Does an Omega “build” equal a frankenwatch?

It could be that I never really looked or investigated the build of an Omega, but I notice them more frequently. They claim original Omega parts and all look pretty good. These builds have the disclaimer stating they are not an original edition of the watch. Saw a couple Gemini IV builds at a price 30-40% less than real deal
Blasphemy or just another option in the Omega world ?

I’ve had several mods. One I had built with sourced parts to make a 60s style ultraman; one that was a Gemini build my friend had done. As long as they are not passed off as genuine limited editions, I don’t see a problem buying. My only question would be build quality and workmanship from the watchmaker. i have a watchmaker I trust so I’ll go to him for another mod in the future.

I’ve enjoyed wearing mods since the ’safe queen’ value is no longer an issue since resale value is generally less than the sum of the parts.

Now resale, that would be a tough part of a build. Buy a build and the later thinking about selling the item, sounds like a “tough” sell

I dont know the definition of frankenwatch... does it mean different reference watch parts formed into one watch? (Not that this is possible but) speedy dial in a seamaster case....... then I'd call that a Franken. If you had a speedy pro (your basic black dial) and you swapped in an italian white dial then I'd call that modded not Franken.

I'm not down with Franken but I have mixed emotions on modded. If it's done right and tastefully then I can be on board but I'd definitely hold it to lower standards than a factory original piece.


I'm on board with watchco builds for a few reasons. I'm not really a vintage lume kind of guy and I like the idea of it all being new (or new'ish) BUT..... I'm not gonna try to act like it's in the same value range as a true vintage SM300.

I would agree.

A problem I think of when I see them is if it is the third, fourth (and so on) owner and somewhere down the ownership trail someone sold it as an original watch to an unknowing person and now they are trying to resell it for what they value it as an original watch without B&P. That part of reselling is what would make me nervous as a buyer when a well known or collectible dial is being sold as an original, but without supporting documents. And the buyer of that piece really has to know his/her stuff about the watch to make an informed purchase.

I personally wouldn't mind purchasing a built watch if it was something I really wanted to wear not just "own" and therefore did not have to worry about damaging it. I make an assumption in saying that the intention of anyone who builds a watch with original parts to keep or buys a built watch with original parts to have a custom piece is a person that is into horology and likes it for what it isn't and wears it for enjoyment.

Spot on.

For me its a legit way to create what Omega wasn't able or willing to do and I'm pretty happy to have done this modding. Took me over 2y collecting parts from nearly all over the world (case/caseback from Watcho Newzeeland, crystal, pusher, crown ans seals from James Chatten in UK, dials and datewheel from ebay France and the movement/hands from a slaughter-166072 with damaged case).

And this came out and I really love my unique 166.071 😀

Hi

I know I’m reviving an old thread here but this is interesting as I have numerous Speedies, a couple of which are modded, a couple of which are not.

One mod is a Saphire Sandwich with Mitsokoshi Dial and hands. Love that watch.

The other is an Apollo XI 35th anniversary brand new, unworn, and made completely from genuine Omega service parts.

It has a genuine service case, without serial number of course, a genuine brand new Omega Service replacement movement correct for the watch, a genuine dial, hands, bracelet and it even has the genuine factory service replacement caseback for this watch without the Ltd edition serial number engraved. Mine is the only example of a caseback like this I’ve ever seen but it is factory minty new.

It is clearly not a franken watch as it is made entirely from brand new genuine Omega factory service parts which I’m sure you appreciate don’t come cheap, especially for a Ltd Edition such as this.

I would never even attempt to pass the watch off as one of the original ones sold with box and papers, yet it is identical in every way, constructed from the same original Omega parts by an authorised, (now retired), skilled Omega watchmaker / technician.

Paying £10-£15k for one with the serial numbers and box and papers just wasn’t feasible when the option to have what I’ve got made for a lot less was an option, yet normally this is something I would not have entertained. Yet I am extremely happy with the watch due to its originality and entire construction from new factory service replacement parts.

It’s every bit a genuine Omega. I do wonder however whether Omega would ever entertain servicing it? There’s no way they could say it wasn’t ‘original’ other than the fact it’s not serialised like the original Ltd run was.