Looking for some advice about a Day Date

[durangojim]

When I graduated med school in 2002 my father gifted me his 18036 Day date. It's a beautiful watch but I don't wear it much. I recently noticed the day wheel and date wheel are out of alignment so I'm planning on having it serviced. I was also hoping to change the dial from the gold champaign sunburst to something else. I would still like to be able to keep the original dial which I don't think I can do if I send it to Rolex itself. Does anyone have any recommendations for service, preferably in Michigan, as well as where I might be able to find a different dial? I did a search but everything I found seemed to be over 10 years old. Thank you.

[John Ryan]

When I need to service my day date I am sending it to rolliworks, however I do not know if they will be able to help you with the dial change. That might be an RSC only option, but I am not sure.

[rmwill]

I would send it to a vintage specialist like Mike at Rolliworks. The watchmakers at Tappers could do the work, but would hesitate to do the dial swap.

[miamiclay]

No suggestions for service in Michigan, but (because you mention a champagne dial) I expect the reference number is actually 18038, not 18036. The 18038s were available from 1977-88, and Rolex offered a near-limitless variety of dials on them. You’re correct that RSC won’t let you keep the original dial if they replace it.

Most vintage-service people will have some access to dials. You can also look in the subforum selling “Accessories, Parts & Novelties” here on TRF, and in “Parts/Accessories” on Chrono24, as well as eBay, Craigslist, etc.

Be aware that there are a LOT of DD dials offered which fall somewhere on the spectrum from relumed/repainted to 100% fake. Assuming you want a factory original dial, when you have your eye on one, it’d be a very good idea to post photos of both sides in the vintage forum here before you buy it, and let those with some expertise have a look.

Good luck, and enjoy the hunt!

[durangojim]

Thank you all for the advice

[Hardtimes]

If you do swap out the dial and end up not using Rolex, be VERY careful there were a TON of non original dials during that era.

[nocaps]

this is what i would do. find a cheap used daydate dial, have it installed by your local watchmaker, then send the watch to rolex for a new factory dial. if they want to keep the old dial, no big deal.

[jgottsman11]

Fort this service send it to rolex and request a dial change. watch will come back looking brand new

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by nocaps

this is what i would do. find a cheap used daydate dial, have it installed by your local watchmaker, then send the watch to rolex for a new factory dial. if they want to keep the old dial, no big deal.

That’s a great idea! Have done that myself with RSC in the past !


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[durangojim]

Originally Posted by nocaps

this is what i would do. find a cheap used daydate dial, have it installed by your local watchmaker, then send the watch to rolex for a new factory dial. if they want to keep the old dial, no big deal.

Great idea! Know of any places to find a cheap genuine dial?

[Reinhard in SA]

Originally Posted by durangojim

Great idea! Know of any places to find a cheap genuine dial?

Probably Ebay.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by durangojim

Great idea! Know of any places to find a cheap genuine dial?

Originally Posted by Reinhard in SA

Probably Ebay.

Chrono24 is also a good place to look. Since you don’t care about it does not need to be original / mint, can be stained / redone etc.

I have dealt with First Class Dials, ask for John (very nice guy) he may have something that works for you:

https://www.firstclassdials.com

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[JJGreen]

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