Is there an AM prohibition?

[Timber Loftis]

I saw something in one of the posts that made me pause. Is there a prohibition on discussing AM parts? Does this apply to things like the clear caseback conversions and the half-end links? I did check the rules at the top, maybe I missed it. Not trying to stir anything, just checking.

[Monte Cristo]

Not that I know of. I have seen several references to AM clear case backs under the Omega discussion forum.

I think AM is OK, fake, not OK?

Edit. Maybe PM a Mod and ask?

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

I saw something in one of the posts that made me pause. Is there a prohibition on discussing AM parts? Does this apply to things like the clear caseback conversions and the half-end links? I did check the rules at the top, maybe I missed it. Not trying to stir anything, just checking.

You can mod and usually discuss your watch with non-OEM parts as long as they aren't fake (watch or parts) or TM infringing.

[Timber Loftis]

For me, the most relevant concern is discussing my wife's ladies DJ. We bought it used, no papers, because she's a bargain hunter type and insisted on price over papered authenticity (though it's all 100% of course) on a watch she'll never sell. I subsequently picked up an AM diamond bezel for it. As anyone who's ventured into the area knows, you can pick up AM diamond bezels for a little (relatively) or a lot, with the authentic Rolex bezels costing even more. To any astute observer with a loupe, no one -- and I think I can say that with certainty -- comes near to Rolex's acumen in doing these bezels, especially since their work individually sets diamonds on a level that bests even the best channel settings in terms of number of diamonds, sparkle, c/c/q, etc. But, again, my wife is the bargain type of shopper...

But I hesitate to say more on the topic. I just want to know if giving advice on these issues is something I should hold back on.

It did strike me, though, that an AM discussion may implicate other things, like the clear caseback conversions. I haven't personally done one of those yet, but I love the look of them. Then, of course, there's the half-end links, and over time I'm finding I prefer straps to metal bracelets on watches, just from a comfort perspective, so those discussions interest me as well.

[GradyPhilpott]

As was said, if the AM part you are discussing does not infringe on the Rolex trademark, the topic is not forbidden.

Personally, I wouldn't muck up a 100% authentic Rolex with an inauthentic bezel.

I never paid much attention to diamonds before recently when I saw a serti dial on a Sub at my AD.

Rolex absolutely knows diamonds and I think there are many people who'd know the difference, with or without a loupe.

Of course, if you know diamonds, you could possibly make it work.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Personally, I wouldn't muck up a 100% authentic Rolex with an inauthentic bezel.

I don't shun aftermarket work, and bezels are the place where I perhaps disagree most with this statement. I've seen lots of Rolexes with aftermarket jeweler work -- from diamond designs on the dial to diamonds added to the lugs to even someone who did a completely original version of the sapphire pepsi paved GMT. Jewelery craftsmanship is an art in an of itself, and there is nothing wrong with having an artisan personalize your watch, despite the fact that it may make WIS's get the twitchy eye.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

...there is nothing wrong with having an artisan personalize your watch....

I could not agree with you more. I just wouldn't do it.

Actually, I missed the part where you said it was a done deal.

Had I noticed that, I'd have kept my thoughts to myself.

[Time2time]

Can't see anything wrong with discussing after market genuine parts to be honest.

Would be very petty if it's a no-no.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

I don't shun aftermarket work, and bezels are the place where I perhaps disagree most with this statement. I've seen lots of Rolexes with aftermarket jeweler work -- from diamond designs on the dial to diamonds added to the lugs to even someone who did a completely original version of the sapphire pepsi paved GMT. Jewelery craftsmanship is an art in an of itself, and there is nothing wrong with having an artisan personalize your watch, despite the fact that it may make WIS's get the twitchy eye.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

... despite the fact that it may make WIS's get the twitchy eye.

There's an App for that....
err I mean a gif for that

[77T]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

?... I subsequently picked up an AM diamond bezel for it. As anyone who's ventured into the area knows, you can pick up AM diamond bezels for a little (relatively) or a lot, with the authentic Rolex bezels costing even more. To any astute observer with a loupe, no one -- and I think I can say that with certainty -- comes near to Rolex's acumen in doing these bezels...

You are right about Rolex quality on the bezel, but you should also focus on the backside of that bezel as much as the topside. I suggest having the watch dry pressure tested now that the AM bezel is in place. I share this advice in the spirit of communication, not to besmirch her new bezel.

The AM makers don't always get perfectly round shapes in the bezel. So it may be tight as it was pressed on but not waterproof - visualize a slightly "ovaled" bezel that would be tight on 4 contact points with the perfectly round crystal and case. Sometimes they build up just 3 points on the inside of the bezel to be tight. Either way, there is enough gap to lose pressure and thereby lose waterproof capability.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by 77T

I suggest having the watch dry pressure tested now that the AM bezel is in place.

Fair enough advice, which is of course why I had all the work done by the same watchmaker who services the watch. I had the work done over a year ago, and the watch sees lots of time in the water, so no worries.

[77T]

Originally Posted by gradyphilpott

personally, i wouldn't muck up a 100% authentic rolex with an inauthentic bezel.

+1

[Hairdude1]

Thanks for the info on what to/not to discuss guys!

[gwozhog]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

I saw something in one of the posts that made me pause. Is there a prohibition on discussing AM parts? Does this apply to things like the clear caseback conversions and the half-end links? I did check the rules at the top, maybe I missed it. Not trying to stir anything, just checking.

I believe a new member posted about an aftermarket bezel and the eye in the sky came down on him. I see plenty of posts about NATO straps and other aftermarket leather straps so Im not sure myself what is considered playing with fire on TRF. All I know is that they are always watching us.

[jackwebb]

Originally Posted by gwozhog

I believe a new member posted about an aftermarket bezel and the eye in the sky came down on him. I see plenty of posts about NATO straps and other aftermarket leather straps so Im not sure myself what is considered playing with fire on TRF. All I know is that they are always watching us.

I saw that too and at the time I thought it was a little harsh, but thought there was something more behind it. If they are always watching… be nice if they stop by and clarify.

[Timber Loftis]

It's my experience that usually when a mod comes and "harshes" on someone, there's something going on behind the scenes that I have no clue about. But, I like to discuss watches, with aplomb, and I just want to make sure I don't step on any verboten toes while doing so.

To me, there is nothing bad about modifying fine watches. Giving them a personal appeal is generally great, IMO. Put your stuff on a strap, give it a clear caseback, do something different and unique -- it's all great to me. I just don't want to run afoul of any rules and regs in the meantime.

@Grady, no worries and cheers dude.

My wife's AM-modified DJ has been received well by her and has gotten some great comments from her peers, one of whom called it an "heirloom she can pass down." Which of course it is. I may have kept the original bezel for originality, but we have to remember that 99.99% of the world don't give a shit about that shit, and even less of them know enough to say anything. Something that is beautiful is what it is, a tautology that cannot be escaped.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Pics please

[azguy]

I don't know about the rest, but clear casebacks are sweeeet