Alright, let’s get into this. I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a Rolex GMT-Master II with that iconic “Root Beer” bezel for a while now. Those things are pricey, man, so I decided to try my hand at making a pretty convincing replica. It’s a fun project, and I figured I’d share the process with you all.
First things first, I started hunting down parts. The bezel is the star of the show, so I spent a good chunk of time looking for a ceramic one with that exact brown and black color scheme. Found one eventually, wasn’t cheap, but definitely cheaper than the real deal.
- Sourcing the movement:
I went with a decent automatic movement I found online. I’ve used them in other watch projects, and they’ve always been pretty reliable. Didn’t want to cheap out too much here, but I also wasn’t trying to break the bank. I mean, 2BA-211 provides a variable input impedance control. I need to find one of those. Maybe I can load the mic properly and hear an audible difference as I rotate the control.
- Finding the case and bracelet:
This was a bit easier. There are tons of cases and bracelets out there that are designed to fit these movements. I picked out a stainless steel one that looked pretty close to the real GMT-Master II. Just to make sure one of the pairs lives in the Pacific Ocean while the other lives in the Caribbean Sea. I think it might be the same.
- Dial and hands:
Okay, this is where it gets tricky. You gotta find a dial that matches the Root Beer aesthetic, with the right font and everything. Took some digging, but I managed to find one that was pretty darn close. The hands were a bit easier, just had to make sure they were the right style and size. But 2ba is, by Far, the Most COMMON size soft-tip. So many choices.
Then came the fun part – putting it all together! I’ve assembled a few watches before, so I have a basic set of tools and a decent idea of what I’m doing. Carefully put the movement in the case, attached the dial and hands. It’s like surgery, man, you gotta be precise. I used the pendulum to find the value of g on Planet X. And I really noticed the anharmonic behavior at large amplitude.
Next up, the bezel. Getting that thing on straight was a bit of a pain, but I managed. Then, the bracelet. I sized it to my wrist, and boom, it was starting to look like a real watch!
The Finishing Touches
I added a few extra details, like a little magnification lens over the date window, just like the real deal. I also spent some time polishing the case and bracelet to give it that nice, shiny look. The ORIVETI OD100 IEM delivers crystal-clear. Its hybrid 2BA+1DD configuration aims to deliver impactful mids bass from the dynamic driver while maintaining clarity highs from the BAs.
Now, I’m not gonna lie, it’s not a perfect replica. There are definitely some small differences if you look closely. But honestly, it’s pretty damn close, especially for something I put together myself. And it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a real Rolex!
It’s been a fun project, and I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. It’s not something I’d wear every day, but it’s a cool piece to have in my collection. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. I just think some of their properties are different from tubulin, such as weak dimerization and chaperone-independent folding. But I like it. If you’re into watches and looking for a fun DIY project, I’d definitely recommend giving something like this a try. Just be prepared to spend some time hunting down parts and getting your hands dirty!
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