ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

dhh · 5 March 2011, 02:32 PM

I have retired a few of my vintage pieces to the safe so I decided to see how "vintage" I could make a modern watch look as I am not a modern watch fan.

After three months of trial and error with my Daytona Heritage project I think I have the perfect watch. No fear of ruining a vintage watch in daily wear and the fantastic look of a vintage Daytona.

I started with a M serial Daytona - had custom black acrylic bezels milled for me then had a custom dial created for me to my exact specs. Lastly - I brushed the band quickly today but will also brush the lugs I think next. All mods can immediately be reversed.

I think this is the perfect looking modern Daytona.

Toying with the idea of offering a customization service for current Daytonas because of how well this came out.

Kanger · 5 March 2011, 02:36 PM

Christ that looks good

indeuce · 5 March 2011, 02:56 PM

That is one very sweet looking watch!

SS Oyster · 5 March 2011, 03:00 PM

I love it

TheDude · 5 March 2011, 03:07 PM

Oooh. Sign me up.

That would be wicked in solid gold too. Require less brushing of bits than stainless to look "proper".

Fearsome Puppy · 5 March 2011, 03:09 PM

Congrats on a very sweet looking Daytona. If Rolex released one that looked like that it would be on my list...

nch209 · 5 March 2011, 03:12 PM

Very sharp! I am glad you were so brave--- it came out very well!!!

Andrés G · 5 March 2011, 03:13 PM

It looks really good. You did a great job.

dhh · 5 March 2011, 03:19 PM

Thanks for the nice comments.

Here are a few pics of the test mule.

Andad · 5 March 2011, 03:25 PM

Good work - it looks excellent.

Perhaps Rolex could give you a job in their design Department.

ps. IMO brushed lugs would be too much - looks good as it is.

Dr. Robert · 5 March 2011, 03:25 PM

Magnificent....most excellent.....I dig your "new" watch

MortgageGuy · 5 March 2011, 03:28 PM

I like

nch209 · 5 March 2011, 04:13 PM

Subdials being black are a must- and the lack of red hands helps! I really like what you came up with! I think it would look odd with PCL, so being that you brushed them really helped as well. Once the lugs are brushed, you will have a gem!

sherwin · 5 March 2011, 04:14 PM

yes please. definitely something i can look into (when/if) i get a daytona

Speed · 5 March 2011, 04:20 PM

Wow...custom.

G.J · 5 March 2011, 04:22 PM

Hmm, although I like the idea of it, this one looks a bit like a Omega Speedmaster IMHO.

But maybe with a SS bezel....hmmmm

Kudos for your project and many thanks for sharing..

Mar122 · 5 March 2011, 04:54 PM

amazing the way you made it... if i were to get a Daytona, that would be it.
Great Job!

tkc324 · 5 March 2011, 05:25 PM

Wow... very nice indeed....

TSW · 5 March 2011, 08:29 PM

Looks great!!

mcotter · 5 March 2011, 08:39 PM

It's really stunning, you should try an albino next..Sort of a pre-Daytona!
Regards, mcotter

GolfPunk · 5 March 2011, 08:51 PM

Looks amazing - is it too rude to ask how much the bezel and face cost?

dddrees · 5 March 2011, 09:32 PM

Looking good.

MonBK · 5 March 2011, 10:12 PM

Oh boy what's next, a Comex or Milsub dial?

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind "upgrading" a SS Daytona with a dial from the gold line by using Rolex original parts but this to me is borderline fake.

My flamesuit is on so fire away.

Jason71 · 5 March 2011, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonBK

Oh boy what's next, a Comex or Milsub dial?

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind "upgrading" a SS Daytona with a dial from the gold line by using Rolex original parts but this to me is borderline fake.

My flamesuit is on so fire away.

It is great to use Rolex original parts if they suit what you are trying to accomplish. However, in this situation Rolex does not make the necessary parts to get the look that the OP is trying to achieve.

--These aftermarket parts are not meant to deceive. There is no way someone would mistake this for a PN

--He has made this watch his own by adding them, and they can be easily reversed back to Rolex spec.

--who honestly cares about resale? However, I believe that this one would sell for more than a non-modified SS Daytona

The purist kool-aid can only be drank for so long until one must quit drinking it.

I LOVE it. Great Modification.

Chad C. · 5 March 2011, 10:54 PM

I love it!! Great work! I would love to see pics of the process to transform the bezel. It is stunning.

MonBK · 5 March 2011, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason71

It is great to use Rolex original parts if they suit what you are trying to accomplish. However, in this situation Rolex does not make the necessary parts to get the look that the OP is trying to achieve.

--These aftermarket parts are not meant to deceive. There is no way someone would mistake this for a PN

--He has made this watch his own by adding them, and they can be easily reversed back to Rolex spec.

--who honestly cares about resale? However, I believe that this one would sell for more than a non-modified SS Daytona

The purist kool-aid can only be drank for so long until one must quit drinking it.

I LOVE it. Great Modification.

You are absolutely right, what was I thinking.

I will stop drinking Kool-Aid and start mass-producing the PN, Comex and Millsub dials for the true Rolex enthusiasts.

PS. Come to think of it, why bother when you can buy them direct from China?

TheDude · 5 March 2011, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G.J

Hmm, although I like the idea of it, this one looks a bit like a Omega Speedmaster IMHO.

But maybe with a SS bezel....hmmmm

Kudos for your project and many thanks for sharing..

????

Actual:

The Heritage:

Oh, and not that anyone needs reminded, but this is why I mentioned gold...

nauticajoe · 5 March 2011, 11:15 PM

That is beautiful!

Art 1 · 5 March 2011, 11:44 PM

In the end it is a frankenwatch that I would have no interest in. But I'm sure you will find some interested buyers. Good luck with your project.

Jason71 · 6 March 2011, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonBK

You are absolutely right, what was I thinking.

I will stop drinking Kool-Aid and start mass-producing the PN, Comex and Millsub dials for the true Rolex enthusiasts.

PS. Come to think of it, why bother when you can buy them direct from China?

I guess different strokes for different folks.

For me, a Rolex watch is all about the movement. I don't want a Rolex movement in a Chinese case, but as long as the replacement parts that the OP used are high quality........Then for me, I am happy with it.

Let's face it.........For some of the vintage watches, there AREN'T any authentic Rolex parts left. Sometimes parts have to be fabricated just to keep the vintage working. Bob Ridley and I had a conversation about it just yesterday. Should a vintage be tossed in a bin just because it cannot be kept 100% straight from Rolex??

I honestly see this situation no different really.

5 March 2011, 02:32 PM	#1
dhh "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NE Posts: 421	My "Heritage" Daytona Project - I have retired a few of my vintage pieces to the safe so I decided to see how "vintage" I could make a modern watch look as I am not a modern watch fan. After three months of trial and error with my Daytona Heritage project I think I have the perfect watch. No fear of ruining a vintage watch in daily wear and the fantastic look of a vintage Daytona. I started with a M serial Daytona - had custom black acrylic bezels milled for me then had a custom dial created for me to my exact specs. Lastly - I brushed the band quickly today but will also brush the lugs I think next. All mods can immediately be reversed. I think this is the perfect looking modern Daytona. Toying with the idea of offering a customization service for current Daytonas because of how well this came out. __________________ By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. -- Benjamin Franklin

5 March 2011, 03:09 PM	#6
Fearsome Puppy "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Kevin Location: Kuala Lumpur Watch: SD4K Posts: 880	Congrats on a very sweet looking Daytona. If Rolex released one that looked like that it would be on my list... __________________ Lange 1815 Chrono, AP ROO 26470ST, RO 26230ST, Rolex 216570 (w), 116600, 116520 (w), IWC XV, PAM 366, 420, Omega 311.30.42.30.01.005, Seiko SKX007J, Apple Watch, a bunch of G-Shocks -------------------------------------------------------------

5 March 2011, 03:12 PM	#7
nch209 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Nathan Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 2,775	Very sharp! I am glad you were so brave--- it came out very well!!! __________________ nch209

5 March 2011, 03:19 PM	#9
dhh "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NE Posts: 421	Thanks for the nice comments. Here are a few pics of the test mule. __________________ By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. -- Benjamin Franklin

5 March 2011, 03:25 PM	#10
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,534	Good work - it looks excellent. Perhaps Rolex could give you a job in their design Department. ps. IMO brushed lugs would be too much - looks good as it is. __________________ E

5 March 2011, 02:36 PM	#2
Kanger Banned Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: North Carolina Watch: Sea Dweller Posts: 5,524	Christ that looks good

5 March 2011, 02:56 PM	#3
indeuce "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: SF Bay Area, Ca. Posts: 127	That is one very sweet looking watch!

5 March 2011, 03:00 PM	#4
SS Oyster 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: USA Posts: 9,222	I love it

5 March 2011, 03:07 PM	#5
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,492	Oooh. Sign me up. That would be wicked in solid gold too. Require less brushing of bits than stainless to look "proper".

5 March 2011, 03:13 PM	#8
Andrés G "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Guatemala Posts: 3,392	It looks really good. You did a great job.

5 March 2011, 03:25 PM	#11
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 64,307	Magnificent....most excellent.....I dig your "new" watch __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

5 March 2011, 03:28 PM	#12
MortgageGuy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Adam Location: Orlando, Florida Watch: Me Posts: 9,935	I like __________________ The richest people in the world look for and build NETWORKS, Everyone else looks for work... Robert Kiyosaki

5 March 2011, 04:13 PM	#13
nch209 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Nathan Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 2,775	Subdials being black are a must- and the lack of red hands helps! I really like what you came up with! I think it would look odd with PCL, so being that you brushed them really helped as well. Once the lugs are brushed, you will have a gem! __________________ nch209

5 March 2011, 04:14 PM	#14
sherwin "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Perth/Singapore Posts: 1,764	yes please. definitely something i can look into (when/if) i get a daytona __________________ Want to Buy:SS GMT black;116509 WG Daytona Metrorite

5 March 2011, 04:20 PM	#15
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Wow...custom.

5 March 2011, 04:22 PM	#16
G.J "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 2,094	Hmm, although I like the idea of it, this one looks a bit like a Omega Speedmaster IMHO. But maybe with a SS bezel....hmmmm Kudos for your project and many thanks for sharing.. __________________ In Memory of JJ Irani

5 March 2011, 04:54 PM	#17
Mar122 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: USA Posts: 373	amazing the way you made it... if i were to get a Daytona, that would be it. Great Job!

5 March 2011, 05:25 PM	#18
tkc324 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Tom Location: Chi town Watch: Daytona AP DD Sub Posts: 3,717	Wow... very nice indeed....

5 March 2011, 08:29 PM	#19
TSW "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: TSW Location: Le Brassus Watch: Rolex & AP's Posts: 27,449	Looks great!! __________________ AP Owners Club IG @swiss.watch.connection

5 March 2011, 08:39 PM	#20
mcotter "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: mi.,usa Posts: 14	modern panda It's really stunning, you should try an albino next..Sort of a pre-Daytona! Regards, mcotter

5 March 2011, 08:51 PM	#21
GolfPunk "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Gary Location: UK Watch: WG Daytona Posts: 4,398	Looks amazing - is it too rude to ask how much the bezel and face cost? __________________ ♕ Rolex Daytona White Gold 116509 (Ghost) ♕

5 March 2011, 09:32 PM	#22
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	Looking good. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

5 March 2011, 10:12 PM	#23
MonBK Banned Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kingstown Posts: 58,279	Oh boy what's next, a Comex or Milsub dial? Don't get me wrong, I don't mind "upgrading" a SS Daytona with a dial from the gold line by using Rolex original parts but this to me is borderline fake. My flamesuit is on so fire away.

5 March 2011, 10:54 PM	#25
Chad C. Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Chad C. Location: IN, USA Watch: Explorer / GMT IIc Posts: 92	I love it!! Great work! I would love to see pics of the process to transform the bezel. It is stunning.

5 March 2011, 11:15 PM	#28
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	That is beautiful!

5 March 2011, 11:44 PM	#29
Art 1 Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida, Canada Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega Posts: 30,244	In the end it is a frankenwatch that I would have no interest in. But I'm sure you will find some interested buyers. Good luck with your project.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)