Rolex 126518LN Dial change

[dlddrrr]

Hi guys,

I just bought this Daytona after years of requesting a Pikachu from the AD, unfortunately this was as close as I could get and I thought I might as well jump on it before Rolex (most likely) raises their prices on Jan. 1.

I was under the assumption that after 5 years you can change out the dial on any Rolex when sending it for service, but I was corrected and told Rolex will only swap dials on Datejusts and Oyster Perpetuals, not on any sports models, is this true?

If anyone has the Pikachu/YML dial for the 12-reference Daytona they want to sell me, DM me, or if there are any reliable sources out there available for sale.

[1William]

I changed the dial on a YG Sky-Dweller last year at RSC Dallas. Get on the phone and call. They are very helpful and will give you the answer.

[Sergio_UKR]

If you want it with a different dial just trade your watch for the unworn piece you want through a reputable dealer. Will prob cost you the same.

For that price point I wouldn't make modifications. It is like buying a new luxury car and then going to the paint shop right away to change its color...

[Dsw5001]

Man I like this so much more than Pikachu. Absolutely stunning!

[JRell]

Originally Posted by Dsw5001

Man I like this so much more than Pikachu. Absolutely stunning!

Agree you beat me to it.

[Bxtek]

Originally Posted by Dsw5001

Man I like this so much more than Pikachu. Absolutely stunning!

Originally Posted by JRell

Agree you beat me to it.

I'm #3.....you both beat me to it! The black/gold contrast in the dial is stunning and continues the same color theme into the bezel. Leave perfection alone is my thought.

In either case, congrats OP! I would seek out the dial/watch that you truly want, as that IS the right one for you. It doesn't matter about anybody else's preference, including myself.

[spellmanski]

Originally Posted by Bxtek

I'm #3.....you both beat me to it! The black/gold contrast in the dial is stunning and continues the same color theme into the bezel. Leave perfection alone is my thought.

In either case, congrats OP! I would seek out the dial/watch that you truly want, as that IS the right one for you. It doesn't matter about anybody else's preference, including myself.

#4 - this is waaaaay nicer

[Jari from Finland]

Market value for a Pikachu dial is ten grand. I myself would let it be as it is and enjoy wearing the watch not thinking about too much of its dial.

[padi56]

Pikachu dial these nicknames get more silly every day.

[ltmgeller]

They will do it but need a reason. I swapped a champagne dial for a white dial on a TT Daytona because I said I couldn't see the hands against the dial. That was at NYRSC around 2012

[Obi Wan]

IMHO, your dial is way more beautiful than the “Pikachu”, I do love that configuration. Setting aside the meteorite dials, my favourite PM Daytona.

[jacowestt]

Congrats on the Daytona, sounds like you made a smart move ahead of the likely price increase!

You’re correct that Rolex has pretty strict policies on dial swaps. Unfortunately, for professional models like the Daytona, they typically don’t offer dial changes during service unless it’s to replace a damaged dial with the exact same one. The flexibility you’re referring to mostly applies to Datejusts and Oyster Perpetuals, where they allow dial swaps within the same series.

If you’re set on the Pikachu (YML) dial, your best bet would be to source one from a reputable third-party dealer or collector. Just be cautious to ensure it’s 100% authentic, as Rolex won’t service a watch with aftermarket parts. Good luck, and enjoy the new Daytona, it’s a stunner!

[Akacoke]

Congrats on the new watch. Imo this dial is much better looking and has much more class than Pikachu. But to each our of own, the heart wants what the heart wants.

And Sorry I can't help to wonder why you wanna settle regardless it's a $2k watch or $35k? You should had held for the one you desire the most. Now you have a few options. 1st option of Going 2ndary market cost about 12k including both ends after said and done. 2nd option with Rolex RSC, You are 5 years away from a slim possibility of a dial swap due to Rolex dial swap policies always changes. Not to mention The hassle and cost of dial swap compared to the minor price increase. My recommendation to you is to give it some wrist time enjoy this piece as it . If you are still not happy about it, buying another 126518 with Pikachu dial from AD then selling this one would be the cheapest option .

[SLWoodster]

It's a policy thing that has changed to be more strict over time. Many 4 digit daytonas have different dials than what they started with. Many 16519, even ones in the 116519 series have dials swapped by Rolex.

Prior to 2019, one of my ADs also said they got a white skydweller swapped to blue dial.

If the YML/ Pikachu is the one you must have, chrono24.