Daytona Question

[prattle1]

Greetings:

I have a 1995 Rolex Daytona black dial Zenith movement. This is my daily driver so it has some use. Recently sustained possible interior water damage. Watch is currently at authorized Rolex service center in TX. Rolex is telling me that in order to restore the watch correctly they will need to replace the dial and hands as well as a complete service. Roughly 2k.

I did not see any damage on my dial. It does have brown/tan discoloration on the former white circle sections. From what I understand this is considered a desirable trait.

Would it be correct to have Rolex complete the suggested repairs on the watch to get it back to working order.

I assume I can keep all the old parts that were replaced in order to keep the original integrity of the watch intact. Am I doing something that would hurt the value. Rolex is waiting on me to complete repairs. They will not service the watch unless I agree to have the dial and hands replaced.

Great watch and am looking forward to getting it back soon.

Thank You

[Tools]

It is in the era of the discolored Patrizzi dials.

Rolex does consider this damage and would want to replace. Many would argue otherwise if it is the Patrizzi effect, and not water damage.

Rolex will not return your original parts to you, they are exchange.

[Carew]

find a local watch maker and have them service

[Anton911]

Do NOT let them change the original dial whatever.That’s what makes this watch sought after and valuable.

[swish77]

My guess is the water damage has somehow compromised the dial/hands. A Rolex Service Center usually will not insist on changing the dial/hands unless it affects the integrity of the movement. They might recommend changing the dial if it's discolored, but they won't insist unless there's another complication. That's been my experience anyway.

I currently have my 16520 Daytona (U serial) at the RSC in NYC. Service paperwork notes what they consider all kinds of cosmetic issues, but the only thing they insisted on changing during the movement service was the crown and gasket, to ensure water resistance. All other changes were optional, and I declined them all, of course.

Don't let Rolex service your Daytona if they insist on changing the dial. Instead send it to a vintage-watch specialist. There are many recommended on this forum. Good luck!

[214270Explorer]

CW21 Watchmakers.
Ridley, Bob, in Texas
Ridley, Phillip, (Bob's son), Mesa, Arizona

You can do a search to look them up. Both are experts in Vintage Rolex.
Phillip has done work for me. Highly recommended.
They are also members here.

[Rado63]

If it's a 1995 "T swiss made T" dial then the replacement hands will not be tritium and will not match the dial. If you are concerned with originality then don't change the hands to luminova, or super luminova. Need to keep the original hands and dial otherwise it may possibly look like a miss match.

[phillip ridley]

I would definitely pass on Rolex replacing the dial and locate a certified watchmaker to handle the piece.

[RJRJRJ]

Ask for it back and send it somewhere like LAWW.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by phillip ridley

I would definitely pass on Rolex replacing the dial and locate a certified watchmaker to handle the piece.

Send it to this gentleman.......!