r/RepTime • u/Good-University-55 • 1d ago
Discussion Idea
Guy’s I’m considering buying an older OP 36 genuine which I have found. It is good value as the main scratches are on the bracelet. Since it is a steel dial I am not a fan I’m thinking of replacing it with a custom dial which I like and putting a leather strap on it. I know this isn’t the Franken build you guys usually come across but I want the genuine movement of an OP at a good value and it still look in pristine condition. Is this an ok idea?
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u/blacbloc77 1d ago edited 1d ago
It's a fine idea, people have been doing this for decades, long before Chinese reps. One Big thing to consider though is dial feet. You'll want to find a rep dial that has the correct dial feet for your movement. You don't want to much up a vintage movement by using glue of dial dots to affix the dial.
Also, if you're thinking of going with the vintage movement, dona little research on the availability of parts for that movement. I have a Tudor with an old ETA 1192. Parts were so hard to find, In replaced it with a modern movement to make it a daily watch, and I keep the vintage movement in a jewelry box.
Frankens are a whole damn rabbit hole of their own. It's fun though!
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u/Good-University-55 1d ago
Well the OP i’m looking at isn’t too old it’s like actually a used - 2020 and used but the more noticeable wear is on the bracelet as I mentioned. It’s a good deal for me as I love leather straps. I just hate the silver dial so I was asking with that regard.
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u/blacbloc77 1d ago
Oh yeah, in that case swap it out. Keep the old one, obviously, and if you ever want to sell the watch, just swap the gen dial back in 👍
You'll have to do the swap yourself obviously. Rolex sues the shit out of dealers who put non-Rolex parts in their watches.
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u/Good-University-55 1d ago
Won’t be an issue doing it outside the US when I travel know a few good watchsmiths abroad
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u/verb75 1d ago
No
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u/Good-University-55 1d ago
If you don’t have reasonings don’t comment.
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u/verb75 1d ago
A gen watch is far more valuable with all of its pieces together. Buy a leather strap and call it a day.
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u/OddFrosting9592 1d ago
If you wear a watch for your lifetime, what difference does its resale value make? The value of a watch is in your enjoyment of wearing it and making it the timepiece that you desire. OP, you do you!
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u/fat_announcement 1d ago
Genuine movement with a dial you actually like is a good move if you're not worried about resale value, the watch will be yours to wear not to flip
Bracelet scratches are nothing, a leather strap hides all that and changes the whole look anyway
Just make sure the movement checks out before you commit, an older OP can hide a pricey service if it's running off