is so that you always get the correct parts for your watch. Feel free to comment anything I missed or got wrong and I'll add it to this post.
I'll list out the Rolex part, the alternatives, as well as the prices you should expect to pay for each part. CTRL+F your reference number. Prices are generally for new parts, as used/older part prices are negotiable depending on the condition. Chances are, the parts you find are cheaper than the prices I listed here, so think of this more as an upper bound of what you're expected to pay. I've included some sample builds from my own collection, as well as builds from some of my friends so you can get a good idea of real world costs.
By the way, there are official part numbers for everything, like asking for B13/116408-120-K1 for GV milgauss dial, or B3186-16201-K1 for a green rolex datewheel. I choose not to include those part numbers because when you're looking for stuff on Ebay/Chrono24, you're going to just search up something like "16610 bezel assembly". The official codes are only relevant if you have a source within RSC that's willing to sell them to you.
This is a work in progress and I'll add even more models/prices as time goes on
16610
The 16610 is the classic watch that every watch enthusiast loves. This watch is probably the easiest to franken due to very easy to access parts, as well as having numerous high quality aftermarket replacements.
Case: 16610 serial number case from Rolex
Price: $1500-$2500, if you can even find one, and it’s usually a service case
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Startime submariner case (lugs need a rework because they're thicker lugs resembling the modern submariner) - $175
- TC 16610 case
- JF 16610 case
- JJS 16610 case
- Phong 16610 case (super expensive)
Price: $750 (only about $300-400 value if you get it with an insert usually)
- Aftermarket alternatives
- TC PA2 Bezel Assembly
- JF Bezel Assembly (requires reworking to change bezel lines from horizontal to vertical)
Price: $200-$225 LN, $575-675 LV
- Aftermarket alternatives
- TC LN/LV bezel inserts
- JF LN/LV bezel inserts
- WSO/ST bezel inserts (not gen-spec)
Price: $150-$200
- Aftermarket alternatives
- TC 16610 Crown
- JF 16610 Crown
Price: $100-$125
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Startime Tube - $7
- Most tubes from an aftermarket case work just as well
Price: $300-$325 CAR, $350-$375 C12, $375 No AR/LEC
- Aftermarket alternatives
- TC 16610 no AR/LEC crystal
- JF 16610 no AR/LEC crystal
- Noob V7 AR/LEC crystal
Price: $150-$200
- Aftermarket alternatives
- TC V4 datewheel (2824/2836 movements) - $10
- JF 3135 datewheel (font is a bit thick)
- Noob 3135 datewheel
Price: $750-$850 LN, $1750-$2000 LV
- Aftermarket alternatives
- TC 16610 dial (2824/2836 movements)
- JF 16610 dial
- WM9 16610 dial (harder to find and the lume plots are overfilled)
Price: $300-$350 LN, $400-$450 LV
- Aftermarket alternatives
- TC 16610 hands (2824/2836 movements)
- JF 16610 hands
Price: $1250 93150 bracelet, $1500 93250 bracelet
- Aftermarket alternatives
- TC 93250 bracelet - $80
- JF 93250 bracelet
- Yuki 93150 bracelet
- Cartel 93150 bracelet
Price: $2250-$2500
- Aftermarket alternatives
- ETA 2824/2836 if using TC parts (dial/hands) - $150
- SH3135 - $250
- SA3135
16613
Sample Builds:
16622
Sample Builds:
16623
Sample Builds:
116610LN/116610LV
The 16610's big brother, complete with beefier lugs and a ceramic insert. Since this hasn't been in production for as long as the 16610, parts are going to be harder to find and somewhat pricier. The main component that needs updating is the bezel insert, which can go upwards of $800. Consider this one if you're looking for a submariner that commands more wrist presence.
Case: 116610 serial number case from Rolex
Price: $2000-$3000, if you can even find one, and it’s usually a service case
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Noob V7 116610 Case
- Noob V8 116610 904L Case
Price: $750 (only about $300-400 value if you get it with an insert usually)
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Noob V7 116610 bezel assembly
- Noob V8 116610 904L bezel assembly
Price: $800 LN, $1500 LV
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Noob V7/V8 116610 insert
- Although Noob has improved the platinum paint, I recommend a platinum paint mod ($30-50) or PVD plating mod like spongebob ($200)
- Noob V7/V8 116610 insert
Price: $150-$200
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Noob V7/V8 crown
Price: $100-$125
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Startime Tube - $7
- Most tubes from an aftermarket case such as the one in your Noob work just as well
Price: $300-$325 CAR, $350-$375 C12
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Noob V7 AR/LEC crystal
- Clarks AR crystal
Price: $150-$200
- Aftermarket alternatives
- TC V4 datewheel (2824/2836 movements) - $10
- Noob datewheel
Price: $750 LN, $1500 LV
- Aftermarket alternatives
- TC 16610 dial (2824/2836 movements)
- JF 16610 dial
- WM9 16610 dial (harder to find and the lume plots are overfilled)
Price: $350
- Aftermarket alternatives
- TC 16610 hands (2824/2836 movements)
- JF 16610 hands
Price: $2000
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Noob V7 97200 bracelet
- Noob V8 904L 97200 bracelet
Price: $2250-$2500 BNIB
- Aftermarket alternatives
- ETA 2824/2836 if using TC parts (dial/hands) - $150
- SH3135 - $250
- SA3135
116710LN
The 116710LN is always overshadowed by it's brother, the BLNR, but is still an amazing watch in it's own right. This is the watch to go if you want an affordable modern Rolex GMT, with the parts being very accessible at cheap prices, especially for a six digit.
Case: 116710 serial number case from Rolex
Price: $1500-2500, very rare
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Noob V7 ICHS case if you're being economical
- Noob V7 CHS case if you're frankening a movement (the original rep movements that come with it are ticking time bombs)
Price: $600, very cheap and easy to find, as opposed to the rarer BLNR
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Noob V7 116710 bezel assembly
- Noob V7 116710 insert
- Although Noob has improved the platinum paint, I recommend a platinum paint mod ($30-50) or PVD plating mod like spongebob ($200)
Price: $150-$200
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Noob V7/V8 crown
Price: $100-$125
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Startime Tube - $7
- Most tubes from an aftermarket case such as the one in your Noob work just as well
Price: $300-$325 CAR
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Noob V7 AR/LEC crystal
- Clarks AR crystal
Price: $150-$200
- Aftermarket alternatives
- TC V4 datewheel (2824/2836 movements) - $10
- Noob datewheel
Price: $300-600
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Stock Noob V7 dial
Price: $250
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Stock Noob V7 hands
Price: $2000
- Aftermarket alternatives
- Noob V7 78200 bracelet
Price: $2250-$2500
- Aftermarket alternatives
- 2836 with GMT module (either CHS or ICHS) stock movement
- SH3135 converted to a 3186. Total cost around $900, but no ticking time bomb like the CHS movement
Lume Reference
- Prior – 1953: The early age of Rolex luminous, used on their pocket watches, early oyster cases, bubble backs and radiomir Panerai’s.
- 1953 – 1956: When Rolex introduced the world their sports / utility / tool watch concept with radium Submariner, TOG, Explorer & GMT Master.
- 1957 – 1960: When Rolex lowered radiation and chanced dial printing from 1 to 2 colored print and enhanced the lacquer to a more glossy variant.
- 1960 – 1963: The pre ‘Transitional” period with “Exclamation” mark and due to the starting international regulation, again less radioactive luminous.
- 1963 – 1964: “Transitional” underline of which Rolex switched from Radium to Tritium, delivered dials are “Swiss” signed but laminated with tritium.
- 1964 – 1967: The new generation tritium luminous got added on glossy dials, signing chanced from “Swiss” to “Swiss – T<25” & “T-Swiss-T”.
- 1967 – 1983: The matte dial with tritium luminous got introduced by Rolex. We see tritium signings variations like T Swiss T<25 or σ T-Swiss-T σ.
- 1983 – 1997: The last era of the tritium dials when the glossy dial surface came back, now the luminous was added in a added white gold surround.
- 1998 – 2000: LumiNova was invented in 1993 and patented in 1995; Nemoto & Co. Ltd. was contracted in 1998 to provide LumiNova to Switzerland.
- 2000 – 2008: Super Luminova, a improved version of Luminova, a material that has the same properties as tritium but is not radioactive.
- 2008 – now: Chroma Light, the new blue colored Super Luminova that's been in use since Rolex patented it.
Parts Vendors
http://www.jewelryandwatch.com/
http://www.vintagewatchmaker.com/
http://www.startimesupply.com/
http://www.helenarou.com/
http://rafflesdials.com/
https://www.ebay.com/usr/wholesaleoutlet990
http://www.yukiwatch.com/
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