Bamford Watch Department Or How To Fully Customise Your Watch

Just a few days ago we were in London and met George Bamford, founder of Bamford Watch Department, whose main activity revolves around the customisation of watches, mainly Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe.
For George Bamford the notion of luxury as we know it is dead, having plenty of people with the same watch doesn't make you in any way special. The key now is in the notion of individuality and how you express it and this was the initial motivation into making what started as a personal project into a real business. He started by using coating techniques that were available at the time, such as DLC and PVD, but he has now invested considerable ressources into developing their own techniques using military grade technologies, such a graphite and titanium coatings. But the customisation doesn't stop here, as you can modify practically anything on the watch; hands, dials, special engraving... Never the less, Bamford Watch Department will never touch the mechanism itself, as George Bamford believes that is where the soul of the watch lies and shouldn't be messed around with. Could also be that that would open the door to some serious after sale service issues!!!
Anyhow, he presented us his new office nicknamed the "Hive", a great 5-story building in the very center of Mayfair, the fancy and chic neighbourhood of London. You will now find two special client rooms where you can plan your desired customisation, but it also regroups their own service center, a Research & Development department, as well as a design studio. So a rather impressive outfit for this business that started almost 13 years ago proving that George Bamford knows where he is going.

[@Atombender]

He is the Mansory of watch-tuning.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

;)

[@alibengali1150]

Alex K. Spot on

[@keltecdan]

I like the concept of being a unique piece made to your own specs and when you have tons of money you don't care that you changed the originality of the watch. I would love to see a bamford omega speedmaster z-33

[@sbptl]

Wow that hand engraved Datejust is hideous

[@Monkeylabs]

The white Daytona reminded me of a Swatch tbh. But respect for what they're doing! It's really something else.

[@nasriozel]

ugly pieces...

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+Nasri Ozel Adventure Photography Well we knew this one would be a bit controversial...

[@J4TiZzLe]

Family owns JCB. This guy has been seriously loaded all his life I imagine.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+J4TiZzLe It sure helps!

[@monchoglu]

that white daytona is nuts

[@Xvaline]

I find the mat black finish pretty sweet, this is definitely not in my means but I agree that it makes the watch personal! Tastes and color :)

[@CabalaCicero]

Guy's so tryhard it's painful to watch.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

He's like all the rest of those momzers, and their special deals with Swatch, which still gets its hair springs from SEIKO!

[@felixarbable]

dlc coating makes me cringe. looks so bad once you get a few scratches

[@rillesnille]

+felix pinto The new kind of PVD:d DLC doesn't get scratches(at least as much as before)....

[@felixarbable]

i dunno allot of the bamford watches ive seen second had look kinda awful after a few years of wear. these seem to be very much watches for the watch winder that never get used which is kinda sad for rolex's as they really arnt that watch. but aestheticly i really like some bamfords

[@BRado]

2:53 the coolest one

[@GODOFLIQUOR]

Same here that shits beautiful

[@tomasinacovell4293]

You could do another video just on the clocks he's got around and those attached to the office wall!

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

True, there were some special clocks there!!

[@jimmunsw]

No, he elevated watch form into art form! There r always ppl who like extra ordinary things, things like 1 and only piece! Personalisation n customisation is always there, but how good is it? U hv to hold n feel it before one can say its nonsense or its amazing! Judging from his well to do office n set up, i think he has his customers base for a long time to come. Its d same like a Saudi King or Brunei Sultan would hire Patek.P to make a super watch with only 1 serial number n no other, bcos they would not like to see another same watch at his 70 years birthday party or dinner right? ....something like that ;)

[@oper8tiondiamon8tion25]

Lovin the matte finishes. Nice touch.

[@MrMuttonhollow]

Very cool, thanks for sharing.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+MrMuttonhollow Welcome!

[@jijojiho]

the bamford all black submariner with the date, with white lumes and minute marks.. my dream watch.

[@SexyVistaNerd]

I have to say, it's a bit disappointing that someone would customize their watch to the point where you would no longer be able to I have to say, it's a bit disappointing that someone would customizer watch to the point where you would no longer be able to send it to the factory. But I also appreciate the fact that with such a wide range of personal customizations, the watch can uniquely represent the wearer's lifestyle or simply something sentimental. Everyone loves customization.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+Austin Löwe For the brands it's a way of protecting themselves, reason why they are so categoric about it.

[@vitaxiv]

And now he's working officially with Mr Biber - Customizing Zenith.

[@botman5583]

2 anni fa gli mandai una mail per chiedergli un preventivo: non mi hanno mai nemmeno risposto! E così dopo qualche mese mi sono comprato il mio primo Panerai, un orologio favoloso, il PAM 335, che è diventato il mio orologio di tutti i giorni quando sto in Australia. Grazie Bamford! Grazie alla tua ignoranza sono diventato un Panerista e niente è stato più come prima!

[@dumyjobby]

Not my personal taste, didn't find any of those watches better looking than the original. Still much classier than full diamonds. I guess there are some people who want something unique and he serves that niche

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

A niche thing indeed!

[@DMINATOR]

Pretty cool, I wonder how durable that coating is going to be ?

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+DMINATOR They offer lifetime warranty on it

[@nephildevil]

Read a discussion on watchuwant before on a similar engraved Rolex saying if you send it in for repairs Rolex would reject it, saying it doesn't go with brand rules to do something likes this or whatever. What's up with that? True or not?

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+Endrikh Darkvine CXVI Yes true, a way of marking clearly their territory.

[@GRJLS.]

Sweet!

[@mikelovemarine]

It's quite sad to see people turning up their noses at these watches, but then again not entirely surprising that people who'll never own one of these have a strong opinion. So-called purists claiming that these watches shouldn't be interfered with but the owners always buy these kinds of watches for exclusivity and the only way to make them truly "1 of 1" exclusive is to have them customised. These same people probably wonder why their not successful in life when they want the same things as all the other sheeple, same watch, same haircut, same house, same 9-5, customisation and indiviuality are king. The Bamford bloke reeks of privilege but really is one of the few true innovators of the last couple years on the watch market.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+Michael Love Interesting comment and personalization is definitely a path brands will explore more themselves

[@alan19905]

he destroyed those watches

[@Johnlt13]

He does what he's paid to do. Do you really think his customers care about resale? If Rolex offered personalization it would be applauded.

[@mohammadziad3556]

edgar gimenez just want to say that

[@BlackAnvil47]

Rolex is now producing black watches and the did have a line of white datejust.

[@jkntrds9635]

how to turn luxury items into supermarket watches

[@DustineJao]

The voice...

[@eco8gator]

Cool for the person with everything.

[@MrMadvillan]

I was first given the opportunity to ruin a rolex daytona by father dearest. when he later walked in with his dirty nickers, i just had to frost a rolex with a pop of mint as to look like a $54 rubber swatch, you know, the one that looks like a sexy toy you dirty dog you. But you musen’t change the heart, the heart is off limits.

[@antoinejoubert60800]

Wow cette idée de reprendre des modèles classiques et de les faire à sa sauce ! Il fallait vraiment y penser. Moi qui n'aime pas le style pimpant habituel des Rolex, les modèles Bamford sont plus sobres, et c'est ce qui manque chez cette marque, et ils le font !

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+Entwane Beber Cette remarque leur fera certainement plaisir!!!

[@jimutjayadev]

Customizing a Rolex is not a sin. You don't destroy a Rolex, its over hyped anyways.

[@jacqchl8304]

He turned Rolex into Swatch... downgraded 101

[@yiannismerianos]

although I'm not the biggest Rolex fan! I have played many times with their customizer!

[@stevenuk]

Excellent !!

[@asmakhatoon7914]

Are watches only for time?

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Very good rhetorical question!

[@MTheKing09]

Interesting, but I'm not sure I would mess around like that with watches of that price..

[@fernandocavazos2761]

This for people that have more than one watch. I think black Rolex version is inevitable Tudor owned also by them al ready has them .

[@amintaslneto]

Great vid as usual! I'm purist about watches but respect diversity and innovation in the area too

[@BigDutchKingTut]

Awesome

[@aryan12211]

Where can you contact bamford? for custom work

[@scottyee707]

Im sold

[@lucasalbrandao]

I didn't like those pieces. It's very controversial, actually. I belive that all the job implemented on this timepieces by the manufactures (desing, materials etc) is kinda lost.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+Lucas Brandão Yes, we can really feel the controversial aspect of this with the many comments made: real pros and those really against!!!! (actually a bit more against it apparently)

[@mikejones-dx8bx]

you know what is controversial? rape or genital mutilation or even factory farming practices. customizing a watch is not controversial my friend.

[@frockoff1]

Do they make their own dials or they mod the oem dials?

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

It depends, but mainly modify them.

[@crunchwrapsupreme8812]

Got a sub Aqua loving it🥸

[@asambi69]

Why o why would you ever coat a rolex there beautiful as they are, obv more money than sense.

[@jkntrds9635]

he said why, he is a snowflake, he cant stand wearing the same shit as everybody else

[@hacker007300]

Is the coating any good? Dont think so

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+Loek Lodewijck Bamford does offer lifetime warrantee on "their" watches, so they must feel pretty confident with it. All the best

[@hacker007300]

Cost?

[@andtothewestamerica]

There are brands like @La_Cailfornienne doing some beautiful, creatively modded Rolexes with an actual point of view. These Bamfords have the vibe of custom skullcandy headphones.

[@TheAechBomb]

and now rolex sued them out of existance

[@RoelfvanderMerwe]

I love the way this guy speaks

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+Roelf van der Merwe Very English...

[@SirManDudeGuy1]

+TheWATCHES.tv very posh

[@mikejones-dx8bx]

he's wearing obnoxious string bracelets. something a child would wear.

[@HarlequinJitsu]

What a bunch of haters you are. Some people want to customise their watches & express themselves. Bamford is responding to a demand in the market. Not everyone wants to have the same style. Rolex are common because they are great watches. You can customise your car, why not your jewelry. I'm wearing a PvD Sub. Number of other people I've personally seen wearing a black Submariner: ZERO

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

For me, it makes sense, there is a demand for this. Happy you're enjoying yours.

[@andtothewestamerica]

I'm all for customization and if you love yours then that's what matters. I've seen an etched Milgauss that I thought was incredible ("madeworn" worth looking up) but most of the watches in this video have been absolutely butchered and that's going to draw a reaction.

[@Gnomosfortheoffice]

A PvD Sub? Good luck servicing that dog

[@HarlequinJitsu]

@@Gnomosfortheoffice hilarious. It's time & date, what's to service? Always shows the same time as my phone. Only adjustments I've ever made are traveling & DST

[@Gnomosfortheoffice]

The Eye Every watch needs to be serviced. Usually after a period of 4/5 years. Otherwise you’ll get issues like lubricants drying up which will destroy the movement. Because your Sub has aftermarket customization Rolex won’t service it.

[@vadimdon]

Most of these watches are just ruined imho

[@carloc8763]

No surprise there are so many Milgauss modded

[@Patrick_B687-3]

Each to his own but these are not for me.

[@hacker007300]

He talks... so low.... takes his time... for... a couple of .... words

[@MrZanderLi]

He comes from time. No need to run, no need to talk fast.

[@Camelotskin]

You are much too classy for those cloth bracelets...

[@aizatghazali8]

aliexpress rolexes..😏

[@ariakowsarian9057]

My god that's insult to horology

[@mikejones-dx8bx]

actually i'd easily argue that he is innovating and thus contributing to horology. how can you not see this.

[@lifewithahmed81]

my god man, he just made the most boring rolex watches into more interesting and fun to wear.

[@junito1008]

3:43 Saying that this dude has a big gap between his teeth is an understatement !! 🤓

[@Enthusiastic777]

So what?

[@junito1008]

6 18 So what what?? Any problem ??

[@Shannmeister]

Judging by the comments the subject of personalisation is a polerising one. I think that there will be a market for this kind of customising for those who can't afford true one offs that the likes of Roger Smith makes.

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

I think you have a very valid point and it will be interesting to see where this leads to. Best to you

[@ssnoc]

Rolex seems to have taken the same approach as Mercedes .... slap the logo on any piece of crap and keep the cash coming in

[@SirManDudeGuy1]

how do they keep the legitimacy of the watches? If you change the patented design of the watch does that hurt its value? Can the rolex still be identified as a rolex?

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+SirManDudeGuy1 Well Rolex won't consider it as Rolex anymore, so no Rolex services for you...

[@SirManDudeGuy1]

+TheWATCHES.tv. that seems rather unfair, but oh well. At least it is one of a kind.

[@olivieraubin4975]

C'est un peu comme si on sablait un Stradivarius pour le couvrir de peinture...

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

Il y a un peu de cela, mais une rolex en acier c'est quand même loin d'un Stradivarius ;)

[@karamazov75015]

1:59 unique watch Omg thank god.........Au passage bye bye la garantie = pour rolex c'est une franken-watch

[@curtg5654]

Disgusting

[@TimeIsMoney2034]

Although some or all of these pieces may appeal to some I cannot help but think resale values would be greatly affected. IMHO I just see these pieces as bastardization !! Not my thing !!

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

+TimeIsMoney The resale value is always a good indicator indeed.

[@7IRAM]

"The word luxury is dead". Seriously!!?? How ignorant can you be to make such a statement!!

[@macdee6040]

Not sure why the hate, its the customer's money, they can do whatever they want. But I am glad this company exist, because it triggers people lol

[@user-zl2sc3bg3g]

That's right, I can really see this!! best to you

[@Kevin-cn1ls]

That looks like shit

[@bananlaksen]

Could be fun if he did and interview with the premise that the watch maker should not do some fucking BS nonsense speak about the watches and instead just explain them

[@killamist666]

This guy is everything bad about the luxury watch industry, Can you imagine the shit he spouts out to potential customers, “but you’ll have a unique watch” Yeah that looks like shit. Sorry for the rant.

[@user-mq1qk5gm8h]

dumb rant, you should be sorry. customers are retarded if they are going to this guy asking to be convinced. if you want a unique colored rolex, this is who you go to. otherwise, what the fuck is the point? don't design a shit looking watch if you don't want a shit looking watch. your comment and opinion is stupid

[@jhamiltonsmythe]

Bamford own the great and innovative world leading JCB digger empire. So why piss about spray painting watches? Bored or what?

[@redazi1]

No good ,yes you can money with some stupid people,but changing the dial of a watch it s not original at all,

[@ernestsmith3351]

Big whoop they have been blackening Rolex watches for years in Mexico, long time ago

[@NewDave94]

how to make a 30 000 Dollar watch look like a 5 euro watch omg its ugly!

[@neech63]

Its a shit finish it wears off nothing compares to the omega black black moon watch

[@andivalentinus2912]

Jadi keliatan murahan

[@jasonwan00]

"I don't change the heart of the watch". - tldr - "I don't have the skills to do anything about the movement"

[@Nexus.Achiles]

He's completely ruined the aesthetics of those classic pieces. Awful.

[@scottstorchfan]

he's trying to hard to sound credible....

[@aveenmahabal]

Takes some guts for the buyer of these watches, to make this investment, in something that has lost all resale value.

[@manduheavyvazquez5268]

Your can see the big big difference between audemars diver and the other Rolex, all Rolex together don't compare with the diver in quality . Audemars is other level of exclusivity.

[@veuxd]

some cool watches, but the dude makes me wanna puke...

[@arashkbanan6205]

#پسرابوالعجائب

[@darrellee4953]

This guy made my skin crawl