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JohnnyS. · 19 July 2012, 06:48 AM

I really love the steel, and gold Thunderbird Datejust's, but I also love my 16013. Since I don't want to sell my 16013, and I don't want to buy another steel, and gold Datejust just to have a Thunderbird, I was wondering if it's possible to replace the gold fluted bezel on my Datejust, and install a retaining ring, and rotating bezel.

Are the case sizes the same for the 16013, and the 16253?

If this is possible, what parts would be needed? Also, how difficult is it to find a 14k Tbird bezel?

I wouldn't plan to do this work myself, but rather have a competent watchmaker do this for me.

Any advice, and opinions are greatly appreciated.

harry in montreal · 19 July 2012, 07:12 AM

you see the bezels now and again. there wasa 1625 case and caseback on the bay that went for 400$ (check the completed auctions). no bezel though. i think the bezelpart alone is worth around $600. i dont think its eco feasible.

JohnnyS. · 19 July 2012, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

you see the bezels now and again. there wasa 1625 case and caseback on the bay that went for 400$ (check the completed auctions). no bezel though. i think the bezelpart alone is worth around $600. i dont think its eco feasible.

Thanks for your input, Harry.

I considered the cost of parts, and having the work done, and had to realistically accept that when all is said and done, I would have half the cost of a vintage piece tied up into a Frankenwatch.

Maybe I will just give this some more thought. If I love the steel and gold look as much as I do, obviously having a second watch with this look should not bother me.

joe100 · 19 July 2012, 07:57 AM

Naw, let your 16013 be and save up for what you really want. It's like those cats who put an explorer dial in a 5500 case. Sure it's an easy swap but in the back of your mind you'll know it's not the real thing.

harry in montreal · 19 July 2012, 09:49 AM

Funny, i always secretlu wanted a 5500 expl

joe100 · 19 July 2012, 09:59 AM

Well a legitimate 5500 Explorer is great, but I'd only own one if I purchased it from the gates of the Rolex factory from the CEO himself. Telling the frankens from the legitimates are impossible really.

azguy · 20 July 2012, 12:44 AM

Love mine, wear it a lot

TBside.JPG

TBwrist.JPG

19 July 2012, 06:48 AM	#1
JohnnyS. Banned Join Date: May 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 139	Converting a 16013 to a Thunderbird? I really love the steel, and gold Thunderbird Datejust's, but I also love my 16013. Since I don't want to sell my 16013, and I don't want to buy another steel, and gold Datejust just to have a Thunderbird, I was wondering if it's possible to replace the gold fluted bezel on my Datejust, and install a retaining ring, and rotating bezel. Are the case sizes the same for the 16013, and the 16253? If this is possible, what parts would be needed? Also, how difficult is it to find a 14k Tbird bezel? I wouldn't plan to do this work myself, but rather have a competent watchmaker do this for me. Any advice, and opinions are greatly appreciated.

19 July 2012, 07:12 AM	#2
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	you see the bezels now and again. there wasa 1625 case and caseback on the bay that went for 400$ (check the completed auctions). no bezel though. i think the bezelpart alone is worth around $600. i dont think its eco feasible.

19 July 2012, 07:57 AM	#4
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,838	Naw, let your 16013 be and save up for what you really want. It's like those cats who put an explorer dial in a 5500 case. Sure it's an easy swap but in the back of your mind you'll know it's not the real thing.

19 July 2012, 09:49 AM	#5
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	Funny, i always secretlu wanted a 5500 expl

19 July 2012, 09:59 AM	#6
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,838	Well a legitimate 5500 Explorer is great, but I'd only own one if I purchased it from the gates of the Rolex factory from the CEO himself. Telling the frankens from the legitimates are impossible really.

20 July 2012, 12:44 AM	#7
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	Love mine, wear it a lot TBside.JPG TBwrist.JPG

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