President Questions. Changing the bezel, face and band?

[slogger]

I've got a Rolex noobie question. I just got my hands on a 1978 President. It's the model with the diamonds on the face.
It's a beautiful watch but far to flashy for my style.

I mentioned this to my jeweler and he suggested changing out the face for a white one without the diamonds, putting a numbered bezel(like a dive watch) and a leather band.

He claims he's done several like this that looked great.

Is this a stupid idea? Any other ideas?

thanks

[arabesque]

Yes it is a stupid idea.
Just change the dial without the diamonds. This will maintain its President status and value as well.

[sakuraba]

I don't think changing the dial would be bad for the watch.

However, changing the the bracelet from a president to a strap would make the watch less "regal" IMO.

Changing the bezel to a sport bezel would be criminal!

[Aeternitas]

Originally Posted by slogger

I've got a Rolex noobie question. I just got my hands on a 1978 President. It's the model with the diamonds on the face.
It's a beautiful watch but far to flashy for my style.

I mentioned this to my jeweler and he suggested changing out the face for a white one without the diamonds, putting a numbered bezel(like a dive watch) and a leather band.

He claims he's done several like this that looked great.

Is this a stupid idea? Any other ideas?

thanks

He wants to put a numbered bezel on a Day Date?! Why?!

In all seriousness, you can switch the band out with a nice leather strap, preferably crocodile or something similar. You can switch out the dial, but it can have an effect on your resale value, so I would make sure that you can get the original back, as some RSCs will keep them.

[Andad]

Which numbered bezel is he going to fit on a 36mm DD?
I'd stay with the standard fluted bezel.

IMO go with a white roman dial - they look great. Are you switching out the bracelet because it is worn? If so then a nice strap would look good as replacement bracelets are expensive.

[SCD]

Originally Posted by slogger

...putting a numbered bezel(like a dive watch) ...

Just for even thinking of that, don't let him near the watch.

[gone-rolex-mad]

Originally Posted by SCD

Just for even thinking of that, don't let him near the watch.

Agree!

[slogger]

I've temporarily come to my senses! I had the band reinstalled. The President is back in it's box and back in the safe.

I've got to rethink this. I'm really wanting to use this watch. Such a shame for it to spend another 30 years in it's box.

If I could just tone down the gold a little, I think I'd enjoy the watch.

Thanks for the input.

[Renoir]

Just change the dial, it will totally transform the look of the watch.

[Balboa]

Just a question.

If you do not like the dial, the bracelet and the bezel, why did you buy the watch?

Sound like you wanted a sports watch to begin with.

There are many choices of DD dials you could install. I would leave the rest of it as is.

Mark

[DerekS]

I got a DD a long time ago for a steal. But I hardly ever wore it for the same reason....just looked too flashy. But I tell ya..you'll get used to it. there is NO WATCH like a 18K President. It grows on ya.

[The GMT Master]

Change the dial by all means, and if you want it on a leather strap, it would look nice and classy, and a bit more understated. Just don't let your watchmaker anywhere near the bezel

[pz93c]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Which numbered bezel is he going to fit on a 36mm DD?
I'd stay with the standard fluted bezel.

TOG bezel, maybe?

I'd go smooth bezel, if it needed replacing. Say, diamonds or something.

[PacNW]

Try wearing it for a while, it does grow on you! Glad you didn't do the bezel...

[Tools]

If I had a DD with the champagne dial, then the white dial (or even black) would be the way to go.. I don't think that a diamond dial is so ostentatious in these colors..

This transforms the watch very nicely and it makes a good dress alternative and it even works well in the boardroom.....

It would be a shame to not wear this flagship on ocassion........

[imono]

Originally Posted by slogger

I've got a Rolex noobie question. I just got my hands on a 1978 President. It's the model with the diamonds on the face.
It's a beautiful watch but far to flashy for my style.

I mentioned this to my jeweler and he suggested changing out the face for a white one without the diamonds, putting a numbered bezel(like a dive watch) and a leather band.

He claims he's done several like this that looked great.

Is this a stupid idea? Any other ideas?

thanks

Post a picture!
Post a picture!

[slogger]

Originally Posted by Balboa

Just a question.

If you do not like the dial, the bracelet and the bezel, why did you buy the watch?

Sound like you wanted a sports watch to begin with.

There are many choices of DD dials you could install. I would leave the rest of it as is.

Mark

This was my dad's. He had a submariner that he wore and left the President in his safe. Since I never saw him wear it, it has very little sentimental value to me. But my dad always bought quality, timeless investments, so I have to believe this watch fits into this category.

And upon further clarification with the jeweler, he was suggesting a white face, alligator (blackish) band and a smooth bezel.

[arabesque]

Originally Posted by Tools

If I had a DD with the champagne dial, then the white dial (or even black) would be the way to go.. I don't think that a diamond dial is so ostentatious in these colors..

This transforms the watch very nicely and it makes a good dress alternative and it even works well in the boardroom.....

It would be a shame to not wear this flagship on ocassion........

The black dial contrasts nicely with the diamonds and gold hands.