Are Frankenwatches real???

[Mr. K]

My version of Frankenwatch.

[s14roller]

I wouldn't do it. There's no way of knowing for sure what parts are used, etc.

[IT Nerd]

Originally Posted by Mr. K

My version of Frankenwatch.

[SeminarianMike]

I use to check out a shop like that... I once even put a blue submariner bezel on a gmt to be goofy... Always get the parts to transform the watch back to original or when it's time to upgrade ur ganna hate yourself. Also be careful franken watch shops walk a fine line a times... Yes that watch is "real" but I've seen shops that claim a Tudor date just with a Rolex bracelet and Rolex face on it is real... And I'd disagree there. Make sure you check out the movement if you do buy. Just my short ramble


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[domthedon]

You'll find there is a huge difference between a Rolex being 'custom' and 'franken'. A franken Rolex is usually a replica based watch with added genuine parts, most likely being 90% genuine with the movement being either replica or taken from a similar (usually not Rolex) model watch. For example, I have seen a 'Franken' Daytona which had all genuine parts but had a Zenith el Primero movement installed, and not a Rolex version which they used pre 2000.

This in the eyes of Rolex is not a genuine Rolex watch and they will 100% not touch it if you were to send it in for service.

These watches are made by people who spend time picking up pieces on eBay etc to put together a watch for a third of the price of even a pre-owned piece.

If it's not factory assembled by Rolex, it's not a Rolex imo.

A 'custom' Rolex is a little different, usually a factory state Rolex with some small changes with either aftermarket parts or parts taken from other Rolex models which are not factory Rolex. E.g fitting an ice blue platona dial in an SS model, which Rolex will make you swap out for the original dial before they service it.

Basically, if the dealer has used the word 'Franken' I'd leave it well alone.

You can stick a tuxedo on a goat, but it's still a goat!

[Number3]

Originally Posted by IntegratedCheese

I wouldn't buy it. If you really wanted a customized watch, I would buy the original, then buy the parts and have it put together. This way, you can return it to "stock" if you need to, and you also know all the parts are genuine.

This.

[rc51matt]

I have no problem with Franken watches as long as you know what your getting and someone isn't trying to pass it off ass an original, like some try with snowflake Tudors or red Subs ect. Depending on what you pay for it its prob worth more in parts than complete. I'm always looking on eBay for Rolex sports model cases & movements to put one together myself. I think it would be a fun project to build one, but every time a sub or other sports cases or movements come up they sell for stupid $ IMO. I've seen cases sell for 2500-3k. For that money you can find a older 16610 complete with no b&p for only a few dollars more.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by rc51matt

I have no problem with Franken watches as long as you know what your getting and someone isn't trying to pass it off ass an original, like some try with snowflake Tudors or red Subs ect. Depending on what you pay for it its prob worth more in parts than complete. I'm always looking on eBay for Rolex sports model cases & movements to put one together myself. I think it would be a fun project to build one, but every time a sub or other sports cases or movements come up they sell for stupid $ IMO. I've seen cases sell for 2500-3k. For that money you can find a older 16610 complete with no b&p for only a few dollars more.

Freudian slip?

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Tools

Watches made from parts from other watches to be something that they are not, or were not originally, are "Frankenwatches"

Yes, they could be called "custom" just like a low-rider is a custom auto. They aren't for everybody.

Of course they are "real", they are just not something that came in that configuration from the factory.

saves me the effort.

[rc51matt]

Originally Posted by AK797

Freudian slip?

So maybe I was typing on my iPad on the throne this AM!!!

[drifter01]

DomtheDon is right...there is a difference between a "frankenwatch" and a "custom" watch. Custom refers to a watch that is modified or asssembled using genuine parts, but not particularly meant for that model or that serial number watch. Changing dial, bezel, movement and such make it custom.
Frankenwatches are almost exclusively watches using fake/replica parts with some genuine parts thrown in. The case can be real with an aftermarket movement, dial and bezel, or the movement can be genuine in a totally replica case. Sometimes only the dial is genuine.
Just like Frankenstein was not totally human, a franken watch is not totally genuine either.

[rc51matt]

Originally Posted by drifter01

DomtheDon is right...there is a difference between a "frankenwatch" and a "custom" watch. Custom refers to a watch that is modified or asssembled using genuine parts, but not particularly meant for that model or that serial number watch. Changing dial, bezel, movement and such make it custom.
Frankenwatches are almost exclusively watches using fake/replica parts with some genuine parts thrown in. The case can be real with an aftermarket movement, dial and bezel, or the movement can be genuine in a totally replica case. Sometimes only the dial is genuine.
Just like Frankenstein was not totally human, a franken watch is not totally genuine either.

Makes more sense when you explain it that way! I will change my answer to custom ok, Franken Bad!

[DPE]

Best not to buy, you will never be 100% happy

[jasonross2001]

Originally Posted by DPE

Best not to buy, you will never be 100% happy

i own a 2007 yachtmaster with a 2017 rhodium dial and blue hands i purchased it this way ive had it checked out and its 100 percent rolex but its classed as a custom it has a 3135 movement
i bought it this way as the person wanted the newer model so changed his older one to look like the newer he then sold the original parts he took off
i love it i paid like 2000 pound less knowing this also

its still every inch a rolex for a fraction of the price i wear it every day ive knocked it bashed it scratched it but who cares i buy my watches to wear like we all should

[DP63]

Is that a real Rolex dial in the OP's first photo?

[DP63]

If it is ... (my digging around) from a ref 1680 ... the dial alone is worth a chunk of change

[jaySL350]

Originally Posted by AK797

Freudian slip?

Lol, lol,,,totally

[Likestheshiny]

That's a solid necrobump right there.

I'd personally have no problem buying a Franken as long as I trusted the seller about the authenticity of parts. But, I wouldn't buy any watch unless I trusted the seller about the authenticity. Any watch could have third-party replacement parts.

[Hendrikus]

I understand the issue the OP has. I too love a blue dial and love Subs, but the Smurf is a lot of money. Have you not considered the TT Bluesy? Surely a better option than this?

[Noah860]

I have to say, buying second hand in jewelry shops, often you’ll find these Franken scenarios because more times than not the Rolexes are taking in trade. The jeweler buys aftermarket bezel/insert/crystal or bracelet to replace absent or damaged parts. And you as a customer believe the sub from the early 2000’s is in really good shape for 6k. Then the jeweler puts a appraisal of 8500 and the customer thinks they hit the jackpot!

[Richard Carver]

There are no Rolex police who will arrest you for putting different parts on your watch. Swapping parts was the national sport in the 60s and 70s. They are watches not semi-religious objects that must never be changed from the day they left the holy mothership. TBH that whole totalitarian originality thing gives me the creeps.

As far as price, you buy it as a custom and you'll sell it as a custom the discount for the added parts is baked in, No one is trying to fool anyone. Have fun with this hobby, never let anyone tell you how you are supposed to enjoy it.

This bezel will grace my 16570 before too much longer... because I like it. :)

[Noah860]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

There are no Rolex police who will arrest you for putting different parts on your watch. Swapping parts was the national sport in the 60s and 70s. They are watches not semi-religious objects that must never be changed from the day they left the holy mothership. TBH that whole totalitarian originality thing gives me the creeps.

As far as price, you buy it as a custom and you'll sell it as a custom the discount for the added parts is baked in, No one is trying to fool anyone. Have fun with this hobby, never let anyone tell you how you are supposed to enjoy it.

This bezel will grace my 16570 before too much longer... because I like it. :)

That watch is BOSS!!!

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

There are no Rolex police who will arrest you for putting different parts on your watch. Swapping parts was the national sport in the 60s and 70s. They are watches not semi-religious objects that must never be changed from the day they left the holy mothership. TBH that whole totalitarian originality thing gives me the creeps.

As far as price, you buy it as a custom and you'll sell it as a custom the discount for the added parts is baked in, No one is trying to fool anyone. Have fun with this hobby, never let anyone tell you how you are supposed to enjoy it.

This bezel will grace my 16570 before too much longer... because I like it. :)

Hah !!! You'll never see a white dial GMT...
A Pepsi at that either... That does look good.

On another note, I purchased a Franken TT Serti Sub
Champagne dial not disclosed to me with an aftermarket
TT bracelet and 16610 clasp and case...

Was not very happy when I discovered it on my own
doing RESEARCH HERE ON TRF after the fact.
I paid going rate for the 16613 SERTI as 100% genuine
so I was quite the miffed customer because it was sold
as genuine and not Franken with a discount...

[jason10mm]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

There are no Rolex police who will arrest you for putting different parts on your watch. Swapping parts was the national sport in the 60s and 70s. They are watches not semi-religious objects that must never be changed from the day they left the holy mothership. TBH that whole totalitarian originality thing gives me the creeps.

As far as price, you buy it as a custom and you'll sell it as a custom the discount for the added parts is baked in, No one is trying to fool anyone. Have fun with this hobby, never let anyone tell you how you are supposed to enjoy it.

This bezel will grace my 16570 before too much longer... because I like it. :)

How can you do that? Will the bezel rotate or is it just glued/welded to the explorer case. Or is that a polar dial in a 16710? Is that a direct swap? Could you put the 16710 dial in the polar and get a black exp2?

[Curt941]

Originally Posted by DP63

If it is ... (my digging around) from a ref 1680 ... the dial alone is worth a chunk of change

I believe it's like a 16803/16808 nipple dial

[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by jason10mm

How can you do that? Will the bezel rotate or is it just glued/welded to the explorer case. Or is that a polar dial in a 16710? Is that a direct swap? Could you put the 16710 dial in the polar and get a black exp2?

A 16710 bezel is a direct fit and functions normally and yes, a 16570 dial will fit a 16710.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Since you asked, if me I would buy the black face OEM Rolex and be very proud of it, however would suggest buying from here to make sure watch is legit

Then work hard and save until I could afford the next OEM Rolex that I wanted

That is what I did

[Jocke]

I love franken's so long you use original parts and the only problem is if you need to send it to Rolex.

A good rule is to only do things that could make the original again and keep all the parts.

Who said Rolex knows best how the watch should looks.

Here is a few of my creations:

Submariner 16610.

Before.



With maxidial & hands, LV insert and AR cyclop.



Submariner 1680.

Before.



With a blue dial. gold hands, gold bezel, gold crown & a blue rubber B with a TT claps.



YachtMaster 16622.

Before.



With a red datewheel, Daytona clasp, Parachrome spring & glassback.



DayDate WG 18039.

Before.



With a iceblue dial for platinum model & a swedish datewheel.



GMT Master 16753.

Before.



With a Exp II dial, hands, bezel, SS crown and Oyster bracelet.



DateJust 16234.

Before.



With a Sunbeam dial, YachtMaster hands, a red datewheel and a SS Jubilee bracelet.

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by Jocke

I love franken's so long you use original parts and the only problem is if you need to send it to Rolex.



A good rule is to only do things that could make the original again and keep all the parts.



Who said Rolex knows best how the watch should looks.



Here is a few of my creations:



Submariner 16610.



Before.







With maxidial & hands, LV insert and AR cyclop.







Submariner 1680.



Before.







With a blue dial. gold hands, gold bezel, gold crown & a blue rubber B with a TT claps.







YachtMaster 16622.



Before.







With a red datewheel, Daytona clasp, Parachrome spring & glassback.







DayDate WG 18039.



Before.







With a iceblue dial for platinum model & a swedish datewheel.







GMT Master 16753.



Before.







With a Exp II dial, hands, bezel, SS crown and Oyster bracelet.







DateJust 16234.



Before.







With a Sunbeam dial, YachtMaster hands, a red datewheel and a SS Jubilee bracelet.

Jocke your designs are awesome. Love every one of these.

[seabreeze60]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

i think you will find they will work on it, if you change everything back, they will also give you a bill like this new dial, band, new bezel insert, crown etc it just not worth it imho your bill will be in the 3K plus range

% correct! I’m wearing one now. Rolex did a nice job and charged $2510.00. You even named the parts they replaced, except the bezel. If Rolex does it they provide a green service card as evidence. If anyone else does the same work for 60% less then technically it’s not Rolex authorized service.