Opinion Needed- DateJust II Dial Change

[flight_time]

I have a 1 year-old DateJust II with the matte charcoal roman dial, which I purchased used from DavidSW (he says used, but it must have been stored in a bunker, because I've seen more use on a new watch from ADs).

The watch is beautiful and I absolutely love it, but I feel that with the matte dial it may be missing a bit of the signature Rolex look that's achieved with their sunburst dials. And, I have a strong affinity for the blue stick dial on the DJII.

So, here's the question:

- Do I send the current DJII in for service and have Rolex swap the dial out to blue?

- Do I trade the current watch out to DavidSW and purchase a new DJII with the blue dial? What kind of cost should I expect with this option?

- Do I just keep it as-is and take comfort in knowing that Rolex ownership is an addiction, and I will always find another model I like more?

Thanks for the help/intervention!

[brandrea]

I did this exactly.

I bought the Blue Azuro with Roman dial, but quickly grew tired of it and also wanted the lume of the blue dial.

I had RSC change the dial and and the hand set for me.

Mine was 3 months old when I made the switch and RSC charge $150.00. Definately less than flipping would have cost.

[AboutTime]

In the US, as far as I know, Rolex will not replace a roman dial with a stick dial. You can swap one roman dial for another roman dial, a stick dial for another stick dial, etc. Or, you can swap your dial for an "upgrade" to a diamond dial, for example. If I were in your position I would swap your watch for the one I want.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I did this exactly.

I bought the Blue Azuro with Roman dial, but quickly grew tired of it and also wanted the lume of the blue dial.

I had RSC change the dial and and the hand set for me.

Mine was 3 months old when I made the switch and RSC charge $150.00. Definately less than flipping would have cost.

This sounds like great advice.

[Watchgeek5000]

After reading this you guys have me thinking of swapping out my white dial for blue! Heck, for $150 I have a new watch!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

After reading this you guys have me thinking of swapping out my white dial for blue! Heck, for $150 I have a new watch!

Doesn't hurt to call and inquire.

They'll have to change the dial and the hand set

[AK797]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Doesn't hurt to call and inquire.

They'll have to change the dial and the hand set

Looks like a great idea to me. No service needed.

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Doesn't hurt to call and inquire.

They'll have to change the dial and the hand set

I'm going to look into it tomorrow, thanks!

[DrySub]

Flight Time I just bought a blue stick DJ II from David, with smooth bezel. Love it. I'm interested to hear what you do, and what kinds of responses/price quotes you get, since I'm thinking of maybe one day trying out the fluted bezel if I ever get tired of the smooth. For now I still prefer the smooth, but the fluted does give it a dramatically different look.

Interested to know what this kind of hot rodding costs vs flipping. Interesting topic.

[flight_time]

Looks like I'll be reaching out to the RSCs to see which one gives me the least indigestion with swapping out the dial. For the $150, it really seems like a bargain!

Thanks to all for the responses.

With all the controversy I've read regarding RSCs either swapping without question, or the complete opposite and refusing to swap out dials; do any of you have a specific RSC you know to be more generous and accommodating? Which center would you pick to send out your beloved timepiece to?

Thanks for all the input, gents!

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by DrySub

Flight Time I just bought a blue stick DJ II from David, with smooth bezel. Love it. I'm interested to hear what you do, and what kinds of responses/price quotes you get, since I'm thinking of maybe one day trying out the fluted bezel if I ever get tired of the smooth. For now I still prefer the smooth, but the fluted does give it a dramatically different look.

Interested to know what this kind of hot rodding costs vs flipping. Interesting topic.

One of our members swapped a smooth out for a fluted.

[Hodog16]

I would call the RSC in SF. It is not an official RSC per se but independently owned. I've heard they are as good as the others. Because they are not Rolex owned, they can be more relaxed and imagine have no problem with a dial change.

I've never used them before but plenty on here can vouch for their work.