Opinions on mixing and matching???

[Triple Black 88]

For those who have seen some of my previous posts, I'm looking for a pre-owned Pres D/D model 118238. I found one yesterday at the National Watch Exchange on Jewlers Row in Philadelphia, but it wasn't exactly what I wanted. The salesman Rob said that he could make the following changes...

1. Replace smooth bezel w/Fluted Bezel
2. Replace Dial with Genuine Rolex Diamond Dial (8+2)
3. Replace "white" Day & Date wheels w/gold (tan) wheels (4-6 weeks to order parts)

So more or less, the original watch is basically a "donor" watch. My question is...is this too much work or is it standard practice to mix and match parts? The salesman assured me that this is a standard practice and that this is what an AD would do.
Is this normal or should I be looking for a closer match?

[Tools]

DD's and DJ's are offered in a variety of different combinations of the dials, bezels, and bracelets for that model.. and there are dozens.

Like a fully loaded car, you can order a number of combinations.

However, I think he is being disengenius by stating it is "standard" practice. I would say it is not uncommon to change DD's and DJ's, but certainly not standard.

However, my question is....

Do you really know that this "jeweler" has access to and is using genuine Rolex parts in his changes for you ?

And, secondly, do you really care ?

[Triple Black 88]

I don't know the jewler, but they have been recommended by others on the Forum, and I do want the watch to be all original without any "aftermarket" parts.
When I was there, the salesman showed me genuine Rolex dials and custom dials. At this point, I do not think he lying about genuine vs aftermarket parts, I more worried about the integrity of the watch after making the changes listed above.

[Tools]

If your DD is configured with genuine Rolex parts that are available within the DD line, then it is 100% Rolex and the integrity remains the same..


The only issue might be that you have chosen a combination that will not be popular in a few years time (I'm not saying it is, just food for thought).

However, my view is that you should by a Rolex that you like because it's what you want, and not what other people think you should have..

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Triple Black 88

For those who have seen some of my previous posts, I'm looking for a pre-owned Pres D/D model 118238. I found one yesterday at the National Watch Exchange on Jewlers Row in Philadelphia, but it wasn't exactly what I wanted. The salesman Rob said that he could make the following changes...

1. Replace smooth bezel w/Fluted Bezel

Well, the 118238 is actually "BORN" with the fluted bezel, so I don't understand why the dealer has one with a domed bezel NOW in the first place. To me it sound "altered" already. Strange!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Or did you mean the 118208??

[Otto]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

Well, the 118238 is actually "BORN" with the fluted bezel, so I don't understand why the dealer has one with a domed bezel NOW in the first place. To me it sound "altered" already. Strange!

I agree.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

To be continued?????

I would be interested in hearing more about this.

[Triple Black 88]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

Or did you mean the 118208??

I'm not sure myself. They open in a few hrs...I'll call and post results.
Just out of curiosity, what are the differences?

[Triple Black 88]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

Or did you mean the 118208??

Just called and confirmed that the model number is 118208.
Does this just mean it came with the smooth bezel?

[China Man]

118208 denotes a smooth bezel from the factory. If the "0" was a "3" then it would have had a fluted bezel from the factory, which means the watch was altered.

May I ask, how much are they asking for the watch?

[Triple Black 88]

Originally Posted by China Man

118208 denotes a smooth bezel from the factory. If the "0" was a "3" then it would have had a fluted bezel from the factory, which means the watch was altered.

May I ask, how much are they asking for the watch?

Yes, they are asking $12,975.
Here's the link http://www.nationalwatch.com/drilldo...tacontrol=mens
Click on the Pres 18kt Yellow Gold and its the 4th one to the right with the smooth bezel.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Thanks. I thought it was strange with a polished bezel on a 118238, but it is expected on the 118208.