Build Your Own Rolex

[HarveySpecter]

Hey guys,

This question may have already been asked, but since I am new here, I thought I'd ask you guys.

Would it be cheaper to buy a new/second hand Rolex, or to buy genuine parts and build it myself?

Regards,

Harvey

[Nickotime]

IMHO.... there is no way you could buy ALL the Rolex parts (#1 where would you buy them) and built one yourself for the costs of a new one.

Think of it this way.....Do you think you could buy all new parts for a BMI or Harley, assemble it yourself and have less money in it than just buying it outright??

One of the pleasures of owning a Rolex is the build quality.........

[donq]

That depends..Do you have the skills to build it yourself or are you going to pay a watchmaker to do the hard stuff?

Where are you planning on getting the parts?

Used parts or new?

Are you factoring in the fact that a watch built from parts will be worth less in the end than a complete factory built rolex with documentation to prove it (Numbers and all parts correct for that model/time frame?

The time, parts cost, shipping of parts, labor costs and devaluation of a watch built from parts probably adds up to buying a nice used rolex instead.

[mrhy]

Originally Posted by donq

That depends..Do you have the skills to build it yourself or are you going to pay a watchmaker to do the hard stuff?

Where are you planning on getting the parts?

Used parts or new?

Are you factoring in the fact that a watch built from parts will be worth less in the end than a complete factory built rolex with documentation to prove it (Numbers and all parts correct for that model/time frame?

The time, parts cost, shipping of parts, labor costs and devaluation of a watch built from parts probably adds up to buying a nice used rolex instead.

not just parts what about tools

[tedscott3]

This is an insane idea. Sorry.

[SUBversive]

Originally Posted by tedscott3

This is an insane idea. Sorry.

X2

But it would be fun to see you try....

[Shelby-villian]

It happens all the time in the vintage market.

[wantonebad]

You mean like building a PC, just buy a bunch of components and slap them together? Not possible. Have you done any work on watches or have any expertise with micro-tools and dust-free environments? Rolex watches are built in near sterile conditions by precise technicians and automations. They don't sell parts to the public either

[Roller07]

Cheaper to build your own Rolex?

If it was cheaper to buy ALL genuine Rolex parts and build your own Rolex watch, why would Rolex even be in the business of making Rolex watches?

[1675-David]

Originally Posted by HarveySpecter

Hey guys,



Would it be cheaper to buy a new/second hand xxx, or to buy genuine parts and build it myself?

insert any brand name you like from Ferrari to Mars Bar the answer will always be the same

[datejust24]

an awful idea IMHO....UNLESS you know the right people or are a watchmaker yourself...

[Furbo]

Rolex watches do not come in DIY kits.

And if you plan on buying all the parts, not that Rolex will sell them - but if they would, it would still be cheaper to just buy a new watch.

[Ravager135]

In theory if you could buy all the parts and obtain them individually cheaper than a finished Rolex product as whole, you would still require the environment and technical skill that a trained watchmaker would require.

[donq]

I say do it! Let us know how it turns out.

Watches built out of parts are usually called Frankenwatches.

They are generally looked down on, or even lumped in with fakes.

I can't see anything wrong with rebuilding a water damaged or otherwise "totaled" watched though.

[joe100]

Well the word impossible gets thrown around a lot in this thread. It's not impossible.

Yes, you can buy the dial, hands, case, movement, and bracelet in parts but you won't come out ahead. If anything you'll pay more.

[melons]

Nice first post...

[Armyguy03]

Originally Posted by melons

Nice first post...

x1

[BeckyD@RodgersChevy]

Originally Posted by melons

Nice first post...

Originally Posted by Armyguy03

x1

x2....

[aprasert]

There's plenty of Frankenwatches out there. See eBay for example. There's nothing wrong with a DIY project and feeling proud of wearing your accomplishment. To try to sell it and pass it on as a genuine/authentic Rolex is dishonest.

[rolexgolfer]

Actually the component costs far out way the cost of a finished rolex on the secondary market... Ex. 16013 Datejust you can buy them used all day long for $2000, but peice by piece it will add up. TT Jubilee $800, case: $300, 18K Bezel: $300, 1570 Movment: $1200, Dial: $100, Hands $50, Crystal $50.. For a total of $2800, throw in labor you are well over $3000 and you have a mismatched Rolex.

[Yanks213x]

Yuck

[bonbonson]

Originally Posted by HarveySpecter

Hey guys,

This question may have already been asked, but since I am new here, I thought I'd ask you guys.

Would it be cheaper to buy a new/second hand Rolex, or to buy genuine parts and build it myself?

Regards

Harvey

This is somewhat like restoring a classic or vintage car you buy one as scrap and then source parts not only will it be near impossible to source ALL parts and it will cost you ALOT of your time

[chicfarmer1]

Don't stop with the watch...build yourself an ISP, iPhone, toaster, Benz...just think of the savings.

[Rock]

Harvey, one suspects you are having a lend of us, but regardless it gave me a good laugh.
If you are serious I apologise for the above comment. Not my intention to offend.

The idea does intrigue me however, and I would strongly encourage someone with some time on their hands to undertake this interesting challenge. We could have a competition to guess how much it would eventually cost.

[wohlfecc]

It is a shame that the movements cost so much, otherwise it might be more fun to resurrect some busted stuff every now and then. As it stands, I can't justify it like other brands.

[GradyPhilpott]

Go for it.

There must be a way to do that, but I'd imagine that the trouble of becoming a watchmaker with a Rolex account and then somehow accumulating the inventory to build the watch without Rolex getting suspicious would be more than a little offputting to most folks.

Maybe that's what Carl is up to.

[joe100]

I dunno why this thread caused everyone to be so negative. You can buy a movement, hands, dial, and case over time and put together a perfectly sound Rolex. Jocke did it with his Frankenstein 1655.

I see orphaned cases, movements, and dials all the time. It'd be nice to see them find a new lease on life