Custom-Built
Franken Watches
Franken Watches — superclones modded using both authentic, and aftermarket components to make them indistinguishable from the authentic reference model.
Some of the recent frankenstein watch models, built for clients, on request, as well as some close-up highlights of the aftermarket dials and other parts.
Available
Franken Watches
This is a preview of the current up-to-date franken watches catalogue, with information about the authentic and aftermarket components used, additional mods, as well as the pricing.
Franken Daytona Panda 126500
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Submariner 41 Black Date 126610LN
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc, ceramic bezel insert
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken GMT Pepsi 126710BLRO
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Submariner 40 Hulk 16610LV
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Datejust 41 Blue 126334
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom plated fluted bezel, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken GMT Batman
126710BLNR
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Submariner 41
No Date 124060
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, ceramic bezel insert
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Datejust 41 Green 126334
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom plated fluted bezel, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken GMT Bruce Wayne 126710GRNR
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Yachtmaster 40 Slate 126622
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom platinum plated bezel, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Submariner 41
Steel & Gold 26613LN
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Submariner 41 Starbucks 126610LV
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken GMT Rootbeer
Two Tone 126711CHNR
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom platinum plated bezel, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Day-Date Olive Rose Gold 228239
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Datejust 41
Two Tone 126331
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken GMT Zombie
Two Tone 126713GRNR
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Oyster Perpetual 41
Tiffany 124300
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket
Aftermarket parts: custom smooth bezel, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Daytona White
Two Tone 126503
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket
Aftermarket parts: custom gold plated bezel, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken GMT Master 2 Sprite 126720VTNR
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Yachtmaster 42
Rose Gold 126655
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Air King
126900
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket
Aftermarket parts: custom smooth bezel, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Daytona Pikachu
Oysterflex 116518LN
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket
Aftermarket parts: custom cerachrome bezel, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Datejust 41 Wimbledon 121635
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom plated fluted bezel, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Daytona Gold
John Mayer 116508
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket
Aftermarket parts: custom gold plated bezel, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Royal Oak Chrono
Blue 26331ST
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom plated bezel screws, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Royal Oak Chrono
Panda 26331ST
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom plated bezel screws, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Royal Oak
Blue 15510ST
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom plated bezel screws, custom dial
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Royal Oak Diver
Black 15703ST
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom dial, custom hands
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Sebastien Ogier
67-02
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket
Aftermarket parts: custom NTPT case, custom hands, custom case screws
Extra mods: rotor silencing, movement greasing, crown stem length modding and refitting
Franken Italy Edition
67-02
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom NTPT case, custom hands, custom case screws
Extra mods: rotor silencing, movement greasing, crown stem length modding and refitting
Franken Nautilus White
5711
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom dial, custom hands
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Aquanaut
5167A
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom dial, custom hands
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Franken Nautilus Blue
5711
Authentic parts: sapphire crystal, crystal gasket, date disc
Aftermarket parts: custom dial, custom hands
Extra mods: polished & white-gold plated hands, rotor silencing, movement greasing
Looking for a different watch?
Couldn’t find your favorite model? I might be able to help so please send me an inquiry and let’s get this build started.
Franken Watch Modding Process
This franken watch build case study shows the comparison between the stock superclone parts, and the upgraded authentic parts, from the process of building the ultimate franken Rolex Submariner Date, reference 116610 LN.
Main differences:
Stock superclone crystal on the left, authentic crystal plus gasket on the right. It's easy to notice how the superclone crystal is less clear and shows a milky effect towards the edges, plus the difference when it comes to the cyclops.
Main differences:
Stock superclone hands set on the left, authentic hands set on the right. The differences are less visible from the picture but the outer edge is perfectly finished on the authentic set, and the seconds hand has the correct length, and correct center ring.
Main differences:
Stock superclone dial on the left, authentic dial on the right. From the front side the differences are less visible, but the main logo is bolder on the authentic, and the letter spacing is perfect all across.
Main differences:
Stock superclone dial on the left, authentic dial on the right. It is much easier to recognize the authentic dial when looking at the back side, simply due to the finishing, as well as the unique serial number and brand marks.
Main differences:
Stock superclone date disc on the left, authentic date disc on the right. The font on the authentic date disc is a bit bolder, has the correct 3D effect, plus the spacing and alignment between the individual date numbers is perfect.
Main differences:
Stock date disc on the left, authentic date disc on the right. The differences are minimal in terms of finishing. In this particular case the structure of the disc is finished in a different color (gold vs. steel) but this is not a rule of consistency among all clones.
Main differences:
Stock superclone bezel insert on the left, authentic bezel insert on the right. Although they look very close, the markers on the authentic insert are bolder, and the color of the markers plating is brighter. The pearl is also slightly different.
Main differences:
Stock superclone bezel on the left, authentic bezel on the right. Although they look look identical from this angle, the authentic bezel is much better finished, and the click springs make the action of the bezel much smoother and precise.
Franken Watches on YouTube
If you're willing to find more about certain models and franken upgrade projects, differences between stock superclones and franken watches, make sure to check out and subscribe to my official Franken Watches YouTube channel.
REAL vs. FAKE Frankenstein AP Royal Oak | $2300 Superclone
Client's Feedback & Reviews
This is what my previous clients have to say about the watches that I built for them, the process of buying a franken watch, and the overall satisfaction of doing business with me for their custom watch projects.
★★★★
I'm so glad I found Paul's channel. It's my first franken watch and I love the YM that he built for me. He's super helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to watches and mods. I would recommend!
Michael S - Yachtmaster 40
★★★★
I work in a private finance sector so I’m around high-net worth individuals all the time. I must admit that I was skeptical when it comes to wearing a franken watch, but Paul truly delivered the best.
Louis C - Daytona Panda
★★★★
It’s our 4th watch project and you won’t find anyone better than Paul to do this. I have the gen aquanaut and I must say these two are literally the same. Would highly recommend.
Verdis T - Aquanaut Steel
★★★★
Paul’s been so helpful during the entire process. He’s a great guy to deal with and his knowledge when it comes to watches is always incredible. I couldn’t afford the authentic one but I got this blue beauty.
Fabi M - Datejust 41
★★★
Unfortunately the first piece had some mechanical issues but Paul solved that flawlessly. After a bit of extra waiting I got this magnificent RO black dial, which literally looks and feels gen. Great service.
Lou R - Royal Oak Steel
★★★★
My first franken watch from the collection and it’s been on my wrist non stop since it hit the mail. I’m in love with the Rootbeer, and having it modded by Paul was truly a blessing. Can’t recommend him enough.
Taher J - GMT Rootbeer
Franken Watches FAQs
Learn more about buying and getting a custom franken watch modded, built, and shipped to you, worldwide. Here are the most frequently asked questions among my clients.
1) Why are franken watches so cheap compared to authentic?
Franken or frankenstein watches are much cheaper compared to authentic watches because of the overall production, marketing, and sales costs. Because superclones are much cheaper to source as they rely on custom components, the final modded frankenstein watch will be at lest 80% cheaper than the authentic watch.
2) How long will a franken watch last?
With proper care, and regular servicing every 5-6 years, a franken watch will last as long as an authentic watch. Protecting it from salt water, structural damage, while ensuring proper movement lubrication and cleaning by regularly servicing it franken watches will work and last for many years.
3) Are franken watches considered fake?
Franken watches are technically considered a hybrid between authentic and fake watches. While the base of a franken watch build is a superclone, they are modded using authentic components, and OEM parts which adds to their authentic look and functionality.
4) Do franken watches contain lead?
Franken watches don’t contain any lead or dangerous materials. Their main structural component is 904L degree stainless steel, which is the same material used by the authentic watch manufacturers, and contains no lead. For the models that are gold plated, the plating is done using lead-free gold solution, so they are 100% safe.
5) How long does it take to have a franken watch built?
The process of having a franken watch built involves sourcing the superclone base, sourcing the authentic and aftermarket components, performing the actual upgrades and modding work, plus testing the final product and it’s spread across 4 to 5 weeks.
6) Are franken watches worth the money?
Considering the fact that by buying a franken watch you technically get the same look and the same functionality as on an authentic watch, for a small fraction of the price, it’s safe to say that they are worth the money. Servicing a franken watch regularly will massively expand its lifetime so it’s a great long-term investment for everyone passionate about watches.
7) Is it better to buy authentic or a franken watch?
Comparing buying an authentic watch as opposed to a franken watch strictly depends on financial condition and preferences of the buyer. While an authentic watch has a better store-of-value, it also costs considerably more, so it comes with larger risks. Buying a franken watch is a great compromise for everyone who wants to get the same look and functionality without having to spend or lock huge amounts of money into a watch.
8) What is the difference between a clone watch and a frankenstein watch?
A franken or frankenstein watch will always be superior to a stock clone watch, simply because it’s been already improved by having authentic components installed which will enhance both the looks and its functionality. For example an authentic crystal will make the dial much clear and all the colors, patterns and structural textures much visible.
9) Are frankenstein Rolexes good quality?
It's not only about Rolex watches, or a very specific brand in particular. In general, franken watches are good quality because in addition to the modding and the visual upgrades, they’ve are always further tested, waterproofed and properly lubricated.
10) Can you tell a franken watch from an authentic?
Because franken watches could be upgraded to a very high level with many authentic components, telling a franken watch from an authentic could be very difficult and also risky. When trying to authenticate a watch, it’s always better to pick one that has the original matching paperwork such as a warranty card, receipts or service history, instead of only relying on the visual authentication.
11) What are the risks of buying a franken watch?
There are no risks involved when buying a franken watch, as long as the buyer is financially responsible and could afford that purchase. Instead of risks, this comes with a series of advantages, the main one being the fact that you’re getting a watch that looks and functions identical to the authentic, for a small fraction of the price.
12) Do franken watches come with box and papers?
Unlike authentic watches, superclones come naked from the factory, with no box, no travel accessories and no paperwork. On request, original accessories such as box, booklets, pouches, as well as aftermarket ones, could be additionally sourced.
13) What’s the difference between an authentic and a superclone movement?
Exactly like the case, bezel and bracelets, superclone movements are always made up to the authentic specs. That means the technical specs, such as the frequency, the power reserve, accuracy and complications will be real close if not identical to the authentic. However, in some cases certain differences could be spotted when directly comparing it to an authentic movement such as the structure and layout, and the overall finishing of the used metals and components.
14) Do franken watches come with warranty?
Superclone factories don’t provide any warranty for their watches and movements, but before leaving my hand I always make sure that the franken watches are properly tested for visual and technical flaws. That means that in addition to the waterproofing and movement lubrication process they go through a second stage of checks which massively reduces the risks of technical issues.
Plus, I always provide servicing or options for my clients.
All available models
Browse through all available franken watch models.
Contact Franken Watches
Looking to have a watch built? Contact me using the form below if you'd like to start a franken watch project and let's make it happen.
FRANKENWATCHES is not affiliated with, or sponsored by, associated with, or certified by any of the brands displayed or mentioned.
© FRANKENWATCHES 2026
More About Franken Watches
These additional frequently asked questions are a great resource for those who are willing to find more about the franken watch market, genuine and aftermarket components and how do franken watches compare to authentic watches, in general.
1) What is a franken watch?
A franken watch, frankenwatch, or frankenstein watch is watch that’s been put together using different components and parts including authentic parts, aftermarket parts, and superclone parts, in different ratios.The authentic parts can be brand new, or sometimes they come from multiple different sources, including different authentic disassembled watches.
2) What does franken means in watches?
When it comes to watches, the term franken means modded using different components. Either authentic components coming from other watches, aftermarket components made be 3rd party manufacturers, or superclone parts. These parts can include movement parts, crowns, hands, dials, bezels, crystals, or even bracelets or case elements.
3) What is a super franken watch?
A super franken watch is the best franken watch available to be made, because it is made with the highest number of genuine parts. For example a superfranken Rolex could often include a genuine Rolex movement, and genuine case elements, in addition to the genuine Rolex dial, bezel, hands, date disc, crystal, crown, and similar parts. They are the most expensive franken watches on the market, but also the closest to genuine.
4) Can a franken Rolex pass an authenticity check??
In certain cases a franken Rolex can pass an authenticity check, if that's run by an unexperimented 3rd party authenticator. All the genuine Rolex parts used for the build will pass the test, and sometimes if the authenticity process is really basic that can be enough to get the green light and pass as authentic.It's important to understand that a franken Rolex is not meant for entering the genuine, second-hand watch market. It serves a very different purpose and should never be used for illegal reselling activities.
5) Can a franken watch have a genuine Rolex serial number??
It is usually very uncommon for a franken watch to have a matching genuine Rolex serial number, but in some cases, a superfranken watch build can be made using a genuine Rolex midcase. In that case, the engraved case serial will be matching the genuine, simply because the midcase itself is a genuine component.
6) Can a franken watch have genuine box and papers?
The regular franken watch builds, that are based on superclones will not have box and papers, as they come naked (watch only) from the various factories. However, they can be paired with a genuine box, and genuine papers, except from the genuine warranty card.However, there are some replica warranty cards on the market, available for most of the brands, and they can be added a perfectly matching model and serial number.
7) Can a Rolex be genuine but still be considered a franken watch?
Having a genuine Rolex to be considered a franken watch represents the reverse process of building a franken watch, but it is possible when that specific genuine watch has been modded with aftermarket or superclone components, as a result of a potential damage repair, or transformation purpose.
8) Can you identify a franken watch from photos alone?
For today's standards it's almost impossible to identify a franken watch based on the pictures alone. It's becoming harder and harder to identify sperclones and genuine watches based on photos alone, let aside a franken watch that will contain genuine parts.A full visual and technical inspection of the watch is required to be able to tell for sure if it's a superclone, a franken watch, or a genuine product.
9) Can a watch with aftermarket parts still be authentic?
A watch that's been fitted with aftermarket parts could still be considered authentic, if the main components such as movement, case, bracelet, clasp, and dial are still authentic.Especially for discontinued watches, certain genuine parts and components might no longer be available so they are often fitted with aftermarket parts during the servicing process, and they can still be considered authentic.
10) What is the difference between authentic parts and aftermarket parts?
Sometimes the visual differences between authentic and aftermarket parts does not exist, as they could be identical, but the main difference is that authentic (OEM) parts and components are exclusivelly produced by the watch manufacturers such as Rolex, AP, Patek, Omega, while aftermarket parts are made by 3rd party or independent manufacturers.Aftermarket watch parts and components are also much cheaper compared to the authentic ones.
11) Do auction houses or dealers accept franken Rolex watches?
Each individual dealer, reseller, consignment or auction house has their own rules, so it's hard to say for sure, but usually the only scenario where a franken Rolex could be accepted is when that particular watch still has 95% genuine, factory components.
12) Can a superclone contain a genuine Swiss movements?
Superclones fitted with genuine Swiss movement do not exist, and this is only a false claim that superclone sellers use while trying to sell their product.Swiss watchmaking brands such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and all the other ones, do not sell complete spare movements. They only service, or replace the movement of a watch within their own service department, in certain conditions.The market price for complete movement could vary between $2500 and $12000 or even more, so it's impossible for a superclone manufacturer to source and fit a genuine Swiss movement into his watches, which are then sold for a few hundred dollars.
13) Are franken watches reliable for everyday wear?
Franken watches are as reliable as authentic watches when it comes to everyday wear, when it comes to look, technical features, and timekeeping. The share identical-spec parts, including the movement which is based on the same exact caliber architecture.
14) Do franken watches have identical water resistance?
Most of time franken watches can be upgraded to match the water and pressure resistance of the genuine watch using authentic seals and gaskets. While the stock superclones will be safe for light water exposure, a proper upgrade and pressure test will tell if a franken watch has the same water resistance as an authentic one for more intense underwater activities such as diving.
15) Can a frankenwatch keep accurate time?
A frankenwatch will keep accurate time because the superclone movement is based on the same caliber as the genuine one, and will often have identical specs and performance indicators such as complications, time-keeping accuracy, and power reserve.Exactly like a genuine movement, will need proper servicing every 5-6 years to preserve its long-term reliability.
16) Can a franken watch look completely original?
A franken watch could look anywhere between 90% and 98% original, depending on the number of upgrades and the number of authentic parts installed.Visually that means it looks identical to the original, as the micro differences could only be seen by close-up comparing the franken watch to the authentic, side by side with a magnifying glass or a microscope.
17) Are franken watches common in the vintage watch market?
Franken watches are way more common in the vintage watch market, and identifying aftermarket from genuine components is much more challenging because in most cases thare is little to no documentation available about serial numbers, specific marks and specs of the genuine components.
FRANKENWATCHES is not affiliated with, or sponsored by, associated with, or certified by any of the brands displayed or mentioned.