16750 Service Question

[JTSKGB]

I have a 1981 GMT with matte dial that lost its seal and had water intrusion in the case. I sent it in to Rolex Dallas for service and the technician stated in the service estimate the dial and hands must be replaced. They are only able to replace the dial with "DIAL 16758 BLACK MARKERS W LGN" I don't know what that dial looks like. When I called to ask if they were able to service the movement but keep the dial I was told no, that often times the dial starts to flake up which gets into the movement which is why they require replacement. Im heartbroken the matte dial is not salvageable- according to Rolex. Has anyone else experienced this with the older collectable dials? Is this the end of my matte dial or is there anyone else who can service the movement that may be able to salvage the dial? Do matte dials (dial only) ever hit the market? Any advice on what I should do here?

[Tools]

Period correct dials do, occasionally, show up in the marketplace.

Without knowing the damage that was done it would be very difficult to speculate if it is salvageable or not.

[Rolex_Rookie]

Originally Posted by JTSKGB

I have a 1981 GMT with matte dial that lost its seal and had water intrusion in the case. I sent it in to Rolex Dallas for service and the technician stated in the service estimate the dial and hands must be replaced. They are only able to replace the dial with "DIAL 16758 BLACK MARKERS W LGN" I don't know what that dial looks like. When I called to ask if they were able to service the movement but keep the dial I was told no, that often times the dial starts to flake up which gets into the movement which is why they require replacement. Im heartbroken the matte dial is not salvageable- according to Rolex. Has anyone else experienced this with the older collectable dials? Is this the end of my matte dial or is there anyone else who can service the movement that may be able to salvage the dial? Do matte dials (dial only) ever hit the market? Any advice on what I should do here?

Contact Rik Dietel at timecareinc.com. Rik comes highly recommended on TRF, is CW21, and has extensive experience handling vintage Rolex. I recently acquired a 16750 and will be sending it to Rik in the near future for a full service. Good luck!

[lee fowler]

Originally Posted by JTSKGB

I have a 1981 GMT with matte dial that lost its seal and had water intrusion in the case. I sent it in to Rolex Dallas for service and the technician stated in the service estimate the dial and hands must be replaced. They are only able to replace the dial with "DIAL 16758 BLACK MARKERS W LGN" I don't know what that dial looks like. When I called to ask if they were able to service the movement but keep the dial I was told no, that often times the dial starts to flake up which gets into the movement which is why they require replacement. Im heartbroken the matte dial is not salvageable- according to Rolex. Has anyone else experienced this with the older collectable dials? Is this the end of my matte dial or is there anyone else who can service the movement that may be able to salvage the dial? Do matte dials (dial only) ever hit the market? Any advice on what I should do here?

I might be able to help with a matte dial, drop me a PM.

[Porsche91101]

What does w/ lgn mean?

[Jackie Daytona]

Had a similar instance on mine and Tom at D’s Time was able to take care of it pretty well and didn’t have to replace everything. Some pics might help though to gauge the extent.