Daytona dial swapping?

[GMTSpas]

What is the general consensus of factory dial swapping between Rolex watches? I have always thought of myself as a "purist" but really can't help thinking, "hey this dial might actually look better"

For reference, thinking of switching up my 116509 and 116500 by putting the slate dial in the 500 and the white dial in the 509.

[alpharulez]

Nice pairing. I have been considering something similar for my Milgauss.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HACKNSACK44]

Originally Posted by GMTSpas

What is the general consensus of factory dial swapping between Rolex watches? I have always thought of myself as a "purist" but really can't help thinking, "hey this dial might actually look better"

For reference, thinking of switching up my 116509 and 116500 by putting the slate dial in the 500 and the white dial in the 509.

I did the same thing with my 116520 years ago. I used the black and white dial. I say do it!

[envuks]

Many here will frown on this type of change since it’s not original to Rolex.

My take is if it makes you happy do it.

The main factor to consider is if you have a good independent watchmaker to make the change and be able to service the watches from here on out. RSCs will require turning the watch back to stock as part of service or they won’t work on them once changes are made.

[GMTSpas]

Originally Posted by HACKNSACK44

I did the same thing with my 116520 years ago. I used the black and white dial. I say do it!

Both look really good!

[HACKNSACK44]

Originally Posted by GMTSpas

Both look really good!

Thanks!

[fskywalker]

Go for it! clap:


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[robinmgb]

I'm about to do the same with my 116523, currently have a black dial but fancy a white with diamond markers, local watchmaker that I've used before quote £120 and will do same day while I wait for a couple of hours

[GreatCircle]

Do it, have some fun!

[Jari from Finland]

Why not to have a new original Rolex dial changed on the watch
If you keep your old dial left. You may always have it changed
back if you will find to prefer it over the original changed dial.

[glamorama]

There seem to be a history of dial swapping particularly for Daytonas. I think this was before watches became “investments”.

Now it’s generally frowned upon, especially when changing to a more popular dial (I.e. more expensive) like the YG green Daytona. I guess it’s alright if you are transparent about it and not pose as “original dial to the watch” as opposed to “original Rolex dial”.

Personally I don’t like when dials are changed between references. Like green dial on 116528 which is only available on 116508.

[Batmannr1]

Local independent watch maker swapped the white dial of my 116520 to the silver racing dial of the 116509, why not the switch. The racing dial is a better legible, especially the red hands of the subdials.

[alpharulez]

Originally Posted by Batmannr1

Local independent watch maker swapped the white dial of my 116520 to the silver racing dial of the 116509, why not the switch. The racing dial is a better legible, especially the red hands of the subdials.

Looks brilliant


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[904VT]

I think all the dials look great. OP I wouldn’t swap dials though in your shoes owning 2 Daytonas as is though. Already have the best of both worlds.

[acheronsgrief]

I picked up the WG slate dial to eventually put in my 116505. I know one day I’ll get the urge for a new watch and a new dial is a lot less money...
Go for it, as long as it’s all original Rolex parts it’s good in my book.

[GreatCircle]

Originally Posted by acheronsgrief

I picked up the WG slate dial to eventually put in my 116505. I know one day I’ll get the urge for a new watch and a new dial is a lot less money...
Go for it, as long as it’s all original Rolex parts it’s good in my book.

You do know the indexes on the slate arab dial for 116519/116509 are whitegold and rosegold indexes probably look a lot better on an Everose Daytona ?

[acheronsgrief]

Originally Posted by GreatCircle

You do know the indexes on the slate arab dial for 116519/116509 are whitegold and rosegold indexes probably look a lot better on an Everose Daytona ?

Yes, I’m just curious. It was mostly to stop myself from buying the Sundust RG DD40 to be honest. Btw love the platinum dial on the WG, I wish the platinum came that way (I hate the brown bezel, it looks perfect with the metal bezel).

[Rado63]

I am sure there are some people who feel whatever the original dial was on the watch that's how it should be. I have seen many bezel swaps, dial swaps, problem today, is how to get a factory dial from Rolex.? After market dials are out there, but what's the quality. I personally can see many reasons to buy a watch and change the dial, just disclose at time of sale that the dial has been changed, or change back to original.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by Batmannr1

Local independent watch maker swapped the white dial of my 116520 to the silver racing dial of the 116509, why not the switch. The racing dial is a better legible, especially the red hands of the subdials.

Looks great. I have the same dial for sale at the moment in our classifieds

I am a big fan of the arabics

[interestedwatcher]

I have a book that says Rolex will let you change dials between references. So get a polar dial for your exp II etc. You just have to pay for the dial and they keep the old one. Sounds a bit far fetched.

[BOXMAN76]

Originally Posted by GreatCircle

Do it, have some fun!

Wow!!! Looks great!!!

[Freelance]

Wow, those swaps look great. I say do it! Years ago I wanted to take my white dial polar explorer 16550 and swap into a 16710 to have white dial Pepsi/GMT ala Pan-Am. I still might. :-)

[interestedwatcher]

Originally Posted by Freelance

Wow, those swaps look great. I say do it! Years ago I wanted to take my white dial polar explorer 16550 and swap into a 16710 to have white dial Pepsi/GMT ala Pan-Am. I still might. :-)

I like this - your watch your rules.

[ratty]

Originally Posted by GreatCircle

Do it, have some fun!

Looks good.

[DoctorA]

I’d say don’t do it.

[Alan111]

Originally Posted by acheronsgrief

I picked up the WG slate dial to eventually put in my 116505. I know one day I’ll get the urge for a new watch and a new dial is a lot less money...
Go for it, as long as it’s all original Rolex parts it’s good in my book.

I need to see this ASAP. I was contemplating the same exact thing last year. Please post photos.

[Gotgolf52]

I have 116520 which is my first ever rolex. I also live the blue dial on the white gold, deep down I want to change the dial but I don’t want to be a poser either. That blue Daytona dial is so beautiful though. Anyone ever make that dial change here? Any pix? TIA

[GreatCircle]

Originally Posted by Gotgolf52

I have 116520 which is my first ever rolex. I also live the blue dial on the white gold, deep down I want to change the dial but I don’t want to be a poser either. That blue Daytona dial is so beautiful though. Anyone ever make that dial change here? Any pix? TIA

before the iceblue dial my watchmaker made this “Illegal” combo for me with an OEM white strap. The blue dial is great, but pretty dark in less then optimal light conditions, almost black.
People, please forget the “poser” argument, unless you are attending Rolex AD parties every week chances you will ever meet someone who actually can actually notice it are close to zero...

[Rollied]

Is your watch, you should be able to do whatever you want with it. I’d say swap the dial because at the end of the day, I think you’d be a lot happier and whenever you look at the watch, you know it’s uniquely YOURS. I’d drop an opal dial from a 4 digit ref DD into a newer 5 digit ref any day

[Singslinger]

I know an experienced watch repairman who put Omega sword hands on this black Exp 2.

Looked a bit off to me - then again, he was able to switch back any time he liked, so why not?