Advice on dials please

[Paul211]

Hello all

I'm new on the forum and have a few questions. First off, a few dial questions.

About 5 years ago it was my wife's birthday and we were looking in the window of a London jeweller and she liked the look of a Rolex model 79160. SO we bought it from the dealer, new with all box, papers etc. She loved the look of it.

Initially, there was an issue with the dial having luminous squares for some of the numbers but the hands having only tiny luminous strips that do not glow at all. We took it to Rolex in London who said there had been a few issues and they would change the hands. We collected it a few days later and it has been just the same. I am surprised at Rolex designing a watch with that issue - they are normally so practical.

After a couple of years she mentioned it is hard to read the salmon dial with gold coloured hands. I offered to get the dial changed but she said no for sentimental reasons.

Now the watch is maybe due for service she has agreed to have the dial changed at the same time for a more readable combination of hands and dial colour. However, she only wants the dial and hands changed if Rolex will return the original items as they are considered of sentimental value. Will Rolex be prepared to do that?

Also, I discovered that the winder seems to have a lot of backlash so that it is difficult to set the time accurately as the hands move when you push the crown back in. Is that a feature of the 79160 or is this something that would get fixed at service? (My 30 year old submariner has no backlash).

We are in London next week so thinking of calling on Rolex and would value any advice on this matter, and maybe what combination of dial/hand colours to go for to provide practical easy to read.

Do they service on site in London or do they all go to Bexley? Is it better to post to Bexley or take it there. (I posted mine to Bexley some years ago) but am nervous to post these days. I have heard it said that it is better to send to Bexley than London, any truth in that?

Thanks, all views appreciated.

Paul