So, I’ve been messing around with watches lately, and I just had to share this little project I’ve been working on – my very own Rolex 1016 build. Yeah, you heard that right, a 1016! This is the kind of watch that gets collectors all excited, and let me tell you, the prices they go for are just insane. But I wanted one, and I’m not made of money, so I thought, “Why not try building one myself?”
First, I started hunting for parts. I dived deep into those online forums and marketplaces where watch nerds like me hang out. I looked at the case, the dial, the movement, the hands… you name it. Each piece was like a puzzle part. Finding decent ones that wouldn’t break the bank? That was the real challenge.
After a lot of patience, I managed to find a case that was in pretty good shape. It wasn’t perfect, had some scratches and dings, but hey, that’s part of the charm, right? Gives it character. Then came the dial hunt. Man, this was tough. I wanted that classic, vintage look, and let me tell you, the good ones are rare as hen’s teeth. Finally found one that was somewhat aged, with that nice patina that everyone loves. Sure, it cost me a pretty penny, but it was worth it.
Next up, the movement. I thought it could be very easy to find. I spent a few days searching for a reliable one and finally, I got one. It took some cleaning and oiling, but once I got it ticking, it was like music to my ears.
Now came the scary part – putting it all together. I’m no watchmaker, let me tell you. But with the help of some online guides and a lot of deep breaths, I took a try. I started with fitting the movement into the case. It was a delicate operation, like performing surgery, but I managed to get it in there nice and snug.
Then came the dial and hands. This was even trickier. One wrong move and you can scratch the dial or bend the hands, and then you’re back to square one. But I took my time, and with a steady hand and a lot of prayers, I got them on there. And let me tell you, seeing those hands sweep across that dial for the first time… it was magic.
Finally, I added a nice leather strap, gave the whole thing a good polish, and there it was – my very own, homemade Rolex 1016. It’s not perfect, it’s got its quirks, but it’s mine. And the feeling of wearing something you’ve built with your own two hands? That’s priceless.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I used:
- Case: Aftermarket case, aged with some gentle persuasion.
- Dial: Vintage-style dial, with a bit of that sought-after patina.
- Movement: A solid workhorse movement, cleaned and oiled.
- Hands: Classic explorer-style hands.
- Strap: A simple, brown leather strap.
So, that’s my little adventure in watchmaking. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, frustration and excitement, but in the end, totally worth it. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, I say go for it! Just be prepared for a challenge, and remember to enjoy the ride.
