[2021 Edition] Mechanical Watches: 8 Noteworthy Custom Models

This time, we would like to focus on watches that are customized versions of popular models.

When you hear the word "custom," some people may have concerns, such as it being harder to sell on the secondary market than originals, or not knowing where to take it for maintenance. In recent years, there have been surprising custom brands that go to such lengths to customize their products, and some models are priced at a premium on the secondary market.

Now, let me introduce you to the custom models that have caught my eye.

①Artisans de Genève "THE PEARL"

Artisans de Genève is a Swiss custom brand that we handle a wide range of in our store. They are famous for customizing Rolexes, but this time we are introducing a customized Patek Philippe Nautilus model called "THE PEARL".

This customization, with its skeletonized dial and carbon bezel developed specifically for this model, is a perfect example of Artisans De Genève's distinctive style. Artisans De Genève's system is such that the client must own the watch before they can order a custom order. Currently, the Nautilus is traded at a very high price, so customizing it is insane (please forgive the poor expression lol).

[Source][Source][Source][Source][Source] DIW Japan General Agent Principe Privé Omotesando

⑥Bamford Watch Department "Snoopy"

When it comes to customizing Rolexes, Bamford Watch Department is probably the first name that comes to mind for many people. This special edition Rolex Datejust features Snoopy in collaboration with The Rodnik Band from London.

Also, while Omega is strongly associated with Snoopy, Bamford also has a strong collaboration with him.

And one more. A Snoopy model has been released in collaboration with the famous Parisian select shop, "colette." The model introduced earlier had yellow as an accent color, but this model uses blue , the color of "colette," as an accent color.

This Rolex Datejust was sold exclusively by Colette in a limited run of 25 pieces.

[Photo source] Bamford Watch Department

⑦Bamford Watch Department "Star Wars"

Continuing on from Bamford, here is another character collaboration model. This was released in 2015 to commemorate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and was sold in collaboration with the Korean select shop BOONTHESHOP.

Based on the Submariner and Daytona, the design is based on the motifs of "Darth Vader" and "Storm Trooper" from Star Wars. I'm a big Star Wars fan myself, so I was really surprised to find out that such a collaboration model existed! I love the "Storm Trooper" that casually appears on the small second hand.

[Photo source] Bamford Watch Department

⑧Artisans de Genève "TRIBUTE TO 6241 GOLD"

The last model we will introduce is the Daytona Custom by Artisans de Genève. When you think of the Paul Newman model, the Rolex Daytona "Ref. 6241" comes to mind, but this model is a tribute to that model, also known as the JPS (John Player Special).

The watch that is the basis for the customization is the "Ref. 116508", and every detail, including the pushers, has been meticulously customized. Our staff often talk about how amazing Artisans de Genève's customizations are, and the quality is as you would expect. Just like Chrono24, Artisans' customizations are sold at surprising prices, but they are well worth it.

[Photo source] Artisans de Genève

summary

What did you think.

There are a lot of custom models that are black coated with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) or DLC (Diamond Like Carbon), but I hope you can see that there are also many models that are customized with attention to detail, like the models we introduced this time!

We may have them in stock at our store at certain times, so if you're interested, be sure to check them out.

If any interesting models come out in the future, I'll let you know.

see you!