Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual Bustdown Sapphire Iced Wristwatch
For around three decades, bustdown sapphire iced wristwatches enjoyed prominence amongst watch lovers. Over time, this bustdown trend continues to evolve, with settings becoming more sophisticated. Like with this Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual, gem-setters continually display their mastery of this art with every product. They set as many diamonds into a luxury watch as possible. With this, they create a fully iced out or fully flooded look, as some like to call these watches.
Meanwhile, although busting down watches is a popular practice nowadays, not all watches experience this action. Not every watch can get bustdown, drilled, and then filled with diamonds.
In addition, the most popular watches to customize with diamonds are, of course, the world’s most celebrated luxury watches. Aside from the Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual, we also have the Rolex Day-Date, the AP Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. Most of the most sought after luxury watches get to enjoy their moment of spotlight thanks to aftermarket diamond customizations. Nevertheless, no watch enjoys this more than the Rolex Datejust.
An iced-out Datejust Oyster Perpetual is constantly in all bustdown-friendly watch boxes. With a very dressy essence and legendary prestige, the Datejust collection makes an easy option for people who love diamonds. You have a loud, yet classy and elegant watch that never feels over the top or out of place. With Datejust watches, bustdown settings never feel out of place.
The Rolex Datejust: One for the Culture
The Rolex Datejust is one of the brand’s most prominent collections. This watch model is among the planet’s most celebrated watches. This timepiece hit the world of luxury watches on the 40th anniversary of Rolex back in 1945. The Rolex Datejust had one complication which was the automatically changing date window at the 3 o’clock.
Presently, this complication is all shades of surprise. Nevertheless, back then, it was a game-changer. Additionally, the Rolex Datejust was the first wristwatch ever whose date changed automatically, in an instant, exactly at midnight. With that feature, the DATE will be JUST, all the time. There you have the DATEJUST.
The Datejust Oyster Perpetual carries a distinguishing feature with its waterproof Oyster case. Also, the watch had fluted bezel, and a clean dial. This timepiece has been a watch of many “firsts”. The Oyster Perpetual did not only become the first watch to receive a date window. Also, it was the first watch to come with a Jubilee bracelet. The name ‘Jubilee’ comes from its launch on the brand’s anniversary.
Moreover, the Rolex Datejust brought to life the invention of the cyclops eye. That feature helped to enhance the date window by two and a half times, for easier reading. Presently, it is a trademark component of all Rolex watches with date windows except the Oyster Perpetual.
Sticking to the Signature Style
Throughout the history of Datejust, the style remains unchanged in several ways. Nevertheless, Rolex experimented with case sizes and other features, such as two-tone metal. For those who do not know, the first Rolesor was a Datejust. Again, there was the Oyster bracelet, and the smooth bezel. Now with the bustdown sapphire iced wristwatch, we have the use of diamonds and gemstones.
Note that the Rolex Datejust is one of the few collections that Rolex sets diamonds. The reason for this is that it is a dress watch. Still, the diamond settings used typically come subtly on Rolex Datejust watches. When we say this, we refer to the diamond indices, dials, and bezels applied. You never get anything over the top.
Having said that, we can’t deny the widespread vogue of the Rolex Datejust among popular culture. Therefore, the Rolex Datejust watches are the watches that people prefer to customize with diamonds. This explains why you see completely iced out Rolex Datejust watches. What you see are aftermarket diamond settings, which modern watch enthusiasts prefer to call, “bustdown watches”.
Bustdown Wristwatches: Sophistication Without Limits
A bustdown watch is a full diamond wristwatch – mostly a Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe or Cartier timepiece. These extremely expensive timepieces have been “busted down” (taken apart) and then encrusted with high-grade diamonds and/or gemstones. This includes the bracelet, case, bezel, and dial.
Other names that refer to a bustdown watch (or “bussdown watch”) are “fully flooded watch” and “iced out watch”.
Bustdown watches require incredible workmanship, so a highly skilled diamond setter must do it. It’s a meticulous job that takes many hours.
Keep in mind that there are many imitations and fake iced out watches out there. Plus, those are not fit to be bustdown watches. Besides, factory set diamond watches (meaning the actual brand/manufacturer did the diamond work) are not bustdown watches. With a bustdown watch, you get genuine high-end watches that come completely covered in aftermarket gemstones
The Bustdown Watches are Everywhere and Here to Stay
Let’s first understand how the trend of bustdown watches developed. It started 15 or 20 years ago with Master P and the Cash Money crew. These two iced out 36mm Rolex President watches. Afterward, things continued to expand. The hottest look anyone gets will be completely iced out oversized watches. Some of such watches were 48mm watches drilled with diamonds completely.
Later, things started getting smaller, with 42mm Offshores and 41mm Presidentials being the go-to options. This was crazy for a lot of people as these are some of the most prestigious timepieces. At this period, the trend truly exploded and it only continued to evolve. Time tools like the Yachtmaster and Royal Oak Offshore were some of the best as they also offered that excess size.
Subsequently, people began to flood Pateks and even Richard Mille timepieces. Also, people thought it was over the top, but the trend only thrived.
Currently, the hottest look for the fully iced out bustdown watch trend is honeycomb pave diamond setting and baguette diamonds. That rendition represents a huge shift from the traditional bustdown settings. These pave diamond settings deliver a more fully covered look as the settings are closer together.
Therefore, as you can see, the trend will only continue to evolve, as most fashion trends do. This growth is in phases, and oftentimes, it shows that it can only get better. When you see this bustdown sapphire iced wristwatch, you will not agree less.
Finally, we expect to see the pave round diamond trend getting stronger than ever. There will be new special settings of diamonds that deliver contrast with various sizes and even cuts. What it comes down to is, people want something different, they want to stand out. With Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual watches in this bustdown sapphire iced version, that can do this in style.
The Rolex Datejust Gets “BustDown”
A bustdown sapphire iced Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual wristwatch is a timepiece with aftermarket sapphire gemstones added to it. The term “bustdown” refers to the watch being busted down (taken apart) so that each piece gets fitted with diamonds. To do this, gem-setters use hi-tech machinery to drill tiny holes in the metal with absolute precision. From there, these stones get meticulously set and protected with tiny prongs or tension and channel settings.
As usual, when we refer to a diamond or gemstone customization as “bustdown”, it comes fully covered in diamonds. If not all, at least the majority of the watch will be.
Bustdown Datejust Oyster Perpetual watches usually have diamonds or gemstones covering the entire case, bracelet, clasp, bezel and dial. Still, it doesn’t necessarily get fully saturated with diamonds or gemstones. Any part of the watch can get the gemstones or diamonds set into it. Hence, these designs differ.
The process of creating a bustdown Datejust Oyster Perpetual watch is extremely difficult. This procedure demands exceptionally dexterous workmanship. Only seasoned, highly skilled gem-setters should be doing this kind of work. After all, a Rolex Datejust is an expensive and valuable timepiece. It would be disgraceful and devastating to mar such an exquisite watch. But, if it is done right, it’s like a work of art that even traditionalists should admire.
Comparing Factory-Set Watches with Bustdown or Custom Watches
Factory-set Rolex watches come with diamonds set by Rolex themselves. On the other hand, a custom “bustdown” type is the handwork of an independent jeweler. The diamonds or gemstones used are called “aftermarket” as they are not the works of the original manufacturer.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both. In this section, we will quickly go over them.
Pros and Cons of a Factory-Set Watch
The main advantage of a factory-set Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual is that you can be absolutely confident that the diamonds and the setting are of the highest quality and standard. It is a known fact that Rolex touches are perfect.
The drawbacks are that you pay a huge premium for Rolex’s diamonds and craftsmanship. Also, you get limited to their design, which are often quite subtle, albeit elegant. Lastly, you can’t get a fully iced out Rolex Datejust because Rolex simply doesn’t do that with this collection.
Pros and Cons of a Bustdown Watch
The benefit of a bustdown watch is you can get a bejeweled Rolex Datejust for considerably less cost. Often with a lot more of these precious stones. Besides, you have several other design options to choose from. You can set these gemstones of diamonds into any part of the watch. Also, you can select pave, micro-pave, honeycomb or row settings.
In addition, you can select from all different kinds of gemstones and shapes, like round brilliants, baguettes, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and the list goes on. Any idea is achievable.
There are of course some notable disadvantages too. You have to pay extra attention to the setting to make sure it was done well. Not to mention, the quality and authenticity of the diamonds or gemstones.
If it isn’t an existing bustdown Rolex Datejust, then you run the risk of ruining your watch. This is why it is imperative that you choose a trusted professional with many years of experience, like Diamonds By Raymond Lee in Boca Raton. Finally, you need to be aware that you may affect the value of the watch when you customize it. Rolex collectors put greater value on watches in their original state, especially highly collectible editions.
Why You Should Buy a Bustdown Sapphire Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual Watch?
While buying a plain Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual watch, customizing it with diamonds is less expensive than buying a factory-set diamond Datejust. However, you can save even more money and get exact value by purchasing a bustdown sapphire iced Datejust on the secondary market.
Going for an already-made bustdown sapphire Rolex Datejust makes the most sense if you prefer a fully flooded piece at the absolute best cost. What’s great is the practice of busting down Rolex Datejust watches is so common. Hence, you will have tons of options to choose from when you check out our store online or in Boca Raton.
Check out some of the Bustdown Sapphire Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual watches for sale at Diamonds By Raymond Lee. There, you can easily decide if buying a pre-owned bustdown sapphire Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual is right for you.
Meanwhile, you should note that pictures only do a small amount of justice to these timepieces. The light performance in person is unbelievable. These watches are absolutely stunning. A bustdown sapphire Rolex Datejust might not be for everyone. Still, no one can deny the beauty on the wrist. It’s a very attractive look for those who aren’t afraid of a little spotlight.
Finally, here at Diamonds by Raymond Lee, we have a state-of-the-art diamond testing machine. With this facility, you can be sure that all of the diamonds in these bustdown sapphire Rolex watches are genuine and high grade.
Step into our store in Boca Raton, Florida or check us out online to check out the available Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual pieces. Then, you can decide between a plain jane, a factory-set type or a bustdown sapphire watch.