Rolex Daytona Series 2 and 3 by Project X Designs
Admittedly I am not the biggest Rolex fan and to be perfectly honest there are a number of other brands out there that I would probably be more inclined towards. Having said that, the Rolex Daytona has always, and will always have, a special place in my heart and hopefully one day on my wrist! As such I cannot deny that my curiosity was piqued then when I heard about Project X Design’s take on this timeless classic.
Project X Designs
In a similar vein to Bamford & Sons, Projext X Designs offers both bespoke and limited edition watches, with the latter being created in highly limited runs of just 24 watches which will not be repeated once sold out. Most recently the company has released the Series 2 and 3 Limited Edition Rolex Daytonas which will soon be followed by the release of the Series 2 and 3 Limited Edition Submariners (apparently Series 1 is quite popular with Mr Bond himself Daniel Craig, although he’s supposed to be an Omega man, but that’s another story entirely!).
Series 2
Highly reflective of current trends the Series 2 (pictured above) appears to be the more customized of the two editions, having received the full PVD treatment. I must admit it is quite a stunning piece, if lacking somewhat in creativity, and the red highlights provide an excellent contrast. The rear has also been fitted with a sapphire exhibition case back so that the wearer can peer in at the inner workings of the superb Rolex movement.
Series 3
Series 3 is somewhat a more subdued affair and non-enthusiasts may be forgiven for not realizing that this is a customized piece. Whilst it also looks quite nice with its monochrome design, brushed case finish, carbon coated bezel and white chronograph hand vaguely reminisce of the iconic ‘Paul Newman’ Rolex Daytonas of the 1970s, in my opinion you’re better of with Series 2. The reason being that if you are going to go the extra effort and pay the additional cost to acquire a limited edition piece you might as well get one that people realize has actually been customized! Otherwise you’re better investing in an original.
The Final Word
As far as customized Rolexes go these two are certainly quite nice. They have maintained enough of the watch’s original character that they are easily recognizable and the quality of the work is excellent. Personally I probably would not wear either simply because I am still not convinced about paying a premium for a customized luxury watch you have already paid a premium for in its original form and because I feel that I feel these pieces lose a certain amount of credibility once they are customized.
Nonetheless, I can still recognise and appreciate the quality of the finish on these pieces although I do wonder what it does to the re-sale value?
For more information check out the official website.
Category: Watch Reviews
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I quite like the design of these too, however I think it’s sacrilege to have an exhibition back on a Rolex. Word on the street is that Rolex will be releasing a black (PVD/DLC) watch in either 2010 or 2011, and you know what that means? Bamford, Project X, and all these other after market shops will be out of business.
Also, even though these are cool, they are no longer really Rolexes and the RSC will turn you away should they need service.
Really? Thanks for the inside tip Ben, I was not aware of that although it does make sense given all the “stars” wearing the customized black versions of their watches. It will be very interesting to watch how that unfolds.
That was my main concern too re servicing, that would really suck if you couldn’t get it serviced by an authorized RSC and would probably be the main stumbling block for me (beside the premium price!
)
It’s not a PVD treatment, it’s much better — DLC. And Project X Designs provide their own warranty and servicing by watchmakers who actually ‘graduated’ at Rolex…
I’m deep in watch culture and do not think that kind of customizing is a sacrilege at all. In fact, I’d rather have such a customized Rolex than a regular Rolex — me and a lot others, and maybe that’s the reason why there are talks of Rolex coming up with something of the kind in the near future. But will they? Or will they buy Project X Designs?
Hi Miguel, thanks for your comment, you are 100% correct, it is DLC not PVD, my apologies!
I think you raise some good points and it is definitely good to know that Project X has the facilities to service these pieces. I agree to an extent with what you are saying but I also feel that these watches have been transformed from iconic timepieces into fashion accessories, and very expensive ones at that!
Regardless it will be very interesting to see if Rolex does produce something in-house in the same style as above!!