Bezel swap BLRO, BLNR, VTNR is this unthinkable?

[inadeje]

In recent times we’ve seen thread after thread informing us of a seemingly unprecedented Rolex policy flexibility towards:

1. GMT supplementary bracelets. Yes, there’s a real policy now, Rolex accepts owners may want a jubilee & oyster and have acquiesced.
2. Dial changes - the door seems well and truly open. So many threads of RSC agreeing, zero qualms, for dial swaps on multiple models.
3. Bezel swaps - the 5 digit GMT was attractive precisely because of the multiple choice bezel selection, all condoned/retrofitted by Rolex. We’ve also witnessed datejust smooth to fluted and vice versa bezel swaps.

So, what if this new and seemingly accommodating Rolex stance extended to the GMT models? Allowing owners to do what Rolex previously did with the GMT, namely allow bezel swaps. After all, it’s probably the simplest part to retrofit, far easier than say a dial. Hands are removed at service anyway, so no big deal swapping out the gmt hand.

Anyone else think that we could see this occurring?

[LVx2]

No, because they have distinct bezel codes.

[Yachtyy]

Eh would be cool I guess, but not so sure Rolex would allow it since it would technically impact the reference number. The other changes Rolex has been amenable to (bracelet, dial) don’t impact reference number.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by LVx2

No, because they have distinct bezel codes.

European 5 digit GMTs and some South American market I’ve seen had bezel codes on warranty cards, but Rolex would still switch out bezels at will.

[LVx2]

Originally Posted by inadeje

European 5 digit GMTs and some South American market I’ve seen had bezel codes on warranty cards, but Rolex would still switch out bezels at will.

I see, never seen that. Anyone ever successfully make a 16610LV?

Sure your suggestion will never happen.

[dpt.calvin]

No

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by LVx2

No, because they have distinct bezel codes.

And distinct bracelet codes too right? Like on this warranty card? 69200 denoting a jubilee yet Rolex will happily supply an oyster, contrary to the warranty displayed bracelet code?

[LVx2]

Originally Posted by inadeje

And distinct bracelet codes too right? Like on this warranty card? 69200 denoting a jubilee yet they will happily supply an oyster, contrary to the warranty displayed bracelet code?

Haha, you're dreaming about these bezels, lol

Will. Never. Happen.

[blada4life]

im not sure its even possible on the ceramics. i believe the bezel insert holder is thicker on the pepsi. i am wondering if it is marginally different in size when compared to the batman.... wouldnt be surprised if they did it on purpose.

[mfserge]

And the GMT wouldn’t look right. Would you want a black and green bezel with a blue GMT hand?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by inadeje

European 5 digit GMTs and some South American market I’ve seen had bezel codes on warranty cards, but Rolex would still switch out bezels at will.

But a 16710 is just a 16710 no matter the insert, all the rest of the ceramic insert Rolex have different reference numbers.

[Hemdog]

Just buy another watch, stop being a tightwad ��

[ArtNouveau]

Per your signature we are both in the US. The bracelet swap for 12 series GMTs seems to be in progress although there have been multiple threads here describing the various things folks have been told by both their ADs and the RSCs, it’s been anything but straightforward.
And dial swaps? I’ve heard nothing about that being “wide open” save for Datejusts and DayDates, and it’s usually only on older references. I can pretty much guarantee the US RSCs will not swap dials on SS Daytonas, Skydwellers, or OPs and DayDates to “hot” colored ones.
Therefore I think it’s a pipe dream to believe they will allow bezel insert changes on modern ceramic GMTs. Not much point in having distinctly different versions only to allow random swaps.
Lastly, RolexUSA keeps a tight lock on spare parts. They frown on customizations to their line even if the parts fit. I had to jump through some hoops to source OEM Oysterflex halves for my 116500 because it didn’t come with them.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

Per your signature we are both in the US. The bracelet swap for 12 series GMTs seems to be in progress although there have been multiple threads here describing the various things folks have been told by both their ADs and the RSCs, it’s been anything but straightforward.
And dial swaps? I’ve heard nothing about that being “wide open” save for Datejusts and DayDates, and it’s usually only on older references. I can pretty much guarantee the US RSCs will not swap dials on SS Daytonas, Skydwellers, or OPs and DayDates to “hot” colored ones.
Therefore I think it’s a pipe dream to believe they will allow bezel insert changes on modern ceramic GMTs. Not much point in having distinctly different versions only to allow random swaps.
Lastly, RolexUSA keeps a tight lock on spare parts. They frown on customizations to their line even if the parts fit. I had to jump through some hoops to source OEM Oysterflex halves for my 116500 because it didn’t come with them.

I agree with you, however, everything I stated in my initial post is substantiated in fact. For instance, a friend with a white gold gmt with black dial out of Spain had his dial swapped at RSC for blue. We’ve read numerous threads on TRF of RSC condoned dial swaps over recent times. Extra bracelet choice jubilee/oyster were a “no go” until recently, now they’re freely available from Rolex. Solid Bezel swaps fluted/smooth are also being provided. This was blasphemy until say two years ago, yet Rolex is acquiescing with a new flexible policy. Based upon Rolex history of “no” this is a revelation few discuss here. Furthermore, the age old statements (some made on this thread) that because the warranty says X or Y then they won’t allow it. Well, I posted a warranty card for a batman that clearly denotes the jubilee bracelet code right there on said card, yet Rolex now sells an alternate bracelet for that watch.

But let me be clear, for example I’m not suggesting Rolex will allow a ice blue dial to be fitted to a steel day date. Or a jubilee to a Daytona owner. I am obviously referring to the variant having been sold by Rolex (or still sold) in the alternative configuration the owner now desires. These are happening.

At the end of the day I was just bringing to light this unusually flexible policy that 30 year veteran collectors like me haven’t ever seen. Its a radical change and who knows whether its the flexible “new Rolex” we are witnessing?

Until now, the only replies are founded upon historical negativity by Rolex (which did exist) without taking into consideration the new policies we are witnessing and hearing about daily. One poster evoked the mentioned warranty card being the impediment, essentially alleging that Rolex won’t provide any alterations that would modify these warranty card codes. This is clearly untrue today and is a rather lame reasoning substantiated solely upon how Rolex used to deal with these mod requests in the past.

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by mfserge

And the GMT wouldn’t look right. Would you want a black and green bezel with a blue GMT hand?

Unless you use the 116710LN for the swap as it comes with a black ceramic insert and green GMT hand

[Harry-57]

The ceramic inserts are not designed to be user interchangeable. They are difficult to remove and insert. Or so I've been told. And as pointed out, the model numbers differ.

Rolex won't swap a black dial for a blue dial on a SS Sky Dweller. They will do it on the WG BLRO because it was a model update which Rolex designated as an optional retro fit.

It is encouraging to see a wider range of bracelets available for some models. I hope this trend continues. Is this new? Have bracelet options never been offered before?

I'll be ordering a Jubilee for my BLRO tomorrow and having the Oyster PCLs brushed. Choice is good. More choice is better. Extrapolation is just that, nothing more.