Dial Exchange 15200

[capitanfrugales]

I own a 1999 SS 15200 Date model with silver dial. For better legibility I want to replace its silver dial with a black dial.

I now run into Rolex's exchange policy: thou shalt not retain what thou legally ownest, but thou shalt surrender silver dial to obtain black dial, thus, thou shalt be forced to obtain black dial from exactly the source we wish to discourage with our policy: Chinese knock-offs!

I may change my mind after the dial exchange, and, should I wish to go back to silver, find it counterproductive to give up my legally owned dial, just so that Rolex scores a nominal win in its losing battle with forgers.

Bottom line: where can I obtain a genuine Rolex-made black dial-new or used- for my 34mm model, so I can have it installed by a (non-Rolex-authorized) watchmaker?

I have enclosed pictures of the same watch with the two different dial colors. The silver-dialed watch on the left is actually mine.

Thanks,
CF

[ptugolf]

The blue dial looks cool too.

[Casey VP-26]

As I am writing this I am holding a 15200 with a silver dial in my hand and must say it is one good looking watch as is yours in the picture, I have also owned one with a blue dial and much prefer the silver dial. As for legibility that is your call. Good Luck.

[kingwish]

Originally Posted by ptugolf

The blue dial looks cool too.

X2 I have that one.

[Wineman]

I did this with my Datejust. I sourced an OEM Rolex dial on the internet from a trusted source, purchased it and had it shipped to me, and then had a watchmaker install it. I went from silver stick dial to the tuxedo style gray and silver with the luminous indices.

Being in Los Angeles, it was pretty easy for me to find a Rolex certified watchmaker to do the replacement work and for not too much money. The work was great and I now have BOTH dials. I too did not want to send my watch to Rolex to have them confiscate my dial during the replacement, plus I am sure it would have cost a LOT more. So it can be done. I will try to find the guy I bought the dial from. Can you email me at "[email protected]" to ask for the guys website? That way I will remember.

Good Luck,

Gary

[capitanfrugales]

I am sure I can find a qualified installer (though the authorized Rolex repairman in town refuses to do the exchange).

My larger problem: sourcing the dial.
You mention "I sourced an OEM Rolex dial on the internet from a trusted source". Who might that be? A couple more names would help.

Thanks,
CF

P.S.: Yes, I agree- mine is a fine-looking, elegantly simple watch... except the legibility for my aged eyes is noticeably better with silver hands on a black dial (see picture)- even better than my (exchanged) black hands on the original silver dial on the left.