Bamford Black Rolex?

[pistol]

I happen to stumble upon this Rolex watch collection from a UK company called Bamford. Does anyone have any insight on the product they are selling? Its essentially powder coated Rolex watches. I do like some of the products and their creativity. Does anyone know if Rolex is sanctioning it? Thanks folks.

http://www.uncrate.com/men/style/wat...-rolex-watches

[brandxbrand]

Bamford and Son are fantastic. Have a friend who has a a black Sub from them. Don't know if they are using stock SS models and mod'ing them, but the quality is superb. Certainly more than just a powder cote - It's permanent. The've been around for a while, so would say Rolex are fine with them.

[Tools]

Rolex does NOT sanction these watches..

As a matter of fact, Rolex will not service any of these modified watches.. and for the life of me, I cannot understand why they charge the high prices for what is essentially what you say...a powdered coated Rolex... They don't make them, they just paint them...

[TheVTCGuy]

[WatchSmith]

bleh

[Mosco]

Originally Posted by Tools

Rolex does NOT sanction these watches..

As a matter of fact, Rolex will not service any of these modified watches.. and for the life of me, I cannot understand why they charge the high prices for what is essentially what you say...a powdered coated Rolex... They don't make them, they just paint them...

That's some pricey paint, Larry! But I mean, how many of us have never been tempted to paint a mustache on a Mona Lisa?

I'd never subject any of my Rolexes to that. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Dr. Robert]

I like 'em.

[CPTL]

I think it looks cool...but I wouldn't do it to a Rolex. Maybe an Omega...

[timeisfathaoftruth]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

X2

[carlhaluss]

I certainly wouldn't go for any that are not OEM models like that, and even then, the one experience I had was enough. Regardless of what anyone says -DLC, PVC or whatever - it is still a very thin coating. It is very vulnerable to chipping, especially in areas of the watch with very sharp corners, like the case edge or edge of a bezel. Take it from one who knows. I had a Breitling Avenger Skyland Blacksteel Limited Edtion. It looked absolutley great, until the side of the bezel scraped against the edge of a metal table at work, then the coating chipped away, and there was left a small hole. No patching, and no polishing or any kind of refinishing. Only way was to replace the bezel at $600. Of course, no warranty for that kind of thing.
I don't baby my watches, and unless you do, you might be in for a big disappointment. I don't blame Rolex in the least for having nothing at all to do with one of their watches that has such a modification.
I agree that some watches do look great modified this way. If you can't live without that look, then do so at your own risk. If you can live with a few dings and scratches going through to the bare metal, then this may be the type of finish for you.
Cheers,
Carl

[kyle L]

Ok I may get flamed, but I think a DLC on the Explorer actually might look good. Just don't touch mine.

[kgglonghorn]

Looks really cool, but I agree with Kevin...do it to another watch other than a Rolex.

[erock]

I actually really like the look of alot of them. Not sure I would ever buy one but it might be kind of cool to do to an old watch that is beat up and scratched up anyway.

[moviefreak]

will I get the same effect with a Sharpie...???

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Mosco

That's some pricey paint, Larry! But I mean, how many of us have never been tempted to paint a mustache on a Mona Lisa?

I'd never subject any of my Rolexes to that. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Well, don't misunderstand me. I think that they look good.... a very nice look to the watch... But the question was "Does Rolex endorse them"...and the answer is, of course, no...

Also I would not get one because they cannot be touched up and these coatings do rub off and scratch so refinishing isn't a DIY affair, nor can it be done by your local watchmaker or service center....

That, and the price........... You can get a Casio with the same coating for 39.95......... yet these guys want thousands..........

I suppose though.. If you want a custom watch......... I've spent more to get a flame job and custom paint on a hot rod........

[neillfrith]

I like them but I know I'd end up bored of the look and want to swap back to the old one...simple solution buy 2!!! Money is free isn't it?

[marke]

Originally Posted by Tools

Rolex does NOT sanction these watches..

As a matter of fact, Rolex will not service any of these modified watches.. and for the life of me, I cannot understand why they charge the high prices for what is essentially what you say...a powdered coated Rolex... They don't make them, they just paint them...

tools is spot on on Rolex will not touch any of them full stop, warranty is void as soon as its touched by them

[WJGESQ]

They look great. You can really put a cool twist on a rather dated watch. All personal style I suppose. But, the photos look good.

[shaggy]

my opinion is to buy a Rolex homage watch from the likes of Alpha or Invicta and have the process done to that.
if you dont like it or it chips you have not wasted $1000's
i just wonder what these watches will look like in 10 years?

[tattooedfagin]

thought the blue bezel Sub looked a cracker but with no warranty from Rolex that kills the deal as too the daft prices

[snow_rocks]

My understanding is Bamford doesn't use new, or newer Rolexes. No warranty issue here, but Rolex will not service the watch anytime after the process is complete.

Will Bob Ridley or Dalton, Scott ... ?

[R1@160@alltimes]

Originally Posted by Tools

Rolex does NOT sanction these watches..

As a matter of fact, Rolex will not service any of these modified watches.. and for the life of me, I cannot understand why they charge the high prices for what is essentially what you say...a powdered coated Rolex... They don't make them, they just paint them...

x2 I don't get it either....in any case not my cup of tea. I am somewhat a purist when it comes to Rolex.

[Welshwatchman]

Bamford, Prohunter, Project X etc etc.

Pimp my Rolex.

[crocs]

Wow, they won't be serviced! What a nightmare! I'm pretty sure that if you can afford to shell out the money for those watches, you can can pay a "master" watchmaker to repair it! LOL
The Bamford watches and others that are custom coated are limited editions, hence making them expensive. Some custom Rolexes are VERY expensive. Thats because they are "limited editions". Just like a "limited edition" painting, car or anything else you can think of, it carries a higher price tag for the exclusivity of ownership. Anything of a limited quantity is very sought after. If an individual has the resources why wouldn't he or she want something that very few others have?
I find it amazing that every time these genuine Rolex watches are mentioned that so many people are driven to an almost "angry" point of view! Call them "painted" or whatever, they are still the real deal. I think they should be appreciated for their uniqueness the same as the other Rolexes everyone displays. I am sure I will be fried, burned or whatever by my post but come on. THEY ARE ALL ROLEXES

[crocs]

I forgot to mention that, yes I do own a Bamford & Sons Rolex Daytona. It was created from a brand new Rolex Daytona as are all of their watches, no matter the style. They do not use second hand watches nor do they accept used watches. They also service their watches "in house" at no charge, which covers the unlikely need of service, Interesting note (and of no importance to me) the value of my Bamford Daytona increased by 100% in only one week after purchase while my "Everose Daytona" will never see an increase in value. Just something to think about.

[Puffy]

Ghastly.

It's for WAGs and footballers.

[crocs]

Exactly

[Dalton]

any coating is reversible. The thing is who will do it? Luckily I live in Socal where the auto and aero industries have attracted companies who can do this kind of heavy stripping, to set up shop in California. I have DLC'd and then reverse the whole process to see if it can be done, and it can. So have fun, and paint. Any of the independents would be more than happy to service it.

[bounce]

I have a friend who is about to order a GMT from Bamford, they have sent him a couple of sample faces to look at, as they think his chioce of colour will not work very well.
They told him they will arrange all servicing for him. Expensive though £9000.

[cdnwatchguy]

If you go to their website you can custom make one. I did up a Submariner with a red second hand and Submariner in red. However, as has been stated, too expensive.