Opinion: Will I lose my watch's value if I add a custom dial?

[newbee1]

I'm looking to update my 31mm DJ (78243) with a custom meteorite dial. So far all my Rolex have original dials but since my DJ is very simple and I want to add some sparkle in it, I thought I may add a different dial in it but not sure how much will it affect the value or looks. Other than cost and value, is there anything else I need to think before I go ahead and buy the dial.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolex-midsi...gAAOSwk5FUtd27

[perryj]

I don’t think it’s authentic, I could be wrong. But all the real meteor dials I’ve seen the facets are much more nuanced. Those just look like scratches or gouges. But yes a aftermarket dial will severely drop your value unless you put the original back.

[tyler1980]

rolex will not touch the watch again with servicing.

Also, I would be OK with custom, however anything that says Rolex and was not made by Rolex is a fake and not "custom". Bamford for example use to customize... they used actual Rolex dials, they dont take non Rolex dials and then paint Rolex on it. There is a difference.

I think that dial didn't start out as a Rolex one.

[newbee1]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

rolex will not touch the watch again with servicing.

Also, I would be OK with custom, however anything that says Rolex and was not made by Rolex is a fake and not "custom". Bamford for example use to customize... they used actual Rolex dials, they dont take non Rolex dials and then paint Rolex on it. There is a difference.

I think that dial didn't start out as a Rolex one.

Thanks, I think I'll pass this dial then, I don't want a fake dial on my watch. Any idea how much it cost to get it switched by an AD? I'm not looking to spend a lot, but it'll be great if I can change the look on that watch.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by newbee1

Thanks, I think I'll pass this dial then, I don't want a fake dial on my watch. Any idea how much it cost to get it switched by an AD? I'm not looking to spend a lot, but it'll be great if I can change the look on that watch.

im not 100% sure its fake... it does look off though. Im sure there will be some more opinions on that point shortly.

[perryj]

Originally Posted by newbee1

Thanks, I think I'll pass this dial then, I don't want a fake dial on my watch. Any idea how much it cost to get it switched by an AD? I'm not looking to spend a lot, but it'll be great if I can change the look on that watch.

Rolex will change the dial to a different one only if that dial was offered originally on that watch model. You can’t add a meteor to a non meteor original Datejust, however you can go from black to blue or white for example. Same with sticks and romans.
But you looking at $700 for the service plus the cost of the dial, (several hundred) so makes more sense to sell the watch and buy a different watch usually.

What dial do you have currently?

[enjoythemusic]

Mod however you want, she's your timepiece. Of course if you plan to have RSC fix/repair/etc the watch, you'll need to have the original dial reinstalled. No biggie.

[newbee1]

Originally Posted by perryj

Rolex will change the dial to a different one only if that dial was offered originally on that watch model. You can’t add a meteor to a non meteor original Datejust, however you can go from black to blue or white for example. Same with sticks and romans.
But you looking at $700 for the service plus the cost of the dial, (several hundred) so makes more sense to sell the watch and buy a different watch usually.

What dial do you have currently?

This is exactly the one I have right now (pic courtesy: internet) which you can see is very simple. So I can't just switch the dial? It has to go through service as well? Guess, I'll leave it like this. Selling it myself will be a big hassle and I don't think I'll get a good price for this one either .These days mid sized watches with nice dials are selling for such an expensive price that I can't afford and that's why was thinking to get dial switched that buying a new one.

[newbee1]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Mod however you want, she's your timepiece. Of course if you plan to have RSC fix/repair/etc the watch, you'll need to have the original dial reinstalled. No biggie.

Thanks and I guess switching original dial back will again cost some extra. looks like its a very expensive plan.

[perryj]

Originally Posted by newbee1

This is exactly the one I have right now (pic courtesy: internet) which you can see is very simple. So I can't just switch the dial? It has to go through service as well? Guess, I'll leave it like this. Selling it myself will be a big hassle and I don't think I'll get a good price for this one either .These days mid sized watches with nice dials are selling for such an expensive price that I can't afford and that's why was thinking to get dial switched that buying a new one.

Other route would be go through an independent watch maker, then you don’t have to play by Rolex’s rules, you have nice watch enjoy it !!

[joli160]

Originally Posted by newbee1

Thanks and I guess switching original dial back will again cost some extra. looks like its a very expensive plan.

Switching dial cost nearly nothing, less than a half hour job.
As long as you keep the original dial no problems regarding value

[Fabrice M]

Originally Posted by perryj

Rolex will change the dial to a different one only if that dial was offered originally on that watch model. You can’t add a meteor to a non meteor original Datejust, however you can go from black to blue or white for example. Same with sticks and romans.
But you looking at $700 for the service plus the cost of the dial, (several hundred) so makes more sense to sell the watch and buy a different watch usually.

What dial do you have currently?

I gave a vintage Airking to my wife about 5 years ago. Before doing so , I had it serviced by RSC Los Angeles, because the dial was damaged they offered me to choose the color of the new one. Service included a new dial, new crown, new sapphire, new hands, polishing, and movement repair all for $800.

[watchwatcher]

Ask them to knock a couple of zeros off. Then...maybe.

[Juantxo]

1) If not original from Rolex, it is 99.99% likely for the dial not to be real meteorite. 2) If Rolex, a RSC will likely not service it if the dial was not offered originally for your particular watch. 3) It is your watch, do as you please.

[newbee1]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Ask them to knock a couple of zeros off. Then...maybe.

You mean negotiating with Rolex service center? Can you even do that?


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[newbee1]

Originally Posted by Fabrice M

I gave a vintage Airking to my wife about 5 years ago. Before doing so , I had it serviced by RSC Los Angeles, because the dial was damaged they offered me to choose the color of the new one. Service included a new dial, new crown, new sapphire, new hands, polishing, and movement repair all for $800.

I’ll be in NYC on Tuesday, I’ll take it to RSC. Let’s see if they can replace the dial. My dial is not damaged at all so not sure if they’ll change it but $800 including service is not that bad price.


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[Al1969]

I’m far from being an expert, but that dial looks terrible. OP, have you checked the classifieds here? Perhaps someone here can source you the dial you want.

[JTL31]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

1) If not original from Rolex, it is 99.99% likely for the dial not to be real meteorite. 2) If Rolex, a RSC will likely not service it if the dial was not offered originally for your particular watch. 3) It is your watch, do as you please.

4) See (2) and note that meteorite dial is only offered w/white gold watch. Think Daytona.

[newbee1]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

1) If not original from Rolex, it is 99.99% likely for the dial not to be real meteorite. 2) If Rolex, a RSC will likely not service it if the dial was not offered originally for your particular watch. 3) It is your watch, do as you please.

Thanks I don’t plan to put a fake dial, not a fan of those. I’ll take it to RSC and see if they have a cheap option.


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[newbee1]

Originally Posted by joli160

Switching dial cost nearly nothing, less than a half hour job.

As long as you keep the original dial no problems regarding value

Do u know any watchmaker who can do it? My watch was serviced last year so still deciding if getting it switched by RSC will be a good option. Where else can I buy an authentic dial other than rolex?


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[newbee1]

Originally Posted by perryj

Other route would be go through an independent watch maker, then you don’t have to play by Rolex’s rules, you have nice watch enjoy it !!

Even if I go with independent watch maker I still plan to use authentic Rolex dial, not the fake ones. Any idea where can I get those?


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[Tangier11]

To some it may not matter, but to me, It would prevent me from every considering buying

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by newbee1

Do u know any watchmaker who can do it? My watch was serviced last year so still deciding if getting it switched by RSC will be a good option. Where else can I buy an authentic dial other than rolex?


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If you're in the Tampa area you can go see Rik and he'll change dial for you while you wait.

[newbee1]

Originally Posted by MonBK

If you're in the Tampa area you can go see Rik and he'll change dial for you while you wait.

I wish I could but I’m in NJ. Any recommendations in this area ?


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[newbee1]

Originally Posted by Tangier11

To some it may not matter, but to me, It would prevent me from every considering buying

I hear you, it’ll bother me as well when buying.


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[MonBK]

Originally Posted by newbee1

I wish I could but I’m in NJ. Any recommendations in this area ?


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I don't but surely some local member can give a recommendation.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by newbee1

You mean negotiating with Rolex service center? Can you even do that?


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No he means knock it off for the dodgy looking meteor dial.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by AK797

No he means knock it off for the dodgy looking meteor dial.

That dial is a joke.

[newbee1]

Originally Posted by AK797

No he means knock it off for the dodgy looking meteor dial.

Lol thanks for clarifying, it was funny. I hope I can find a good auth dial.


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[newbee1]

Originally Posted by MonBK

I don't but surely some local member can give a recommendation.

Thanks, hope I find someone nearby, don’t plan to spend a lot on this watch.


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