submariner

Project X Designs PXD SS2 & SS3 Modded Rolex Watches

Project X Designs is one of the most prestigious Rolex watch modifiers around. I previously showed off some of their timepieces here. They have no official relationship with Rolex, but what they do is take new Rolex watches and perform very (very) difficult to do modifications on them to offer cutsomized timepieces in very limited quantities. The PXD SS2 (with the black coated case) , and the PXD SS3 (with the brushed steel case) are meant as modern retro homages to Rolex military style Submariner watches from the past.

Other than the black coating of the SS2 case, the changes from stock Rolex watches are subtle, but important. The steel case on the SS3 has been done in an all brushed and satin finish. Text on the dial has been made partially in red, while the lume dot on the rotating diver's bezel is not colored black. Also, the watches are matched to high-quality black NATO style straps. The base watches are modern Rolex Submariners, but have now been made to look like highly sought after vintage pieces - though the style is unique and does not mirror any specific vintage piece. Both the PXD SS2 & SS3 watches are available in limited editions of just 24 pieces each. Price for the Project X Designs SS2 is £8,950, while the SS3 costs £6,650.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: project x designs, pxd, rolex, ss2, ss3, submariner, watch

Customized Rolex Watches With Black DLC

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The used Rolex watch market is robust and maybe even a bit crowded. Why? Because pre-owned Rolex watches are big business given the fact that Rolex watches have such an incredible ability to retain value. Still, it is sometimes hard to justify buying an older model when new models exist. One good way to breathe life into older, good condition Rolex watches is to modify or customize them. That way you aren't one of legions of people who have the exact same Rolex watch.

Rolex modification is a growing segment in the watch market with retailers offering everything from brand new Rolex watches that have been modified, to performing such modifications on used models. Many of these modifications have been around for years. Often involving the addition of extra gold or precious jewels such as diamonds to the watch. Recently such modifications have taken a less "blingy" route to offering modified Rolex models that have altered colors and materials. Opinions vary as to the desirability of modified Rolex watches - the same way people argue against the modification of luxury cars. Keep the Mercedes Benz stock, or take it to Brabus for a hot horsepower injection?

Of the most popular trends in Rolex watch modding is the "all black look." Never has there been a factory black Rolex watch (to my knowledge). Thus, the market has met (assumed) demand and offering everything from high priced new Rolex watches with all sorts of black colored modifications, to doing the same to pre-owned Rolex watches. The latter being a better value than the highly limited new modified Rolex watches that are tough to get by all (except a host of celebrities who are gobbling up customized Rolex watches fast enough to make you think Rolex is suddenly shifting to making wallpaper). Producers of new stock Rolex watches can charge double or more than retail for the timepieces.

Modified Rolex watches (new or used) are only as good as the work put into them. The process is harder than it seems. So look carefully, and know what you are looking for. The most popular forms of black color treatment are either PVD or DLC coatings (the latter being more modern, but not as well refined in all instances as the much more common PVD treatment) Time and Gems, an outfit located in Los Angeles offers a host of modified or otherwise custom altered Rolex watches. Time and Gems is not an authorized Rolex dealer, but instead specializes in the sale of used Rolex timepieces. They have recently got into the modded Rolex game and offer up a growing selection of DLC (and PVD) black Rolex Submariners, Sea-Dwellers, GMT Masters, Explorers, Milgausses, and more. The image above is of a Time and Gems DLC black Rolex Submariner watch (priced at $6,500). While modified pre-owned Rolex watches cost more than unmodified Rolex watches, they are arguably more interesting, and clearly involve a good deal of work. You can see black DLC Rolex watches from Time and Gems here.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: black, custom, DLC, modified, pvd, Rolex, submariner, time and gems, TimeAndGems, watch

Rolex Jumps To Take Credit For Owen Wilson's Depression Recovery

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Events, Celebrity Shopping, Big Givers

It is well known that actor Owen Wilson suffered a suicide attempt in 2007. He later remained reclusive for a period of time during his recovery after slitting his wrists. It's not clear what causes celebrity depression, though it is theorized that extreme media attention combined with drug use, and Hollywood break ups - typically pushes the already edgy, over the edge.

After beginning his recovery in August of 2007, Owen Wilson made no media appearances until he finally showed up at a benefit event sponsored by the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative in New York City in November of 2007. Wilson is a well known Rolex fan, wearing his Rolex Submariner watch in his personal life, and often adorning a Rolex watch on the screen. The Rolex Mentor Protégé Arts Initiative is a philanthropic organization with an interesting mission. It takes current masters (the mentor) in the worlds of film, literature, theater, visual arts, dance, and music, and sets them up with a protégé who is an up and comer in the same industry. Many press releases and media opportunities ensue. It's not clear whether Owen Wilson has been chosen to be a mentor for the initiative - perhaps a protégé.

Rolex is clearly happy that Rolex watch lover Owen Wilson chose the Rolex philanthropic event to return to the spot light. Clearly it must be his love of watches that gave him the strength to...keep on ticking.

Via MelroseJewelers.com.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Rolex Submariner Watch