question on dial change

[bfinta]

I have a 1603 datejust with a silver dial, it originally came on a black dial back in the 60's ... i prefer black dials so i want to have one put back on. My question is, since i just had my watch serviced and is under rolex warranty (done at rolex authorized service centre), if i have the dial swapped by a local watchmaker will this void my warranty? will rolex know if i changed the dial? do they keep a record of the details (bracelet type, dial color etc...) when you send the watch in for repair?
I would have the rolex service centre swap the dial for me but then it would be a "new" dial and of course i would lose my silver dial which is an option im not crazy about.

[Danny83]

Just save the old dial and switch it out again right before service it will be a while since you just got it done thats what i would do.

[77T]

Rolex does keep records of the watch from cradle to grave. SO the RSC would do an update in the database.

As for your dial desires...they may change again. Maybe look at all your options before acting. You can always have an indie watchmaker do the swap and use them for future servicing if you want to avoid losing the silver dial.

[bfinta]

so if i have an independent watchmaker put in a black dial for me so that i can keep the silver one, then rolex will hassle me if i have it serviced in the future potentially insisting a silver dial go back in?

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by bfinta

so if i have an independent watchmaker put in a black dial for me so that i can keep the silver one, then rolex will hassle me if i have it serviced in the future potentially insisting a silver dial go back in?

If that happens you give them your silver dial to put back in.

[bfinta]

I would have preferred to sell the silver dial to offset the cost of the black dial. Well we'll see, maybe ill just sell the watch and find something else:)

Thanks for the advice

[RolexPete]

Originally Posted by bfinta

I would have preferred to sell the silver dial to offset the cost of the black dial. Well we'll see, maybe ill just sell the watch and find something else:)

Thanks for the advice

A used dial is probably only worth about a $100. Better to just keep it. I wouldn't worry about doing the swap as it relates to your warranty. Chances are good you won't need service during the warranty period. If so, swap it back.

Rikki can take care of you doing the swap.

[OysterDavid]

Because of the age of the watch and the movement being from the 15XX series, there's a smaller number of available new service dials available. I can't forecast for Rolex Canada, but if you present a 1601 to the USA Rolex, you might or might not be able to get a replacement/swap dial because of inventory issues.

Although Rolex around the world does track its repair business, it's unlikely your watch would be refused service with a different authentic dial at some future time, but having someone other than Rolex do a dial swap during the warranty period would probably void the warranty.

You're not saying if you now have the 'next' dial or if you'd have to obtain one on the private market. Datejust dials for the 15XX movement series do appear on the auction site with regularity at various price points and in equally various conditions. If you haven't yet acquired the dial, make sure it's for the older movement configuration as the dial foot placements are different between the 30XX and the 15XX series.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by bfinta

I have a 1603 datejust with a silver dial, it originally came on a black dial back in the 60's ... i prefer black dials so i want to have one put back on. My question is, since i just had my watch serviced and is under rolex warranty (done at rolex authorized service centre), if i have the dial swapped by a local watchmaker will this void my warranty? will rolex know if i changed the dial? do they keep a record of the details (bracelet type, dial color etc...) when you send the watch in for repair?
I would have the rolex service centre swap the dial for me but then it would be a "new" dial and of course i would lose my silver dial which is an option im not crazy about.

The watch originally came with a black dial, so as long as you install a genuine Rolex dial there should be no problem during service.

Hell, Rolex should give you a discount on the service for restoring it back to original, they are so anal about that...

[bfinta]

I have inquired at the service centre that did my service for me, a service dial would run me 450$ and yes they can get me the black one that i desire, but then i lose my silver dial. I was hoping to find a good condition one a bit cheaper than that while being able to keep my silver dial. I havent had any luck finding one yet;(
Thanks for all the advice BTW. As for sending it to this 'rikki' guy, since im in canada would prefer to not be sending it back and forth over the border if at all possible.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by bfinta

I have inquired at the service centre that did my service for me, a service dial would run me 450$ and yes they can get me the black one that i desire, but then i lose my silver dial. I was hoping to find a good condition one a bit cheaper than that while being able to keep my silver dial. I havent had any luck finding one yet;(
Thanks for all the advice BTW. As for sending it to this 'rikki' guy, since im in canada would prefer to not be sending it back and forth over the border if at all possible.

You can probably find one on ebay and have it swapped by any decent watchmaker for much less than that.

That way you save some $ and keep your silver dial...