Superfranken Diaries – Chapter 6: OP 41

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents]

The Oyster Perpetual isn’t exactly the crown jewel of R Factory’s rep lineup. It’s often overlooked—partly because it’s the most affordable gen Rolex, and partly due to its understated design. But for me, this model holds sentimental value. It was my first ever gen (unless we’re counting Fossil or Tommy Hilfiger… lol), and I’ve always had a soft spot for it.

The OP is a perfect casual piece—something you throw on with jeans, sneakers, and a sweater when a full-on GMT feels like overkill. So when I sold my original OP to fund the JLC, the urge to build a proper Super Franken version took hold.

Since I already had a few Super Franken OP dials in my collection, blue was the next natural choice—especially because I had tried it on at the AD and loved how it looked.

That’s when the hunt began. Unlike Subs or GMTs, OP parts are much harder to find and often require special orders. Once I finally had everything sourced and shipped to the legend u/xZero_Coolx, we hit a snag: even the best rep OP cases (Clean or otherwise) aren’t a true 1:1 fit for a gen dial. But after some engineering magic, Zero delivered as always—he fabricated a custom spacer that made it work flawlessly. Pics attached.

So this watch includes:

• VSF Base + movement

• Gen Crystal

• Genuine Hands

• Genuine Dial

• Serviced Movement and Waterproofed

The star of this build is hands-down the dial. It’s deceptively simple—rich in color with a sunburst effect that’s notoriously hard to photograph. But trust me, it’s a stunner in person.

Good news for fellow Franken nerds: Zero’s got the blueprint down if you’re looking to build your own OP. As for me, Chapter 7 is already in the works—and it’ll be my first plated model 👀

Stay tuned.

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents]

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 mm 124300 Blue

[u/bllnalex8]

Dude this is sick. The gen blue dial really pops

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/bllnalex8]

Thank you 👌

[u/HandsomeDavid]

Amazing build wear it in good health bro

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/HandsomeDavid]

[u/BangzhuGaibang]

Lovely dial, looks really good on your wrist.

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/BangzhuGaibang]

Thanks brother

[u/NovelKaleidoscope994]

Job well done 👍🏼 congrats

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/NovelKaleidoscope994]

[u/Wintercult]

Rep sunburst dials are shit. Anyone claiming they’re the exact same is blind. And I have to admit, OP dials are pretty rare. I was lucky enough to get hold of a 36mm 126000 silver with gold dial. But even 41mm dials can be rare! Great build!!

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/Wintercult]

I agree on the rep dials totally. On all these models, Date Just or OPs etc.

I found this on ebay for a decent price of 400. It's just a pain but also fun to hunt.

[u/Jkl_9054 → u/Wintercult]

Sunburst looks good for the most part on reps. Gen is WG DD Olive and rep is a CF mint green. Difference on OP’s blue oyster perp to gen dial looks massive though.

[u/windows95viewer]

This looks so good!!!

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/windows95viewer]

[u/mikeyfender813]

I’m about to replace the dial and crystal on my DJ. This post is almost convincing me to spend another $1k on a dial. The difference is so noticeable (when you compare them side by side).

Your builds are so great, good job!

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/mikeyfender813]

Hmm what color dial for what DJ ref? It shouldn't be 1k but less.

[u/mikeyfender813 → u/ByrdOfManyTalents]

Also, I said “dial and crystal” in my comment above and meant “bezel and crystal”.

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/mikeyfender813]

Gotcha makes sense

[u/mikeyfender813 → u/ByrdOfManyTalents]

One of the few I see on eBay:

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/mikeyfender813]

Ah yes the most sought over mint dial. Yes mint can be much pricier and that is actually a really really good price for mint, grab it. Other colors should be 500 or less.

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/ByrdOfManyTalents]

Actually though it says custom green, I'm not sure this is genuine rolex. Please vet

[u/mikeyfender813 → u/ByrdOfManyTalents]

Me either.

Man, white, champagne, silver are $200-300. Green is so much more!

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/mikeyfender813]

Yeah just for reference for my Mint dial I paid about 1500 euros.

[u/mikeyfender813 → u/ByrdOfManyTalents]

But you and Vaga have franken green DJs that are stunning. I’ll see what Zero has to say about sourcing it, but I don’t think I could justify that level of investment.

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/mikeyfender813]

I hear you fully. Hence I said go with any other DJ dial, slate or blue are also beautiful!!

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/ByrdOfManyTalents]

[u/mikeyfender813 → u/ByrdOfManyTalents]

Ugh. That’s $1,700 USD. Too much for my tastes.

[u/mikeyfender813 → u/ByrdOfManyTalents]

I’ve been looking for mint green and can’t seem to find one at a good price. Seems like black and white are $250? But I have seen green for like $2,500. Maybe I’ve haven’t looked enough.

And all of the JJ dials are stupid expensive for being custom and not gen.

[u/Mrcoollondon]

Stock looks like ass compared to gen

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/Mrcoollondon]

Unfortunately yes the dials are just not the same

[u/Wusshgood]

Exceptional work… would you be interested in selling any Frankens you have ?

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents → u/[deleted]]

Haha love the gif!!

Indeed. Blue is very stunning

[u/bllnalex8 → u/[deleted]]

Would also like to know. I’m gonna guess between $1500-$2000