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JustinCNY · 28 June 2011, 03:29 AM

I was digging through my father's watches the other day and noticed his Datejust has a different dial. It's from the late 50s, early 60s. The dial used to be gold with ticks, not roman numerals. I want to restore the watch to its original dial but can't seem to find it. Anyone know where I can get something like this?

slcbbrown · 28 June 2011, 04:09 AM

Are you saying you want to swap dials back to a stick dial that you think was original with this Datejust? If so, stick dials are pretty available and have been the "standard" dial for 50 years. The dial you have in the picture is a beauty. I've been after something like that one.

I'm not a dial expert, but I believe that the white one with roman numerals was correct for the watch and the time period.

drockadam · 28 June 2011, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustinCNY

I was digging through my father's watches the other day and noticed his Datejust has a different dial. It's from the late 50s, early 60s. The dial used to be gold with ticks, not roman numerals. I want to restore the watch to its original dial but can't seem to find it. Anyone know where I can get something like this?

Looks great! My grandfather's watches are all scratched up like that too on the crystal! It gives the watches character!

cedargrove · 28 June 2011, 05:56 AM

Sorry I can't help you on where to get a stick dial, but I will say the one you have is very nice.

JustinCNY · 28 June 2011, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

Are you saying you want to swap dials back to a stick dial that you think was original with this Datejust? If so, stick dials are pretty available and have been the "standard" dial for 50 years. The dial you have in the picture is a beauty. I've been after something like that one.

I'm not a dial expert, but I believe that the white one with roman numerals was correct for the watch and the time period.

Yes my father loves this dial but I was thinking it would be more valuable with the original dial it came with. Don't you think?

He also says the watch hasn't been serviced since the early 80s . Still ticks perfectly to this day. Is that even possible?

Oh yeah and he paid $450. Crazy to think about.

JustinCNY · 28 June 2011, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

Are you saying you want to swap dials back to a stick dial that you think was original with this Datejust? If so, stick dials are pretty available and have been the "standard" dial for 50 years. The dial you have in the picture is a beauty. I've been after something like that one.

I'm not a dial expert, but I believe that the white one with roman numerals was correct for the watch and the time period.

Out of curiosity, what makes you say the dial on the watch is a beauty?

(Excuse the questions, I'm a newly addicted Rolex wearer

)

slcbbrown · 29 June 2011, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustinCNY

Out of curiosity, what makes you say the dial on the watch is a beauty?

(Excuse the questions, I'm a newly addicted Rolex wearer

)

To me, this is a classic watch face (not necessarily for Rolex) used on pocket watches as well as many very fine wristwatches of every brand. One of the popular faces today is the Rolex dial with gold roman numerals. This dial is probably correct for the watch, but I bet you'll never see another one like it--except in pictures.

I'm a fan of the stick dials and consider them technically perfect for telling the time. The hands line up with the sticks for a precise look. I doubt that changing dials will affect the value because this one is probably one of the available options when the watch was sold. If you try to sell it today, I would think the white/romans dial will make your watch stand out from the crowd.

slcbbrown · 29 June 2011, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustinCNY

Yes my father loves this dial but I was thinking it would be more valuable with the original dial it came with. Don't you think?

He also says the watch hasn't been serviced since the early 80s . Still ticks perfectly to this day. Is that even possible?

Oh yeah and he paid $450. Crazy to think about.

My first Rolex was $220 bought 38 years ago through the PX system-- it would have been $440 on the open market. When this watch is serviced, they will replace the crystal and the face will really stand out.

Christiaan · 29 June 2011, 12:08 AM

I would have a full service performed by RSC and leave the dial...

gqllc · 29 June 2011, 12:50 AM

i would have it fully serviced and leave the dial also...TT Datejusts do not have the "collectors" value like some other watches...that dial is very sharp!

HL65 · 29 June 2011, 01:37 AM

Agree with those above!

lhanddds · 29 June 2011, 04:13 AM

Here's mine from 1981, my favorite DJ dial.

kcmo · 29 June 2011, 06:03 AM

Agree that I'd leave the dial as is.....nothing like white roman!!!!! Lovely watch!

JustinCNY · 29 June 2011, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gqllc

i would have it fully serviced and leave the dial also...TT Datejusts do not have the "collectors" value like some other watches...that dial is very sharp!

Good point. Thanks for the advice.

mrbill2mrbill2 · 29 June 2011, 07:38 AM

As said by other posters - don't change the dial.

adamcNY · 29 June 2011, 08:54 AM

this watch is a beauty. keep the dial as is.

rolexsweep · 29 June 2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamcNY

this watch is a beauty. keep the dial as is.

Agreed

reecester · 29 June 2011, 05:13 PM

I want one!

The Joker · 29 June 2011, 06:55 PM

That watch is a beauty and I love that dial, I wouldn't change it.

Stick up some pics if you get it serviced so we can see before and after.

28 June 2011, 03:29 AM	#1
JustinCNY Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 35	Datejust with different dial I was digging through my father's watches the other day and noticed his Datejust has a different dial. It's from the late 50s, early 60s. The dial used to be gold with ticks, not roman numerals. I want to restore the watch to its original dial but can't seem to find it. Anyone know where I can get something like this? Attached Images

29 June 2011, 12:08 AM	#9
Christiaan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Christiaan Location: Fort Mill, SC Watch: 67' Breitling Navi Posts: 1,617	I would have a full service performed by RSC and leave the dial... __________________ "Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities" Frank Lloyd Wright. "For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been and there you will long to return." DaVinci

29 June 2011, 12:50 AM	#10
gqllc "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Steve Location: Albany NY Watch: Blue Bezel SubC Posts: 1,511	i would have it fully serviced and leave the dial also...TT Datejusts do not have the "collectors" value like some other watches...that dial is very sharp! __________________ K-TT Datejust, Random Blue Bezel SubC

29 June 2011, 01:37 AM	#11
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,008	Agree with those above! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

29 June 2011, 04:13 AM	#12
lhanddds Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA Watch: of course Posts: 8,429	Here's mine from 1981, my favorite DJ dial. Attached Images

28 June 2011, 04:09 AM	#2
slcbbrown "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: steve Location: dallas area Watch: 50's TT t-bird Posts: 3,689	Are you saying you want to swap dials back to a stick dial that you think was original with this Datejust? If so, stick dials are pretty available and have been the "standard" dial for 50 years. The dial you have in the picture is a beauty. I've been after something like that one. I'm not a dial expert, but I believe that the white one with roman numerals was correct for the watch and the time period.

28 June 2011, 05:56 AM	#4
cedargrove "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Rich Location: Canada Watch: Milgauss, GMT IIc Posts: 3,013	Sorry I can't help you on where to get a stick dial, but I will say the one you have is very nice.

29 June 2011, 06:03 AM	#13
kcmo "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: Karis Location: USA Posts: 19,377	Agree that I'd leave the dial as is.....nothing like white roman!!!!! Lovely watch!

29 June 2011, 07:38 AM	#15
mrbill2mrbill2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Mr. Bill Location: South Florida Watch: 16610 Posts: 6,148	As said by other posters - don't change the dial. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of the Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons - ID # 13

29 June 2011, 08:54 AM	#16
adamcNY "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: United States Posts: 12	this watch is a beauty. keep the dial as is.

29 June 2011, 05:13 PM	#18
reecester "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New York Posts: 401	I want one!

29 June 2011, 06:55 PM	#19
The Joker "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Gotham Posts: 9,641	That watch is a beauty and I love that dial, I wouldn't change it. Stick up some pics if you get it serviced so we can see before and after.

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