Did Rolex Ever Use Production Dials for Replacement Instead of a Service Dial?

[jonthefisher]

For watch models that had a long production run, like a 5513, would a earlier dial have been replaced with a later production dial if it was done while that model was in still production? For example if a 5513 made in 1965 needed the dial replaced in 1975 would Rolex have just installed a later dial in it or is this a sign there is something fishy with it?

[carwashchris]

Depending on what dial inventory was on hand at the time of service. I would say yes. But I guess they would try to replace matte with matte and gloss w/wgs with the same. Great question that we will probably never know the answer to for certain.

Chris

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[Dan S]

I'm guessing that Rolex did use dials on hand during service. However, I'm not sure I really understand the distinction you are making. If a 1965 5513 has a 1975 dial, the value is reduced equivalently whether it was replaced by Rolex or by someone else.

[carwashchris]

For example , if you sent in a 87" 5513 today , you'll probably get it back with dial and hands from a 14060m in luminova

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[Dan S]

Originally Posted by carwashchris

For example , if you sent in a 87" 5513 today , you'll probably get it back with dial and hands from a 14060m in luminova

Sorry, I wasn't referring to your answer, but to the OP's question. He is asking about watches that have later production dials installed and is asking whether or not it's "fishy." Presumably he is trying to make a distinction between dials replaced at a service by Rolex, or dials replaced by someone else. And my point was that it doesn't matter.

I don't know if a 14060m dial would fit a 5513, although I agree that the modern 5513 service dials resemble 14060 dials.

[jonthefisher]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Sorry, I wasn't referring to your answer, but to the OP's question. He is asking about watches that have later production dials installed and is asking whether or not it's "fishy." Presumably he is trying to make a distinction between dials replaced at a service by Rolex, or dials replaced by someone else. And my point was that it doesn't matter.

I don't know if a 14060m dial would fit a 5513, although I agree that the modern 5513 service dials resemble 14060 dials.

Thanks for the replies. "Fishy" is probably the wrong term. To clarify, I just meant that if a watch has a dial that does not fit within the approximate production year of the watch some additional checking needs be done to make sure someone didn't assemble it from parts, that it is a genuine dial (not a fake or reprint) and that it was replaced as part of a service, either by Rolex or another watchsmith. Am I correct in this?

I understand that the value would take a hit as well.

[carwashchris]

Dan, no worries. I think we're on the same page. Chris

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[jonthefisher]

To add, I have mainly looked at Tudors and know there are some very distinct service dials types, like the shield 7928 and T" SWISS MADE T" 9401/9411 dials. I didn't know if Rolex did things the same on Rolex branded watches or just put in a dial from a later year if the watch was still in production.

[springer]

Originally Posted by jonthefisher

For watch models that had a long production run, like a 5513, would a earlier dial have been replaced with a later production dial if it was done while that model was in still production? For example if a 5513 made in 1965 needed the dial replaced in 1975 would Rolex have just installed a later dial in it or is this a sign there is something fishy with it?

I believe the GMT 1675 dial referred to as the Mark VI dial, might have been such a dial. Both I and other GMT collectors have noticed that this last version of the matte 1675 dials was found on very late models of the GMT 1675. Additionally, through the years, many of us collectors noticed and found this Mark VI dial on some of the earlier versions of the GMT 1675s from the late 1960s to early 1970s.

Eventually, I believe that the accepted versions of the GMT service dials with the fat coronet appeared during the later years of the 1980s and became the standard service dial. This service dial can be found with both tritium or luminova markers.

Below are photos of the GMT 1675 service dial and the Mark VI dial.

[TuRo]

Yes, very often as mentioned 1675 but many others - I have a service dial 16600 that is SWISS MADE which was the production dial at time.