A Different Look For The Blue 16613 - My Final Change

[Gerry]

As a number of you have seen, I replaced the TT Oyster bracelet with a blue leather bracelet (with brushed steel buckle) and I have replaced the standard caseback with a clear caseback from Thomas Preik. The only thing that would have made me more pleased was if the buckle were gold ...

Well, with the handy springbar tool, I discovered that the buckle could be removed. Woo hoo! All I needed to do was to decide what I would replace the steel buckle with. I've always thought that gold would be a better fit for this watch so maybe a nice gold buckle?

Thinking about it some more, I realised I've always liked the look of a deployment clasp on a leather strap and I read that they cause far less wear on the strap than a standard buckle.

Now, if only I could find it in gold ...

A little searching on the internet and this is the result. Hope you like it, I certainly do

[Changmaisausage]

mmm not sure? It cheapens the watch for me (though I do love the clear back)

[Gerry]

Originally Posted by Changmaisausage

mmm not sure? It cheapens the watch for me (though I do love the clear back)

What does? The strap or the clasp or both?

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by Changmaisausage

mmm not sure? It cheapens the watch for me (though I do love the clear back)

Bam. Could not have said it better myself..

[jamesb]

Have you tried it with the brown leather you have yet?

[Lion]

Gerry, the changes you have made give the watch a personal touch and look. All that matters is that you are happy and satisfied regardless of what others think!!!

[Thrasher]

The blue band on this watch is one of most beautiful combinations I've seen. I'd like to see a picture of the watch on the wrist, from the underside of the wrist, to better see the buckle's appearance while in actual use. The gold buckle is a necessity with this combo.

[kyle L]

Cool combo. If the strap was a darker blue, it would fit perfectly. But I love all the mods that you did. Rolex Service Department would not be happy!

[Idle Swede]

I love it and think it looks great.

[eyen]

I like this look, the blue strap is very suitable for blue 16613. I think I saw someone with Blue SMP bond with this kind of strap before.

[wantonebad]

I like it, I don't think it looks cheap at all, its a unique look while still holding onto its roots and heritage, not an easy task!!!

[Bimmernate]

Im all for personal changes. You have a nice theme going

[sexner]

Well, I for one think it looks fantastic, Gerry.

Once again - you have done some nice work!

[dpj17]

I'm not a big fan of blue, but the clear caseback looks pretty solid!

[Flyjet601]

A great strap.......what kind is that?

[Alan111]

Great look you got there.

[bodybump]

Originally Posted by Idle Swede

I love it and think it looks great.

X2!!! I love the combo...

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by bodybump

X2!!! I love the combo...

I agree with Leo and Oscar. Looks great and the gold deployant clasp really completes the package.
dP

[wehttaM]

Nice modification! I like the Clear caseback.

[DVR]

Gerry, wow, what can I say , looks extremely good.

Isn't the strap darker in reality? I had a similar blue strap and I could never capture the true color of that gorgeous blue.
Edit , think your first picture is very close to the real color ? Very very nice !!

[YuppieKid]

[godowning]

Looks nice and creates a different look.

I am all for switching things around when desired. I have a couple of Omega Speedmasters and go back and forth between leather and the SS bands a couple of times a year.

[tthopp05]

Looks good

[Armand]

iT´s a unique, beautiful watch.

i personnaly prefer a bracelet wit ( in TT ) Gold through the clasp.

But the Leather is fine by you, so it´s ok.

Clear back - I LOVE it!

( will do it sooner or later to one watch, or buy one )

The clasp: if you have TT and a Leather band, that´s DEFINITELY an improvement!

Have fun, Mate!

[Rolesor]

Great customization job! Looks great and is truly unique - that's hard to say about a submariner as it is so popular.

Well done!!

[SDDS]

one of a kind

[Gerry]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone. For the people who have been asking, The strap is from Watchworx (http://www.watchworx.co.uk/pages/lwb...op/BigBlue.htm) and the deployment clasp is from Strapped For Time (http://www.strappedfortime.com/shop/....aspx?catid=11).

The caseback is from Thomas Preik (http://www.beepworld.de/members97/uh...-preik/usa.htm).

As with any of these mods, it's very easy to revert to the stock specs to send it to the RSC for servicing. Any watchmaker will be able to put the old bracelet and caseback on in a few minutes.

The surprising thing for me is that with the right tool, it's pretty easy to change these things - I never thought I would be able to replace bracelets or clasps but it's given me a new sense of freedom and appreciation for the watch. In a sense, this is the Rolex equivalent of the Omega Planet Ocean with the orange leather strap.

I have the brown strap and might put it on for some photos but right now, the blue is the most appealing to me. It's hard to capture but the shade does make a good match. Perhaps a darker shade might be better but I'm done for now

I'll get the clasp wristshots up soon. Thanks again for the kind words!

[keschete]

Since I am the ultimate fan of the color blue, I should love the changes you have made.

Personally, I like a metal bracelet with a heavy metal watch case. So even though I LOVE your blue leather bracelet......I like it better with a TT bracelet.

Just my honest view...it's very nice, but I like the original better.

[kkchome]

I personally don't really like the clear caseback, but I think the strap/deployment looks great and a nice alternative the chunky look of the 2tone bracelet.