Are Custom Watches Fake? - The Truth about Aftermarket Parts!

Does adding aftermarket parts to original luxury watches make them fake?

Many purists believe that any customization of a watch, like adding a custom bezel and/or dial to it, makes it fake. I disagree. The key is to make sure that when it comes to personalized designer watches, the modifications are minor and the aftermarket pars used are of high quality.

Think about it. If you add custom rims to your Porsche 911 Turbo S, it is still the same car. The addition of non-factory parts does not transform the car into a counterfeit Porsche!

The same is true when you customize a watch with an aftermarket part, whether it voids the original manufacturer's warranty or not (which really makes no different when you're dealing with pre-owned watches anyway).

In addition to making sure that the aftermarket parts that you're using on your watch are of high quality and that a reputable watchmaker is the one used to perform the customization, it is also important to only to focus on customizing only certain wristwatch models.

Let me give you an example...

Given the wide variety of bezels and dials that exist for a watch model like a 36-millimeter Datejust, it makes it a good candidate for customization. This means that even though you may purchase a customized Role Datejust [with a non-factory or standard bezel or dial], you could always buy an original dial or bezel in the market to restore it to its factory setting.

On the other hand, buying a Rolex Sky-Dweller or Yacht-Master II with a custom bezel wouldn't bet he smart thing to do. These bezels are really scarce in the market and you may never be able to find an original one to restore your watch, which will certainly devalue it.

So when it comes to the belief that an original luxury watches will devalue with any aftermarket alterations, it all depends on the model of watch that we're talking about.

Yes a watch will be worth a little more with it's original dial/bezel, but a high quality dial or bezel will still make the watch more valuable than one with a lower quality part.

Furthermore, adding a high quality diamond dial might likely increase, not lower, a watch's value.

So, on what side of the fence do you stand when it comes to all of this? What do you think about adding custom or aftermarket parts to luxury watches? Agree or disagree? Let me know how you feel in the comments below

Make sure to share this video with friends who love watches!

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[Sirjean]

The Engine/movement is what makes a watch fake if it's not an authentic manufacturers engine. Diamonds and other custom parts doesn't make it not authentic. Same with a luxury car like a Bentley with Forgiatto rims.... You can wrap, modify the body parts but doesn't make it less authentic. It's still the same engine and horsepower on the inside just a few exterior modification. Same way because someone has cosmetic surgery doesn't mean they are not the same person or less human . Same person on the

[manifen]

I bought a Rolex Submariner with a broken dial and bracelet, bought a new original dial (black and gold) and a new bracelet for it. Ive been told its fake from nobrainers who dont even wear watches. Im sick of explaining to everyone how its not fake.

[rostilj]

ok...I watched 30 seconds, I heard NO, and it's enough

[surajts]

Bamford Watch Department is ruling the game with their Carbon dial customization ! Please do a video on Reputable watch customisers like Bamford, Eric !

[matthewhoover]

I have a diamond bezel in my Omega Seamaster and the AD thought it was fake because she hadn't ever seen that model. It was sold as a unisex watch at 38.5mm, and wasn't very common; was discontinued in 2018. I had to look up the reference number online to show her. Good news is her watchmaker took a look at it and said they used very good stones.

[amirjon]

That RWB Porsche is pure form of art. And the Japanese guy is Akira Nakai. This guy will fly in from Japan, take your 964 and turn it into the most amazing machine you will lay eyes on. All he brings with himself to build your car is a carry on full of Marlboros.

[Agentxphile]

Sure, add diamonds and all kinda not stock stuff, sure, its not a replica, but the class you think you have, is. If you want a diamond watch, there are many manufacturers out there that make them with diamonds in-house. Go that route. Don't be that guy driving a H2 with 24 rims on it.

[giuseppebattaglino]

My opinion is : If you change some original parts with some references of watches that are really rare to find ....Like Daytona Paul Newman etc. you are crazy. But if you change a new reference watch which is produced in massive of thousands pieces ...nothing wrong. If you want to be a real collector strat to collect things that are really rare and not things that are massive producing. Bye Bye

[stardust]

I think when you want to keep the watch forever and it s very personal it s okay.
for retail it s not the best Choice

[goscmoi]

I really dont like Dial changes, but Bezels on certain models looks fine for me. great video as always! cheers

[Thomgxx]

It's not the watch that makes the man, it's the man who makes the watch !

[miltonfriedman]

If you want to put a fake dial on a Rolex, just buy a high quality fake watch, cost you a lot less and nobody will ever know until they open the movement

[classic-kool]

Like a jubilee bracelet on a Rolesium (I now it's not for everybody, but I love it!) ...

[lecorsaire]

Also I find stones go better with white PMs. On white gold or platinum, diamonds can add a touch of elegance. On YG, anything more than a champagne dial with diamond dial is too much.

[fritzgeraldlouis]

hi, Eric .My friend bought a luxury watch online, apparently, he got a fake one.Can you do some videos .How to identify the real and the fake one?(rolex, AP, breitling).
thank you

[anthonymartinez]

Your that dude Eric, nice vid keep up the good work, side question you ever thought about making reviews on designer merch, or accessories I'm sure it will be entertaining

[minervakutube]

Eric
Sensitive subject, but you handled it like a boss. Thumbs up man! PS still waiting for a review on a Breitling :-)

[Joel]

Just scooped my first day date but I’m going to have to get an aftermarket band because it didn’t come with one

[tomasandreas]

5 years going strong 💪
I'm a little upset because my newly purchased pre-owned watch from a prominent 2nd hand retailer sold me a watch with a Sellita sw200 movement but with a rotor that says "31" jewels indicating that its from a Sellita sw260 most likely .. the price i paid for the watch (Raymond Weil) was decent & sentimental as my mom also owns an older RW.
I'm contemplating on returning it but I'm also enjoying the watch .. everything else "seems" original. Thank you for the insight 5 years later 🙏

[Sahibsinghchohan]

Hi Erik another great video. Could you make a video on after market diamond sets etc
I'm toying with the idea of purchasing a Cartier Santos 100 or a date just 36 with after market diamond set. Not sure if it's the "right" thing to do! E.g. Diamond dots on the datejust, or fully iced out on the santons including the lugs. What are your thoughts????
Thanks!
Keep up the great work!!