Rolex

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?

They do a superb job

Do they still regulate the movement to Rolex standards (+2/-2 seconds per day)?

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.

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 artisanal atelier like AdG to be able to match, but regulation and adjustment in several positions is awesome.
Wear it in good health. I keep toying with sending them my batman

a piece unique from a brand like ( Blancpain, Breguet, AP, VC, Patek, ....)    is wonderfull

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…

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 rack. At the end of the day, it should be something thats extremely personal to the buyer (ie. Best example is a bespoke suit, in which the wearer is the only one really able to tell the difference).

This doesnt mean remaking a whole watch or case as a one off. Extremely easy measures can be taken to make beacelets/straps unique to a person and improve comfort.

Perhaps the fact that many watches ‘appreciate’ in value makes the watch companies less pressured to innovate in this department.

Maybe it’ll take a ‘bubble bursting’ event to open the eyes of the manufacturers realizing that the consumers who love watches and arent in it for the brag rights actually do demand more.

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 enough people willing to pay large amounts of money which would justify making custom pieces. Hence the rise of so many high priced micro brands. Some of which do offer customizing as standard. Take Grönefeld for example.
As for OEMs being better than modifiers I would not be so quick to generalize. So many so called OEMs do not make everything in house. Bracelets cases movements dials not long ago many brands sourced all those parts and simply assembled them to functioning watches.

PS.  Am not there yet!

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.

😆

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 fortunate position and what gives me pleasure happens to be a expensive but well executed bespoke watch and im wondering if others appreciate personalized pieces as well?

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 one that had life, that’s unique to me.
Paul Newman’s Daytona, Steve McQueen’s Tag, or Rolex Sub, are unique because of the person who owned it, not necessarily because of the model...
But off course, everyone is chasing uniqueness in different ways, therefore there’s no right answer...

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 resented a perceived brand ubiquity. Their way of claiming higher status. I’m less against the mod of a G Shock or a regular Seiko (not GS) the same way I’m ok when they mod Toyota’s and Honda’s (why would you mod a Ferrari?) but not Omegas, Rolex etc. Just a personal preference…unless you’re a Rolls owner 🤣

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? Does it always have to be the design or shouldnt what’s under the hood count too?

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.

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 question the validity of those companies). Where do we draw the line? While I can’t answer that succinctly, I would say that this Daytona has enough changes to argue its belonging in the latter camp. There remains the question of preference for factory original design vs unique flair, but if it’s all done with integrity and transparency, then I’m glad we have the choice.

Thanks,
Brian

All to often what’s under the hood is forgotten 😆

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 Tiffany, Whempe etc.

This would look so much better if…..

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.

Sometimes even just changing the strap is very satisfying.

It’s a journey. One that takes you through many different stages if you let it.

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!