Custom / franken Rolexes

[flawless51]

I was thinking the other day, how if only I could combine certain aspects of my favourite Rolexes.

For example, I love to have a 5514, except with pointed crown guards, 5512/13 gilt dial and hands, and a new 3135 movement inside. Of course I wouldn't destroy a 5514 case, or risk removing a gilt dial and handset, but I'm wondering what has already been tried out there with regards to customization.

The other day I saw the article about the custom made ceramic bezel Rolexes, where they beveled the lugs and put on an 8mm big crown... it had me thinking.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by flawless51

I was thinking the other day, how if only I could combine certain aspects of my favourite Rolexes.

For example, I love to have a 5514, except with pointed crown guards, 5512/13 gilt dial and hands, and a new 3135 movement inside. Of course I wouldn't destroy a 5514 case, or risk removing a gilt dial and handset, but I'm wondering what has already been tried out there with regards to customization.

The other day I saw the article about the custom made ceramic bezel Rolexes, where they beveled the lugs and put on an 8mm big crown... it had me thinking.

Not for me especially with any vintage watch best left as original as possible,same for modern day too.

[joe100]

Customized Rolex watches kill it for me. I like them to be as original as possible

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by flawless51

I love to have a 5514, except with pointed crown guards, 5512/13 gilt dial and hands, and a new 3135 movement inside.

I sure wouldn't...I'd rather just have a 5513. And if you're going to do crazy custom stuff, seems like it'd make much more sense to start with modern production watches rather than vintage pieces.

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[dysondiver]

id still be happy with a white dial sub ,,,

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by joe100

Customized Rolex watches kill it for me. I like them to be as original as possible

+1. To each his own but I can't understand mods that only make an original watch look fake.

[John in MA]

There is a difference to me between a custom modded watch that can't be undone and a modded watch that can. I like modded watches but not custom modded ( as I define them) and modded my 16800 with an AR crystal, LV or blue insert, silver date wheel and a 93250 as well as a couple omegas over the years. All easily undone.

[Rolex time is money]

16610LV bezel on 116610LVc dial.

[dysondiver]

nice look john ,,
just throw in ym hands set and it would be perfect.

[nikhsub1]

I say do whatever makes you happy. I have a 16610LV which I love, but the new bands are far superior and I plan to put one on. The only other mod I am considering is a green date wheel. Of course these mods make me happy and the watch is easily reverted back to stock. Anyway, just my $.02


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[strafer_kid]

My take on Rolex and indeed some other expensive 'toys', is that I paid big money to enjoy them. Whilst I would stop well short of turning my Rolex into bling, if the notion took me, I would not be adverse to the occasional tasteful modification, even if permanent. I have bought them as 'keepers' for the most part, not least of all since the modern Rolex sports range apart from perhaps the Explorer, are not really for me. Main thing is to enjoy these!

[boogiebot]

there are some cool things and custom pieces. things like changing the colour of the second hand or date wheel or bezel inserts were always cool in my book

[Jocke]

Custom Rolex's upsets people for some strange reason. When people custom cars and motorcycles, no one cares.

I love custom Rolex's, it's fun with unique things as long as you do it with taste.

[Touring]

Originally Posted by John in MA

There is a difference to me between a custom modded watch that can't be undone and a modded watch that can.

Agreed. Love the look of my 5513 but wish it would light up in the dark. Looking to pickup a 5512 service dial with service hands and keep the originals in the safe. Easily reversible if/when it comes time to sell.

[JohnAndrew]

Originally Posted by John in MA

There is a difference to me between a custom modded watch that can't be undone and a modded watch that can. I like modded watches but not custom modded ( as I define them) and modded my 16800 with an AR crystal, LV or blue insert, silver date wheel and a 93250 as well as a couple omegas over the years. All easily undone.

[Jack T]

You inherit your Grandfather's axe, over a number of years you change the blade twice and the handle three times, is it still your Grandfather's axe?

[aeon888]

Originally Posted by Jocke

Custom Rolex's upsets people for some strange reason. When people custom cars and motorcycles, no one cares.

.

That still depends on what car brand and type of customization done. I saw on the internet some really bad ugly looking customized cars and motorcycles like a Lambo Limo and the camouflaged limo or large SUVs with scissor doors or lambo type doors and some people do get upset. Although, everyone has their own taste and to each his own. I for one don't get upset with other people's custom things. YOLO.

[nikhsub1]

Originally Posted by Jack T

You inherit your Grandfather's axe, over a number of years you change the blade twice and the handle three times, is it still your Grandfather's axe?

There is a difference between an inherited something (that I would never alter) and a watch that is just a watch that you want to customize to your own liking. I don't think anyone doesn't recognize the difference...

[Seaward]

This is always an interesting topic, as people tend to draw parallels to the automobile market. If you purchase the watch and wish to change it, that is completely up to you. Personally, I like everything original on watches and cars.


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[nikhsub1]

The cool thing to me is that it is not easy or inexpensive to 'mod' a Rolex because parts (genuine) are very hard to come by. You REALLY have to want to source the parts to make the watch different. I personally will only use genuine Rolex parts in anything I may do.

[nikhsub1]

Here is a huge thread with modded watches: http://rolexforums.com/showthread.ph...light=modified

[Johny]

Originally Posted by nikhsub1

Here is a huge thread with modded watches: http://rolexforums.com/showthread.ph...light=modified

this. great thread scott. i was just about to suggest it.

[77T]

If future residual value is meaningless then follow your personal preferences. You paid for it and you can play with it IMHO.

Just realize future service options could be next to nil if Rolex continues to tighten its control over watchmakers with parts accounts. I think we could be close to a "non modified" rule for the Indies who have parts accounts just like the RSC always had.