Fluted bezel replacement Q for DJ 126300

[manoop1856]

Hello All,

I have a DJ41 126300 (smooth bezel) and recently purchased a used fluted bezel from a 126334 (via "Swissice" on eBay). His shop looked very highly rated and he guaranteed the bezel as 100% authentic.

I really wanted to upgrade the bezel to fluted while fully recognizing the issues with respect to the warranty and that I'd have to re-install the smooth if I ever chose to send it to Rolex for servicing. I've read similar threads in this forum around how this can be done so I figured I'd be fine with the trade-offs because its what I wanted to do with my watch. I have no aspiration to sell the watch down the road as its my first Rolex.

That said, I'm now running into difficulties in finding a watchmaker to install it. The seller says this is an 'Easy installation' but I've spoken with some watchmakers (one is part of an authorized servicing center here in Massachusetts). Of course they can't do it because of their affiliation with Rolex and they say that I'd need to ensure there is a proper gasket as well to maintain waterproofness. People have advised that without doing this properly it could break the waterproofing of the case, etc. etc.

So, this turned out to be a bit more of a headache than I imagined. I see three options:

1. Proceed with the bezel replacement NOW if I can find someone to do it. I'm certainly not going to be diving with the DJ41 or even wearing it in a pool anytime soon. I'd do this is the warnings about waterproofing are overblown.

2. Resell the bezel for a heavy loss (Which I'd be fine doing). The challenge I see is that I'm not a reputable dealer or reseller, so I'd have to sell it to someone who can independently verify the bezel is authentic. If this is the path - any suggestions on where I'd do this?

3. Do nothing. The seller says they can do the bezel swap very easily, so the next time I am in California (Where they are based) they can do it. Could also wait 8-10 years until after the first servicing to reinstall.

I really appreciate any guidance or reactions from the Forum. I care more about NOT damaging the watch more than I care about putting my (already sunk) cost in purchasing the bezel to use, if that matters at all. So if its virtually impossible to reinstall the bezel "the right way", then I am OK stomaching the outright loss.

Thanks for any input you can provide!
Peter

[rmagoo57]

I don't know if the bezels fit or not - they are a different reference number for a reason.

Try to return the fluted bezel or sell it and the 126300. Then buy yourself a 126334 if you really want a fluted DJ. I think you'll be happier in the long run. Good luck.

[330ci]

Any competent jeweler who works around watches can do this. The AD is feeding you a line of .... get a pressure test after just to be safe but this should have zero affect on your WR.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by 330ci

Any competent jeweler who works around watches can do this. The AD is feeding you a line of .... get a pressure test after just to be safe but this should have zero affect on your WR.

5 minute only

[tvandevelde]

If you don't mind shipping it, I have used ohiowatchrepair.com many, many times. Andy does great work. He responds to emails faster than phone calls.