Poll: keep or replace (dial)

[phelix_da_kat]

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]

I would replace it.

[Riseman Weather]

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

[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

[CoachRolexRyan]

Replace and service.

[Chipmunk]

Originally Posted by TSW

I would replace it.

x2

[Gerardus]

Originally Posted by tsw

i would replace it.

+2

[cedargrove]

Replace.

[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.

[Mickey®]

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

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

[phelix_da_kat]

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!

[phelix_da_kat]

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.

[DiamondJack]

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]

Thanks Steve. More great advice!
If this all works out - will have something to show you later next year.

[horseco]

replace it

[SWIMPRUF]

Replace and service.

[phelix_da_kat]

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!

[slcbbrown]

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]

replace it and ask to keep the old one.

[DCgator]

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

[goldminer]

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

[mrbill2mrbill2]

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]

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®]

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?

[FeelingTheBlues]

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!

[phelix_da_kat]

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?

[phelix_da_kat]

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??

[Mickey®]

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?

[signcarver]

I don't think they will return the old dial. I had my DJ serviced in the dial changed in 1993 (from silver to black). They returned the original dial. When i had it serviced in again 1998 and the dial changed (from black to blue) they said they no longer return the old dials.

i don't know if that is still the case?

[phelix_da_kat]

Originally Posted by Mickey®

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?

Mike posted a photo on TRF recently.
Link is http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=18140