1803 Frankenwatch thoughts

[Emmanuel1]

I recently found a president in good shape with a genuine Rolex case made in the mid 70s with a genuine Rolex movement made in the mid 2000s. Is this seen as a terrible thing even though the piece is authentic while not being original? How do you think it effects the value? Thanks

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Emmanuel1

I recently found a president in good shape with a genuine Rolex case made in the mid 70s with a genuine Rolex movement made in the mid 2000s. Is this seen as a terrible thing even though the piece is authentic while not being original? How do you think it effects the value? Thanks

I'd say it affects value significantly.

Only collectors/vintage enthusiasts are buying 1970s Day-Dates, and franken is a big no-no in the collector community.

Stay well away. It will be sold to someone who doesn't know what they're doing.

[Rado63]

It's interesting that the original movement was removed. While this is not an un heard of occurrence, The value would be significantly reduced. You can try to document that the movement is in fact a Rolex movement, because it could be a movement replica. document the dial and hands and maybe this watch could have some value. There are plenty of 1803's for sale out there, but there are also many for sale without original parts. All vintage watches need to be evaluated with knowledge.

[harry in montreal]

You should look for an original one. I’m not sure if the new movement was compatible in the older case. They may have had to improvise to get it to fit. Plus the dial feet don’t anchor into the movement in the right location. So most likely the dial is newer too. Keep looking around there are lots of that model around.

[Slimpee]

I’d say if it’s all authentic Rolex parts, and you’re not expecting a collector’s piece, and you get a discount off a comparable all-original 1803, perhaps it’s a good way to get a solid watch at a good price.

[joli160]

Skip it

[SeeDweller]

Originally Posted by Slimpee

I’d say if it’s all authentic Rolex parts, and you’re not expecting a collector’s piece, and you get a discount off a comparable all-original 1803, perhaps it’s a good way to get a solid watch at a good price.

While I agree with virtually ALL the others here, in that such a significant modification on an older 1803 really destroys its value as "an 1803", I appreciate Joli160's comment here. That is, if you are simply trying to get a "every day wear" Rolex, and want the solid gold, and want it to run dependably, and are not in the slightest ever interested in selling it as a "genuine, original" Rolex on the vintage market, and it's a great deal (saving you $1000's of dollars) . . . then enjoy!

But,... for ALL those reasons, ... if this is your first Rolex, and you're trying to get in cheap, I think it's a mistake. As you obtain new pieces to your collection, this one will always be the one that you're not proud of, 'cause it's ... "just not right".

So my suggestion is to save a little longer, and either buy an 1803 that's original, OR buy a later vintage 18038 (or even a 18238), and be really happy with a watch that will make you smile the rest of your life.
Indeed, one of the other posters on TRF has in his signature, something like,
"Buy high quality, and cry once. Buy low quality, and cry the rest of your life!"
(and I think we've ALL made that mistake at one time or another.).

Good luck, my friend,

[interestedwatcher]

I'd pay the scrap gold value.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by SeeDweller

Buy high quality, and cry once. Buy low quality, and cry the rest of your life

Very much this. And you'd have real problems selling it on if you ever decided to let it go. I wouldn't even pay scrap gold value due to the hassle and annoyance involved.

There's no cheap entry into Day-Dates. Do your research and spend properly. You won't regret it.

[330ci]

i'd personally have no problem buying a watch like this as long as it's priced appropriately.

Getting it at scrap would be a steal as the movement alone is worth 2-3k. at the end of the day, there are only a handful of collectible 1803's, and that's generally just because of rare dials. down the line, you might have to part it out to get top dollar, but DD bracelets and cases are much harder to find for 1803's than movements for them as plenty have been scrapped over the years so plenty of people out there looking for parts and willing to pay good money.

plenty more dial options with the newer movement as well. having a Double quickset 1803 wouldn't bother me in the least. I'd just make sure that the case isn't modified to fit the movement as that would significantly impact the watch cases value.

[AJMarcus]

Not worth your time or money. Keep searching and learn to enjoy the hunt

[77T]

I’m not going down the value drain trap, but if you’d be owning it for a lifetime, the 30 year newer movement would perhaps avoid future parts failures than the original would have experienced over the same span of time.

So in a total cost of ownership POV, a better value.


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