Rolex

So after “getting the call” a while back and picking up my white dial 126500LN I found that I didn’t love the watch as much as I thought I would. It didn’t help matters that I had also taken delivery of a white dial Speedy which quite frankly I preferred.

I love the Rolex brand and its industrial strength quality, but I struggled with this one. I knew that I was more drawn to the design aesthetic of the model 6263 but didn’t have the appetite for adventure of playing in the vintage Rolex market and the challenges that came with that.

I realize that watch customization can be a polarizing issue, but figured it was my watch and my money - so my business. I wanted something that would meet my vintage needs in a way that was respectful to the brand as well as satisfying my tastes.

The Swiss Courts at the time appeared to agree with - “my watch, my money - so my business” clarifying the law around the business model of a well known watch modification establishment in Geneva so I took the plunge and went ahead.

While this project has definitely been a “slow burn” I have to say that I was consulted and kept informed every step of the way. We hit a few bumps in the road - who knew that the lugs on the 126500 are symmetrical whereas the lugs on the 115600 are asymmetrical - I certainly didn’t. But if you’re looking to remove the crown guards from the case then the change in angle from the lug to the chronograph pushers on the case becomes an issue - and this was the first 126500 they had worked on. Getting the dial color spot on involved a few iterations, as well as agreeing the movement skeletonization and custom rotor ornamentation. Other things - such as the grey Bakelite bezel insert were quite straightforward (I wanted a more monochromatic look so steered clear of a black insert).

So when I recently took delivery of the finished product I’d have to say that I’m extremely happy with the results. The dial script is the simple “ROC”, consistent with the millerighe screw down pushers. I love the fully brushed case top and bracelet. The dial batons and luminous dots are as elegant as the original and the reworked hands more refined to my eye. I’m learning to love the rotor reversing wheels in all their scarlet glory - thanks Rolex (the customizer does not mess around with wheels - smart choice!).
Finally, the use of tremblage/frosting on the clasp is genius -not my idea but it alleviates the issue of scratches on the raised surface.

I realize that this at not be everybody’s “cup of tea” but it’s mine. Rolex have produced a few “Pink Beach” dials along the way - not the 6263 I’d have to say - but I think the end product is tasteful and respects the heritage.

I'm very much in the same camp, my watch my money I do what I want with it. It surely does help that I always seem to be the guy who wants options that cannot be combined, I've suffered from it in the motoring space too. I also find your version to be understated, elegant and very legible. The skeletonized movement and rotor also look nice with just the right level of visual complexity, offering a slightly more modern take than the dial which makes for an interesting design contrast. I find it surprising that they are allowed to print Rolex on the dial, in the car space Porsche & Ferrari have been taking a more aggressive approach to the use of their name and their logos especially with restomod makers to the point that it is no longer an option. Congratulations again on completing this project!

I hadn’t given thought to the juxtaposition of the dial and case back - but you’re quite right! The case back is “my little secret” for the most part and doesn’t put the customization “in your face”. This - as all my collection - are heirloom pieces, never to be sold in my lifetime. It helps that my son - and daughter - share the same initials as me so the caseback is good for one more generation at least 🤣

Congratulations to you. 

You went your own way and made it yours. This is what imagination and commitment look like. Wear it in good health.
Best Regards,
Tim

As I’ve shared with your colleague in NY this hobby is more a marathon than a sprint🤣.

In many regards the process of procurement is as enjoyable as receiving the finished product and it’s all part of the ownership journey. Sharing stories with passionate industry practitioners is for me an end in itself - regardless of product availability.

This definitely added some time to the process. I pushed this really hard as losing the crown guards was not negotiable for me - I saw the renderings with the crown guards intact. Once they had an engineering solution they shared it with me and I signed off - accepting the risks. I was relieved when they shared the video of the case sans crown guards!

I noticed in previous iterations they had used the 116500 base and I actually didn't love how the asymmetric case looked without the crown guards but also considered the fatter lugged 126500 case might look funny without. Your piece came out great, love it, thanks for sharing! Now that you've gone through the process, is there anything you would have done differently or any learnings for how best to navigate such a project?

From shipping out to them to receiving back (transatlantic) was 22 months. It could have been a month less - but I did not want it shipped over the holiday season. Having said that it could have been ready after 14 months but I was not convinced with an earlier dial color. They were extremely accommodating and produced 4 different Pantone color samples - images photographed under different lighting conditions.

I never chased them during the process - so the timing is representative I believe. I would suggest getting dial color samples earlier in the process - would have speeded up things.

It really ends up being a completely different watch. And I must say that I like your customised version way better than the regular production one.

It may take a couple of days!
I’ll try for some macros of the dial and movement. Here’s a few from my other watches - is this what you had in mind?

but I didn't mean "closer": I meant "sharper", which implies that no digital zoom is involved, which makes the images blurry, looking like paint rather than sharp photos.

Here are some additional photos

Thank you so much.

absolutely love it 😍 would u mind pm me the outfits contact? I would love to liberate my sub and datejust 😂 thx!!

more carefully at the case back, I would have found the answer. thx anyways.

I can give you the name of the person I dealt with if you need it. If so send me a pm

Many many thanks for sharing both the pictures and also the experience you went through; it is really what makes this Community unique 

…but I’ve been a fan of these forever.  10-15 years ago they were a lot more prevalent, do you recall Bamford had some really cool vintage inspired iterations (they used to sell them at DSM here in NYC).  

Color varies between pink and lilac depending on the ambient lighting.

I love when people modify things.  They modify cars, clothes, houses (paint them, additions, etc.) I never understood people taking a the position that watches should never be modified. It is fine if you don’t like it or approve, but, some treat it like it is a sin.  Personally, I find that ridiculous, and I find very few things out of the box perfect.  I love the crown guard removal here, and the dial/bezel combo.

Appreciate the good wishes.