Some rumour buster-Dial change-DD

[Verdi]

So, about a year ago or so I got this wg DD and it had a silver/rhodium roman numeral dial. It is a 5 digit ref, double quick set!
While I like it very much, a blue dial is what I always liked on a DD and it turns out the silver dial is not that easy to read in certain light.

Based on what I read on the web, I did not think that it would be possible to buy one from Rolex.....or buy one without giving the old one back. So, I looked up on ebay, forums, dealers. The blue dials are rare, didn't come up for sale often and when I saw one for sale it was not as perfect as I wanted it.

One day I went to my AD and inquired about a blue dial. The store manager said:
“Yes, of course we can get you one!
“Really?!!!!
“Yes, let’s look up at the dial options for your model reference and we shall order you one from the factory. They’ll make one for you!
“Do I keep the old one!?
“Yes, you do! Let me double check with the our service center.

So, he goes ahead to call and gets confirmation that I keep my rhodium dial.
In some instances, Rolex would keep the old dial. My understanding is that is mostly related to damaged dials/harmful chemicals (tritium) that they do not want circulating around anymore.
The manager had a tablet with a database where he could check all the correct dials for a certain ref. I saw a nice brown roman numerals dial that was an option, tempting but I stayed with my blue dial.

Dial price is 600 usd, including a set of hands. I paid half upon placing the order and I was told it would be 6 weeks. No problem!
Less than a 4 weeks later I get a call that my dial arrived from Switzerland and I can bring my watch along for the swap. This AD has a very nice authorised service, as good as RSC in my books.

I went over to the shop and dropped the watch, 5 days later it was ready for collection.
I paid the rest of the balance and I was thrilled. What a huge difference.

Now, a little about the dial. Rolex made it on order, it is identical as the one they used in the ‘80s and early ‘90s (when this ref was sold) minus the tritium lume. It has the lume plots in the same location, same size but they are luminova (I guess). Of course, it has “swiss made” no “t”.
Make no mistake though, this double quick set ref came with dial without tritium from the factory. Rolex made the transition in the ‘90s.

Rumor buster:
-while I understand people are told different things in different countries, Rolex allows dial orders and swaps, old dial is not mandatory kept by Rolex. If they do, they offer a discount on the new dial. Things differ from a model to another.

-no service is required for a dial swap

-I was told that Rolex has the plates for old ref dials going back to 50-60 yrs. They make the dials upon orders they get from their authorised dealers, RSCs. It always comes with a new set of hands.

PS: sorry for the long post.