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phelix_da_kat · 22 December 2011, 06:50 AM

Am looking at an early 90's Explorer I ref 14270 (see photo)

The watch is generally in a terrific condition, but at certain angles I can see blemish/grease/"well something" on the dial. (cannot capture it with a camera).

I spoke with a Rolex servicing centre and they reckon it might be water damage, but would have to get it opened up.

To be safe I would have it serviced, leaving the case and bracelet untouched.
I know for vintage you keep the dial not matter what, but was about if it is potentially damaged?

My question is what about the dial:

1) keep it and ask Rolex to do their best at cleaning it?
2) replace it and "ask" for the damaged dial?

BTW,
- do they actually give you the old dial back?
- would they sell me a spare dial in case the next owner wanted it?

Thanks for the advice!

TSW · 22 December 2011, 07:04 AM

I would replace it.

Chipmunk · 22 December 2011, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSW

I would replace it.

x2

Gerardus · 22 December 2011, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsw

i would replace it.

+2

Riseman Weather · 22 December 2011, 07:16 AM

Keep it. If it doesn't leak. Then use it and enjoy it.

93 Turbo · 22 December 2011, 07:25 AM

If your watch were mine, I'd have the service and keep the old dial. Generally RSC will keep any parts that are removed from a serviced watch.

You may get lucky and have the old dial returned if you decide to replace this, but be prepared not to have it returned if you decide to replace.

Great looking watch

phelix_da_kat · 22 December 2011, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93 Turbo

If your watch were mine, I'd have the service and keep the old dial. Generally RSC will keep any parts that are removed from a serviced watch.

You may get lucky and have the old dial returned if you decide to replace this, but be prepared not to have it returned if you decide to replace.

Great looking watch

Thanks, will push for the old dial.

I tried the new 214270 Explorer I, but found it felt larger on my wrist than my 16250 Daytona.

So went back to look for a 14270. Specifically an E or X serial, so it has the similar blackout style 3, 6 and 9 as the newer 214270.

CoachRolexRyan · 22 December 2011, 07:30 AM

Replace and service.

cedargrove · 22 December 2011, 07:43 AM

Replace.

George Ab · 22 December 2011, 07:57 AM

Send it to RSC and they will not provide back. Additionally, they will require performing a service. Provide to Rolex AD watchmaker and he can replace and should be able to provide the old dial back. This does not go for anniversary or special dials such as WG Daytona dials, those the watch has to go to RSC.

I would provide to watchmaker, have him clean the dial (rarely does this do the trick, but it has happened) and if it requires replacing then replace.

Also you have a tritium dial and it will be replaced with a luminova dial. So the dial will glow, but the hands will not. Currently neither glow.

slcbbrown · 23 December 2011, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Ab

Send it to RSC and they will not provide back. Additionally, they will require performing a service. Provide to Rolex AD watchmaker and he can replace and should be able to provide the old dial back. This does not go for anniversary or special dials such as WG Daytona dials, those the watch has to go to RSC.

I would provide to watchmaker, have him clean the dial (rarely does this do the trick, but it has happened) and if it requires replacing then replace.

Also you have a tritium dial and it will be replaced with a luminova dial. So the dial will glow, but the hands will not. Currently neither glow.

If the spot bothers you, change it. You could have this watch for 50 years and see the spot every day. No one else will ever notice it. I wouldn't worry about keeping the dial-- this isn't a museum piece. RSC will almost certainly not return your old dial.

matbaj · 23 December 2011, 05:41 AM

replace it and ask to keep the old one.

DCgator · 23 December 2011, 06:26 AM

Have it serviced by either RSC or private/AD watchmaker and the dial changed.

Mickey® · 22 December 2011, 08:38 AM

Change it. As the Poll says not vintage enough to matter.

A grease stain on the dial would drive me batty...

phelix_da_kat · 22 December 2011, 10:26 AM

Thank you all..

So far 5:1 in favour of replacing..
Will cost this all in with a service - and speak to the AD.

@ 93 Turbo - will ask if they can return the dial as part of the service.
@ George Ab - interesting point about the luminova dial - thank you.
@ Mickey - agreed re grease

Thanks!

DiamondJack · 22 December 2011, 10:59 AM

Can't see from the photos Kit, but if the dial was damaged enough to annoy me, I would replace it. I would prefer perfection on my wrist to anything sub-standard and this is not vintage enough to warrant putting up with imperfections particularly if it would irritate you. I can't see any loss in value and quite probably an increase in value if, as you say, it currently looks substandard

phelix_da_kat · 22 December 2011, 11:28 AM

Thanks Steve. More great advice!

If this all works out - will have something to show you later next year.

horseco · 22 December 2011, 11:43 AM

replace it

SWIMPRUF · 22 December 2011, 12:49 PM

Replace and service.

phelix_da_kat · 22 December 2011, 10:24 PM

Thanks to everyone - advice and voting very much appreciated.

Will keep you all updated and post any photos in the new year.

Seasons Greetings to everyone and have a Happy New year!

goldminer · 23 December 2011, 06:32 AM

I would keep it as it is, maybe try and get the dialed cleaned up a bit

mrbill2mrbill2 · 23 December 2011, 07:31 AM

I would have the dial replaced. I don't mean to be insulting - but we're no talking a vintage Sub that collectors want 100% original.

Mar122 · 23 December 2011, 08:50 AM

That dial looks to be a blackout dial and those are somewhat rare on the 14270. I would keep it... it's a unique watch

Mickey® · 23 December 2011, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mar122

That dial looks to be a blackout dial and those are somewhat rare on the 14270. I would keep it... it's a unique watch

Ok..I'll bite. Blackout dial?

phelix_da_kat · 23 December 2011, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey®

Ok..I'll bite. Blackout dial?

Morning Mikey,

Yes - it is a Blackout dial. Only produced in 1990 and 1991.
Although registration maybe later.

It is the my primary reason for considering it.
The Rolex ervice centre (@ St James) said they had spare dials - but I should confirm it's also a Blackout.

1. Would it change your original comment to replace the dial?

2. If they can replace like for like I consider replacing it?

3. Any other advice?

Mar122 · 23 December 2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey®

Ok..I'll bite. Blackout dial?

As it is shown in the new pic by the OP, the 3 6 9 numerals have a blackout effect to them and that is evident when compared to the other markers on the dial

phelix_da_kat · 23 December 2011, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mar122

That dial looks to be a blackout dial and those are somewhat rare on the 14270. I would keep it... it's a unique watch

Hi,
Yeap - good eyes!

I realised after a day so or I did not specific that in the OP.
My fault. Maybe I should consider a new poll??

Mar122 · 23 December 2011, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phelix_da_kat

Hi,
Yeap - good eyes!

I realised after a day so or I did not specific that in the OP.
My fault. Maybe I should consider a new poll??

I quite like the blackout dial and would keep it... If the service center has a NOS blackout dial, then I would do the exchange but if not, I think you just have to make the decision of keeping a water damaged dial or getting a new service dial... Let us know what your decision will be

FeelingTheBlues · 23 December 2011, 09:00 AM

Seems to me like you didn't have the watch for a very long time (do you have it yet?). Personally I wouldn't mind about changing the dial if I found the stains annoying as it's not really a vintage watch but just for the sake of it I'd give the original one a try. It doesn't cost you anything to keep it for a bit and see if you like the "it adds character" look of it!

Mickey® · 23 December 2011, 09:18 AM

I'm not an expert on Explorers or even a fan really but if the dials were only made for a year or so and they are rare/odd/sought after then maybe a cleaning is in order...

Could someone post a pic of a non "blackout" compared to a blackout?

View Poll Results: Water damaged dial - what would you do?
Keep it (adds character? it's irreplaceable! etc)	15	25.42%
Change it (not vintage enough etc)	44	74.58%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 59. You may not vote on this poll

22 December 2011, 06:50 AM	#1
phelix_da_kat "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Watch: 16520 Posts: 351	Poll: keep or replace (dial) Am looking at an early 90's Explorer I ref 14270 (see photo) The watch is generally in a terrific condition, but at certain angles I can see blemish/grease/"well something" on the dial. (cannot capture it with a camera). I spoke with a Rolex servicing centre and they reckon it might be water damage, but would have to get it opened up. To be safe I would have it serviced, leaving the case and bracelet untouched. I know for vintage you keep the dial not matter what, but was about if it is potentially damaged? My question is what about the dial: 1) keep it and ask Rolex to do their best at cleaning it? 2) replace it and "ask" for the damaged dial? BTW, - do they actually give you the old dial back? - would they sell me a spare dial in case the next owner wanted it? Thanks for the advice! Attached Images Last edited by phelix_da_kat; 22 December 2011 at 07:04 AM.. Reason: added better description

22 December 2011, 07:04 AM	#2
TSW "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: TSW Location: Le Brassus Watch: Rolex & AP's Posts: 27,449	I would replace it. __________________ AP Owners Club IG @swiss.watch.connection

22 December 2011, 07:57 AM	#10
George Ab "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: George Location: Seattle Watch: One of Them Posts: 6,924	Send it to RSC and they will not provide back. Additionally, they will require performing a service. Provide to Rolex AD watchmaker and he can replace and should be able to provide the old dial back. This does not go for anniversary or special dials such as WG Daytona dials, those the watch has to go to RSC. I would provide to watchmaker, have him clean the dial (rarely does this do the trick, but it has happened) and if it requires replacing then replace. Also you have a tritium dial and it will be replaced with a luminova dial. So the dial will glow, but the hands will not. Currently neither glow. __________________

22 December 2011, 12:49 PM	#19
SWIMPRUF "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: * Posts: 2,323	Replace and service. __________________ Member# 52,675 Est. 3/2011

22 December 2011, 07:16 AM	#5
Riseman Weather Banned Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: U.S.A. Watch: G-Shock Riseman Posts: 198	Keep it. If it doesn't leak. Then use it and enjoy it.

22 December 2011, 07:25 AM	#6
93 Turbo 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Australia Watch: Rolex.Tudor.PAM Posts: 1,554	If your watch were mine, I'd have the service and keep the old dial. Generally RSC will keep any parts that are removed from a serviced watch. You may get lucky and have the old dial returned if you decide to replace this, but be prepared not to have it returned if you decide to replace. Great looking watch

22 December 2011, 07:30 AM	#8
CoachRolexRyan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Coach Location: Boston Watch: Rolex Deep Sea Posts: 1,297	Replace and service.

22 December 2011, 07:43 AM	#9
cedargrove "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Rich Location: Canada Watch: Milgauss, GMT IIc Posts: 3,013	Replace.

23 December 2011, 05:41 AM	#12
matbaj "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Mat Location: UK Watch: 114060 & 5167 Posts: 277	replace it and ask to keep the old one.

23 December 2011, 06:26 AM	#13
DCgator "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: PNW Watch: DS,BLNR,SubLV,DJ2 Posts: 8,123	Have it serviced by either RSC or private/AD watchmaker and the dial changed.

22 December 2011, 08:38 AM	#14
Mickey® Banned Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Mickey® Location: Atlanta, GA Watch: Swiss Made Posts: 5,801	Change it. As the Poll says not vintage enough to matter. A grease stain on the dial would drive me batty...

22 December 2011, 10:26 AM	#15
phelix_da_kat "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Watch: 16520 Posts: 351	Thank you all.. So far 5:1 in favour of replacing.. Will cost this all in with a service - and speak to the AD. @ 93 Turbo - will ask if they can return the dial as part of the service. @ George Ab - interesting point about the luminova dial - thank you. @ Mickey - agreed re grease Thanks!

22 December 2011, 10:59 AM	#16
DiamondJack "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Watch: Quite a few Posts: 4,315	Can't see from the photos Kit, but if the dial was damaged enough to annoy me, I would replace it. I would prefer perfection on my wrist to anything sub-standard and this is not vintage enough to warrant putting up with imperfections particularly if it would irritate you. I can't see any loss in value and quite probably an increase in value if, as you say, it currently looks substandard

22 December 2011, 11:28 AM	#17
phelix_da_kat "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Watch: 16520 Posts: 351	Thanks Steve. More great advice! If this all works out - will have something to show you later next year.

22 December 2011, 11:43 AM	#18
horseco "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Anthony Location: North Jersey Watch: Daytona 116528 Posts: 3,426	replace it

22 December 2011, 10:24 PM	#20
phelix_da_kat "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Watch: 16520 Posts: 351	Thanks to everyone - advice and voting very much appreciated. Will keep you all updated and post any photos in the new year. Seasons Greetings to everyone and have a Happy New year!

23 December 2011, 06:32 AM	#21
goldminer Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: John Location: London, England Watch: 5513 Posts: 278	I would keep it as it is, maybe try and get the dialed cleaned up a bit

23 December 2011, 07:31 AM	#22
mrbill2mrbill2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Mr. Bill Location: South Florida Watch: 16610 Posts: 6,148	I would have the dial replaced. I don't mean to be insulting - but we're no talking a vintage Sub that collectors want 100% original. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of the Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons - ID # 13

23 December 2011, 08:50 AM	#23
Mar122 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: USA Posts: 373	That dial looks to be a blackout dial and those are somewhat rare on the 14270. I would keep it... it's a unique watch

23 December 2011, 09:00 AM	#29
FeelingTheBlues "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Carl Location: Always moving Watch: If you wish... Posts: 22,039	Seems to me like you didn't have the watch for a very long time (do you have it yet?). Personally I wouldn't mind about changing the dial if I found the stains annoying as it's not really a vintage watch but just for the sake of it I'd give the original one a try. It doesn't cost you anything to keep it for a bit and see if you like the "it adds character" look of it! __________________ Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin

23 December 2011, 09:18 AM	#30
Mickey® Banned Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Mickey® Location: Atlanta, GA Watch: Swiss Made Posts: 5,801	I'm not an expert on Explorers or even a fan really but if the dials were only made for a year or so and they are rare/odd/sought after then maybe a cleaning is in order... Could someone post a pic of a non "blackout" compared to a blackout?

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