Factory vs. aftermarket diamond setting
Stones on a watch either add six figures or subtract five — depending entirely on who set them. Here is how the market prices the difference.
Factory-set commands a premium
Factory gem-set pieces carry serial-matched documentation and are priced as separate references. They trade at a premium and appreciate with the model line.
Aftermarket is a lifestyle choice
Aftermarket setting — however well executed — removes the watch from its original reference. Most dealers price an aftermarket-set piece off the base model, minus the cost of returning it to stock. Buy it because you love it, not as an investment.
The middle path
Quality matters enormously within aftermarket work. Hand-set, certified stones with insurance-grade documentation protect far more value than glue-and-go work. If you are setting a watch, document everything and keep every original part.