Dial change . . . does this happen frequently?

[Slick]

I'm researching in preparation for my first Rolex purchase. I've kinda narrowed myself down to a TT Sub with either the slate serti dial or the LN with the black dial and bezel.

Part of my research took me to Dallas Gold and Silver Exchange yesterday. By the way, I've seen on here and elsewhere where DGSE is supposed to have 100's of Rolexes for sale. Don't believe it, they had about 20.

Anyway, they only had 2 TT Subs, both with blue faces, one with the steel clasp and one with the gold thru the clasp. I told the helpful lady that I wasn't really digging the blue face and she said "that's OK, we can change that out for you."

I was a bit shocked. Does this sort of "feature swapping" occur often. Seems a bit of an extreme jesture just to make a sale.

[Renoir]

Yes, dial changes are done rather frequently. If purchasing a watch with papers, the dial type or style is usually listed, so if their had been a dial change you'd be able to tell.

[TattooedGQ]

Common or not I'd tell them to keep the watch.....I wouldn't want a watch with the dial swapped out, unless its a genuine service replacement for the same dial.

[Renoir]

Originally Posted by TattooedGQ

Common or not I'd tell them to keep the watch.....I wouldn't want a watch with the dial swapped out, unless its a genuine service replacement for the same dial.

+1 on that!

[Slick]

Originally Posted by TattooedGQ

Common or not I'd tell them to keep the watch.....I wouldn't want a watch with the dial swapped out, unless its a genuine service replacement for the same dial.

My thoughts exactly. Her words made me instantly mistrust the originality of every watch in the case.

[t e x]

Originally Posted by Slick

I'm researching in preparation for my first Rolex purchase. I've kinda narrowed myself down to a TT Sub with either the slate serti dial or the LN with the black dial and bezel.

Part of my research took me to Dallas Gold and Silver Exchange yesterday. By the way, I've seen on here and elsewhere where DGSE is supposed to have 100's of Rolexes for sale. Don't believe it, they had about 20.

Anyway, they only had 2 TT Subs, both with blue faces, one with the steel clasp and one with the gold thru the clasp. I told the helpful lady that I wasn't really digging the blue face and she said "that's OK, we can change that out for you."

I was a bit shocked. Does this sort of "feature swapping" occur often. Seems a bit of an extreme jesture just to make a sale.

Originally Posted by TattooedGQ

Common or not I'd tell them to keep the watch.....I wouldn't want a watch with the dial swapped out, unless its a genuine service replacement for the same dial.

Not sure if you've checked but lots of places keep stock in the vault(s) which might not be the case there...but doesn't hurt to ask.

[Rscmaine]

Buy a watch you are absolutely certain contains the original factory configuration - matching papers etc.

Then buy whatever dial floats your boat and have it installed ***BUT*** keep the original dial in a vault so that it can be returned to factory original in the future.

I just did that and it added to the allure of my watch in a swap. I traded with the new dial installed but included the entire original set and the guy was thrilled.

Never get a Rolex that cannot be somehow returned to original as it will never be serviceable at any RSC without incurring mega cost to replace the dial.

[Brenngun]

Originally Posted by Rscmaine

Buy a watch you are absolutely certain contains the original factory configuration - matching papers etc.

Then buy whatever dial floats your boat and have it installed ***BUT*** keep the original dial in a vault so that it can be returned to factory original in the future.

I just did that and it added to the allure of my watch in a swap. I traded with the new dial installed but included the entire original set and the guy was thrilled.

Never get a Rolex that cannot be somehow returned to original as it will never be serviceable at any RSC without incurring mega cost to replace the dial.

X2

[ParisDakarBmw]

I've seen this practice plenty of times on the older Datejust models. If your buying one for $1,400 with no B & P, and don't care about the correct features, go for it. I wouldn't buy one unless it was an original Rolex part in it's issued state.

There are plenty of places that make bogus dials, that have crazy colors. I wouldn't bother asking to look at it. No telling where that watch has been

As for a Sub, make sure to get the original parts correct to the papers. You won't regret spending a few more bucks to have the real deal.

[jtsjc1]

When I got my DJ at the AD I saw a blue dial with Romans they changed out for me while I waited. It originally had a white dial but I liked the dark blue with the SS better. Its a matter of taste but I wouldn't worry as long as the replacement dial is legit.

[Lion]

I would have to agree with what everyone has already said...if the dial has been swapped out I would want to have the original dial so the watch could be put back to it's original state!!!