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bigwatchman · 8 August 2010, 04:11 AM

First, I am sure it has been discussed here before but here I go... What would one think of having a Rolex that is not 100% legit. I have a DJ 16200 white with Roman Face. I bought it at a high-end Pawn shop at the beach. It has been verified and insured. Thing is, they changed the smooth bezel to a 18kt WG fluted because I liked it more and that was the only way I would make the deal. I also have purchased an authentic Rolex Jubilee bracelet for it too. If I could afford new, I wanted the same watch with the super Jubilee bracelet. This watch came with a Oyster bracelet in great shape. Now I have both depending on what mood I'm in or what look I'm going for. I love my watch, and love the price I paid (about half of new). I guess I'm asking, would you buy it, or consider it a real Rolex? I think that the watch head is what makes it a Rolex. Sure the numbers should all match, but it is still a Rolex. Even if Rolex will never service it again...

PeteNYC13 · 8 August 2010, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigwatchman

First, I am sure it has been discussed here before but here I go... What would one think of having a Rolex that is not 100% legit. I have a DJ 16200 white with Roman Face. I bought it at a high-end Pawn shop at the beach. It has been verified and insured. Thing is, they changed the smooth bezel to a 18kt WG fluted because I liked it more and that was the only way I would make the deal. I also have purchased an authentic Rolex Jubilee bracelet for it too. If I could afford new, I wanted the same watch with the super Jubilee bracelet. This watch came with a Oyster bracelet in great shape. Now I have both depending on what mood I'm in or what look I'm going for. I love my watch, and love the price I paid (about half of new). I guess I'm asking, would you buy it, or consider it a real Rolex? I think that the watch head is what makes it a Rolex. Sure the numbers should all match, but it is still a Rolex. Even if Rolex will never service it again...

__________________________________________________ ______________

It depends who you ask and what you are really asking.

Some may tell you that any modifications will change it. If you are also worried about the "Value" and it sounds like you are, then any changes will make it worth less than the original as intended Rolex.

If you purchased it because you love it and don't care if the bracelet is the same one that it came with or the bezel is fluted instead of domed, enjoy the watch.

If you are hoping that people will tell you that your modified Rolex is worth double what you paid and as much as the same model in original condition - good luck with that, I don't think you will find many to support that.

Enjoy your watch and your modifications if it make you smile when you wear it.

-Pete

bigwatchman · 8 August 2010, 05:12 AM

Actually you are on key. If I was concerned with a 100% all original watch, then I probably would have paid a lot more and bought it through an AD. But, I did not. I have wanted a Rolex for about 13 years. Been obsessed with it. This was the only way I could afford to have what I want now. I may have it (a new Rolex) someday later in life, but for now, I love wearing the one I have. I was just curious what other people would think of having a non-original watch. I know it is not worth double nor ever will be. I just hope that I can enjoy wearing it for years to come, and if the day comes that I want to part with it (probably never), then I may cover close to what I have in it. Even if not, I'm sure I'll still retain the majority of my money over the long haul. But what is most important is that I am enjoying what I have today, and continue to do so everyday. I look forward to seeing what time it is...

ParisDakarBmw · 8 August 2010, 05:30 AM

There are a few ways of looking at it.

The resell is less if it isn't correct. That is just the view as a collector of watches.

The other side is it is your watch, and you modified it to your taste. You could still reverse the bezel, and put it back to specs if you ever wanted.

The last level is to make a major change that will forever stunt the collector value. Things such as filing the crown guards off, or PVD coatings will narrow the market, and also the originality.

If you plan to keep it, who cares? But if you disfigure the watch, and hope to ever get much, that's another story.

It's like changing a vintage car. If you put custom wheels on it, and keep the originals, cool. If you cut the top off, and paint it a funky color, you probably won't see too many happy people at a car show.

PeteNYC13 · 8 August 2010, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigwatchman

But what is most important is that I am enjoying what I have today, and continue to do so everyday. I look forward to seeing what time it is...

__________________________________________________ ______________

Perfect,you answered your own question, Enjoy it!!! Half the time I look at my watch and still can't tell you what time it is. I am struck (still) by how cool Rolexes look that I forget to notice the time.

-Pete

train-time · 8 August 2010, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigwatchman

First, I am sure it has been discussed here before but here I go... What would one think of having a Rolex that is not 100% legit. I have a DJ 16200 white with Roman Face. I bought it at a high-end Pawn shop at the beach. It has been verified and insured. Thing is, they changed the smooth bezel to a 18kt WG fluted because I liked it more and that was the only way I would make the deal. I also have purchased an authentic Rolex Jubilee bracelet for it too. If I could afford new, I wanted the same watch with the super Jubilee bracelet. This watch came with a Oyster bracelet in great shape. Now I have both depending on what mood I'm in or what look I'm going for. I love my watch, and love the price I paid (about half of new). I guess I'm asking, would you buy it, or consider it a real Rolex? I think that the watch head is what makes it a Rolex. Sure the numbers should all match, but it is still a Rolex. Even if Rolex will never service it again...

To answer your exact question, the reference 16200 is a domed bezel model and the 18kt WG Fluted Bezel is a 16234 reference. Essentially Rolex considers them different models. Even if the fluted bezel is a genuine Rolex bezel, it's a hybrid DJ. RSC would most likely only service it if it was an all original 16200 (bezel & bracelet). To cut to the chase, personally I would not buy a watch that had alterations that crossed reference (model) numbers. Resale would be impacted as well.

If you plan to keep it, then enjoy the watch, wear it and don't worry about it.

rmfnla · 8 August 2010, 08:31 AM

Since you still have the original parts you can always reinstall them if you want to sell the watch, so your resale issues are moot.

I recently replaced the fluted bezel with a smooth one and the jubilee bracelet with an oyster on my TT DJ and I love it. I love the DJ II with the domed bezel but don't feel like paying 8 grand for a new watch, so I updated mine for alot less.

My feeling is if all the parts are Rolex then the watch is all Rolex, and that's good enough for me.

Tools · 8 August 2010, 09:41 AM

I think that you guys mis-characterize the RSC position........ They will still service your watch in it's "un-original" condition..

They may refuse service if it has aftermarket parts, or insist that they be changed to Rolex parts...

But they won't turn away a watch that has a Jubilee instead of an Oyster bracelet...etc..

bigwatchman · 8 August 2010, 10:05 AM

OK. Do you think they would service mine if someone other than Rolex switched the bezel? It is an original Rolex fluted bezel that was switched by the pawn shop. I took it in to a AD to have an adjustment made on the band and was told by the guy Rolex would more than likely return it and decline to service it (hence starting this thread posting). I don't have the original bezel... I could get the proper one and switch it back, but according to the AD I spoke with, Rolex would know if someone else has worked on the watch. Reguardless, I still have a nice watch and know that it can be serviced even if Rolex wont touch it. I appreciate all the input on the matter. Just trying to be a better informed WIS...

SSD · 8 August 2010, 10:11 AM

I don't think many would have a problem with using genuine Rolex parts. They, if made for that reference, were once available as options when it was new, right? But like Larry said above, swapping a Rolex bezel for another Rolex bezel should be no problem. And a qualified watchmaker is (should be!) a qualified watchmaker. Just be discriminating when you select someone to perform any such task on your pride & joy.

rmfnla · 8 August 2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigwatchman

OK. Do you think they would service mine if someone other than Rolex switched the bezel? It is an original Rolex fluted bezel that was switched by the pawn shop. I took it in to a AD to have an adjustment made on the band and was told by the guy Rolex would more than likely return it and decline to service it (hence starting this thread posting). I don't have the original bezel... I could get the proper one and switch it back, but according to the AD I spoke with, Rolex would know if someone else has worked on the watch. Reguardless, I still have a nice watch and know that it can be serviced even if Rolex wont touch it. I appreciate all the input on the matter. Just trying to be a better informed WIS...

I'm not sure how they would know the bezel had been switched by someone other than Rolex.

Andad · 8 August 2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmfnla

I'm not sure how they would know the bezel had been switched by someone other than Rolex.

Well it has been said that a RSC would probably not switch those bezels so that would answer your own question.

As far as the OP is concerned there are far more Rolex wearers who care zip for the finer details compared to the small number of wis represented on Fora.

IMO enjoy wearing your Rolex in whatever combination you like.

bigwatchman · 8 August 2010, 10:34 PM

Thank you to all who have responded here. I already enjoy my watch everyday (well, it's in rotation but find that it's gets more wrist time than any of my others). But you have taken all my concerns and made me realize that the most important things is to just enjoy having and wearing it. I would consider this thread closed... Thanks again.

8 August 2010, 04:11 AM	#1
bigwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Scott Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,307	An Un-Original Rolex... First, I am sure it has been discussed here before but here I go... What would one think of having a Rolex that is not 100% legit. I have a DJ 16200 white with Roman Face. I bought it at a high-end Pawn shop at the beach. It has been verified and insured. Thing is, they changed the smooth bezel to a 18kt WG fluted because I liked it more and that was the only way I would make the deal. I also have purchased an authentic Rolex Jubilee bracelet for it too. If I could afford new, I wanted the same watch with the super Jubilee bracelet. This watch came with a Oyster bracelet in great shape. Now I have both depending on what mood I'm in or what look I'm going for. I love my watch, and love the price I paid (about half of new). I guess I'm asking, would you buy it, or consider it a real Rolex? I think that the watch head is what makes it a Rolex. Sure the numbers should all match, but it is still a Rolex. Even if Rolex will never service it again...

8 August 2010, 09:41 AM	#8
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,490	I think that you guys mis-characterize the RSC position........ They will still service your watch in it's "un-original" condition.. They may refuse service if it has aftermarket parts, or insist that they be changed to Rolex parts... But they won't turn away a watch that has a Jubilee instead of an Oyster bracelet...etc.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

8 August 2010, 10:11 AM	#10
SSD "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Jamie Location: Georgia Watch: Stainless Sub Date Posts: 3,023	I don't think many would have a problem with using genuine Rolex parts. They, if made for that reference, were once available as options when it was new, right? But like Larry said above, swapping a Rolex bezel for another Rolex bezel should be no problem. And a qualified watchmaker is (should be!) a qualified watchmaker. Just be discriminating when you select someone to perform any such task on your pride & joy. __________________ SUBMARINER OWNERS' CLUB ESTABLISHED 1953 TRF Member # 5464

8 August 2010, 05:12 AM	#3
bigwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Scott Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,307	Actually you are on key. If I was concerned with a 100% all original watch, then I probably would have paid a lot more and bought it through an AD. But, I did not. I have wanted a Rolex for about 13 years. Been obsessed with it. This was the only way I could afford to have what I want now. I may have it (a new Rolex) someday later in life, but for now, I love wearing the one I have. I was just curious what other people would think of having a non-original watch. I know it is not worth double nor ever will be. I just hope that I can enjoy wearing it for years to come, and if the day comes that I want to part with it (probably never), then I may cover close to what I have in it. Even if not, I'm sure I'll still retain the majority of my money over the long haul. But what is most important is that I am enjoying what I have today, and continue to do so everyday. I look forward to seeing what time it is...

8 August 2010, 05:30 AM	#4
ParisDakarBmw Banned Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Paul Location: New Haven, CT Watch: 116610 Sub-C Posts: 6,552	There are a few ways of looking at it. The resell is less if it isn't correct. That is just the view as a collector of watches. The other side is it is your watch, and you modified it to your taste. You could still reverse the bezel, and put it back to specs if you ever wanted. The last level is to make a major change that will forever stunt the collector value. Things such as filing the crown guards off, or PVD coatings will narrow the market, and also the originality. If you plan to keep it, who cares? But if you disfigure the watch, and hope to ever get much, that's another story. It's like changing a vintage car. If you put custom wheels on it, and keep the originals, cool. If you cut the top off, and paint it a funky color, you probably won't see too many happy people at a car show.

8 August 2010, 08:31 AM	#7
rmfnla "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Richard Location: Los Angeles, CA Watch: TT DJ Posts: 4,456	Since you still have the original parts you can always reinstall them if you want to sell the watch, so your resale issues are moot. I recently replaced the fluted bezel with a smooth one and the jubilee bracelet with an oyster on my TT DJ and I love it. I love the DJ II with the domed bezel but don't feel like paying 8 grand for a new watch, so I updated mine for alot less. My feeling is if all the parts are Rolex then the watch is all Rolex, and that's good enough for me.

8 August 2010, 10:05 AM	#9
bigwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Scott Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,307	OK. Do you think they would service mine if someone other than Rolex switched the bezel? It is an original Rolex fluted bezel that was switched by the pawn shop. I took it in to a AD to have an adjustment made on the band and was told by the guy Rolex would more than likely return it and decline to service it (hence starting this thread posting). I don't have the original bezel... I could get the proper one and switch it back, but according to the AD I spoke with, Rolex would know if someone else has worked on the watch. Reguardless, I still have a nice watch and know that it can be serviced even if Rolex wont touch it. I appreciate all the input on the matter. Just trying to be a better informed WIS...

8 August 2010, 10:34 PM	#13
bigwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Scott Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,307	Thank you to all who have responded here. I already enjoy my watch everyday (well, it's in rotation but find that it's gets more wrist time than any of my others). But you have taken all my concerns and made me realize that the most important things is to just enjoy having and wearing it. I would consider this thread closed... Thanks again.

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