Has This Rolex Watch Been Ruined? | Watchfinder & Co.

[@watchfinder]

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[@TrilobiteTerror]

What if Artisans de Genève also modded Richard Mille watches into reserved, modest timepieces.

[@elshazlio]

They’d be a step above where they are now, for sure.

[@ginyamaguchi1421]

A RM doesn't need to be modified.

[@DirtFather407]

Jorge Falero Mazziotti I’d rather have a Richard Mille than a basic ass Patek

[@crzyruskie86]

They should have called this Rolex the Richard Mille edition lol

[@XavierAncarno]

King Charles 😂🤣

[@Drgofast]

'for every Zagato there are hundreds of Mansory's' dude knows his cars!

[@madgamer574]

Absolutely. He gives a lot of car related metaphors in his videos, and as a petrolhead myself, I love it!

[@scottyrob82]

I'm glad he sees Mansory in a distasteful light. Those cars looked like they're crashed through a Pep Boys then a paint store.

[@Drgofast]

After looking into the design and manufacturing process of mansory .. i think i might have to rethink my stance on them. Still don’t like the designs most of the time though.

[@amongusmeegoose]

@@scottyrob82 The only mansory i like are the mansory veyrons

[@jimutjayadev]

Each have their own market. Only a typical keyboard warrior will hate what Mansory does.

[@Johngle]

As someone who doesn't like the daytona, or skeleton watches, this looks strangely attractive for some reason

[@silluete]

I one of the rolex hater. And this is second rolex that i actually consider to buy.All left is removal of the rolex name.

[@HardcoreMotors]

I don't want to but somehow I have to agree. But the Lenny Kravitz one is way more attractive looking. Close to perfect even.

[@aayushx44]

Hell yeah but looking at the price tag , aint nobody copping that shit

[@MIAPhilly]

I agree, This is actually pretty darn good looking.

[@rico200168]

John Dongle I love the look of it and I would 100% buy it just for being so Different and unique looking

[@SWatchik]

Astisan's De Geneve are maybe the only aftermarket/custom Rolex manufacturers who do it right. Their new manual wound one is incredible, although would love to see a non-skeleton dialed version.

[@georgeoshea9961]

I couldn’t agree more - their 6536 Brown Tribute is on my all-time wish list - arguably one of the priciest wish lists ever conceived, but should that lottery win come, that would be my second buy.

[@SWatchik]

@@georgeoshea9961 That's if you could get one by that point! You'd probably have to commission your own piece

[@liketheterminatortoldya7297]

what about mad Paris i think they make quite modern and handsome aftermarket Rolexes

[@Timberjagi]

have you checked the quality they deliver?? average Chinese/US watch builders make a better finish than this

[@bernardbentfeld7654]

@@liketheterminatortoldya7297 hi lip up

[@TechPanzer]

The end result looks *very* good. So good in fact that for the first time in my life I'm lusting after a Daytona.

[@TheAlucard900]

Zonda agree sir. After seeing this masterpiece, i cant look the daytona the same way like i used to.

[@chris5k132]

the daytona is one of the best looking rolex's anyway

[@Milofchg]

It’s good but look at the video again. You will see imperfections, uneven cuts, poor polishing, some edges beveled, and some are not. Artisans De Geneve are artisans with all do respect, but they are not master craftsmen. Now look and compare the decorated skeleton movement to a Zenith, A Lange, or a JLC at a macro level. You will see what I mean. Still I love this Daytona. Looks way better than what Rolex can do or can’t do. Not perfect, but still good enough for non-Rolex fans want this Rolex.

[@testest847]

"If anyone knows how to make a Rolex, it's Rolex" Woah

[@muslimtommyshelby2624]

That's "woke"

[@MikeLlorente]

If anyone knows how to make a Rolex, it's ZENITH.

[@popsbubbles1242]

@Spanish John actually just vibration wave form

[@siemasiema2989]

@@MikeLlorente check mat!

[@thegorn]

And Gay Frères. Every Rolex has some gay in it.

[@tianxia4092]

Great looking Tag Heuer.

[@johnbenton5102]

Oh damn!

[@ssslovak47]

funny i was thinking the same!!!

[@henrywest7217]

😄

[@JacksonFaylor]

When I first saw it I thought it was Carrera 02 T

[@TheBreadlord]

It looks an awful lot like my Heuer 01 full black ceramic.

[@devinpowers4368]

I honestly love it, I wish Rolex would do that as a factory setup. Skeleton dials on certain watches make them so much more to look at.

[@dimelrussell7874]

These macro shots kinda highlight A LOT of imperfections with the finish wow. This watch was definitely not intended to be skeletonized.

[@DirtFather407]

dimel russell Considering it wasn’t done by a major company I think the finishing is amazing. Always gonna be that one hater

[@ramirosuarez1877]

@@DirtFather407 he's talking a out Rolex dummy

[@DirtFather407]

Ramiro Suarez and it was refinished by this company dummy 💀

[@davidvenegas6401]

Rolex is not Patek.

[@calizess]

So much dirt and corrosion...

[@josephknecht4272]

I do not want what "everyone wants". I want what I like.

[@campkira]

cheap watch that sold in fish market... would be the same... the whole poin of had thing everyone want is the resell vaule....

[@philipdarnall787]

Bingo...you hit it right on the head. I get multiple comments per day when I wear my cheap skeleton watch to work. My Seiko Cocktail Time on a blue alligator strap...zero comments...

[@taksohne3251]

This one looks better than the rainbow diamond gold daytona

[@alangreenwood870]

Tak & Söhne I was just about to say the exact same thing.

[@Milofchg]

It’s beautiful and I want one, but the finishing and edges are not perfect or even. Still the look of it is better than what Rolex can do or can’t do. If they can even out some of the skeleton frame/components to a ALange or Patek Philippe level. Then it would be perfect.

[@nda6228]

I don’t agree, I think open movement should be kept on casebacks or Patek / VC

[@Ajayharrysimon]

the stupidest comment ever

[@jakes.5143]

Not in my opinion but to each their own.

[@davidmaria4752]

When Rolex is your out of house movement.

[@NowIknowCh]

That's a really interesting looking watch

[@tomthompson7400]

looks like they need a hoover in the assembly shop , i like the over all effect , but its a bit crappy inside.

[@magalengo]

“Price is what you pay, value is what you get.”

[@geraldbrienza4474]

$71,200. Limited to 42 pieces (Montoya’s race car number.) a bargain.

[@TheZmt325]

Isn't that for the stainless version?

[@freen773]

Is it just me or does it look dirty under magnification

[@takasmaka820]

Its just you dirty boy

[@jensh.2595]

The worst Ive seen so far, horrible QC, every part full nicks dents scratches or dirt. The movement looks like one so abraised that its allready in need for a full service. At least thats what Im going with as a rule for alot cheaper watches. With all disrespect for their simple 2824 casing game I strongly believe Tag Heuer qualitycontrol would never pass that thing through. Why would someone buy this instead of anything else?

[@alphatumeric]

Probably botched job by the modder.

[@Flaksting]

The finish is horrible in those marco shots.

[@JamesandRibble]

Yes, it's not exactly a grand seiko

[@augustinf]

i know right? the watch isn't ugly but so poorly finished

[@jpracingph]

If I had the money, Im buying this as a tool watch. I'd wear it to my races in vintage automobiles. Now, if I want a great finished watch, I'd buy a Journe or Lange for when I wear a suit. Finishing isn't all that important on this tool watch regardless of metal used.

[@neetones]

Polo

[@jpracingph]

@Random UploaderYes. This is a tool watch. Learn before commenting.

[@dominicrusho]

Much like Watchfinder guy’s thumbs, this watch is strangely attractive!

[@doscompaz]

dominicrusho lmfao 😂

[@Josempita]

This is probably the only Rolex I actually like

[@monzur1947]

What about a Cellini?

[@justinboudreau3130]

Not a real Rolex though...frankinwatch

[@stritlit]

This makes me want to buy a Speedmaster even more. This is a good watch but it's not balanced. And that's probably because the Daytona itself isn't balanced. To each their own though!

[@menaseven9093]

Les Artisans de Geneve Rolex Daytona customization is a wonderful piece of craftsmanship and beauty. The Rolex Daytona has not been ruined. The skeletonization of the gold Rolex Daytona La Montoya and the use of the Colombian flag color have improved the look of the Daytona.

[@cavalry1213]

Sooo...they made a Richard Mille Daytona? 🤔🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@dule385]

No. A Tag Heuer 01 Daytona.

[@IndeedBeni]

No. A Hublot Daytona.

[@Milofchg]

An Invicta Daytona LOL 😂

[@dbeasleyphx]

KInda... yeah... but not a very convincing one.

[@CloroxBleachChannel]

because Richard Mille invited tourbillon and exposed mechanics /s

[@Clubber81]

Amazing craftsmanship for sure. I understand the Zagato analogy but you skip one crucial detail. Aston Martin officially commissions the Zagato version meaning it is factory approved where this Daytona isn't.

[@seboTwo]

Beside the gold, I think this is a super interesting and the most adorable Daytona ever seen (by view)

[@thamil1365]

After taking a long gander at this watch, I am compelled to say that it's one of the more tastefully modified ones I've seen.. Dare I say it, it actually looks good... I'm not sure the design will stand the test of time as far as longevity is concerned 🙏

[@ricotallud349]

This is the most interesting Rolex I've ever seen.

[@milespenucevski2190]

Forgive me for being naive, but in product photos of whatches, why are the hands always at 10 and 2 o'clock?

[@TheSlymccoy]

Miles Penucevski it gives the viewer the impression that the watch is smiling. A subliminal message.

[@milespenucevski2190]

@@TheSlymccoy That's pretty cool! Thanks for the info!

[@dania18]

They turned a Daytona into a Tag Heuer 01 skeleton.

[@ryantan5963]

I think the whole purpose of a luxury watch is instant brand recognition and high quality so this modded version works brilliantly!! If anyone wanted a modest watch just to tell time, they won't even buy a rolex in the 1st place...casio and seiko quartz would have suffice, am I right. 😄

[@Jssodk83939]

Thought that was a Tag Heuer watch on the thumbnail.

[@martinmugo9402]

Hi, Please do an in depth analysis of the Rolex Day-Date. I have not seen a video on this yet

[@FitOutPost]

You are absolutely right saying that "There is no accounting for taste." For example I would not mind having this particular timepiece.

[@jeanraspail2979]

I wouldn't mind having it either. Buy would you rather have this one than the unmodified Daytona? Let alone spend the money for this modification..

[@FitOutPost]

@@jeanraspail2979 You must admit this one has a specific charm with all its movement out in the open.

[@jeanraspail2979]

@@FitOutPost sure, i always found skeleton watches interesting, but still prefer the classic look

[@FitOutPost]

@@jeanraspail2979 Hope you subscribed to my channel. Cheers. FOP

[@Tigrt6150]

Some youtubers comment before even seeing the video just to take fist place. That Rolex though is so unrolexy from first sight!

[@stritlit]

I know right? 😂 They made the Daytona even worse!

[@robertwilliams2850]

The fact it doesn’t look like a Rollie is why it looks so good.

[@jbraff2197]

In opening audio did you say, “presumptuously titled Artisans de Genève “ ?? If so, bravo!

[@saintzeph]

Does anyone know how much this costs/are they even for sale?

[@ghirardelli_studio]

Have you seen the resale value of Singers?

[@kc8563]

I walked into your Canary Wharf shop on 18/10/19 @ ~13:00 - the two gentlemen working there were the most rude and arrogant individuals I’ve ever come across in this industry. Your videos are great but your staff need to seriously improve.

[@InnovativeTrigger]

Kc 85 this has been typical in all of their brick and mortar shops. It’s been discussed in quite a few forums. Horrible staff, believe they know everything and everything you know is wrong. Some of the worst customer service reps ever.

[@spizzenergi2292]

ThatGuy Cory What relief, I thought it was just me. I left feeling like I’d been talked down to.

[@ethantasou3951]

Kc 85 Kc 85 i have also been there a coulple of times. One female assistant was most friendly and we basically had a nerdy chat about daytona reference numbers for a lengthy period of time, most enjoyable. However, the next encounter was with two incredibly rude men who only gave one word answers and basically shooed me out of the shop which was most disappointing. I feel like this needs looking into as it is giving a great retailer a bad name..

[@kc8563]

Ethan Tasou thank you - we must have encountered the same watch finder employee. I had the exact same negative experience. Shame really - they lost out on my custom due to poor customer service.

[@AtheistOrphan]

Neil C - And They offered me a pittance for my 1968 Omega Seamaster 300.

[@douglasladowski6342]

There's someone for everyone they say. In this case being blind would help.

[@hacker007300]

0:50 damage on the main spring right above the hour hand

[@approxibeatmusic2359]

0:43 that shot following the second hand was great.

[@lucarsmyself]

Love it! And if you could in the future, take a look at the Tribute to 6240 Tropical that Artisans de Genève also make. I find that even more "sacrilegical" (and love it even more!).

[@kjakan79]

Look bad with the zoom’ed macro shots. The finish is not on pare with the price.

[@Bignewshound60]

Good video. Rolex is fast becoming outmoded and tired. It’s just not the go to watch anymore... unless you are some dim banker or Chinese importer who just doesn’t get what is really classy. Wearing a new Rolex most older versions says something about you. It says you have money and no imagination. I Love the la Montoya. It’s actually makes a Rolex interesting.

[@yewtubez]

do they make 1 of 1? or is it a small batch of the exact design?

[@jasonlox27]

whats price ?

[@langestrom814]

Always a good time to watch a video from Watchfinder & Co.

[@tungstentickler]

Just don't buy a watch from them $€£$€£$€£$€£

[@nhojyelbom]

the carbon bezel on this example should not have passed inspection

[@igorivanov4421]

At least in this sceleton watch you dont see your hand's skin through dial.

[@glideman]

Rolex would never leave so much dust and artefacts in a watch, this watch has been altered in a none sterile place to a low standard!

[@thewatchbezel3981]

A bit of a moot point since Rolex doesn’t show any of their movements.

[@reecenamina]

I like the dirt and dust particles left behind, nice touch.

[@Bruhngus420]

I bet this guy always got an A+ on English essays

[@dr.doppeldecker3832]

He sure can say the same things in a hundred different ways^^

[@seang2822]

Do they modify other watches?

[@jayceh]

Well it's totally fine because the 116520s are so common you're not really ruining anything collectable if you fail. You can only go up, and this is up for me.

[@flimz5199]

in my opinion, the modded version isnt as good as it should be, the paint isnt crisp, the carbon fiber has pits in it, and there is a bunch of dust inside of the movement. they could of done a much better job

[@ScottUK]

5:34 The fact that some numbers are touching the edge and other aren't really irritates me, especially at this price point.

[@speculate]

So beautiful. Do you plan to have 4k video anytime soon?

[@JB-yj2xc]

Love your videos: instructive and super well shot! I would be happy if you could review one of Cartier ‘Astro mystérieuse’ ...

[@oklmrems4958]

I’d take this over any stock or aftermarket one

[@MrBloopt]

Is it legal to print the Rolex logo onto the crystal?

[@beluwuga]

This is like Ferrari and Pininfarina, Mercedes and Brabus, Range Rover and URBAN, and of course Mansories and such. They are not lack of perfection. It’s just that they personalised something that’s original into a different level.

[@VisionCarrierDreamCatcher]

Finally a solution to the Rlex style that I could actually buy. This is craftsmanship at its best ....

[@himap3842]

It is like RUF or Singer that challenges Porsche on who builds the better Porsches.

[@AirAdam13]

Looks great - though not under macro! A lot of those parts look they needed a good clean...

[@GoodGuyPlayer2]

The comments rather surprised me! In my honest, and a bit harsh opinion... the macro shots of this thing were painful to watch. I know it's important to respect everybody's taste, and that beauty is subjective, but (at least for me) this feels like a Daytona cosplaying as a Richard Mille.

[@smokingjoe8039]

I like to be able to tell the time at a glance. What is all this about?

[@j.kapiris]

What I don't understand about this is if you want a skeletonized watch there are plenty of other brands that make them. Why would you do something Square people will just assume that it was a fake.

[@liketolook1]

Can you review some of the Parmigiani Fleurier watches. I really dont know what to make of them!

[@Hulago666]

Congratulations someone finally managed to ruin an iconic design. It is cheaper to just buy a Defy- Zenith which looks a lot better than this disaster.

[@Ex.zed.]

I love your comparisons to Zagato and Mansory.

[@e.b30478]

What Cost it Know ?

[@jorge31415927]

This customization looks great!

[@JerryDoe]

I have to disagree here, Rolex today has clearly forgotten how to align a rehaut and a dial (talking about imperfections), My uncle owns a watch repair shop and hear some horror stories of Rolex owners so he does repairs for them. Im taking about multiple cases where a person just rolled out of a trusted dealer shop and got a brand new Rolex, only to find out that the dial or rehaut or even date wheel is misaligned of their brand new watch, they take it back to the same shop where it is under warranty and got denied warranty because of the misalignment (they claim its a fake Rolex because of this and refuse to assist them further) There are plenty of cases on Reddit and other social mediums where Rolex has this dirty strategy refusing warranty on original watches because of imperfections they created, which ex employees have explained that Rolex is nothing more then a watch created by automation like a regular Casio watch.

[@beluwuga]

Wow.. that’s the... umm Artisan de Geneve Daytona... they usually do crazy engraving on metal Rolexes, APs, and Patek.. mainly 5711

[@carycoller3140]

This watch looks better than ANY Rolex I've seen. I love it 😎👍

[@tdolan500]

The fact that this channel isn’t afraid to do a little shit talking on brands actually gives me confidence to buy something from them.

[@Milofchg]

I like it, it does look way better from far away or at a glance. YES Artisan’s De Geneve CAN do it better than Rolex. A few companies can do it better for sure. However.... you can see a bunch of imperfections close up. The finishing is uneven. Looks like they cut the movement and that’s about it. Lots of rough edges and uneven cuts in the skeleton dial. It’s obvious in this close up video. Artisan’s De Geneve improved the Daytona, but they need to improve their bevel polishing technique. Compare the finishing to a Patek or an A Lange and you’ll see what I mean. I’m glad we have companies that do this to Rolex. They do to Rolex what Rolex cannot.

[@SharapovaFan]

So, a it's a smaller Tag Heuer 02 without a GMT?

[@MartinPittBradley]

Point of order! Zagato doesn’t modify Astons, Aston partners with them, sending them a rolling chassis (or whatever you’d call the modern equivalent with a unibody) to build from. Zagato did “modify” a Viper to produce an Alfa concept.

[@mkkk8971]

loved the Zagato-Mansory analogy

[@cageenglander3754]

Would it be my only watch? No. Is it a fantastically nifty and unique piece? Yes. I wouldn't buy it rn, but if I had a shit ton of cash, sure something like this might become part of my collection

[@robertsullivan4773]

Stunning work but as you point out its a ever so fine line between creating Art and taking art and making it trash.

[@brettheyer2421]

I actually really like this! I do prefer a skeleton face so I have bias. It looks so much different than a traditional Rolex it would, and personally I see that as a conversation started! Those who hate it, love it, it will draw attention, and too me that is one of my favorite characteristics of watches. Beyond keeping time, they can be a wonderful way to have a conservative.

[@Isudhanshu_biswas]

I don't knw what to say. I buy same watch in black colour bt 1st copy. And that was a class. I just loved my watch. I used to wear tht watch from last 2 years. It's still bang on. I was curious to see real same rolex and find this video. And I m amazed by this watch. Whatt a watch man. Rolex is just Rolex 🔥

[@robertd4468]

That movement looks like it came out of a tractor. Imperfections everywhere. The close up shots are ghastly to look at.

[@thefettfan3994]

"A work of art" any other compliments written by myself about this timepiece are just pointless.

[@jahzzmusick]

Please help me make a decision. The Tissot T-navigator T0624301705700 or the Seiko prospex Turtle PADI SRPA21J1?

[@mikeuk4130]

Not my cup of tea at all. In fact, I think I'd ask the Artisans to finish off the finishing properly and then go round with a tiny Hoover, as did the wonderful Amelia Bullmore in Big Train. Actually, I'd likely treat myself to an Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 instead and spend the difference on a few good curries.

[@Simscraggy998]

Extreamly cool looking watch, but did anybody else notice how much dirt is on the movement, and honestly it does so how diminish the craftsmanship.

[@lweeeluay]

i did not see all your video but can you have a revew of invect bolt zeos

[@WhatIsItReallyAbout]

I'm not keen on chronographs - or skeleton watches.. But I can respect the effort and craftsmanship that has gone into this. Certainly beats me putting a ceramic bezel insert onto my Seiko..

[@TravelsoftheCat]

Their Rubens black red model looks better in my opinion, but it looks like the finishing and painting is not the greatest on this.

[@Thecohostobviouzx]

Rolex’s motto is if it looks like it was popular in the 70’s then it’s good enough for us. Innovation/design and Rolex are not in the same sentence. Just slapping multiple metals or a couple diamonds or a meteorite dial makes them look better, but not innovative. Rolex is a fashion brand selling tool style watches at fashion brand prices. Rolex today has an identity crisis.

[@markusmarkus2164]

It's obviously a very purist approach to dislike this, but real modification isn't changing the clasp or strap real modification from a horological standpoint is adding features such as date mechanisms or skeletonizing it that's what it is modifying the base movement and potentially the case or dial. It's very common especially with vintage Omega, it's about improving the bones or adding something interesting. It's not always about raising the value and if all you want is to buy a watch for the sake of reselling it then why even wear it, why not put it in a safe for 5 years. Also with Brands like Rolex it's not that they no better it's that for them why would they change something that has proven to sell and if you buy it and you want too see the bones then why not modify it and it's very arrogant to think that somehow people who have their watches modified have a big ego, they want a watch that they can enjoy not a watch to sell off. If we followed what brands like Rolex wanted than their would be no innovation a huge chunk of innovation within the industry comes from independents not accountants.

[@Allabertina]

Just my own preference, but to me a watch consists of a few primary components, strap, case, dial, hands, pushers, movement in this case. The dial and case are what is most prominent. Here is no dial. The watch is spoiled for me.

[@fluffyfreak505]

I absolutely love this Daytona. I also absolutely love the original yellow gold Daytonas.

[@jensh.2595]

I'm not fully blind as the current worker in position, but if I loose my eyesight I can apply to get the job painting hands for them. That stop second red triangle is below everything I have seen or handeled so far and as I write this comment, nothing was 20k+. The spots / stains on the other hands make me twitch as well, no qualitycontrol at all or ok in the "manufacturer"'s opinion?

[@Manaz101]

Is it me, or is the movement dirty? The mainspring looks dirty AF. The movement parts have pits and bubbles. The rotor also looked like it bubbled up when forged, by the ball bearings. Maybe that's normal, but if they're putting the movement on display, front and back, then I wouldn't expect to see it. Beautiful watch from afar, a bit busy for my liking, but i'd like to see on in person.

[@BobFrostV]

Lovely watch, this is definitely an improvement in my eyes