Only one watch comes to my mind where the cost of sourcing the GEN parts is reasonable compared to buying one (about $12K depending on the year and dial variant), the Rolex Explorer 1655. I have sourced the various parts, including GEN 1570 GMT movement, and the closest case set to GEN is Phong's. All parts sourced for a fraction of the GEN. Once put all together it's a watch I can proudly wear and still feel it's just as good as a GEN....and with the extra money I can spend it on my favorite wines!....and, it's a watch I can wear without calling attention...not like wearing a $25K AP.
Matter of fact...I believe some watchmakers use aftermarket case sets like Phong's to replace GEN case sets when they are too badly pitted and rusted from years of sweat and salt water oxidation. Rolex probably does the same thing, I doubt they have stocks of original 1655 case sets. The last time I talked to my local RLX AD, we were discussing vintage Rolex parts, and he mentioned having aftermarket vendors he could access parts from....so go figure. Many GEN vintage Rolex's out there may have aftermarket parts and the owners are probably none the wiser.
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