Modding a Rolex
Discussion
Had an "interesting chat" today about customising a Rolex today. I went into a chain jewellers to pick my watch up and I asked if they were a Rolex AD. Was told that the branch wasn't but they did have a large Rolex selection in another branch. Speaking to the assistant manager about Rolexs in general and mentioned the fact that I'd seen a Rolex that had been modded black and that was what I was thinking of doing.
The look on her face when I mentioned that I wanted to get a Rolex then get it modded was as if I'd told her that I wanted to stab her in the face. She then proceeded to tell me that Rolex is a super brand and that it would void my warranty. I wasn't fussed by that but then she said that I wouldn't be able to get Rolex to do any work on it as it wasn't as it left the factory. She then went on to say that they would probably destroy it !
To say I was very sceptical is an understatement but I couldn't be bothered to argue the point about it being my watch and really I could do what I wanted ! Is she actually correct or has the copious amount of fake orange tan she'd dipped herself in that morning seeped into her brain ?
Toby
The look on her face when I mentioned that I wanted to get a Rolex then get it modded was as if I'd told her that I wanted to stab her in the face. She then proceeded to tell me that Rolex is a super brand and that it would void my warranty. I wasn't fussed by that but then she said that I wouldn't be able to get Rolex to do any work on it as it wasn't as it left the factory. She then went on to say that they would probably destroy it !
To say I was very sceptical is an understatement but I couldn't be bothered to argue the point about it being my watch and really I could do what I wanted ! Is she actually correct or has the copious amount of fake orange tan she'd dipped herself in that morning seeped into her brain ?
Toby
DH01 said:
Yep, they don't like it !
But hardly matters as plenty of people will service them. Get what you want done, then keep it away from official agents or the service centre.
Just be prepared to pay if there's a problem but unlikely with a Rolex.
This.But hardly matters as plenty of people will service them. Get what you want done, then keep it away from official agents or the service centre.
Just be prepared to pay if there's a problem but unlikely with a Rolex.
Rolex see the watch as 'theirs' and you only borrow it, hence there insistence on wanting to replace everything to new come service time.
The lack of Rolex touching it is hardly a problem, as mentioned, plenty of places will service them.
Yep keep modded Rolexs away from Rolex authorised outlets or service centres.
Lots of independents can service the bulk of Rolex watches and good quality aftermarket parts are available if the genuine parts aren't.
Being a Mechie Eng I am seriously looking at hardening Rolex and Panerai case parts prior to DLC treatment I should be getting more hardened samples in December for testing and forwarding on.
Bry
Lots of independents can service the bulk of Rolex watches and good quality aftermarket parts are available if the genuine parts aren't.
Being a Mechie Eng I am seriously looking at hardening Rolex and Panerai case parts prior to DLC treatment I should be getting more hardened samples in December for testing and forwarding on.
Bry
I think you are referring to the 'Prohunter' model. IIRC BJSOnline first came up with the idea of coating them and introducing them as 'limited' editions with a price to reflect!
The work is NOT authorised/supported by Rolex and your warranty with Rolex SA is null and void.
Mixed views - if you are a watch nut with £10k floating around and must have one then you pays your money etc. To the uneducated most will believe its a Chinese market knock off!
The work is NOT authorised/supported by Rolex and your warranty with Rolex SA is null and void.
Mixed views - if you are a watch nut with £10k floating around and must have one then you pays your money etc. To the uneducated most will believe its a Chinese market knock off!
IMO certain watches look well cool DLC'D and some don't, I know the DLC'D Omega SMP had like an anthracite black coating that sometimes appeared black and sometimes pencil greyish.
NOTE: even the hands were DLC'D coating temp around 250C hence second hand had to be tweaked straight afterwards.
Bry
NOTE: even the hands were DLC'D coating temp around 250C hence second hand had to be tweaked straight afterwards.
Bry
OP. She's right to a point, but ultimately ill-advised.
If you modify a new watch, Rolex would probably void the warranty as the watch would have opened/disassembled by an unauthorised service centre.
Rolex will only service 100% original Rolex models. If a watch is sent back with an after market dial, Rolex will send an estimate for the service including a replacement dial. If the watch has an after market bracelet, they'll quote for a bracelet as well as the service. They won't carry out the service without correcting the wrong part.
I was out of the AD network by the time PVD/DLC became popular. I would imagine that Rolex would quote for a new case complete/bezel/bracelet, and any other altered parts in addition to the service.
I have never heard of Rolex or any other company destroying an altered item. It is your watch, you can do as you see fit with it. Rolex for their part, choose not to work with altered items. But as has been confirmed, you have the whole of the independent service network to call upon.....
If you modify a new watch, Rolex would probably void the warranty as the watch would have opened/disassembled by an unauthorised service centre.
Rolex will only service 100% original Rolex models. If a watch is sent back with an after market dial, Rolex will send an estimate for the service including a replacement dial. If the watch has an after market bracelet, they'll quote for a bracelet as well as the service. They won't carry out the service without correcting the wrong part.
I was out of the AD network by the time PVD/DLC became popular. I would imagine that Rolex would quote for a new case complete/bezel/bracelet, and any other altered parts in addition to the service.
I have never heard of Rolex or any other company destroying an altered item. It is your watch, you can do as you see fit with it. Rolex for their part, choose not to work with altered items. But as has been confirmed, you have the whole of the independent service network to call upon.....
Edited by Dominic H on Sunday 20th November 09:47
I've been looking at the ones for sale on ebay. Any thoughts on them?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330642675793?ssPageName=...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330642675793?ssPageName=...
S6 Devil said:
I've been looking at the ones for sale on ebay. Any thoughts on them?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330642675793?ssPageName=...
£9800 plus vat and import duty and the costs/risk of delivery, I'd say you'd be on glue if you think there's any value there. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330642675793?ssPageName=...
An alternative would be to buy a UK Deep Sea at < the list price of £7070. Then get bry1975 of these parts to do the DLC finish at a suggested £400. See an example of bry's work here...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Even better, as the watch's warranty will be void as soon as the DLC is done look for a good, pre-owned Deep Sea at c£5500. You can have the case/bracelet re-finished and then DLC'd, you could be all done for under £6000....
bry1975 said:
I've been informed that the deepsea is difficult to disassemble due to the
ringlock system, tho I would happily coat the watch if sent disassembled.
Am looking forward to testing the hardened samples in late nov-early dec!
Bry
Brian, would you be able to disassemble and DLC a Daytona ?ringlock system, tho I would happily coat the watch if sent disassembled.
Am looking forward to testing the hardened samples in late nov-early dec!
Bry
bry1975 said:
I've been informed that the deepsea is difficult to disassemble due to the
ringlock system, tho I would happily coat the watch if sent disassembled.
Am looking forward to testing the hardened samples in late nov-early dec!
Bry
Good point, I'd forgotten that. I'm sure if the Yanks can pull one apart safely then we can too... ringlock system, tho I would happily coat the watch if sent disassembled.
Am looking forward to testing the hardened samples in late nov-early dec!
Bry
Hi there,
The Daytona could be coated I'd want to ideally harden and DLC coat the bracelet first as that's the most work.
I'm sure the deepsea can be done it's like with anything you've never worked on before I'd expect a few learning areas.
And one thing I'd want to use a satin or matt DLC as it looks less blingy and also doesn't show scratches like mirrored parts.
Bry
The Daytona could be coated I'd want to ideally harden and DLC coat the bracelet first as that's the most work.
I'm sure the deepsea can be done it's like with anything you've never worked on before I'd expect a few learning areas.
And one thing I'd want to use a satin or matt DLC as it looks less blingy and also doesn't show scratches like mirrored parts.
Bry
Dominic H said:
£9800 plus vat and import duty and the costs/risk of delivery, I'd say you'd be on glue if you think there's any value there.
An alternative would be to buy a UK Deep Sea at < the list price of £7070. Then get bry1975 of these parts to do the DLC finish at a suggested £400. See an example of bry's work here...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Even better, as the watch's warranty will be void as soon as the DLC is done look for a good, pre-owned Deep Sea at c£5500. You can have the case/bracelet re-finished and then DLC'd, you could be all done for under £6000....
Yes, I agree that is a ridiculous price so am laying off the glue!! An alternative would be to buy a UK Deep Sea at < the list price of £7070. Then get bry1975 of these parts to do the DLC finish at a suggested £400. See an example of bry's work here...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Even better, as the watch's warranty will be void as soon as the DLC is done look for a good, pre-owned Deep Sea at c£5500. You can have the case/bracelet re-finished and then DLC'd, you could be all done for under £6000....
I'm sure someone like Russell Talerman, who services my watches could disassemble the Seadweller. I'll find out!
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