Everybody wants to be unique. That's why everybody wants to wear a Rolex. With an annual production of close to one million watches, Rolex is a paradox of luxury. Yes, the brand produces exclusive watches, but it does so in very large numbers. Theyre not enough to satisfy the market, but we've touched upon that subject in many other stories already. And to use a trusty clich|, all Rolex watches look the same. But that can literally be changed. You can change the Jubilee bracelet for a NATO strap, but you can also have a professional watch tuner make your Rolex into a unique piece. Customizing Seiko watches and G-Shock models is way less controversial, and altering Omega watches is also a thing. Even Patek Philippe's coveted and desired Nautilus sometimes undergoes third-party modifications. To mod or not to mod watches that is the question.When you buy something, you can do with it what you want. You can rip your jeans, for instance, or put a big sticker on the hood of your car. You can also put a different strap on your watch. The only consequence of cutting your new jeans is that you can't return them to the store. A large sticker and even aftermarket wheels on your car also won't have big consequences. And neither does the temporary change from bracelet to NATO strap.Rolex sees it like this: a customized Rolex is a fake watch.It's when structural and technical integrity gets altered that things get tricky. You can have your car chip tuned, but only by a brand-approved company. Watch brands, with Rolex leading the troop, are way stricter. Change your watch, lose your warranty. It's very simple. Rolex sees it like this: a customized Rolex is a fake watch.
Blaken GMT-Master II BlackTo mod or not to mod watches - Face the consequencesThe consequence of Rolex perceiving the altered watch as a fake is that the brand itself won't service it any longer. Luckily, a Submariner is not the most complicated watch in the world, so you will still be able to find a watchmaker to service your personalized watch. But there are other obstacles to overcome when it comes to customizing watches from respected brands. The traditional high-horology brands strive to create perfect watches. Altering something perfect is not only blasphemy in the brands perception, but purists also have nothing but disdain for customized watches. A watch needs to be original from conception to its final moments. Some fundamentalists even don't want scratches removed during a scheduled service, and even factory replacement parts are taboo.
Blaken SubmarinerUnique in a subtle or outrageous wayThe dogmatic approach of watch purists smothers creativity. I admit, personalized stuff isn't always to everyones liking, but in the end, it's a question of personal taste. Yesterday, I saw a Hamann-tuned BMW X5 on the highway, and that car with its more-than-massive wheels didn't look half bad. Before I continue with a few examples of watch tuning done right, a word of warning might be in order. For those who put luxury watches on a pedestal, stop reading now. What you will see next are alterations of your functional yet untouchable art. For those still here, open your mind, and have a look at unique pieces that range from subtle to outrageous.
Breitling Aerospace with Artem NATO strapNon-permanent watch tuningLet's start with the easiest and least disruptive way of making a striking difference to your watch, and that is by simply changing the bracelet or strap. The possibilities are endless, and the number of companies that produce straps is too high to count.
Genteel Handmade leather strapsThink made-to-order leather straps in all possible colors, leather types, sizes, and stitching from Genteel Handmade, for instance. But there are also steel Forstner bracelets, high-quality NATO straps from Artem, and supple rubber straps from RubberB, Crafter Blue, Everest, or Vanguard.
Whats next? Let's change the dial or the back of the watchWhat do you think of the 2004 Omega Speedmaster Professional Mitsukoshi? Nice, right? It's pretty rare too. Only 300 pieces of the reference 3570.31.00 were made for a Japanese retailer. For some, this watch is a grail watch. And as is the case with 99% of grail watches, it is out of reach. But not for those with a creative mind.
