Aftermarket additions (Capetown Diamonds)

[jpup]

Knowing that adding an aftermarket (non rolex) diamond bezel and other additions would void Rolex servicing your watch- how many of you have done this? I started looking on the forum to buy a watch for my husband as I never really was attracted to Rolexes for myself, but in the course of looking for a watch for him I have found one I like for myself from Capetown Diamonds. It is an older presidential with some of their "Geneva" add ons. I don't buy watches with the idea of selling them later and Capetown has a lifetime servicing guarantee, so what do you all think?
Also, if anyone has seen their "Geneva" additions- how do they compare to factory Rolex diamonds? thanks for any advice

[slcbbrown]

Capetown has been around for quite a long time. I haven't bought from them but regularly shop their site for ideas or pricing trends. I think Capetown is solid enough to tell you about the diamonds that they use (color, clarity, cut, etc.). Getting a Rolex serviced without using RSC isn't a problem. Aftermarket diamonds come is so many sizes and qualities that I can't really tell you how they compare to OEM stuff. How old is the watch you're looking at?

[jpup]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

Capetown has been around for quite a long time. I haven't bought from them but regularly shop their site for ideas or pricing trends. I think Capetown is solid enough to tell you about the diamonds that they use (color, clarity, cut, etc.). Getting a Rolex serviced without using RSC isn't a problem. Aftermarket diamonds come is so many sizes and qualities that I can't really tell you how they compare to OEM stuff. How old is the watch you're looking at?

thanks- I'll call and ask them. The watch is a gold ladies president- mid 1980's. Just not sure I want the non rolex additions and wanted to get other opinions. After doing a search on the forum for aftermarket non rolex dials and bezels- I believe that almost 99% of the people on this forum would advise against it!

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by jpup

thanks- I'll call and ask them. The watch is a gold ladies president- mid 1980's. Just not sure I want the non rolex additions and wanted to get other opinions. After doing a search on the forum for aftermarket non rolex dials and bezels- I believe that almost 99% of the people on this forum would advise against it!

Keep in mind that some of these modifications are not difficult to reverse, if you change your mind. Swapping bezels is no big deal and dials is only a bit more effort. One thing to watch for is an "upgrade" that included dial, bezel, and sapphire crystal. For some reason older models were sometimes changed from plastic crystal to sapphire as the bezel/dial were swapped. In these cases, IMO, you've screwed up the watch because the watch case wasn't made for sapphire. Capetown is pretty clear in the descriptions if this was done, but you have to read carefully.

Everything can be reversed but expenses start to pile up. Are you at least a little confident that you recognize the differences in models that you're looking at?

[jpup]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

Keep in mind that some of these modifications are not difficult to reverse, if you change your mind. Swapping bezels is no big deal and dials is only a bit more effort. One thing to watch for is an "upgrade" that included dial, bezel, and sapphire crystal. For some reason older models were sometimes changed from plastic crystal to sapphire as the bezel/dial were swapped. In these cases, IMO, you've screwed up the watch because the watch case wasn't made for sapphire. Capetown is pretty clear in the descriptions if this was done, but you have to read carefully.

Everything can be reversed but expenses start to pile up. Are you at least a little confident that you recognize the differences in models that you're looking at?

No- I'm not that confident (LOL) But after looking again, I think I will pass on it. I think the crystal was changed,too. It does have a sapphire crystal, not acrylic. And it's not an inexpensive watch, so I wouldn't want to make a huge mistake. thanks for the advice.

[jpup]

thanks- I will pass on the watch-too many mods.

[Lol-x]

Capetown are straight up people to deal with, so if you ask all the poignant questions you will be clear on the situation.

Capetown to take watches on consignment to sell on behalf of third parties.

I have personally dealt with them before and am very happy with their service and product.

[SkyKing31]

I have heard good things about capetown

[jpup]

Capetown marked everything as non rolex add ons, so I'm not really doubting that they are a good legitimate company- not sure why the topic was moved to "watch out". My questions had more to do with how forum members felt about non rolex aftermarket additions. Again, after doing a search I realized that most members advised against it.

[springer]

My wife's Datejust has a genuine bezel with non-Rolex added diamonds and a dial with diamonds added to the markers. She loves it and when she's happy, I'm happy. We do not service our watches through the Rolex Service Center so for them to not service the watch is a moot point. Since the diamonds are not trademarked, the additions are not counterfeit, they are not genuine Rolex - which Rolex would rather not see. But then again, I do not use Ford or Lexus parts on my cars all the time either. I have yet to see a ladies Rolex with aftermarket diamond bezels or dials diminish the value of the watch. There is no collector market for the ladies Datejust, at least any that I've ever seen. Adding diamond dials or bezels on the ladies Rolex will only enhance the watch and its value - at least that has been my experience - especially here in Dallas where they love their diamond watches.