168000 Change Dial?

[Nick9]

Hi, folks. First post here on TRF.

I have a 168000. Sometime in its life before I owned it, the original dial was replaced with a service dial.

I'm curious whether I should be hunting for a new old stock T < 25 period dial, whether these are available and what cost, and then the big question--whether it's worth swapping as far as the value of the watch is concerned.

Thanks, appreciate the advice.

Nick

[Tools]

It is unlikely that the dial change would be cost effective.

[MorningTundra]

If you do this you’ll wind up wanting to match hands and bezel pip too. Are these service parts too?




Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

[MorningTundra]

Originally Posted by Tools

It is unlikely that the dial change would be cost effective.

Depend how much OP has sunk into the watch already. And what he can buy a dial for. And whether hands and bezel need to be replaced to match the new tritium dial. And whether a watch maker will do the swap without tying to gouge him...

If the motive is profit forget it. If he’s willing to invest in building a nicer, more “original” watch for the satisfaction of wearing it, good on him...


Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

[Nick9]

Thanks everyone and apologies for double posting.

The 2017 service record that came with the watch was a full Rolex overhaul of the movement, crown and tube, etc. I suspect that Rolex had it several times, and given their enthusiastic approach, I'd bet that there are lots of replacement bits.

I'd be interested in a picture of the correct bezel if anyone has one, just to compare.

It's a nice watch as is, so I'll take the good advice offered. I'll just add that it wasn't for profit that I was asking (I do try to break even), it was about aiming for originality.

Many thanks for the generosity of your help.

[MorningTundra]

The bezel only differs by the luminous pip...

This is my 168000...




Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

[Nick9]

Thanks for the pic. On mine, the 4 is different.

Still a great watch, found at a reasonable price and not misrepresented to me. It is what it is....

Appreciate all the help. Thanks again.

[MorningTundra]

Can we see yours?


Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

[Nick9]

I don’t think I have permission for pics yet.

[spoilsofwar01]

I was in a similar train of thought until I realized obtaining a 1968 5513 hands and matching dial in good condition would be a huge undertaking, I was advise by RSC that during the last time it was serviced by them they noted that the dial was beginning to deteriorate... and so the cycle begins again, enjoy yours as it is.

[HK_Expat]

My virgin 168000 for comparison

[Nick9]

Thanks all for the pictures. I am a big fan of mellow old lume, and glad to have a good number of watches that show their age (in a good way). Perhaps if I trip over some good condition vintage parts I will do the swap, but I think the chances are slim.

Once again, I appreciate all the help. Cheers!