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RZee · 1 January 2022, 11:05 AM

Hi All,

My wife and I have matching Presidents (36mm and 26mm), and we've been wanting to swap the dials to matching blue Lapis Lazuli ones, however, I've had a hard time finding any originals. I've kept an eye on the classified section here, but haven't seen anything come up. Any suggestions on where to look?

I've noticed on eBay that some sellers are selling "custom" lapis dials, but obviously, they're not original Rolex. What are y'all's thoughts on aftermarket dials?

Thanks for any input.

inadeje · 1 January 2022, 01:23 PM

They will seriously devalue your watches. I would not add such a dial to any watch I own.

77T · 1 January 2022, 02:01 PM

Presuming you keep the original dials so you can have a watchmaker return the watches to their factory fettle, then an aftermarket lapis dial won’t depreciate the watch.

There is a risk that the aftermarket dial isn’t as well made as Rolex makes them - and could shed chips under the final mounting pressure.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

RZee · 1 January 2022, 02:41 PM

Thanks for the comments. I'm not too worried about the actual value (or loss thereof) of the watches, as they carry much more sentimental value than monetary.

I appreciate the insight on quality concerns of the aftermarket dials. Any idea of a way to source originals?

OrangeSport · 1 January 2022, 05:12 PM

Had never heard of this before. Having Googled it and seen some examples I wish I still hadn’t. Don’t do it!

Benzsiam · 1 January 2022, 08:48 PM

I think blue Lapis Lazuli looks similar to Yves Klein blue.

I saw it on Vintage AP RO dial, it's gorgeous blue, it would be nice to have that blue on Rolex D-D.

Randy9999 · 2 January 2022, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeSport

Had never heard of this before. Having Googled it and seen some examples I wish I still hadn’t. Don’t do it!

Why are we telling the original poster here how to feel about his personal aesthetic preferences? He wants a blue lapis dial on his watch because of what he has already described as "sentimental value"... It's his watch, his business, and his sentiment. OrangeSport, if you don't want a blue lapis dial on your watch, then by all means "don't do it!"

OrangeSport · 2 January 2022, 03:41 AM

LOL, I won't!

RZee · 3 January 2022, 06:58 AM

I'm under the impression that aftermarket "custom" dials could be problematic--which I understand--but surely, no one is arguing that an original Rolex lapis dial (regardless of your particular aesthetic preferences) would diminish value, right? Correct me if I'm wrong, but Rolex's exotic dials (of which the lapis was one) were quite popular back in the day.

DAC2 · 3 January 2022, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RZee

I'm under the impression that aftermarket "custom" dials could be problematic--which I understand--but surely, no one is arguing that an original Rolex lapis dial (regardless of your particular aesthetic preferences) would diminish value, right? Correct me if I'm wrong, but Rolex's exotic dials (of which the lapis was one) were quite popular back in the day.

IF you buy a custom dial.... you MUST keep the original one.That way when and IF you do sell your watch... you put back on the original dial and you are good to go. If you want an original Rolex lapis dial AND.. you find one... you better be SURE its going to fit your watch. A jeweler told me that just because its a factory Rolex dial... not ALL of them will fit. Its a chance you take.

Good luck.

Daytonaman799 · 3 January 2022, 07:09 AM

They are super popular now and quite expensive. I love the stone dials but today original watches with a stone dial are hard to find. I think it’s a great choice and it is doable but it’s going to be a bit of work.

roadie1 · 3 January 2022, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daytonaman799

They are super popular now and quite expensive. I love the stone dials but today original watches with a stone dial are hard to find. I think it’s a great choice and it is doable but it’s going to be a bit of work.

Beautiful. I wish they still made this model!

miamiclay · 3 January 2022, 10:49 AM

Even the original stone dials can chip or crack - I think the additional risk of using aftermarket dials, if there is any, is vanishingly small. It can’t possibly hurt to hang on to your original dials, and it’s not like they take up much space!
I doubt there are any secret sources for originals - Probably somewhat easier to find them for ladies’ sizes, though.

So, either be very patient (& willing to pay the price) or get the aftermarket ones. In any event, I agree it’s a great look.

Good luck!
.

KY.. · 3 January 2022, 12:11 PM

Well, here’s one that’s supposed to be authentic at 20k asking OBRO if you really want a real one…
Will definitely want to see a lot more pics though…
https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/dial-...id20101809.htm

RolexSimon · 4 January 2022, 01:13 PM

I love lapis and would love a Rolex dial made of the stone. Keep an eye out in Antiquorum auctions. they often have dials for sale.

1 January 2022, 11:05 AM	#1
RZee "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Houston Posts: 9	Sourcing Lapis Dials? Hi All, My wife and I have matching Presidents (36mm and 26mm), and we've been wanting to swap the dials to matching blue Lapis Lazuli ones, however, I've had a hard time finding any originals. I've kept an eye on the classified section here, but haven't seen anything come up. Any suggestions on where to look? I've noticed on eBay that some sellers are selling "custom" lapis dials, but obviously, they're not original Rolex. What are y'all's thoughts on aftermarket dials? Thanks for any input.

1 January 2022, 01:23 PM	#2
inadeje 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Miami Watch: me lose count. Posts: 5,582	They will seriously devalue your watches. I would not add such a dial to any watch I own. __________________ ♛ 116689 ♛ 116500LN Blk ♛ 116500LN Wht ♛ Sky Dweller 326934-003 ♛ 126710BLNR ♛ 126710BLRO - ♛ 126610LV ♛ 16520 ♛ 16523 ♛ 16610 ♛ 5513 Birth Year - ✠ Patek Philippe 5980/1A-001 - AP 26331ST Panda - Panerai Fiddy 127, Bronzo 671, 687, 111, Ω Speedmaster 1957 Broad Arrow, Daniel Roth Endurer Chronosprint, Cartier Santos XL - ✿ Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze M79012M, Montblanc TimeWalker Chrono 41

1 January 2022, 02:01 PM	#3
77T 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 40,972	Presuming you keep the original dials so you can have a watchmaker return the watches to their factory fettle, then an aftermarket lapis dial won’t depreciate the watch. There is a risk that the aftermarket dial isn’t as well made as Rolex makes them - and could shed chips under the final mounting pressure. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

1 January 2022, 05:12 PM	#5
OrangeSport "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Jason Location: Essex, UK Watch: 14060M Posts: 2,943	Had never heard of this before. Having Googled it and seen some examples I wish I still hadn’t. Don’t do it! __________________

2 January 2022, 03:41 AM	#8
OrangeSport "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Jason Location: Essex, UK Watch: 14060M Posts: 2,943	LOL, I won't! __________________

1 January 2022, 02:41 PM	#4
RZee "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Houston Posts: 9	Thanks for the comments. I'm not too worried about the actual value (or loss thereof) of the watches, as they carry much more sentimental value than monetary. I appreciate the insight on quality concerns of the aftermarket dials. Any idea of a way to source originals?

3 January 2022, 06:58 AM	#9
RZee "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Houston Posts: 9	I'm under the impression that aftermarket "custom" dials could be problematic--which I understand--but surely, no one is arguing that an original Rolex lapis dial (regardless of your particular aesthetic preferences) would diminish value, right? Correct me if I'm wrong, but Rolex's exotic dials (of which the lapis was one) were quite popular back in the day.

3 January 2022, 12:11 PM	#14
KY.. 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2021 Real Name: Keith Location: California Watch: 60s to 90s Posts: 1,268	Well, here’s one that’s supposed to be authentic at 20k asking OBRO if you really want a real one… Will definitely want to see a lot more pics though… https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/dial-...id20101809.htm __________________ Just an admirer/enthusiast of vintage Rolex/Heuer/Zenith/Breitling/Hamilton watches since the 80’s… ”I Do Love The Details, But I Can Choose If I Accept The Flaws…”

4 January 2022, 01:13 PM	#15
RolexSimon "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Australia Posts: 1,352	I love lapis and would love a Rolex dial made of the stone. Keep an eye out in Antiquorum auctions. they often have dials for sale.

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