rip9er
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Is personalizing the last stop in watchmaking?
Ive been thinking about how companies that modify (like bamford) evolved over the years and although ridiculed by purists seem to have prospered and looks like are here to stay. Now we have limited collaborations with brands (like hodinkee watches) moving forward the explosion of micro brands! It seems to me people are looking for watches which are not mass produced any more. Limited watches which are not seen on every other wrist which leads me to personalizing. Can’t get more unique than that. What do you think? 
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Is personalizing the last stop in watchmaking?
Ive been thinking about how companies that modify (like bamford) evolved over the years and although ridiculed by purists seem to have prospered and looks like are here to stay. Now we have limited collaborations with brands (like hodinkee watches) moving...
That’s something truly unique. Love it!
Do they still regulate the movement to Rolex standards (+2/-2 seconds per day)?
That is a excellent question.
The watch came with a test result diagram which read 0.4 s/d Including other measurements which I’m not familiar with. That said I read the s/d result can vary depending on the angle and position of the watch.
Great. So they regulated it to the best of their ability.
Rolex has years and years of experience of what positions their average watch encounter per day, and for what periods of time, along with average mainspring barrel wind. They put all of that know-how into adjusting their watches. I wouldn’t expect a small...
For me it ONLY counts if it's made by the brand itself
a piece unique from a brand like ( Blancpain, Breguet, AP, VC, Patek, ....) is wonderfull But from a brand that only modifies watches ( even when very good like les artisans de geneve) it does not appeal me. They will make one for everybody who wants to p...
I’m sorry but your statement for anyone who can pay for it applies to all brands…
Ap Patek Rolex etc will do custom pieces for any one of their high valued customers. That said I have a custom Ap piece so I know…
If its customized by the OEM, fully agreed.
I never quite understand how high end watch companies still get away mass producing watches (even LE’s) in relatively small quantities without the element of customization (bar one off’s). Lets face it. True luxury isnt something that one buys off the rac...
I totally agree that bespoke is the ultimate service that any manufacturer/service provider can provide.
As for how the big guys can get away with it I honestly think it’s simply cost of manufacturing and lack of clientele willing to pay for the service in the past…. That said I think the watch market has only recently reached a point wherein there are enoug...
Ha ha I’m not there yet either 😆
Maybe the last stop was to harsh a statement as there will always be new and appealing designs. My thought behind it was more of bespoke being more personal / special to the end user who would possibly not want to flip or sell off their watches so easily....
That’s a very powerful and true statement!
I agree with it fully but still think life is more complicated than that. Inequality is such a big topic now and yes the system should adjust to level things out a bit but this by no means would mean inequality will ever be eliminated. That said I’m in a ...
Sure, things are always complicated, and I believe I gave the wrong example.
I have no problem with wealth, quite the contrary, but that’s another topic What I meant is if I see an unworn(safe queen) costume watch, and a serial production piece(same price), that has life marks(vintage Rolex, Patek), I’ll always gravitate to the on...
I (for the most part)
Do not like that. There are extreme examples…John Lennon’s psychedelic Rolls Royce where it works. Having said that Rolls Royce (I think) makes the purchaser agree not to deface the car for IMHO good reason. This was IMO a move by wealthy individuals that...
I’m not sure a simple mod applies to this watch in particular nor would I say big brands
put more work in putting together their watches. Don’t forget not long ago most brands outsourced their movement case bracelets dials and simply assembled them. Some still do! Rolex was/ is no different. I guess the question is what makes a brand legit? D...
Agree…they sell Nissan Z cars naturally aspirated in part
Because people like to mod them…it’s a good question because it’s very individual which is one of the reasons I like Purists…it encourages good natured discussion and individual opinions.
For me, this is one where the watch:car analogy actually works
There are many watch modifications that don’t work, which I feel is akin to bolting on some marginally effective aftermarket auto parts. But at some point, with a lot of thought and care, it can become a Ruf or a Singer(and I’ve never heard anyone questio...
Purist
If personalizing is the end line? We will see, albeit there is no alternative for the pure watch. I will never want a personalized watch. I only accept an autograph from the brand. LE’s are for me no problem. One exception i will accept, for example Tiffa...
Have you never gotten a watch and thought to yourself….
This would look so much better if…..
Yes
You’ve got me. I have a watch and i want make the bazel plated gold. Time to find a gold smith who can do it for me and my watch.
He he a little change is the spice of life.
Sometimes even just changing the strap is very satisfying.
In watch collecting there is no last stop,
It’s a journey. One that takes you through many different stages if you let it. Life is too short to let what others think dissuade you from enjoying the variety of life. If someone else cannot see beauty, where you can, it’s their loss. Don’t let it be y...
Thank you for the great reminder.
Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder and should be enjoyed as such. Sometimes getting stuck looking for affirmations from others can get toxic so quickly. Glad to be part of this community. Enjoy your ADG that’s also a fantastic choice!