Learning about Rolexes

[SL1229]

Hey guys,

Please bear with me, I know some of ya'll might hate my question here...

So I'm thinking of purchasing a 3035 movement for a fairly decent price, and I was wondering if it's possible to put a sub together after I purchase all the parts individually. Yes, it's going to be a frankenwatch. I assure you, I'm not going to sell it or anything. Just for my own knowledge and collection. I'm too afraid to rip apart my own sub, and like most guys, the best way for me to learn the intricacies behind a well built machine is either to tear it apart or to build it up. I understand since I'm purchasing the movement already built, 90% of the work has been done for me, but being a noob, I thought the least I could do is learn how the parts fit together. Is it too difficult to do this? Is there something else I could do prior to putting these together?

Any advice? Criticism? Judgement ?

Again, I apologize if this offends anyone.

thanks!

[kilyung]

This is a bad idea for a noob. If you're buying a used movement, it'll need a service. Furthermore you'd need a lot of equipment to do this properly. Unless you're really serious about getting neck deep into the weeds, I'd recommend just buying a nice Sub and enjoy it.

[SL1229]

Originally Posted by kilyung

This is a bad idea for a noob. If you're buying a used movement, it'll need a service. Furthermore you'd need a lot of equipment to do this properly. Unless you're really serious about getting neck deep into the weeds, I'd recommend just buying a nice Sub and enjoy it.

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your quick reply. So is there anyway I can learn with my hands instead of just reading? To be completely honest, all I want to learn is how to change the dials and hands of a sub, but I don't want to do this to my own rolex (just in case I screw up). The only reason I said that I want to put a sub together with the parts is because I assumed that if I'm wanting to change the dial and hands, why not learn how the rest of the watch is put together? Anyways thanks again!

[kilyung]

To do what you want, you'd need at a minimum the following tools

Screwdrivers
Case back tool
Bracelet tool
Movement holder
Hand levers or removal tool
Dial protector (I use freezer bags)
Rodico or Rub-off
Hand press

So you're talking about a few hundred at least. I'd recommend taking the timezone online class on an eta movement watch before risking a pricey Rolex.

[SL1229]

Originally Posted by kilyung

To do what you want, you'd need at a minimum the following tools

Screwdrivers
Case back tool
Bracelet tool
Movement holder
Hand levers or removal tool
Dial protector (I use freezer bags)
Rodico or Rub-off
Hand press

So you're talking about a few hundred at least. I'd recommend taking the timezone online class on an eta movement watch before risking a pricey Rolex.

You're awesome, Mike! thanks so much!

Sam

[77T]

If you move forward with your plan - buying parts is something requiring expertise to avoid replicas. More study there is warranted.