{"id":19554,"date":"2018-05-05T14:00:58","date_gmt":"2018-05-05T21:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/?p=19554"},"modified":"2019-02-23T09:36:26","modified_gmt":"2019-02-23T17:36:26","slug":"custom-rolex-watches-instagram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/just-because\/custom-rolex-watches-instagram.html","title":{"rendered":"Trend Watch: Exploring Custom Rolex Watches on Instagram"},"content":{"rendered":"

If like us, your Instagram feed is filled with glorious photos of luxury watches, you will have no doubt noticed more than a few custom Rolex timepieces. While purists would never imagine changing a Rolex watch, there are plenty of enthusiasts out there that like to stand out with distinct custom models. There are many ways to customize a watch, whether it\u2019s adding diamonds, switching out the bracelets for straps, or engraving the back with personalized messages. However, there are some companies that take custom Rolex watches to a whole new level. Join us as we delve into the world of Rolex watch customization and personalization. <\/span><\/p>\n

Celebrity Designed Custom Rolex Watches<\/b><\/h2>\n

In just a few short years, Les Artisans de Gen\u00e8ve has made a name for themselves with a range of custom Rolex watches. While the company started with watches that were tributes to popular vintage Rolex models\u2014Daytona ref. 6263<\/a>, Milgauss ref. 1019, and Submariner ref. 5513 just to name a few\u2014the brand now has a couple of celebrity collaborations under their belt too. <\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BLc3LWZAybR\/?taken-by=lennykravitz<\/p>\n

In 2016, Les Artisans de Gen\u00e8ve released the LK01 designed by musician Lenny Kravitz. The LK01 is, in fact, a custom two-tone Rolex Daytona ref. 116523<\/a> with a black DLC-coated case and a military cuff leather strap. Other modifications include a new handmade Bakelite golden bezel and a black dial with the words \u201cKRAVITZ DESIGN\u201d under the original SCOC text. <\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BcU0NKtn5G2\/?taken-by=lesartisansdegeneve<\/p>\n

Just last year, Les Artisans de Gen\u00e8ve introduced yet another custom Rolex Daytona dubbed the \u201cCool Hand Brooklyn\u201d designed by filmmaker, Spike Lee. This time, the base of the model is the steel Daytona ref. 116520 dressed in a bold blue and orange color palette in honor of Lee\u2019s favorite team, the New York Knicks. Along with the color changes found on the dial, bezel, and chronograph pushers, the famous Daytona label that typically arches over the register at 6 o\u2019clock has been replaced with another city\u2019s name\u2014Brooklyn, Lee\u2019s hometown. This particular custom Rolex Daytona is fitted with a blue alligator strap but the original steel Oyster bracelet is also provided. <\/span><\/p>\n

Custom Rolex Watches Engravings <\/b><\/h2>\n

The brainchild of designer Blaine Halvorson, MadeWorn takes a very distinct approach to personalizing Rolex watches. MadeWorn typically takes steel Rolex watches and engraves the case, bezel, and bracelet with intricate patterns. <\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BIydDdYg28K\/?taken-by=madeworn<\/p>\n

The work is labor intensive and it takes about a month for an engraver to customize the Rolex watch. Plus, for those who like unique pieces, you\u2019ll be happy to note that no two MadeWorn-engraved Rolex watches are alike. Many have commented that these particular custom Rolex watches look like they\u2019ve undergone a tattoo-like treatment. <\/span><\/p>\n

Black Out Custom Rolex Watches <\/b><\/h2>\n

While Bamford Watch Department has recently ceased customizing Rolex watches<\/a>, it\u2019s safe to say that this is the company that propelled the trend to mainstream heights a few years ago. Even actor Robert Downey Jr. showed off his Bamford-customized Rolex GMT-Master II \u201cGhost\u201d in a GQ video that went viral. <\/span><\/p>\n