Rolex

Timeout
1275

• Show profile
• Show other posts

Sharing my experience with customizing my watch

So after “getting the call” a while back and picking up my white dial 126500LN I found that I didn’t love the watch as much as I thought I would. It didn’t help matters that I had also taken delivery of a white dial Speedy which quite frankly I preferred.

I love the Rolex brand and its industrial strength quality, but I struggled with this one. I knew that I was more drawn to the design aesthetic of the model 6263 but didn’t have the appetite for adventure of playing in the vintage Rolex market and the challenges that came with that.

I realize that watch customization can be a polarizing issue, but figured it was my watch and my money - so my business. I wanted something that would meet my vintage needs in a way that was respectful to the brand as well as satisfying my tastes.

The Swiss Courts at the time appeared to agree with - “my watch, my money - so my business” clarifying the law around the business model of a well known watch modification establishment in Geneva so I took the plunge and went ahead.

While this project has definitely been a “slow burn” I have to say that I was consulted and kept informed every step of the way. We hit a few bumps in the road - who knew that the lugs on the 126500 are symmetrical whereas the lugs on the 115600 are asymmetrical - I certainly didn’t. But if you’re looking to remove the crown guards from the case then the change in angle from the lug to the chronograph pushers on the case becomes an issue - and this was the first 126500 they had worked on. Getting the dial color spot on involved a few iterations, as well as agreeing the movement skeletonization and custom rotor ornamentation. Other things - such as the grey Bakelite bezel insert were quite straightforward (I wanted a more monochromatic look so steered clear of a black insert).

So when I recently took delivery of the finished product I’d have to say that I’m extremely happy with the results. The dial script is the simple “ROC”, consistent with the millerighe screw down pushers. I love the fully brushed case top and bracelet. The dial batons and luminous dots are as elegant as the original and the reworked hands more refined to my eye. I’m learning to love the rotor reversing wheels in all their scarlet glory - thanks Rolex (the customizer does not mess around with wheels - smart choice!).
Finally, the use of tremblage/frosting on the clasp is genius -not my idea but it alleviates the issue of scratches on the raised surface.

I realize that this at not be everybody’s “cup of tea” but it’s mine. Rolex have produced a few “Pink Beach” dials along the way - not the 6263 I’d have to say - but I think the end product is tasteful and respects the heritage.