Modded 16600 -- The ULTIMATE Dive Watch -- Modem Burner

[Jason71]

I know there are a few that will like it, and most will HATE it, but I set out to make the PERFECT diver for me this past spring. I started out with an A-serial 16600 SeaDweller that was rather beat-up (about 80% condition) but it had no deep dings/scratches. I acquired it off the boards. Even though it was keeping great time, I decided it was time for a service since Rolex will never service my watch after this mod. Actually, I ended-up sending it to a Rolex Certified Watchmaker for the service. At that time, he changed-out the minute and hour hand to LV hands, and the second-hand to a Yachtmaster hand. So far.........Modified, but all still COMPLETELY authentic Rolex.

Here is a picture from after the service/hand change


Next, it was off for a PVD treatement. First the watch parts were bead-blasted by my Watchmaker and then they were sent off to the PVD vendor. After a long discussion with the PVD expert, I determined that I would get the bracelet PVD'd as well. Originally, my plan was to only PVD the watch head and then sell the bracelet to cut-down on my total investment. Since this is going to be my primary Rolex diver for SCUBA, I don't plan on diving the bracelet anyway. The bracelet has not arrived back from the DLC coating, but I did receive the watch head today. Let me tell you.......it is ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. I am very happy with the final outcome. For those of you that believe I have messed-up a perfectly great Rolex, that is one reason that I bought an M-serial 16600 first...........It will stay unmodified. I am very happy with my Modification, and believe it will serve me for many years to come. I couldn't be Happier

[Ken Cox]

I like it a lot.

When I get home I'll save these photos to my hard drive.

Very nice.

[Matc]

I'm not normally into mods but I think it looks fantastic!! Congrats.

Can you give an estimate of total cost?

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Matc

I'm not normally into mods but I think it looks fantastic!! Congrats.

Can you give an estimate of total cost?

I don't mind a bit giving you the cost breakdown.

---A-serial SD $3,200 (I bought it fairly beat-up.......probably only 80% condition. No major dings or deep scratches though)

---Full service from a Rolex-Certified Watchmaker including all 3 hands changed (hour/minute to LV and second-hand to Yachtmaster) $648
--BTW, I was able to retain the original hands just in case I want to put the watch back to original someday
---PVD treatment of the watch - $925

Total - $4,773

That does include all shipping to and from the different entities, and my TOTAL cost

[tthopp05]

It looks good.Good luck

[DadsWatch72]

I love the red second hand. Very unique. You are the only person to own a Rolex like this one, thats for sure. The coating is functional and looks good. I can't wait to see the bracelet on the watch. Overall I like it. Did the coating require the case to be taken apart and each part sprayed or however they apply it?

[kyle L]

Wow wow. I really like this! Jocke has some modding competition now.

[DadsWatch72]

I want a red YM second hand on my Double Red.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by DadsWatch72

I love the red second hand. Very unique. You are the only person to own a Rolex like this one, thats for sure. The coating is functional and looks good. I can't wait to see the bracelet on the watch. Overall I like it. Did the coating require the case to be taken apart and each part sprayed or however they apply it?

The PVD process requires complete disassembly and then reassembly after the DLC has been applied. The movement is then regulated and lubricated before it is sent back to me. It is difficult to tell by the pictures, but even the inner rehaut is blackened

[kyle L]

What I really like is that hint of red. The hand really pops out. Maybe you should get a matching red SeaDweller text.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by kyle L

What I really like is that hint of red. The hand really pops out. Maybe you should get a matching red SeaDweller text.

Honestly, that was my plan. However, there are many problems associated with that route. Either you need a redial, which I was ABSOLUTELY not interested in pursuing............or, someone needs to freehand paint the text. Ultimately, I decided it wasn't worth the risk of not coming out perfect.

I mean......there are some VERY poor freehand jobs out there

[dalip]

Really like it. Again please post pics of it on a bracelet. Enjoy

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by DadsWatch72

I want a red YM second hand on my Double Red.

Interestingly, I was REALLY interested in the YM second-hand, but I really didn't realize how good the LV hands would look on the SD. I mean......It is really subtle, but they really look great. I made that change because the more robust hands would be slightly more legible while underwater. However, they really look great all the time.

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by DadsWatch72

I want a red YM second hand on my Double Red.

That would look awesome Dadswatch!! I agree....
To jclavoy,I think it looks great!! The red hand looks super with that nylon combo and most important,your happy,I can tell!! Truelly original and functional..!
Rob..

[WatchSnob]

That looks great!

[deserted]

Originally Posted by jclevoy

Honestly, that was my plan. However, there are many problems associated with that route. Either you need a redial, which I was ABSOLUTELY not interested in pursuing............or, someone needs to freehand paint the text. Ultimately, I decided it wasn't worth the risk of not coming out perfect.

I mean......there are some VERY poor freehand jobs out there

Jason i just want to tell you that's some really great work, i know it feels great to own a unique beauty like that , enjoy it man ....my brother is here losing his mind on how beautiful it really looks ......you have fans

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by dalip

Really like it. Again please post pics of it on a bracelet. Enjoy

I certainly will. The watchmaker that has my bracelet received the bracelet back at the same time as the watch head. However, he is a real stickler for perfection and the bracelet didn't meet his standards. So, it was back to the PVD vendor. I have no doubt that it will be virtually perfect when it is returned.

Although this might be the first Rolex EVER that JJ likes on a NATO

[RedBaronF2001]

I like it If SEA-DWELLER was in red, too, wow.

[TSW]

Sweet Modd. Lookin forward too see the bracelet.

[SLS]

Looks great Jason! Enjoy it!
Scott

[valentine]

looks awesome!

[skinnypuppy]

That looks great

[Ultraman]

Looks awesome! Ilike it alot! Red second hand and PVD goes really well with the black/red nato. Fantastic job!

[DRAWTOOL]

Interesting, PVC'd Rolexes have previously been held in low esteem on this forum and, dare I say it, utter distain. Now it occurs that one our members has performed this identical customization to a revered and iconic Rolex model and has done an excellent job, I might add. The difference is this one is the subject of (deservedly) high praise. It would seem to be an issue of propriety; if Rolex or one of us does a controversial mod, it's ok but let an outside agent do the same thing and it's reviled. Hypocrisy is only human I suppose and maybe I'm just feeling cynical tonite.
Great job Jason, it be looking really Cool.

[kcmo]

I like it! Way to go Jason! Enjoy it!

[rpryan55]

Jason, your design and execution was a revelation to me. While I have many watches, I have none that I have had a hand in designing - and I had absolutely no interest in modifying a watch to my own design until I saw yours. It's just stunning - not a thing I would change. Great great watch, and, to me, the beauty of it is that it is solely and completely your design.

Congratulations. In the meantime, be assured that you may have created a monster.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by DRAWTOOL

Interesting, PVC'd Rolexes have previously been held in low esteem on this forum and, dare I say it, utter distain. Now it occurs that one our members has performed this identical customization to a revered and iconic Rolex model and has done an excellent job, I might add. The difference is this one is the subject of (deservedly) high praise. It would seem to be an issue of propriety; if Rolex or one of us does a controversial mod, it's ok but let an outside agent do the same thing and it's reviled. Hypocrisy is only human I suppose and maybe I'm just feeling cynical tonite.
Great job Jason, it be looking really Cool.

Thank you for this analysis.

Seriously though........If there are those out there that DON'T like it, feel free to speak up. I like to hear everyone's reaction, and I have thick skin........No chance of me getting upset.

I thought about a redial or an aftermarket dial with red lettering, but I just couldn't bring myself to add any parts that were not authentic Rolex. I don't mind the coating, because ultimately it is true Rolex underneath and the process could be reversed if someone chose to do so. Absolutely NO AFTERMARKET PARTS for me though

[migboy]

good job!!! i love it!!!

[sakuraba]

Congratulations on a very unique watch.

I'm really not into modifying my watches, but greatly appreciate the effort in personalizing. Good job

[ROGERB]

I tend to be traditional....Sub date has a cyclops and should..but Ithink it turned out great.
R