Thoughts on modifying watches to suit your views?

[SwissSeiko]

I didn't know where to put this, so Ill put it here. I have a number of vintage dive watches that I've been collecting, and once I get more time to pursue personal projects, I'd like make some changes to these watches. These are swiss movements with stainless steel cases, and screw down case backs. I have thought about adding screw down crowns to them, but wondered if its taboo to make these kinds of changes. I have no problem doing it to these older dive watches, as I have no sentimental attachment to them, and will re-sell them when they are completed. But I am also toying with the idea of adding a screw-down crown and screw-down pushers to my Speedmaster. I don't have a rare Speedmaster, just a 3510.50 model that I restored that had a lot of water damage. What are your guy's thoughts on these changes? I dont plan on selling the Speedmaster, and the case back isn't exactly waterproof, but the idea that its only o-rings preventing water intrusion, has made me think more into it.

[AndyGSi]

I think modifying is OK on generic watches but have never seen the point in doing anything to a branded watches like Seikos.

For me it only detracts from the originality and subsequently reduces the appeal and value.

[Knebo]

1 hour ago, SwissSeiko said:

I didn't know where to put this, so Ill put it here. I have a number of vintage dive watches that I've been collecting, and once I get more time to pursue personal projects, I'd like make some changes to these watches. These are swiss movements with stainless steel cases, and screw down case backs. I have thought about adding screw down crowns to them, but wondered if its taboo to make these kinds of changes. I have no problem doing it to these older dive watches, as I have no sentimental attachment to them, and will re-sell them when they are completed. But I am also toying with the idea of adding a screw-down crown and screw-down pushers to my Speedmaster. I don't have a rare Speedmaster, just a 3510.50 model that I restored that had a lot of water damage. What are your guy's thoughts on these changes? I dont plan on selling the Speedmaster, and the case back isn't exactly waterproof, but the idea that its only o-rings preventing water intrusion, has made me think more into it.

If this is a watch for you and only for you; one that you have absolutely no intention of ever selling, I'd say 'why not'. 

It's no longer original, but it would be unique. Your personal creation. 

 

If you were to ever sell it, of course, it would be a no-go for collectors/buyers. 

Edited February 28 by Knebo

[spectre6000]

I am 1000% for modifications. I'm not a "mod" for modifications' sake kind of person by any means. I don't have to screw with something just for the sake of it. I upgraded and modified the movement for one of my dailies. Came with a basic 2824-2, and I put a top grade Sellita in it, and modified the movement to better suit the watch. The case/dial doesn't have a date function so it was removed from the movement (the manufacturer left the date function in the original movement), and requires extra long hand shafts (which makes the ghost date function somewhat more curious since they customized the movement to that degree but not the other...).

Similarly, I had a Seiko 5 that I bought in college. Wasn't my first mechanical watch (that would be the accidental Nazi watch), but very close. It didn't survive a car accident (I obviously did, but only just). I replaced the movement, dial, and crystal (so case, hands, and band are all that's left of the original), and wear it every time I'm in the shop or working around the house.

These modifications had a distinct purpose, and weren't just... I don't know, different hands for the sake of having something different... I don't know... Not a thought process my head really does. The first watch is probably worth a little, but I don't care. I probably increased it's value. The second was all around scrap. Regardless, neither of these will ever be sold. The first is going to my daughter when she goes to college probably. The second will meet its end on my wrist. Probably operating an air hammer, or welding, or slammed against a boulder, or who knows what. 

If you're modifying for yourself, do you. Right to repair is the same as right to modify in my mind. Best case scenario, you love it or it takes a $ watch and makes it a $$$ watch. Worst case scenario, you make others of the ilk more valuable by removing one from circulation. The way I see it, everyone wins.

[SwissSeiko]

21 hours ago, Knebo said:

If this is a watch for you and only for you; one that you have absolutely no intention of ever selling, I'd say 'why not'. 

It's no longer original, but it would be unique. Your personal creation. 

 

If you were to ever sell it, of course, it would be a no-go for collectors/buyers. 

 

3 hours ago, spectre6000 said:

If you're modifying for yourself, do you. Right to repair is the same as right to modify in my mind. Best case scenario, you love it or it takes a $ watch and makes it a $$$ watch. Worst case scenario, you make others of the ilk more valuable by removing one from circulation. The way I see it, everyone wins.

If I were to do these mods on the Speedmaster, they are totally reversible. They are just pressed in case tubes that are threaded. Maybe people would be interested in it if someone took the jump and did it.

[Knebo]

12 minutes ago, SwissSeiko said:

are totally reversible

That's great. Go for it then!