Source for Replacement Dial for Rolex?

ErVikingo · 07-01-2009, 10:33 AM

Gents,

I need to replace the dial on an Oyster Perpetual Datejust, black dial with "sticks" (rather than roman or arabic numbers).

Where can I get one? Its my dad's watch.

Thanks, Juan

Jim Sims · 07-01-2009, 10:41 AM

Try sending it to an authorized Rolex repair facility. If you let a "hack" work on it Rolex is likely to refuse to do any future service or repairs.

RPKESQ · 07-01-2009, 10:43 AM

Try: http://www.ofrei.com/

I repair Swiss watches as a hobby and have had good luck with these people in the States. When I am in France, I just pop over to Swizerland (2 hours drive) to pick up the parts I need.

Joeaksa · 07-01-2009, 02:25 PM

Better bend over and grab your ankles very well before sending the watch to a Rolex dealer.

I have used them for years but now have found a retired watchmaker who has worked on them for years. It used to cost me over $500 each just to open up the puppy at Rolex but now this guy cleans and goes through my watches for $175. Reminds me, I have to get a couple over to him right now for some service.

Rolex has for the last 3-5 years stopped supplying parts and tools for the watches, trying to make servicing them a "dealer"only option. Its not been viewed by the Rolex owners as a good thing.

piscator · 07-01-2009, 02:28 PM

I have one. It's in my desk somewhere. I bought and then decided on white instead. If you're interested I'll look for it.

piscator

M.D. Holloway · 07-01-2009, 05:44 PM

I'm not so certain they will change it. If the numbers don't match the style they will not make changes to the watch - they will repair and replace with same style though.

fingpilot · 07-01-2009, 06:05 PM

My Rolex Oyster Perpetual was $75 in Times Square several years ago.

I had no idea it cost that much to repair them.

Joeaksa · 07-01-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingpilot

My Rolex Oyster Perpetual was $75 in Times Square several years ago.

I had no idea it cost that much to repair them.

Not sure that I would sent THAT one in to Rolex for repair or servicing!

javadog · 07-01-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LubeMaster77

I'm not so certain they will change it. If the numbers don't match the style they will not make changes to the watch - they will repair and replace with same style though.

Rolex will change a dial, if the new one is one that would have been available on the watch originally. There are many variations in dials available for each model.

As an example, I have a dial on one of my watches that wasn't available when I bought the watch in 1982, but it became an option in the late 90's, so Rolex has no problem with it being used.

If you source a dial from someone outside the dealer network, at least make sure it is a Rolex dial and not an aftermarket copy, or a real Rolex dial that has been reworked into something different by an aftermarket company.

JR

ErVikingo · 07-02-2009, 05:34 AM

Thanks guys. A good friend used to work for Rolex's repair shop but does not have access to parts.

Rolex quoted $1000 to fix this which I think its not reasonable. The problem is that one of the "legs" on the dial apparently broke and the dial moves.

javadog · 07-02-2009, 05:56 AM

When you say "Rolex" quoted you a price, was that a Rolex service center quoting to you directly, or did you get the price from a dealer?

JR

ErVikingo · 07-02-2009, 05:58 AM

Sorry, one of the local dealers (Majors Jewelers)

javadog · 06:15 AM

You'll get a better price, usually, by dealing with Rolex at one of their national service centers. You send them the watch, they will open it up, determine everything that is needed and quote you a price. If you want it done, they'll do it; if not, they'll close it up and send it back to you.

Some of the things on their list will be required, in order for the watch to be returned operating properly and sealed properly, some will be optional. I typically spend between $400 and $500, which includes complete disaasembly of the watch; cleaning, lubing, reassembling and regulating the movement; refinishing of the case and bracelet, new crown, crown tube, gaskets, etc.; a new crystal (if it is an older watch) and sundry other items.

When I get the watch back, it looks and runs like a new one.

Here's a description of the process: http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/service.html

JR

ErVikingo · 07-02-2009, 06:14 AM

Many thanks JR; I'll try that better.

javadog · 07-02-2009, 06:16 AM

Take a look at the link I added above. Note that if you do have to purchse a new dial, you will be spending more money. The estimate will be itemized, so you will at least know what each thing costs.

JR

Joeaksa · 07-02-2009, 06:22 AM

Juan,

JR is right, many dealers just send the watch into the Rolex repair center, then when its done tack on their "handling charge" when all they did is mail it in.

If you go direct you can save this charge.

Joe A

ErVikingo · 07-02-2009, 06:50 AM

! That is what they do, I have done it in the past just to have a local person I can go back to.

I'll do that. I'm calling the repair center in NY.