Adding aftermarket diamonds to a luxury watch can impact its resale value in several ways:
1. Aesthetics: Aftermarket diamonds can enhance the visual appeal of a watch, potentially making it more attractive to some buyers. However, this is subjective and may not appeal to all potential buyers.
2. Customization: Some collectors appreciate unique and customized timepieces. If the diamonds are added with care and taste, it could make the watch more desirable to certain buyers but in reality, once you get tired of that watch or you want to trade in the piece, you are guaranteed to get fleeced if the diamonds are not factory set by the manufacturer. You’re talking about taking up to a 50 to 65 percent haircut on the price that you paid for the watch. So let’s put things in perspective… you walk by a window in the Diamond district in NYC and see an iced out Rolex shining in the window looking like a piece of glass. You say to yourself, man that watch is clean! I need to have it. You’re going to be the man at any event you go to with that watch but guess what!? That $30k or so you spent on that watch is now worth half the price if you try to trade it in or sell it. Is getting an after market bustdown watch a good investment? Hell No!!! If you plan on keeping it forever have at it! but if you plan to enjoy it for a limited time be cautious.
3. Resale Market: The resale market for customized watches can be smaller and more niche. You may find it challenging to sell a customized watch compared to an original, unaltered luxury watch.
4. Authentication and Certification: The addition of aftermarket diamonds can make it more difficult to authenticate the watch, which may raise concerns among buyers. Luxury watch brands typically don’t certify or support modifications.
5. Value Retention: In most cases, adding aftermarket diamonds will not increase the watch’s value to the extent of the cost of the diamonds themselves. Luxury watches are often valued for their originality and brand recognition.
6. Potential to Lower Value: In some cases, improper aftermarket modifications or low-quality diamonds can diminish the value of a luxury watch, especially among serious collectors
7. If you ever want to get the watch serviced, you’ll never be able to take it to an authorized Rolex, Patek, AP, Vacheron dealer, etc… because they will not touch a watch that does not have diamonds that they put on themselves. This means that you now have to take it to the secondary market to get serviced. This could open yourself up to having the movement or other original factory parts replaced with fake parts or other shady business. Now the watch that is worth 50 percent less is worth even less because it’s been turned into a “Frankenstein” watch. (A watch that has both genuine (real) and imitation (fake) parts is often referred to as a “frankenwatch” in the watch collector and enthusiast community.)
You can do whatever you want with your money but it’s important to note that any modifications to a luxury watch, including adding diamonds, should be done with great care and by reputable professionals. If you’re considering such modifications, be prepared for the possibility of a decreased resale value and limited appeal within the broader luxury watch market. For those who value personalization and aesthetics over resale value, aftermarket modifications may still be a worthwhile choice. Good luck!!!🍀