Modifying a Rolex: What Am I Getting Into? | FerrariChat

Modifying a Rolex: What Am I Getting Into?

Discussion in 'Fine Watches, Jewelry, & Clothes' started by wildcat326, Jun 29, 2017.

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  1. wildcat326

    wildcat326 Formula 3
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    Justin
    I'm not a "watch guy," per se, so wanted to put a question to the enthusiasts here. My father was a product of Wall St. in the '80s, and left me his Rolex 18k men's president day/date, with a diamond numeral dial and diamond bezel (I think I recall that the bezel is aftermarket). It was the one valuable thing he owned and protected, and he saw it as a sort of birthright for me. Personally, I've always hated it, and thought it was too "blingy" to wear in public. I'd like to honor his memory by being able to enjoy it, but just don't care for the look/statement.

    What would be involved in replacing the diamond numeral dial and bezel with perhaps a silver or blue regular dial and normal fluted bezel, and maybe swapping the gold bracelet for a leather band? It would still be his watch, but more understated. I found some OEM dials and bezels on eBay, but not sure what kind of shop to seek out for doing the work, or what sort of labor cost to expect. Was told yesterday by a Rolex dealer that neither they nor the factory will change the bracelet to a leather band, or return any parts they remove for resale. I get it; I suppose Classiche would do the same thing for a Ferrari, but I'd rather be able to sell the dial and bezel at least.

    Thoughts?
     
  2. BMW.SauberF1Team

    BMW.SauberF1Team F1 World Champ

    Dec 4, 2004
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    I'm pretty sure an authorized dealer is allowed to change the strap and bezel for you provided it's an authentic Rolex piece to replace it with. You probably would have to buy the bezel and strap from them (or Rolex International if Rolex USA won't thinking you'll use it to make fakes) to prove that authenticity and that it's not some Ebay purchased item. Try a different dealer.
     
  3. Dom

    Dom F1 Veteran
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    Nov 5, 2002
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    I modified my Sub with a red second hand (from a yachtmaster), and a display back. I found a local jeweler who was a CW21 certified to do the work. They gave me my original parts, which I have if I ever want to sell the watch, or get it converted back.

    The only issue is that I can never send it back to Rolex, as they will replace the parts with new originals (and charge me). But no biggie, as there are plenty of local jewelers who do work on Rolex.

    There are plenty of good jewelers who would be able to do the work you want. Just don't send the watch back to Rolex.
     
  4. wildcat326

    wildcat326 Formula 3
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    Yeah, the watch (except perhaps the bezel) is completely authentic, but supposedly Rolex won't do a leather strap because that model isn't specified to have one, but rather only the link bracelet. I've found normal fluted bezels and dial faces on eBay from what appear to be reputable sellers, and pretty reasonably priced, too. BUT, I'm worried I'm going to buy the parts and then find out it costs a prohibitive fortune to properly re-seal or modify the watch case.
     
  5. Brian A

    Brian A F1 Rookie

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    My advice, which is mostly just opinion, is to find a nice jeweler (i.e. a seller of lots of nice stuff, maybe including Rolex watches) with a watchmaker and let them do the work including buying the parts.

    Often the watchmaker is a freelance person who makes the rounds to a few jewelry shops and who will take the watch away to their shop and do the work there.

    My thought on buying parts from eBay is that you are sticking the watchmaker with using parts that may not be appropriate so don't think it is the best course of action. (Although the watchmaker may very well buy the exact same part off of eBay that you were looking at.)

    ... and changing a band is dead easy. If you like doing stuff like that, you can probably just do it yourself. A lot of folks on these watch threads change their own bands.
     
  6. wildcat326

    wildcat326 Formula 3
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    Thanks, guys. It would be SO much easier to just get rid of the thing and find something else I like, but - particularly since this father's day - I can't bring myself to sell it, and can't really enjoy it as-is either. Your input has been much appreciated.
     
  7. flat_plane_eddie

    flat_plane_eddie F1 Rookie
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    I do this for a living; just customize it however you want but make sure to keep the original stuff. That way no value is lost.

    If you need more help you can PM me.
     
  8. TC94

    TC94 Formula 3
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    A lot of 'OEM' parts on eBay are counterfeit. Be careful if you go that route. Check out Rolex Forums. They have vintage section as well as fakes coverage in the "Watchout" forum there.

    Straps can be changed at home with a little research and an inexpensive tool. Do a YouTube search.

    https://www.rolexforums.com/index.php
     
  9. cwilson13

    cwilson13 Formula 3
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    Well, if you make all the changes you describe, it doesn't really leave much of your dads watch.

    I have an old square, gold Omega that was my grandfathers from the 1950s that he bought as a financial reward for himself. He loved it.

    Not my taste and not in style...but he loved it and that's what matters. Instead of modifying it or selling it, I keep it next to my other watches so it is viewed daily...and i wear it once or twice a year even if under a cuff.

    I would encourage you to keep it as it is.

    However, if you decide to make modifications, would contact Edvi at LA Watch Works.

    They can help you figure out what can be done to meet your needs, source new and used OEM vintage parts and make the change outs.

    These guys are highly regarded in the vintage watch servicing world.
     
  10. 95spiderman

    95spiderman F1 World Champ
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    Wife modified her gold rolex to oyster face with diamond markers and diamond bezel about 15 yrs ago. Jeweler did it for her. Still wears it and never had a problem.
     
  11. cls

    cls Formula 3

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    Agreed, and so easy to do in Los Angeles (and I presume Chicago.)
    In the jewelry district here, it can be done in an hour or two if you're buying a watch, and not so hard if you're not. In the old days when Kirk Rich was downtown any color dial was possible at a very high level, not so much any more...

    My advice on the dial change is to source a mint factory (not reprint) dial for replacement. Don't let someone re-dial it, the results will probably be disappointing under a loupe.
    Same for the bezel, get a factory bezel. They're usually inexpensive because of so many changes to jeweled bezels.

    With a little research, you can source the parts from eBay.
     
  12. wildcat326

    wildcat326 Formula 3
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    #12 wildcat326, Jun 30, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Did a quick and dirty photoshop on the blue dial, and found the image of the silver dial online. First pic is a stock internet photo, but is basically what I have now. Just to give an idea of the effect I'm looking for while keeping the original 18k yellow case/movement...
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  13. Stentboy

    Stentboy Formula 3
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    I'd keep the way your father had it.
     
  14. Bdel

    Bdel Formula Junior

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    I did something similar, a number of years ago. I only swapped out the diamond bezel, but left the diamond hour markers. You wouldnt believe how much "less blingy" the watch will look without the diamond bezel. This may be a good compromise.

    Bdel
     
  15. James cln

    James cln Formula Junior

    Dec 20, 2015
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    Yep bdel has the best answer- if you just have a non diamond bezel installed it will make all the difference. Rolex band is beautiful and you can even wear it golfing and swimming-.
     
  16. Brian A

    Brian A F1 Rookie

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    #16 Brian A, Jun 30, 2017
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2017
    This is all personal taste so, of course, do it the way you like best, but personally I agree with James that the gold Rolex band is very nice.

    (... and while I'm at it throwing around my opinions, I much prefer the rightmost version of your mock-ups!) (You might even de-bling it a little more with a smooth surface bezel ring instead of the scalloped one.)
     
  17. definitelysomeday

    definitelysomeday Formula Junior

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    The "Or This" watch is a great look, but is a much older watch than the other 2 pictured.

    It's really not a big deal to do what you want, just make sure you are getting the right bezel, and a genuine, original, dial. Love the look of the Day Date on a strap.
     
  18. SCKOMS

    SCKOMS F1 Rookie
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    Justin, check with these guys in Lincolnwood: Watch Repair - Glezer-kraus inc - Lincolnwood, Il

    My office is in the same building. I have my Rolex serviced there. They don't donRolex warranty service but I know that they get Rolexes sent to them from all over the country.
     
  19. ItalianOne

    ItalianOne Formula Junior
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    Just keep it the way your father had it, from your description it's not going to be a everyday watch.. not worth the time or money to change. I personally think it looks better with the diamond dial and the authentic gold band. Changing the face might be a different story if you like another color. Good luck..
     
  20. desmomini

    desmomini F1 Rookie
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    I can see exactly why you'd want to do this...the look of the watch with the diamonds is very "Gordon Gekko" 1980's, while the modifications you suggest are very tasteful.

    As mentioned, this is no biggie for any watch repairman with basic skills. There are several Swiss watch independent specialists in Chicago, as a quick Google search reveals.

    Most importantly, anything you do is this regard is reversible, but I doubt you'll want to reverse once you get "Dad's watch" to a state where you'll be happy to wear it. And you'll better honor his memory with that constant reminder, as opposed to keeping it stuck in a drawer.
     
  21. energy88

    energy88 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    I'm sure you've heard this before, but the blue dial can sometimes be difficult to read in low light situations. I say this from my experience of having the blue face for the past 37 years. I know the color is a matter of personal taste. I especially like your "Or This" proposal.
     
  22. wildcat326

    wildcat326 Formula 3
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    #22 wildcat326, Jul 5, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Thank you, Spiro. That's very near my neck of the woods; I called them today and may bring it over tomorrow.

    I had always heard that Rolexes need to be serviced/sealed in a particular way, so I previously only called a few authorized dealers. Was unfamiliar with a CW21 standard designation, etc. I took a pic for everyone, attached here. I know it's an older model, though not sure which. I would keep the removed dial and bracelet in a box if I made any changes, but this just isn't my style, nor honestly was it my father's (I think it gave him some reminder of his swashbuckling Wall St. days, which isn't even a light in which I'd want to remember him). IF it were redone in a more understated way, I would wear it regularly. Thanks so much to everyone for the input.
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  23. supergrilldds

    supergrilldds Karting

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    Its been said before on this thread but I'd go ahead and make the changes you want but keep the original parts. The more you like it, the more you'll wear it and it will remind you of your father more often. If I were in your shoes, that's what I'd do. Maybe just start with a new leather strap and see how it looks. Changing a bezel would be the next step in my humble opinion. Whatever you do, good luck and think of your dad often.
     
  24. WPOZZZ

    WPOZZZ F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2012
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    I have a very similar Datejust, but in stainless. lol Like others have said, swap out to a leather strap and non-jeweled bezel. Those can be done rather quickly by a competent watchmaker. Opening the case and swapping dials is a bit more work. And while you're in there, you might as well service it, too.
     
  25. Snake49

    Snake49 Rookie

    Jun 30, 2017
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    Swap the diamond bezel for a gold fluted bezel. IMO, the Rolex fluted bezel is gorgeous and shines beautifully like nothing else.

    As far as the band goes.. I have the Rose gold Sky-Dweller with a brown croc strap and wish I bought the one with rose gold band.

    If it was any other brand I would say throw a leather/croc strap on it, but Rolex bands look so damn good!
     

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