Thoughts on PVD/DLC Rolexes

[ggonz]

I've seen these a few years ago when I first got my TT Sub-C, but this came back in my mind recently. I don't know what to think of that, though. I think some models look nice with the blacked out look but considering how some of the watches being modified are so difficult to attain, I also think it can kind of be tasteless and reckless especially if you regret it later (you can't reverse this right?). Some companies that do these modifications claim that it's a protective coating to make the watch more resistant to whatever you do out in nature, but I don't know if that's actually true? Why do people really do that? Does Rolex even touch these watches for service after being modified?

Would love to hear your thoughts.

[Dsmith1974]

I’ve yet to see a modded Rolex that I thought was an improvement. I guess RSC would still service the insides, maybe even do you a favour and offer to remove all of the RVD crap from the outside too.

[Jim Smyth]

If you have ever owned a PVD coated watch (I have) you would know in a few years they tend to look like crap. All the surfaces that rub will be shinny and then you have color on the rest plus all the marks from use. I think some look good initially but IMO none look good over time. I am sure thats why Rolex doesnt do them this way plus they dont want massive work fixing every mark on the coating from the OCD crowd.

[brandrea]

Bamford r.i.p.

[Jason71]

Here’s mine.

[Fallranger]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

I’ve yet to see a modded Rolex that I thought was an improvement. I guess RSC would still service the insides, maybe even do you a favour and offer to remove all of the RVD crap from the outside too.

Remove the crap from the outside LOL. Yeah, this.


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[beshannon]

I cannot understand why anyone would want to do this to any high quality watch

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I cannot understand why anyone would want to do this to any high quality watch

Basically to p!ss everyone off on the watch forum.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

I’ve yet to see a modded Rolex that I thought was an improvement. I guess RSC would still service the insides, maybe even do you a favour and offer to remove all of the RVD crap from the outside too.

RSC will not service it. At least in the USA

[NorthCoaster]

Not for me, but if you like it go ahead.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Here’s mine.

Looks cool, how does the coating hold up over time ?

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Basically to p!ss everyone off on the watch forum.

<shrug> Ok, I guess.

Does not matter to me one way or another. It makes the watch look fake or like an Invicta. Yes people can do as they choose, I simply do not understand it.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by joli160

Looks cool, how does the coating hold up over time ?

I had it modified in 2009. The first picture I posted was from just a couple months ago. It is almost perfect and I wear it QUITE often.

The thread when I first introduced it.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=95188

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Basically to p!ss everyone off on the watch forum.

My man

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by beshannon

<shrug> Ok, I guess.

Does not matter to me one way or another. It makes the watch look fake or like an Invicta. Yes people can do as they choose, I simply do not understand it.

It’s honestly pretty simple really. I like diving with a Rolex. Personally, I don’t wear a watch for the status or the notoriety, so I don’t really care what others “perceive” it to look like. I like the look, and the finish does actually hold-up really well. I’ve dove with this watch countless times. I also have MANY subs and SDs, so I wanted one a little different. BTW, I also don’t care that RSC won’t touch it. I’ve already had it serviced once since the modification by an independent.

Rolex watches are not an investment for me. I buy them to enjoy them. You only live once......and I’m going to enjoy the heck out of my possessions while I’m here on this earth. If I want to wear something factory, I’ll wear my Platinum Daytona or my WG Blue Ceramic Sub, or even my Platinum DD.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

My man

I’ve missed hearing from you Grand Curmudgeon

I’m just trying to keep it real here on TRF. I’ve grown SO WEARY of reading about shortages, investment, paying over MSRP, FOMO, and all the other non-enthusiast BS that has infected this site.

Personally, I wish that the value of my collection would be cut by 40% because that means that the watches have become more accessible and things would be back to where they were 10 years ago.

[rushca01]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Here’s mine.

Yes Please! I would do this in a Rolex second if I had two of these

[LarsFS]

I've been a member here since 2011 but only visited infrequently and never really posted. However, what I have noticed is that folks are keen to offer their opinions, which, I guess, is normal given that this is a discussion forum. However, and maybe this is a wrong impression / I haven't browsed enough posts, these opinions are often offered with little understanding that others may have differing points of view. I'd likely never modify my Rolex, but that's more of a function of my preference for liquidity. I don't have sufficient cushion financially nor a steady enough professional path to feel comfortable reducing the transaction likelihood for a relatively expensive asset like these are. Now, if I were a man of greater means or working in a steady industry, I might be more inclined to do what Jason71 did. I think it looks fantastic.

[dhknola]

I love the "blacked out" PVD on Rolex divers. I probably would not get it done as it does hurt the value of the watch, but value aside, think they look awesome.

[Armyguy03]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Basically to p!ss everyone off on the watch forum.

Basically. The pundits are so pissed off they started a thread to question the rationale behind why people do things that make them happy.

[delboylee]

Not for me really but each to their own!

[mcstones]

Honestly it's a big NO for me.

[Ljung]

Originally Posted by Jason71

... Rolex watches are not an investment for me. I buy them to enjoy them...

Jason, thanks for sharing your thought as an owner of PVDed rolex.
That's a good looking mod, not overdone.

I admire your financial ability to follow your passion and do what you like.
Looking forward to the day when i can afford to PVD my rolex without much concern on resale value.

[ggonz]

It's funny, the resale value does get screwed but I've seen a handful of PVD examples on Chrono24 being sold for far more than the regular models....

[ggonz]

Originally Posted by Jason71

It’s honestly pretty simple really. I like diving with a Rolex.

Does the PVD make the watch more durable for activities like diving? I'm wondering if there's a functional/practical use to doing this to a watch or if it's just pure aesthetics.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by ggonz

Does the PVD make the watch more durable for activities like diving? I'm wondering if there's a functional/practical use to doing this to a watch or if it's just pure aesthetics.

My thoughts when I decided to do this modification is that it would be more durable when in actuality it probably is more just aesthetics. I was attempting to come up with the ultimate dive watch, and in reality I just created a blacked-out diver. I still really like it.

[BespokebyBMO]

I really like it. Always been a fan of the Tudor Black Bay Dark and this is , of course, a notch above!


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[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by Jason71

I’ve grown SO WEARY of reading about shortages, investment, paying over MSRP, FOMO, and all the other non-enthusiast BS that has infected this site.

You forgot a few, AD list, Closing AD's, Shortages, How to get on the list, John Mayer etc.

[toxicavenger]

PVD/DLC when done correctly will last a long time. Just like Jason mentioned. This watch is 3 years old and gets put to work often.

[rootbeer7]

I try not to.