Vintage Rolex, Modern Specs?

[Styles Bitchley]

I was thinking recently about what Singer Automotive has done with 911 Porsches and was wondering if anyone has attempted this with vintage Rolex. Google searches turned up nothing...maybe because there’s no market for such a thing. But I can’t help thinking that someone with deep pockets would love something like a 1665 in appearance with a modern power reserve that could go to 4000 ft.

Has anyone attempted something like this? Would anyone want one?

[offrdmania]

A 4-line 14060M is pretty darn close IMO. A 5-digit case with a newer generation movement.

[rootbeer7]

I was tempted by a 1680 with luminova service hands and dial.

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

I was thinking recently about what Singer Automotive has done with 911 Porsches and was wondering if anyone has attempted this with vintage Rolex. Google searches turned up nothing...maybe because there’s no market for such a thing. But I can’t help thinking that someone with deep pockets would love something like a 1665 in appearance with a modern power reserve that could go to 4000 ft.

Has anyone attempted something like this? Would anyone want one?

What Singer does is about modification not restoration. Singer doesn’t do bolt on bolt restoration, their cars are modern interpretations of vintage Porsche (resto-mods). They are absolute works of art, but I don’t think that sort of thing (modification) is widely accepted in the watch hobby.
I have seen a few vintage Submariners which have been brought current by RSC and I find them beautiful. There are even some with modern luminous “red” dials, and I think it’s the best of both worlds.

[trekkiefreakie]

I think Tempus Machina does something along the lines you inquired about. No personal experience but I recall browsing their site...where they take a brand new Rolex with modern movement and grind out the crown guards, slim the lugs, add bevels and change crystal and bezel to look like a vintage piece. Eye watering prices, though.


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[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by trekkiefreakie

I think Tempus Machina does something along the lines you inquired about. No personal experience but I recall browsing their site...where they take a brand new Rolex with modern movement and grind out the crown guards, slim the lugs, add bevels and change crystal and bezel to look like a vintage piece. Eye watering prices, though.


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Wow! That’s more what I’m thinking about. Thanks for that. I guess there is demand for vintage aesthetics with modern mechanics. Not my thing, but I can see the appeal. Handsome little devils.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Wow! That’s more what I’m thinking about. Thanks for that. I guess there is demand for vintage aesthetics with modern mechanics. Not my thing, but I can see the appeal. Handsome little devils.

I like this look, but I'd rather have the real thing (not some aftermarket mods). Also, the price on these...yeesh.

[strafer_kid]

Very nice indeed! Best of both worlds?

[swish77]

Artisans de Geneve do this sort of thing too. They take modern Rolex parts and re-create vintage Rolex watches with a twist. Not cheap.

[Johny]

Very nice looking coin bezel mod.

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by swish77

Artisans de Geneve do this sort of thing too. They take modern Rolex parts and re-create vintage Rolex watches with a twist. Not cheap.

Thanks Swish. I remember reading about those guys on HODINKEE when they made that bombastic Spike Lee Daytona.

Their vintage tributes don’t seem to capture the aesthetic super well though, in my opinion. I think it’s those fat lugs and glossy insert that throw it off. I guess the question is: are these Rolexes?

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by trekkiefreakie

I think Tempus Machina does something along the lines you inquired about. No personal experience but I recall browsing their site...where they take a brand new Rolex with modern movement and grind out the crown guards, slim the lugs, add bevels and change crystal and bezel to look like a vintage piece. Eye watering prices, though.


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Not to mention the fake parts with the Rolex logo on them that never came from the Rolex factory.

[ILuvSubs]

How about the "Heritage Submariner" that Philipp Stahl and Daniel Bourn did?

See Rolex Passion Report link below

http://rolexpassionreport.com/13265/...wn-submariner/

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by ILuvSubs

How about the "Heritage Submariner" that Philipp Stahl and Daniel Bourn did?

See Rolex Passion Report link below

http://rolexpassionreport.com/13265/...wn-submariner/

Interesting project. The insert is a bit of a fail too I think. Interesting that they used a real vintage tube and Brevet crown!

[Hampshirescott]

Would look so much better without the horrible red painted on triangle! I like the idea but can’t fathom why they cost so much.

[BigMac53]

MKII watches does their own take on sort of homage watches to famous models of the past which I think are pretty cool. They've done a big crown sub variant, an old GMT variant, and a take on the old Omega 300, among others.

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by BigMac53

MKII watches does their own take on sort of homage watches to famous models of the past which I think are pretty cool. They've done a big crown sub variant, an old GMT variant, and a take on the old Omega 300, among others.

I don’t get it.

[BigMac53]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

I don’t get it.

Not sure what you don’t get, but there is a brand called MKII watches that do their own version of famous vintage models. Its not exactly a Singer type operation but it’s sort of the kind of thing you were referencing in your original post.


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[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by BigMac53

Not sure what you don’t get, but there is a brand called MKII watches that do their own version of famous vintage models. Its not exactly a Singer type operation but it’s sort of the kind of thing you were referencing in your original post.


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Sorry I wasn't clear. I just mean that I don't get why someone would want one.

[BigMac53]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Sorry I wasn't clear. I just mean that I don't get why someone would want one.

Gotcha - yeah not something I personally would wear either but not all that bad


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[Styles Bitchley]

Ladies watches don’t get a lot of attention here, but I stumbled across this company while searching for 13mm straps.

A fun take on some vintage ladies pieces.

Unfortunately, they don’t sell their straps on their own. Pretty sure my wife would like an option like that.

La Californienne
https://www.lacalifornienne.com/

[luxe horlogerie]

Oh my.
That is quite an eyeful..

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[mrfreaz]

Rolex by Swatch?

[mrs_LA]

The Tudor Black Bay 58 probably best represents the vintage vibe with modern specs.

[1665fan]

There’s plenty of remanufactured daytonas out there....for 3 times the price of a stock one...good luck with that

[BamaHammer]

I don't think that will be a thing