Will Rolex swap an Explorer bezel onto my Datejust?

[bhans]

Does anyone know if bezels are interchangeable between models? I have a late 1980's vintage Datejust and I would like to have a different (non fluted) bezel put on. Would Rolex do the work? Am I crazy of wanting to do this?

[MonBK]

No they won't do it.

[datejust24]

What Mon said....definitely not. Basically if the watch didn't come that way from them they wont fulfill such a request..

[JustinK]

Don't think it will work anyway, aren't explorers 40mm and most Datejusts 36mm. You could easily swap smooth, engine turned, fluted or other as long as they're the same size. Rolex however will not do it for you for the reasons already stated.

[bhans]

Thank you for the help. I would like to do away with the fluted bezel and go with a smooth one. I would worry that if I had someone outside of Rolex do the work there would be a chance of a screw up. I know that Rolex will change dials, don't understand why they would'nt change bezels.

[Cc1966]

Originally Posted by bhans

Thank you for the help. I would like to do away with the fluted bezel and go with a smooth one. I would worry that if I had someone outside of Rolex do the work there would be a chance of a screw up. I know that Rolex will change dials, don't understand why they would'nt change bezels.

Only bezels for that model and from that particular year are eligible.

[crowncollection]

No


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[tickious]

How about selling it and buying an explorer?

[bhans]

There is a bit of sentimental value to the Date just. My wife gave it to me a little over 20 years ago. I love the watch and would just like a new non fluted bezel.

[tickious]

Do you know the case reference?

[bhans]

I believe it is a 16220 case. I am not 100% but that is what I seem to remember when I asked the AD years back.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by bhans

I believe it is a 16220 case. I am not 100% but that is what I seem to remember when I asked the AD years back.

A 16220 doesn't have a fluted bezel, it has a stainless steel engine turned (engraved) bezel.

The do make a domed smooth stainless steel bezel that is a direct fit but Rolex will not change it for you. They are pretty cheap if you can find one, compared to the solid gold fluted type..

[bhans]

It looks like I need to do a bit of study. I do not know the difference between the fluted and engine turned bezel. What risks are there to having a non Rolex authorized repair shop do the swap? Where would I look for a replacement?

[bhans]

Here is a photo of my watch. Is it fluted or engine turned? Does that affect finding a smooth or rounded bezel for the watch?

[kieselguhr]

My
Keep the engine turned bezel. It's unique.

[gilessteve]

I purchased my two-tone Datejust in 1989, and at that time I thought the fluted bezel looked wonderful. Twenty-four years on, and I'm no longer so keen on the fluting (a bit too '1950's-looking' for me now, somehow).

Call me crazy, but my solution was to remove the 18ct bezel and carefully smooth it down with very fine wet and dry paper, followed by metal polish. Surprisingly (even to me!), this worked a treat, and the bezel now looks exactly like the bezels on new Datejusts. Much less dated (to my eyes, but of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder).

I'm not suggesting anyone else try this, but it worked for me. Of course, stainless steel is a much harder alloy than 18ct Au, so would be harder work to do. Also, my bezel was slightly damaged in a road accident a couple of years ago, which made the decision easier. Rolex wanted £800-plus for a replacement 18ct bezel IIRC!

-Steve