So, the other day I decided I wanted to try and make a high-end replica of the Rolex GMT-Master II, you know, the one with the “Pepsi” bezel. I’ve always been a fan of that red and blue look, it’s just classic.
First things first, I spent a good chunk of time just staring at pictures of the real deal online. I noticed some folks online were talking about variations in the bezel’s paint and font, and how it can be tough to tell if it is a real one or not. That made me a bit nervous, but I figured, hey, it’s all part of the challenge.
- Getting the Bezel Right: This was probably the trickiest part. I found out that the authentic Rolex has a very specific “bezel lip,” as some call it. So I grabbed some materials, and started experimenting. I tried different types of paint, different application techniques – you name it. I messed up a bunch of times, ngl. It was frustrating, but eventually, I started to get something that looked pretty darn close to the original’s color and texture.
- Watch Hands: Then there were the watch hands. Apparently, the order they’re stacked in is super important on a real Rolex. I did some more digging and found a few diagrams online that showed the correct order. I carefully assembled the hands, making sure they were in the right sequence. It was a bit fiddly, but I managed it in the end. It was good, I thought this was going to take forever.
- Finding the Right Movement: I’d heard that some replica movements are better than others. Someone mentioned that the CF (whatever that stands for) movements are supposed to be pretty good. I ended up going with one of those, hoping for the best. I’m not gonna lie, installing it was a bit of a pain, but I watched a few videos and figured it out. It felt like open-heart surgery, but for a watch!
After a lot of trial and error, and a few moments where I almost threw the whole thing across the room, I finally finished it. It’s not perfect, but honestly, I’m pretty proud of how it turned out. It definitely captures that “Pepsi” vibe I was going for.
Would I do it again? Maybe. It was definitely a learning experience, and kind of fun in a weird, masochistic way. If you’re thinking about trying it, just be prepared for a lot of frustration and maybe a few colorful words along the way.
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