Alright, let’s dive into this little project of mine. I’ve always been a fan of that classic Rolex GMT-Master II look, you know, the one with the Root Beer bezel. It just screams class. But let’s be real, dropping tens of thousands on a watch? Not in my budget. So, I thought, why not try to make my own? A high imitation, if you will.
Started this whole thing back on January 1st of this year, 2025, when I stumbled upon some info about the real deal. Like, did you know there’s an all-Everose gold version that goes for €43,900? Crazy, right? And here I was, just wanting something that looked the part without having to sell a kidney.
First step was finding a decent base watch. Something that at least had a similar movement to the GMT-Master II. I hit the web, scoured forums, and finally found one on January 4th. It wasn’t an exact match, but it was close enough. The movement was somewhat similar, and it had that second time-zone function that I was after.
- Looked around for parts: This was a pain. Sourcing a bezel that looked like the Root Beer one was tough.
- Got the tools: Never done this before, so I had to buy some tiny screwdrivers and stuff. Felt like a real watchmaker, haha.
- Messed up a few times: Yeah, scratched the case a bit. Had to be extra careful.
- Finally, got the bezel on: Took a few tries, but it clicked in place. Stepped back and… wow.
Putting it all together was a bit nerve-wracking. I mean, I’m no watchmaker. But I took it slow, followed some videos I found, and eventually, it all came together. And let me tell you, the feeling of having this thing on my wrist? Awesome. It’s like I’ve got a piece of that luxury, even if it’s just an imitation. And the classic style? It’s timeless. This watch looks good whether I’m in a suit or just grabbing some groceries.
Was It Worth It?
Heck yeah! I got the look I wanted without breaking the bank. Plus, I learned a ton about watches in the process. Now, every time I look at this watch, I remember the work I put into it. It’s not just a timepiece, it’s a little project that I’m proud of.
Would I do it again? Maybe. It was a fun challenge, and I ended up with a watch that I love. It might not be a real Rolex, but it’s my Rolex. And that’s good enough for me.
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