Diamonds hurt or helping watch value?
 

Hi all,

A friend of mine is looking to sell his early 90s TT Date Just. He told me that the hour markers were replaced with diamonds and asked how much it would be worth. I know subs really well but have no idea what the market is for the datejust (especially with diamonds on the dial).

Would the diamonds hurt or help the resale value? What are your estimates on value assuming its in good condition? I dont have photos of the watch yet but will probably get some next week (i agreed to sell it for him).

Thanks in advance for your input!

G

These are diamonds he put on after market? It might hurt many buyers want original pieces or if parts are replaced they are genuine Rolex parts. It just might take time to find the right buyer vs. if nothing was changed.

I believe that the diamonds may have been put on by the jeweler he bought the watch from...

You should buy a Rolex for timekeeping ... you want diamonds, go to HarryWinston or Tiffany ..... rolex diamonds are really average grade....

you want a watch that kicks ass, get a Rolex....

If it's not a correct Rolex part, I wouldn't pay more than I had to. My intent would be to remove the tampered dial, and put a correct, and UNMOLESTED dial back in place.

I'm a purist when it comes to watches.

If he finds the correct buyer, he might not have an issue.

Considering that so many people just buy Rolex for the name on the dial I don't think it will realistically hurt his chances, if selling it in the wild.
Here on TRF people tend to care about originallity and such but out in the world I believe that someone will read the name, see the bling and plonk down the cash without further thought.

I agree that untampered dials are always better!! The question remains...what do you think it might be worth? Should I just go straight to ebay or offer it up on TRF first?

Thoughts?

It seems to be fairly common to put aftermarket diamonds on ladies models which I assume is driven by buyer demand . . . not sure how aftermarket diammonds would affect the value of a mens model though.

Diamonds belong on a womens watch

If the diamonds are after market it will not hurt nor improve the value but it will limit the watch to fewer potential buyers... as far as the value of an after market diamond dial is about $250

Just say no to Diamonds on a Rolex... MHO.