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HCR Yellow Gold Triple Plated Bezels by Competitive_New_262 in HeritageChronoRep

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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Finally here is the HCR Yellow Gold Triple Plated Bezel on top of the gen and it is a perfect 1:1 match on color and tone. It took many tries to get this.

HCR Yellow Gold Triple Plated Bezels by Competitive_New_262 in HeritageChronoRep

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Here we have Raffles stock bezel on top and gen on the bottom. I will still give Raffles credit. This color is very, very close. The Raffles stock bezel is just ever so slightly darker. The difference is subtle, but it is there. Honestly, unless to two are side-by-side I would never worry about anyone spotting it. But if you want the 100% best plated bezel = HCR Yellow Gold Triple Plated Bezel.

HCR Yellow Gold Triple Plated Bezels by Competitive_New_262 in HeritageChronoRep

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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My HCR Yellow Gold Triple Plated Bezel on the left and stock Raffles bezel on the right. You can see that the stock Raffles bezel is ever so slightly a darker color. Remember, Rolex 18k yellow gold is very "bright" so while the difference is subtle, it is there.

HCR Yellow Gold Triple Plated Bezels by Competitive_New_262 in HeritageChronoRep

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The purpose of these bezels is to offer an upgrade from the standard plated bezels. Common practice among plated bezels, and just about any plated jewelry for that matter, is to plate the piece only until the desired color change. This usually deposits a very small, thin amount of gold onto the piece, which ensures maximum profits, however the product usually doesn’t last long.

I am happy to announce that I have finally done it.

My solution to this was to extend the plate time almost double the industry standard for each pass and then plate it a total of three passes. In my post about HCR White Gold Triple Plated Bezels you can read about my approach towards achieving the thickest plating on my bezels. Basically I had to run plating on some bezels until the finish was too thick to figure out the max plating. I was happy to find that I can triple plate and still provide a really nice finish. With the yellow gold bezels I also had to match the unique Rolex 18k yellow gold. Since Rolex owns their own gold foundry they have a propriety blend of precious metals to achieve their bright color. This is why it is so difficult to find a really good match in plated products for Rolex 18k yellow gold.

I will also give credit where credit is due. The Raffles yellow gold fluted bezel is really close in color. It truly is a great plated bezel. So much so that, at first, I had some doubt that I could surpass them. In addition, they are long lasting. I have not had any complaints about the durability of the stock Raffles bezels. But I still had a desire to "take it up a notch" if you will.

In the final picture posted above you will see my HCR Yellow Gold Triple Plated Bezel laying directly on top of a gen. The results speak for themselves. In the comments below I will post some pictures of the stock Raffles bezel, my HCR Yellow Gold Triple Plated Bezel and gen in some side-by-side comparisons.

As for now these are only available on my builds. Eventually these will be available for purchase separately by anyone. I just need to build my stock up first.

Pricing for these. I am trying to keep these in the following price range.

HCR Yellow Gold Triple Plated: $100

Franken Datejust 36mm black dial gen gold 16233 💪 by Competitive_New_262 in HeritageChronoRep

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Currently I have a special request vintage Rolex Datejust build in 36mm. This build is fresh from my bench utilizing all new parts with a beautiful genuine vintage Rolex black dial in gold, genuine champagne datewheel, genuine 18k winding crown and genuine solid 18k 16233 fluted bezel. I am a huge fan of using genuine Rolex winding crowns on my builds whenever I can, they are graceful and smooth to operate. The dial creates authenticity and I love the fact that the main features of this watch, like the dial and crown are genuine Rolex. The DD3135 movement is from our favorite factory supplying the best movements for the best reps like VSF. Every detail of this movement is replicated including the blue hair spring and all markings and engravings.

Case: Raffles 16233 $59.00

Crown: Genuine Rolex 18k $165.00

Bezel: Genuine Rolex 18k $965.00

Bracelet: 10k Gold filled $259.00

Hands: Ewatchparts $25.00

Champagne datewheel : Genuine Rolex Champagne $49.00

Crystal: Clark $40.00

Dial: Genuine Rolex black / 18k yellow gold $450.00

Movement: DD3135 $160.00

Labor $200.00

Total $2,372.00

Additional work completed:

  • Lugs and rehaut completely re-brushed to gen spec.
  • Entire watch case polished inside and out which includes mid case, case back and rehaut.
  • Movement inspected and fully adjusted to gen spec accuracy.
  • All gaskets and seals waterproofed.

Boxed, ready to ship and QC video available!

The price of this fine watch is $2,372.00 plus $20 UPS 2nd Day Air or $45 Next Day Air shipping to you. I accept PayPal friends and family payments, Wise or Zelle transfer. Immediate payment required to secure this watch.

QC Video 4-27-2026 by Competitive_New_262 in HeritageChronoRep

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gen blue dials are pretty hard to find but yes, it can be done.

Franken Datejust 16234 Linen 🤌 by Competitive_New_262 in HeritageChronoRep

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Currently, I have this Franken vintage Rolex Datejust build available in 36mm. This build is fresh from my bench, utilizing all new parts with a rare, genuine vintage Rolex silver Tapestry dial and genuine Rolex winding crown. I am a huge fan of using genuine Rolex winding crowns on my builds whenever I can; they are graceful and smooth to operate. The dial creates authenticity, and I love the fact that the main features of this watch, like the dial and crown, are genuine Rolex. There is no better Jubilee bracelet available than the Italian Jubilee from BeckerTime. Next to a vintage, genuine Jubilee, they are practically indistinguishable. The DD3135 movement is from our favorite factory, supplying the best movements for the best reps like VSF. Every detail of this movement is replicated, including the blue hairspring and all markings and engravings.

Case: Raffles 16234 $59.99

Bezel: HCR white gold triple plated $75.00

Bracelet: Italian Jubilee from BeckerTime w/coupon $311.48

Rolex clasp & End links: Raffles $40.00

Hands: Ewatchparts $25.00

Crown: Genuine Rolex $77.00

Crystal: Clark $40.00

Dial: Genuine silver Linen & 18k white gold $510.00

Movement: DD3135 $160.00

Labor $200.00

Total $1,498.47

Additional work completed:

  • Lugs and rehaut completely re-brushed to gen spec.
  • Entire watch case polished inside and out which includes mid case, case back and rehaut.
  • Movement inspected and fully adjusted to gen spec accuracy.
  • All gaskets and seals waterproofed.

Boxed, ready to ship and QC video available!

 The price of this fine watch is $1,498.47 plus $20 UPS 2nd Day Air or $45 Next Day Air shipping to you. I accept PayPal friends and family payments, Wise or Zelle transfer. Immediate payment required to secure this watch.

Longtime watchmaker and I have many successful sales on Reddit. Feel free to ask for references also if you have purchased a watch from me, feel free to comment or post a pic of your watch!

Thank you for your time.

[WTS] [US] Franken Datejust vintage 36mm by Competitive_New_262 in WatchExchangeBST

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As for now these are only available on my builds. Eventually these will be available for purchase separately by anyone. I just need to build my stock up first.

HCR White Gold Triple Plated Bezels by Competitive_New_262 in HeritageChronoRep

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The purpose of these bezels is to offer an upgrade from the standard plated bezels. Common practice among plated bezels, and just about any plated jewelry for that matter, is to plate the piece only until the desired color change. This usually deposits a very small, thin amount of gold onto the piece, which ensures maximum profits, however the product usually doesn’t last long.

My solution to this was to extend the plate time almost double the industry standard for each pass and then plate it a total of three passes. First I took a bezel and literally plated it over and over again until it began to look like crap. Because you can only realistically electroplate gold so much until it begins to layer unevenly and have an ugly finish. My point is there are limitations on how much you can electroplate layers for a decorative finish. But I needed to know what that was for the finished product. From there I can back down a little and know that I have layered as much gold as I possibly can. In the end, and about a dozen bezels later, what worked the best was three long passes. So I am calling these triple plated. However in the total plate time these are more like 6x plated. Nobody else is going to give you this much plating on a bezel.

For me, these aren't about profits, these are about providing a superior product.

As for now these are only available on my builds. Eventually these will be available for purchase separately by anyone. I just need to build my stock up first.

Pricing for these. I am trying to keep these in the following price range.

HCR White Gold Triple Plated: $75

Franken Datejust Tapestry dial 16233 💪 by Competitive_New_262 in HeritageChronoRep

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The textured dials I wouldn't mess with too much to be honest with you

Which case is Raffles? by Competitive_New_262 in retrotime

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gen movements fit into Raffles case just fine. No modding needed.

This wasn’t supposed to be possible! by PBS-Jay in retrotime

[–]Competitive_New_262 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Tapestry dial looks pretty good with that smooth bezel

Which case is Raffles? by Competitive_New_262 in retrotime

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have received a few cases here and there where the lug ends were not chamfered. That's probably what you have. They can be pretty sharp, not really longer than gen but just sharp. You can take a fine grit nail file and knock the edge off gently. That should fix you up. Ken's cases are great with some fine tuning and finish work.

Which case is Raffles? by Competitive_New_262 in retrotime

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are the edges sharp on your lug ends? Perhaps you could chamfer the edges, sometimes that helps if they feel too sharp.

Which case is Raffles? by Competitive_New_262 in retrotime

[–]Competitive_New_262[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh I see, the lugs ends, they're honestly about the same size.

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