Anyone have their dial changed recently?

[Syed117]

Love my DJ41, but two years ago there was no white roman dial. Now there is. That is my ideal dial for a fluted DJ on jubilee.

Need to stop by RSC sometime, but wanted to see if anyone has had a dial change.

Is a service required for a dial change? Obviously I've not going to go through with it if they require a service, but thought I should ask.

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Love my DJ41, but two years ago there was no white roman dial. Now there is. That is my ideal dial for a fluted DJ on jubilee.

Need to stop by RSC sometime, but wanted to see if anyone has had a dial change.

Is a service required for a dial change? Obviously I've not going to go through with it if they require a service, but thought I should ask.

Yes, service required.
Only dials they will swap for are those choices that came with reference originally.

[Syed117]

Following up my own thread.

Would still be interested if anyone has personal experience, but I just called RSC in NY.

They said it was potentially possible, but when given the reference number for my DJ41 despite it showing both the white stick and white roman on the online configurator as options, he said they would need to get the "exact" reference number to confirm.

He quoted the dial change at $510 but they would be required to do a full service as well.

Makes no sense but ok.

Then he said I might be able to find a jeweler that might be able to do it without a service. I'm assuming he meant an independent with a parts account.

RSC NY living up to its poor reputation. Guy sounded like he was half asleep.

Originally Posted by 123Blueface

Yes, service required.
Only dials they will swap for are those choices that came with reference originally.

Damn. The white roman wasn't an option when I got mine. I guess that means I'm out.

[Juan Luis]

Rolex will not service watches with incorrect bracelets, but that can be easily done taking bracelet or strap off, and sending the head by itself. In this case, one would have to have original dial back on, to be able to have Rolex service it. That would be a pain.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by Juan Luis

Rolex will not service watches with incorrect bracelets, but that can be easily done taking bracelet or strap off, and sending the head by itself. In this case, one would have to have original dial back on, to be able to have Rolex service it. That would be a pain.

If they themselves did a dial change, there would be no way for me to put the original dial back on since they would keep it.

[Verdi]

My Rolex authorised service does a dial swap without a service.

Why would you service a new watch if you change the dial? makes no sense....

[Robtayham]

I have had my 1984 TY DJ and 1979 YG DD dials changed many times. All at RSC NY. Nothing but good service. Yes, it will require a service, which is why I wait until the next scheduled service to have the dials changed. They’ll give you the dial options that are available. If you see one you like, pick it. It’ll cost about $600 for the dial.

[samson66]

Better to simply flip the watch. Watches are worth less when they have been altered typically.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by samson66

Better to simply flip the watch. Watches are worth less when they have been altered typically.

I don't care what watches are worth. I buy them to wear them

[Juan Luis]

Originally Posted by Syed117

If they themselves did a dial change, there would be no way for me to put the original dial back on since they would keep it.

Yes. As long as it is an " Rolex authorized to the watch", dial.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Syed117

I don't care what watches are worth. I buy them to wear them

I don't either but it is easier to flip and in the long run will help you when/if you decide to part with it.

I had the same dilema with my DJII. Had a smooth bezel and wanted fluted. Easier the flip than to alter.

[Robtayham]

Originally Posted by Juan Luis

Rolex will not service watches with incorrect bracelets, but that can be easily done taking bracelet or strap off, and sending the head by itself. In this case, one would have to have original dial back on, to be able to have Rolex service it. That would be a pain.

That has not been my experience at all. I’ve never had to have the original dial on the watch.

If the dial turns out to be aftermarket, Rolex will require it to be replaced with an OEM Rolex dial. Since you’re not switching out a Rolex dial for a Rolex dial, you’ll have to pay full price for the new Rolex dial (about $1,000).

If the dial is a Rolex dial, they don’t care if it originally came with the watch. You can swap it for about $600, because you’ll get credit for the dial they keep.

It’s as simple as that.

[Juan Luis]

Originally Posted by Robtayham

That has not been my experience at all. I’ve never had to have the original dial on the watch.

If the dial turns out to be aftermarket, Rolex will require it to be replaced with an OEM Rolex dial. Since you’re not switching out a Rolex dial for a Rolex dial, you’ll have to pay full price for the new Rolex dial (about $1,000).

If the dial is a Rolex dial, they don’t care if it originally came with the watch. You can swap it for about $600, because you’ll get credit for the dial they keep.

It’s as simple as that.

Simple there. But my AD requires everything original to be serviced. Obviously I was wrong thinking it was an overall Rolex policy.

[Robtayham]

Good point. I only use RSC NY. Don’t know about ADs.

I have swapped out about 10 dials and the originals are long gone.

But, I will add this: when you swap dials, you only get to pick from what Rolex is currently offering for your reference number. It’s a limited selection.

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by Syed117

I don't care what watches are worth. I buy them to wear them

Good for you.
Like me.
Are you hoping to keep the dial or don’t care if It is kept by them?
I would consider a local vendor with a watchmaker to change it for you.
However, keep in mind that if you ever send it in for future service and it upsets them that the dial is not one that should be on that reference, they may refuse you.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by 123Blueface

Good for you.

Like me.

Are you hoping to keep the dial or don’t care if It is kept by them?

I would consider a local vendor with a watchmaker to change it for you.

However, keep in mind that if you ever send it in for future service and it upsets them that the dial is not one that should be on that reference, they may refuse you.

I definitely wouldn't need the keep the current dial. I would have no use.

Might have to reach out to some independents and see what they have to say.

Maybe I'll wait 3 more years until my warranty is over and then see what can be done.

[pkincy]

If you have a local watchmaker change it, you can keep the original and anytime you have to send it in to RSC simply have a local change it back.

Seems simple if you can find a person that can source the dial you want.

[Lgear080]

Jeez just buy one from first class dials or another reputable source and have it swapped. Keep your original. No need to deal w RSC at all. You can stick whatever dial you want in your watch.

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by Verdi

My Rolex authorised service does a dial swap without a service......Why would you service a new watch if you change the dial? makes no sense....

Today with millions of Rolex watches around...Any watchmaker... can change
a dial, no need for full service or a “specialist” ...all other suggestions
are money making designs to get their hand into your pocket.
I pay $20...for a Datejust etc. and $50 for a Daytona

[Robtayham]

Originally Posted by TempoKing

Today with millions of Rolex watches around...Any watchmaker... can change
a dial, no need for full service or a “specialist” ...all other suggestions
are money making designs to get their hand into your pocket.
I pay $20...for a Datejust etc. and $50 for a Daytona

While that works for you, not everyone wants any watchmaker to swap out a dial for $20 or $50. Personally, when I have my watches serviced by RSC, I use that visit to evaluate a dial swap. But, I’m also the guy who’s not looking for the cheapest surgeon. I’m willing to pay for expertise. Some things you don’t do on the cheap.

[Juan Luis]

Swapping a dial also requires a water resistant test, I would gather.

[ltmgeller]

It is possible to have RSCNY do it, but they need a reason. I had a champagne dial changed for a white dial on my TT Daytona. the were able to do it because I said I couldn't read the time with the gold hands on a gold dial. They said if it wasn't for "medical" reasons, they'd have to keep it original.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by Juan Luis

Swapping a dial also requires a water resistant test, I would gather.

Yeah, I assume any competent watchmaker would do a pressure test after opening the case.

Originally Posted by ltmgeller

It is possible to have RSCNY do it, but they need a reason. I had a champagne dial changed for a white dial on my TT Daytona. the were able to do it because I said I couldn't read the time with the gold hands on a gold dial. They said if it wasn't for "medical" reasons, they'd have to keep it original.

I will have to make up a reason...

[Watchflair]

Best way:

Source the dial you want. I have an EXP ii 216570 that I originally purchased with a black dial. I really wanted a polar dial but didn't want to have to give my black dial over to RSC. So I put a thread on TRF and a few weeks later was able to source a polar dial. Off to a watchmaker friend of mine and he swapped out the dials. The swap cost me a bottle of scotch - worth it!