Rolex does not allow dial change anymore during warranty

[QuelleHeureEstIl]

I went to my AD last week.

When asking about changing a Day-date dial, the rep told me that it is no more allowed during the 5 year warranty period.

Easy to guess the reason why.

So hope you put your name on the correct dial.

[buffetwarren]

I dont believe this. I would call Rolex Service Center and ask. I just swapped a dial within warranty a few months ago.

[QuelleHeureEstIl]

Originally Posted by buffetwarren

I dont believe this. I would call Rolex Service Center and ask. I just swapped a dial within warranty a few months ago.

My AD is the shop owned by Rolex in Geneva... It is a new rule. :(

[dlrolex]

Interesting, thanks for this information.

[CanPam]

Confirmed.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by QuelleHeureEstIl

I went to my AD last week.

When asking about changing a Day-date dial, the rep told me that it is no more allowed during the 5 year warranty period.

Easy to guess the reason why.

So hope you put your name on the correct dial.

At one time not 100% true certain dial Rolex would not change, but most dials if available to that original Reference Rolex will change at cost, but looks like this is true now for all dials in 5 year warranty period.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by QuelleHeureEstIl

I went to my AD last week.

When asking about changing a Day-date dial, the rep told me that it is no more allowed during the 5 year warranty period.

Easy to guess the reason why.

So hope you put your name on the correct dial.

This is correct. I only found out myself last week. The news seems to be filtering slowly as opposed to one big, obvious announcement so there may be places that have not yet received the memo.

As you've said, easy to guess why...

[Tbird]

Would this count for all models? I have bought a datejust last year, with the idea to have the dial replaced maybe. But given this message, it is probably for the whole range...

[fskywalker]

I suspect that is probably true in just some models. I recently asked for a 6 series DD and was sent a chart with all the options available


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[watchmaker]

Dial swaps will still be possible on models that have dial options (with the usual exclusions of certain dial configurations). But it will only be done during a full service.

The new protocol is that RSC will no longer do any dial change on a watch during it's sales warranty period, unless it is technically necessary due to a faulty part.

YMMV at an independent watchmaker with a parts account.

As previously stated, this is a very new global policy. It's possible that not everywhere has been informed (or had the news reach the relevant people) yet.

[1William]

Thanks for the information.

[drrd]

Originally Posted by QuelleHeureEstIl

My AD is the shop owned by Rolex in Geneva... It is a new rule. :(

Is that the shop that closed temporarily a couple of years back?

Is it actually owned by Rolex now? It must be Rolex’s only true boutique.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Dial swaps will still be possible on models that have dial options (with the usual exclusions of certain dial configurations). But it will only be done during a full service.

The new protocol is that RSC will no longer do any dial change on a watch during it's sales warranty period, unless it is technically necessary due to a faulty part.

YMMV at an independent watchmaker with a parts account.

As previously stated, this is a very new global policy. It's possible that not everywhere has been informed (or had the news reach the relevant people) yet.

Good to know Scott, thank you for the update

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

This is correct. I only found out myself last week. The news seems to be filtering slowly as opposed to one big, obvious announcement so there may be places that have not yet received the memo.

As you've said, easy to guess why...

Dial desirability and associated values aside, it would seem to make sense from a service volume perspective. Given the service times it seems folks are being quoted, it makes sense that Rolex doesn't want to add to the backlog with dial swap-only services (that still involve logging, storing, queueing, assigning, etc. the watch). Better to prioritize those needing service anyways, and it's a simple, uniform policy to say paid service can request dial change, warranty service cannot.

[HMHM]

That’s a good policy! People should queue up for what they genuinely want, not swapping dials due to perceived value of one over the other.

[jarecki]

Makes sense - why would Rolex allow people to effectively create frankenwatches…

[Jack T]

Two people said it’s easy to guess why this is the new policy.

Not for me, what’s the rationale?

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Two people said it’s easy to guess why this is the new policy.

Not for me, what’s the rationale?

1: Prevents people creating hot models out of less hot models - like switching a DJ with a white dial, to a blue or a wimbledon

2: Reduces strain on overburdened service departments. Same reason Rolex don't do 'polish only' jobs. They would be inundated with requests.

[worldofoyster]

depend on the models. datejust are still ok

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

1: Prevents people creating hot models out of less hot models - like switching a DJ with a white dial, to a blue or a wimbledon

2: Reduces strain on overburdened service departments. Same reason Rolex don't do 'polish only' jobs. They would be inundated with requests.

So I have a Datejust 41 rhodium dial, fluted bezel, on Jubilee bracelet. It does not have the crown on the dial at 6 o'clock as the "newer" models do (even though I believe they have the same reference number). If I were to service the watch and ask for a dial swap (I wouldn't), would Rolex throw a new dial with the crown at 6 on the watch?

I only ask because I think the crown at 6, at least with the Datejust index dial, disrupts the Arabic numerals at the periphery of the index dial. You lose that "30" minute marker.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

So I have a Datejust 41 rhodium dial, fluted bezel, on Jubilee bracelet. It does not have the crown on the dial at 6 o'clock as the "newer" models do (even though I believe they have the same reference number). If I were to service the watch and ask for a dial swap (I wouldn't), would Rolex throw a new dial with the crown at 6 on the watch?

I only ask because I think the crown at 6, at least with the Datejust index dial, disrupts the Arabic numerals at the periphery of the index dial. You lose that "30" minute marker.

They will fit whatever they have in stock. The dials with and without the crown at 6 had identical stock numbers.

Chances are very high that all of the dials produced without the crown at 6 are long gone as it was a relatively short run before they added it.

[QuelleHeureEstIl]

Originally Posted by drrd

Is that the shop that closed temporarily a couple of years back?

Is it actually owned by Rolex now? It must be Rolex’s only true boutique.

Yes.

[QuelleHeureEstIl]

Originally Posted by jarecki

Makes sense - why would Rolex allow people to effectively create frankenwatches…

Nope... issue was that people were queuing for unsexy dials to get it quick and then swap the dial for the most requested by greys to resell it. (Queue for a DD platinum black dial to get it quick and swap for a rare blue glacier baguette diamonds.)

It was also:
- not fair with the other customers queuing for the right watch.
- harder for Rolex to control "rarity" of dials on the market.

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

They will fit whatever they have in stock. The dials with and without the crown at 6 had identical stock numbers.

Chances are very high that all of the dials produced without the crown at 6 are long gone as it was a relatively short run before they added it.

Fair enough. I know this was an almost absurd, nuanced question, but I just noticed the difference not long ago and was sort of glad I had the "older" dial. I am assuming Rolex will update the dials of other models that haven't gotten an overhaul like the GMT-Master II or Submariner.