Is it sacrilegious to mount a fluted bezel on a 1603?

[SubMarine]

Obviously, everyone knows that the fluted bezel option was only available for the 1601. However, I'm wondering if any collectors swap between fluted and engine-turned on their 1603 specimens.

[Hauxrologist]

Interested in this as well. Have been looking for a clean 1601 but it is proving to take some time. If I can expand my search to a 1603 and throw a fluted bezel on it, that search may speed up.


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[Dan S]

Your watch, your choice how to wear it. I've seen worse modifications than that (e.g. converting a SS GMT into a TT). Just hold onto the engine-turned bezel for potential re-sale down the line.

[Richard Carver]

Depends on your degree of comfort with vintage Rolex. Noobs go into spasms at the very thought of any thought crime deviation from the one true mothership original intent Rolex Gaia or some such crap.

This is my 1601 with an aftermarket 1600 bezel MM dial, roulette date wheel and a clear case back. Look deep in my eyes, do you see anyone in there that cares? :)

[SubMarine]

There's a difference between the question I asked in my OP and providing an example of a watch with aftermarket/fake parts. One is not comparable with the other.

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Depends on your degree of comfort with vintage Rolex. Noobs go into spasms at the very thought of any thought crime deviation from the one true mothership original intent Rolex Gaia or some such crap.

This is my 1601 with an aftermarket 1600 bezel MM dial, roulette date wheel and a clear case back. Look deep in my eyes, do you see anyone in there that cares? :)

[Richard Carver]

lol, same concept, just a matter of degree. :) I don't think the Rolex police will come for you if you swap bezels.





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[mbc]

As others have said, your watch. But I would not do that -- I'd just patiently keep an eye out for the correct configuration.

[Paul]

I think it's sacrilegious to pay good money for something and not be able to then, chop it, change it, do-it-up, do-it-down or paint it purple with yellow stripes if I want to.

Cars, watches, houses, bicycles, whatever, once my name is on the ownership papers I wanna be able to do whatever I like with it.

A purist would have a fluted bezel on his 1601 and an engine-turned bezel on his 1603. If he's a little bit adventurous, he may have a smooth bezel on either of them (an option that's been available from Rolex forever). A cool guy, the fella Rolex used to tag as " ... the man in control of his own destiny ... " , would have whatever bezel he prefers and if it didn't fit, he'd make it fit.


This guy understands what I'm getting at ....

[zapokee]

I wouldn't do it. The incorrectness would bug me... #notanoob

[Baco Noir]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Depends on your degree of comfort with vintage Rolex. Noobs go into spasms at the very thought of any thought crime deviation from the one true mothership original intent Rolex Gaia or some such crap.

This is my 1601 with an aftermarket 1600 bezel MM dial, roulette date wheel and a clear case back. Look deep in my eyes, do you see anyone in there that cares? :)

I don’t care what the OP says, I dig the Mickey mod. As you said, it’s yours so do what you please.

[MorningTundra]

“Sacrilegious”?! Pfft... hardly. Richards Mickey? Now THATS a thinking mans mod. A statement piece to be worn to. Phillips auction.


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[Robtayham]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

There's a difference between the question I asked in my OP and providing an example of a watch with aftermarket/fake parts. One is not comparable with the other.

I think Rolex would disagree with you. When you take it in for a service, they usually require any part that wasn’t originally available to be replaced. To your point, since the fluted dial is an OEM Rolex part, maybe they won’t notice or care as much as a Mickey Mouse dial.

But don’t kid yourself, once you start creating a watch Rolex never made, both examples are the same. One’s just more obvious than the other.

I’m also in the camp that it’s your watch, do whatever you want to to it. You don’t need permission.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

Obviously, everyone knows that the fluted bezel option was only available for the 1601. However, I'm wondering if any collectors swap between fluted and engine-turned on their 1603 specimens.

I'd have no issue doing this. In fact, I've done it. As long as you keep the original bezel, of course, why not? It's easily reversible. Collectors/hobbyists are often changing inserts and bracelets/straps on vintage GMTs and Subs to mix up the look. Can't see why DJs are any different.

Here's my 1603 with a 1600 bezel, to give it a completely different feel.

[roh123]

It’s a datejust. I wouldn’t have a problem putting in Richards mickey mouse dial or a freshly lacqured ’stella’ dial if I wanted to. Change the bezel if you wish and enjoy your watch.

[Racer X]

My view, for both watches and cars, is that simple, easily reversible mods are fine. It's your watch (or car). Just save the original parts for if/when you want to sell as buyers typically value originality over modfication.