Changing my Rolex dial?

[Private Pile]

After seeing the picture that sealtt posted of his blue dial Datejust 11 I've decided that I want one. I have a old ( 1982 I think ) Datejust 1 that I never wear.

Is it a straight forward job for a watchmaker to swap dials?

And, apart from eBay, where is the best place to look ( navy blue with batons )?

Thanks in advance.

[sealtt]

Hey, mine was actually originally a black baton dial and when it was serviced I had them change it to the blue baton as you saw. This was done by Rolex themselves so it was a little pricey, but from what I understand any watchmaker should be able to do this pretty easily. It's not a difficult job, so your local independent who does Rolexes should have no problems.

It's definitely worth looking in the USA for the dial (dials are pretty easy to ship after all) and then get it fitted locally, since they have a really big aftermarket Rolex selection out in the states.

Do you know what reference your watch is? Or post a pic of it, I'll take a look too for the dial since I know exactly which one it is.

[Lorne]

Dial change is straightforward, as long as the new dial is the same diameter as the old one;

Back off the watch, release the stem, undo the holding screws and the whole movement will drop out. Then remove hands, pull dial off (it's held in place by two interference fit pegs, push fit new dial, push fit hands back, and replace in movement holder and case. It pays to have a new set of hands as taking them off and then putting them back can result in not so tight a fit. With the movement out, a little 'mission creep' by re-lubricating the bearings is also a good idea

There's a really nice guy on the forum called Variomatic who gets a lot of recommendations, so I'd suggest messaging him.

[Private Pile]

Sealtt, thanks for replying. I believe my Rolex is a 1984, reference 16014. I bought it about 5 years ago after wanting one for ages. Ive probably only worn it a handful of times, it sits at the back of the drawer unworn.

I got a Sub LV last year that I love, and wear daily. I'm hoping that with the blue dial then at least it will get some use.

Lorne, thanks for the explanation. Although I seldom post here, I do read the threads most days. I'm aware of Varios reputation and helpful contributions. If I do get a new dial the plan is to send it all off to Vario for him to fit.

Again, thanks for taking the time to reply.

[Variomatic]

Swapping is easy enough if you have a suitable dial. Sounds like another "postage + donation to RBL" job if you decide to do it

[sealtt]

What about this one?

http://www.firstclassdials.com/rolex-mens-datejust...

Love the Sub LV by the way, nice choice.

Given you have that, you could always go for something dressy on the DateJust - I was really tempted by this dial too. Just a thought.

Edited by sealtt on Thursday 7th January 16:11

[Private Pile]

Vario, thank you. Hopefully I'll be in touch soon.

Sealtt, thank you for taking the time to post that blue dial. Unfortunately 350 USD is more than I want to spend. I had no idea what a replacement dial would cost, but I was hoping a round £100ish. Man maths has crept in, so I may pay a little more. It's only ever going to be an occasional wear watch, so I don't want to go too dear.

Thanks again, and I'll keep looking.

PS, the diamond dial you posted is growing on me

[KungFuPanda]

The fact fact you'll be 110% happy with the watch with the new face transcends all financial qualms!

[andy355]

This dials on the website are they rolex or copies?

[Private Pile]

KungFuPanda said:

The fact fact you'll be 110% happy with the watch with the new face transcends all financial qualms!

I know I'll be delighted with my "new" watch. But I also know that after a few days it will go back in the drawer.
I'll keep a eye on eBay.
Thanks again for all the replies.

[Pablovitch]

On the subject of dial change (officially by Rolex). I bought a new Datejust 41 steel/white gold with Rhodium coloured dial. I really wanted White dial but none available. So I asked Rolex UK to change the dial. They said OK send it in. Cost was to be £350. Mainly labour and hands change. Apparently on this model they can’t be taken off without damaging them (!!).

The new dial itself was to be free as they allow some items to be changed foc, within an ‘allotted’ time after purchasing. So I sent it off.

BUT. Rolex UK contacted Rolex Geneva for some reason about my request and it was refused!! Apparently they refuse any changes to be made to a newly released model within 1 year (in this case from Baselworld Mar. 2017! ). This was news to me and to Rolex UK too. So I’ll have to wait another 6 months to have the watch I really wanted in the first place.

[Jinba Ittai]

Pablovitch said:

On the subject of dial change (officially by Rolex). I bought a new Datejust 41 steel/white gold with Rhodium coloured dial. I really wanted White dial but none available. So I asked Rolex UK to change the dial. They said OK send it in. Cost was to be £350. Mainly labour and hands change. Apparently on this model they can’t be taken off without damaging them (!!).

The new dial itself was to be free as they allow some items to be changed foc, within an ‘allotted’ time after purchasing. So I sent it off.

BUT. Rolex UK contacted Rolex Geneva for some reason about my request and it was refused!! Apparently they refuse any changes to be made to a newly released model within 1 year (in this case from Baselworld Mar. 2017! ). This was news to me and to Rolex UK too. So I’ll have to wait another 6 months to have the watch I really wanted in the first place.

I had an Explorer 39mm 214270 which I bought new in about 2014. When Rolex updated the handset and dial to the thicker longer hands and lume filled numbers, I contacted Rolex about changing the dial and handset. My reasoning was as the model number had stayed the same, and Rolex had moved to random serial numbers so ageing the watch wasn't an issue, I couldn't see any reason why they wouldn't change the handset and dial as they were applicable to that model designation. They wouodn't do it, no explanation given, just a "no".

[Private Pile]

[url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/tw4ctcye[/url]

Nothing worse than someone who starts a thread but doesn't finish it.

Bought a used dial from eBay, and Vario swapped it over. Love it, but still don't wear it. Maybe in the future I'll part exchange it against a Day Date.

Thanks again to all who replied.

[steveholton]

I have just inherited a watch from my Dad exactly same spec as yours (Datejust steel and white gold with silver dial, Jubilee strap, fluted bezel) but I think it is very plain and I can't see me wearing it. So I too thought about changing to a blue dial. How did you satisfy yourself that the dial you bought on ebay was genuine? Just curious because I am going to have to source one if I decide to do it. Any tips about the process?
TIA
Steve

[Private Pile]

Steve, I'm sure I bought it off eBay, that's all I can remember! The joys of getting old.

I'll have a look through my paperwork and see if I can find a receipt.

[NDA]

As an aside, I've often wondered if the manufacturers resist changing dials.

For example a white faced Nautilus or Sky Dweller is worth quite a bit less than a blue faced one. Would PP or Rolex resist changing dials from white to blue on these models?

[steveholton]

Private Pile said:

Steve, I'm sure I bought it off eBay, that's all I can remember! The joys of getting old.

I'll have a look through my paperwork and see if I can find a receipt.

That would be great, thanks. Previously, you said you might sell your watch. If so, how much would you want for it? Might be easier for me to do that than modify mine.
Steve

[GCH]

NDA said:

As an aside, I've often wondered if the manufacturers resist changing dials.

For example a white faced Nautilus or Sky Dweller is worth quite a bit less than a blue faced one. Would PP or Rolex resist changing dials from white to blue on these models?

Nope. PP will do a 5711 dial change from white to blue if you like..

[The Big G]

I’m another in the middle of a dial change at the moment. Just noticed this thread so thought what I’m up to may be of interest too.

It’s a Oysterquartz day date. During the service, Rolex recommended changing the dial due to the surface of the old one beginning to break up. As such, silver is now becoming a blue baton dial. Old dial is being returned to me when the watch comes back. So far so good, only 4-6 weeks more to wait! I decided to leave it to be done by Rolex to make sure genuine parts are fitted. Hadn’t really researched independents happy to work on this movement, but have been told working knowledge on them is limited due to their relative scarcity.

Watch currently looks like



Dial choices provided were



Fingers crossed it looks as good as expected when it comes back and I’ll have many happy years ahead.

Will do my best to remember to post photos when it returns. Private pile, yours looks great, I hope mine looks similar

Anyone else in the middle of this too?

Edited by The Big G on Wednesday 14th February 20:51

[Private Pile]

Steve, I've double checked, and can't find a receipt for my replacement dial. All I can mind is that I bought it from eBay.

Big G, I didn't know your watch existed. I thought they only came in gold. Looking forward to seeing the pictures.