New dial for anniversary gift

[kmdintx]

I want to buy my husband a new dial for his Datejust. If a seller says it will fit a model 16233 (which is what he has), will the dial work or is there something else I need to be aware of? Is it a fairly straightforward thing for a watch repairman to replace the dial? Any recommendations for a repair person in the Houston area?

I'm sure you can tell that I'm new to all of this. Hopefully my questions make sense. Everyone here seems so knowledgeable - thanks in advance for any input.

Kim

[ed54]

I'm also looking to change the dial on my datejust. It's my understanding that dials are interchangeable within the datejusts of 1980s through about 2005, after which they went to the 116233 with a different dial design. So it should be OK as long as it's good for 16233, my 16234, etc.
Note that Rolex service has limitations on what they will install- it must have been offered originally for the 16233 model. And they take the old dial in exchange.
I'm going to use an independent watchmaker so I can keep the original dial if I want to restore the watch at some point.
I haven't bought the dial I want yet, so I haven't proved out my plan.
Ed

[kmdintx]

Thanks for the info. I really don't want to give up my original dial because it was my wedding gift to him. I guess I need to look for an independent watchmaker. Any recommendations in the Houston area?

Thanks,
Kim