116523 modified to look like a 116520?

[3omar]

Do you guys think there are a lot of 116523s masquerading as 116520s?

Someone who has been in the watch business a long time told me recently that people have been sourcing OEM bezels, dials, pushers, bracelets, etc. and making the change. It seems to me that the cost of sourcing all these things would end up being more than the price difference between the two models... Or am I wrong?

For the sake of argument, let's say that a 116523 is fitted with OEM parts to look like a 116520, I am curious as to what people think would be a fair discount to an original 116520.

[fskywalker]

I read this practice was also common with the 5 series 16520 years back as the TT was cheaper than the SS model


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[1665fan]

The reference number is still between the lugs……

[faz]

The list of parts you have listed are not cheap. 116523 is beautiful in its own right. I wouldn’t do it.


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[Tools]

I doubt that there are a lot of this type conversion. However, converting either to or from a TT/SS version for many models has been going on for decades.

[Auto16610]

This thread would be better with pics!

[3omar]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

The reference number is still between the lugs……

I understand that. I wasn't necessarily thinking that someone would try to pass it off as an original 520. Just that it would be a cheaper way to get the SS experience.

So was wondering how much cheaper such a modified watch would sell for, relative to an original 520.

[SLWoodster]

Right now, I don't see the point of the conversion. the 116520 no box no paper prices are falling to low 20's anyway. You don't save much money.

I also think two tone and yellow gold is making a come-back.

[1665fan]

Bad and stupid idea…….

[KathleenL]

Originally Posted by Auto16610

This thread would be better with pics!

And with the NAME of the watch model rather than just a reference number. I don't know the reference numbers like many of you guys do, and I'm not going to take the time (yes, I know it's quick) to do a Google search.

[CarlOver]

Yes…pictures please.

[3omar]

Originally Posted by CarlOver

Yes…pictures please.

I would love pictures as well. I don't actually have such a watch. I'm just interested to know if there are examples out there.

[interestedwatcher]

Dial, bracelet, pushers, hands and crown - that's 6 or 7k right there...

[indianmachine]

interesting article on this for older models
https://perezcope.com/2021/03/23/rol...6523-two-tone/

[3omar]

Originally Posted by indianmachine

interesting article on this for older models
https://perezcope.com/2021/03/23/rol...6523-two-tone/

Thank you! That's a very interesting read.