Will overhauling my Seiko actually turn it into a frankenwatch?

[BFernandes]

I know the term "frankenwatch" is used as a bad term to describe changing watch parts with others to maybe fool a future buyer.

It usually is a bad thing, right?

On the other hand, if I change the bezel, it's called "modding" 

In my particular case, I'll be using a standard Seiko 6309, beautiful case, sporty with a classy, very comfy stock bracelet. Everything original.

Now, I have a spare 6349 movement that works pretty well. By exchanging the movements, I'll turn the watch into something unique, but, in the eyes of many, also a frankenwatch.

To be fair, I'll upgrade a stock watch into something, theorically, better.

People do this all the time in cars, for example, why is this a problem for some when it comes to watches?

[AndyGSi]

On a personal note it's something I would avoid at all cost but I only see this as a real problem when someone is trying to pass something off that it isn't.

I presume you don't have the original 6309 to repair as a lot of the parts are interchangeable with the 6349.

 

[oldhippy]

Many will want in your case a genuine Seiko. If you go about doing what you want that is entirely up to you, but Seiko collectors will only go for the rear genuine ones from Seiko catalogues. 

[eccentric59]

1 hour ago, BFernandes said:

People do this all the time in cars, for example, why is this a problem for some when it comes to watches?

Not people who collect classic cars. My boss collects, among other models, Chevy Corvettes. The wrong set of wheels or tailpipe on an otherwise original $250,000.00 car can make it worth less than half that to a collector. Tires, brakes, belts, etc. are all considered replaceable. 

Same with your Seiko. You can replace the gaskets, crystal* and mainspring without issue, but a barrel or balance could raise an eyebrow while the entire movement would clearly be a cardinal sin.

If your intention is to have a better functioning timepiece, the go for it. If you want a collectible, the change as little as possible. It would probably be worth more in a non-running condition with original parts than if it was running with a better movement. 

The "why" part I'll leave to philosophers and sages.  

 

 

* as long as the crystal is NOS from Seiko.

Edited July 25, 2024 by eccentric59

[RichardHarris123]

What do you want to do with the watch? If you want it for yourself, do as you please. 

[Neverenoughwatches]

3 hours ago, BFernandes said:

I know the term "frankenwatch" is used as a bad term to describe changing watch parts with others to maybe fool a future buyer.

It usually is a bad thing, right?

On the other hand, if I change the bezel, it's called "modding" 

In my particular case, I'll be using a standard Seiko 6309, beautiful case, sporty with a classy, very comfy stock bracelet. Everything original.

Now, I have a spare 6349 movement that works pretty well. By exchanging the movements, I'll turn the watch into something unique, but, in the eyes of many, also a frankenwatch.

To be fair, I'll upgrade a stock watch into something, theorically, better.

People do this all the time in cars, for example, why is this a problem for some when it comes to watches?

You are comparing unique to original, there are collectors that enjoy both ends of the scale but generally a collector wants to have something exactly as it was made at the factory. I prefer originality and everyone is different, its what makes you happy that counts, i dont buy into what makes other folk happy.

[rehajm]

There's debate about what a frankenwatch is- I've seen professionals call certain factory original Rolex watches Frankens because they have unique Rolex movements (I'd have to go look up which ref they are). Mods are mods, but if you swap out for a different  movement and like it, congrats Dr. Frankenstein...

...I have no issue with Seiko frankens. Original parts are such crap or crap expensive its the only way to keep some of these classics alive. My first and possibly last foray in to Seiko taught me the expensive way...

The nieces and nephews and their SOs in my family will all be receiving a rehajm restored vintage watch for their birth day this year. the first goes out in a couple weeks, which is a Seiko Full Franken...

The nephew is a large fellow what enjoys a a few pints so this is perfect- indestructible and not a huge loss if it isn't. He will be recieving an education on what a Frankenwatch is and instructions to speak with uncle rehajm if he needs liquidity and wants to sell...

Edited July 25, 2024 by rehajm

[rossjackson01]

Franken? To me. Not.

My personal thought on a Franken watch, of which I have quite few, due to my lack of purchase price. 

Parts missing, wrong parts, broken parts, wrong screws, incorrect backs, wrong crown. All these I have. I'm working my way through them with replacement donors. If, when I get them running, they will have been Franken, but will then be part of my collection of 'watches'.

Different views for different people.