Is it evil to do this to a vintage Rolex?

YVR785
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Larry S Larry S
Indeed … by the time an independent is done with this beyond movement service, you are closing in on what the crown is quoting. It’s too bad about the stain ( just noticed the better pics) .. That stain means that this watch was neglected and is in urgent need of an overhaul.
Watch was overhauled by Rolex in 2017 so the stain is only cosmetic now.

Given the feedback, I’m thinking the best plan of action here is to find a service dial and hands online and have them swapped locally.
 
Dan S
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YVR785 YVR785
Watch was overhauled by Rolex in 2017 so the stain is only cosmetic now.

Given the feedback, I’m thinking the best plan of action here is to find a service dial and hands online and have them swapped locally.
I agree with this. Either a service dial/hands, or period-correct replacements. Instead of eBay, I would contact some of the well-known Rolex parts suppliers on IG, like Nick Gogas.
 
Foo2rama
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If you’re not going to wear it and keep it in the family. I see no issue replacing the dial and putting it to a place in which it will be worn.

Make it part of the family history and go with what you like.

I do highly suggest period correct tritium replacements as it will look odd without them.
 
YVR785
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Dan S Dan S
I agree with this. Either a service dial/hands, or period-correct replacements. Instead of eBay, I would contact some of the well-known Rolex parts suppliers on IG, like Nick Gogas.
I’ll check him out, but how really bad is eBay? Listings look legit, just wondering if it’s easy to get burned on there.
 
Dan S
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YVR785 YVR785
I’ll check him out, but how really bad is eBay? Listings look legit, just wondering if it’s easy to get burned on there.
If you know enough to distinguish a legit dial from a fake, from photos posted on eBay, then you should be fine. The aftermarket Rolex parts market is huge, and eBay feedback means nothing any more. There are tons of fake Rolex parts, represented as legit, changing hands every day, with the buyer never knowing any better.

Of course, if you don't know any better, maybe it doesn't matter. Very philosophical question.
 
Larry S
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YVR785 YVR785
I’ll check him out, but how really bad is eBay? Listings look legit, just wondering if it’s easy to get burned on there.
The crown did and continues to offer this model with lots of custom options. Should not be hard to find a legit source of parts. That said … since you mentioned that the works have been serviced and sealed. I love the patina and might just be able to ignore water stain. No rush to get this right IMO.
 
southtexas
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Larry S Larry S
Indeed … by the time an independent is done with this beyond movement service, you are closing in on what the crown is quoting. It’s too bad about the stain ( just noticed the better pics) .. That stain means that this watch was neglected and is in urgent need of an overhaul.
disagree. you can get a mint original dial for a few hundred dollars with hands. An independent service should run ~$500 (with a few usual parts included). Way under what RSC would charge.
Edited:
 
spacemission
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If rolex serviced it in 2017 they would like to do it again. However it is a matter of discussing it, try to tell them that you want to change the dial.

If it's not possible, enjoy that datejust with the original dial.
 
Larry S
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southtexas southtexas
disagree. you can get a mint original dial for a few hundred dollars with hands. An independent service should run ~$500 (with a few usual parts included). Way under what RSC would charge.
My comment precedes the OP stating that the watch was successfully serviced. Shop I use would charge about what you reference.
 
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