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Gerry · 1 September 2009, 09:41 PM

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 · 1 September 2009, 10:04 PM

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

Gerry · 1 September 2009, 10:06 PM

Quote:

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 · 1 September 2009, 10:07 PM

Quote:

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 · 1 September 2009, 11:55 PM

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

Lion · 2 September 2009, 12:01 AM

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 · 2 September 2009, 12:26 AM

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 · 2 September 2009, 12:28 AM

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 · 2 September 2009, 12:29 AM

I love it and think it looks great.

eyen · 2 September 2009, 12:37 AM

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 · 2 September 2009, 12:48 AM

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 · 2 September 2009, 12:51 AM

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

sexner · 2 September 2009, 12:59 AM

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

Once again - you have done some nice work!

dpj17 · 2 September 2009, 01:17 AM

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

Flyjet601 · 2 September 2009, 01:26 AM

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

Alan111 · 2 September 2009, 02:55 AM

Great look you got there.

bodybump · 2 September 2009, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idle Swede

I love it and think it looks great.

X2!!!

I love the combo...

Dan Pierce · 2 September 2009, 03:08 AM

Quote:

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 · 2 September 2009, 03:52 AM

Nice modification! I like the Clear caseback.

DVR · 2 September 2009, 04:19 AM

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 · 2 September 2009, 05:12 AM

godowning · 2 September 2009, 05:21 AM

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 · 2 September 2009, 06:15 AM

Looks good

Armand · 2 September 2009, 06:54 AM

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 · 2 September 2009, 07:49 AM

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 · 2 September 2009, 07:50 AM

one of a kind

Gerry · 2 September 2009, 09:27 AM

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 · 2 September 2009, 10:36 AM

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 · 2 September 2009, 11:08 AM

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.

1 September 2009, 09:41 PM	#1
Gerry "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Melbourne, Aus. Watch: Z Series 16613 Posts: 887	A Different Look For The Blue 16613 - My Final Change 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 Attached Images __________________

1 September 2009, 10:04 PM	#2
Changmaisausage "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: David Location: UK/Qatar Watch: SeaDweller Posts: 470	mmm not sure? It cheapens the watch for me (though I do love the clear back) __________________ Patek Phillipe / Rolex / Tudor

2 September 2009, 12:01 AM	#6
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	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!!! __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

2 September 2009, 12:48 AM	#11
wantonebad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: USA Watch: 126600, 116500LN Posts: 12,849	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!!! __________________ "I'm kind of a big deal... on a fairly irrelevant social media site that falsely inflates my fragile ego"

2 September 2009, 12:59 AM	#13
sexner "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: 4Q Location: Nowhere near you Watch: 169622, 124060 Posts: 2,014	Well, I for one think it looks fantastic, Gerry. Once again - you have done some nice work! __________________ One should endeavor to do what is right not what is established.

1 September 2009, 11:55 PM	#5
jamesb Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: London Watch: Bi Metal Blue Sub Posts: 111	Have you tried it with the brown leather you have yet?

2 September 2009, 12:26 AM	#7
Thrasher Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Rich Location: New York Watch: 16710 Coke Posts: 275	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.

2 September 2009, 12:28 AM	#8
kyle L "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Explorer I Posts: 10,278	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!

2 September 2009, 12:29 AM	#9
Idle Swede Suspended Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Leo Location: Boca Raton Posts: 13,820	I love it and think it looks great.

2 September 2009, 12:37 AM	#10
eyen Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Matt Location: Hong Kong Watch: Submariner Posts: 168	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.

2 September 2009, 12:51 AM	#12
Bimmernate Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Nate Location: USA Watch: 14060M Posts: 273	Im all for personal changes. You have a nice theme going

2 September 2009, 01:17 AM	#14
dpj17 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: In the Middle Posts: 903	I'm not a big fan of blue, but the clear caseback looks pretty solid! __________________ Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat

2 September 2009, 01:26 AM	#15
Flyjet601 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hong Kong Watch: All of them Posts: 2,789	Very Nice... A great strap.......what kind is that? __________________ I used to be indecisive, now I'm not sure

2 September 2009, 02:55 AM	#16
Alan111 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 1,605	Great look you got there.

2 September 2009, 03:52 AM	#19
wehttaM "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA Posts: 557	Nice modification! I like the Clear caseback.

2 September 2009, 04:19 AM	#20
DVR "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Denis Location: Flanders, EU Watch: Diver watches Posts: 2,009	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 !! __________________ AP - BP - UN - GO - GS - JLC - RLX

2 September 2009, 05:12 AM	#21
YuppieKid "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Brandon Location: West Coast, US Posts: 1,079	Sorry ... Doesn't "do it " for me. __________________ Brandon

2 September 2009, 05:21 AM	#22
godowning "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Greg Location: New York Watch: Rolex Posts: 514	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.

2 September 2009, 06:15 AM	#23
tthopp05 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NY Watch: THE MIGHTY DEEPSEA Posts: 839	Looks good

2 September 2009, 06:54 AM	#24
Armand Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Hermann Location: Middle of Europe Watch: 16710/3185 16613 B Posts: 413	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!

2 September 2009, 07:49 AM	#25
Rolesor "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Brandon Location: Toronto, ON Watch: 116234 Posts: 4,150	Great customization job! Looks great and is truly unique - that's hard to say about a submariner as it is so popular. Well done!!

2 September 2009, 07:50 AM	#26
SDDS "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Yazan Location: Canada Posts: 4,782	one of a kind __________________ Patek Philippe 5167 Patek Philippe 5905P black dial Rolex Deepsea 116660 M series Rolex Oysterquartz 17000 N series Rolex OP 41MM 124300 Green Dial

2 September 2009, 09:27 AM	#27
Gerry "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Melbourne, Aus. Watch: Z Series 16613 Posts: 887	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! __________________

2 September 2009, 10:36 AM	#28
keschete "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Kaya Location: Louisiana Watch: 116500 Posts: 3,575	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.

2 September 2009, 11:08 AM	#29
kkchome "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hong Kong Watch: Submariner 14060M Posts: 162	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. __________________ ♛ Rolex Submariner (14060M) \| Explorer 2 White Dial (16570) \| Day Date (1803) ♛ Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (15400) \| Edward Piguet (15015ST) Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronometer (42042) \| Overseas Chronograph (49140) JLC Master Control Hometime (Q1628420)

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