Replacing the Dial on Your Watch
While the easiest way to customize a watch is to get a new strap or bracelet, the dial is the next big change. However, a dial change is not something that can be done at home. You do need the help of the experts. If you are living in Dubai, you can bring your watch to ChronoStreet, where dial change starts at just AED 375 provided you bring your own dial. But if you cannot find one yourself, we can help you get one.
Why Change the Dial?
Changing a dial can bring a massive difference to the way your watch looks. Take a Rolex Oyster Perpetual or a Datejust, for instance. Suppose you own a Datejust with a classic black dial. Though black looks classy, it can become boring to look at. By swapping it for a blue dial, you could entirely revamp its look, aligning it more with your preferences.
Besides just getting a new look, you can even use this to make your watch look more expensive than it is. Take the Rolex Oyster Perptual as an example here. Let’s say you have one with a Black or Silver dial. Those are basic colors and a OP41 with Black or Silver dial can be found in the secondary market for around AED 35,000. You can get an aftermarket Tourquoise Blue dial for your watch and now your watch looks to be worth over AED 70,000, or double its value with the original dial.
However, do keep in mind that if you get an aftermarket dial installed, you will not get the same value for your watch as a factory dial watch would get. So, this dial change is not to increase the value of your watch but it is to just get you that more expensive option at about half the price.
Things to look for when changing a dial
The most important thing to look for while going for a dial change is the compatibility. Many people believe that if they just match the size of the dial, that should be enough. But that is not the case. The year of your watch or the reference number can play a major role here. For example, a dial designed for the AP 15510ST might not fit on a AP 15500ST. Even though both the watches mentioned here share the same case size and design.
Also Read: Frankenstein Watches: What Is It & Why You Should Be Careful
Besides the compatibility, you should also know what you are getting into. There are both original dials and aftermarket dial options available. While there is nothing wrong in getting an aftermarket one, just make sure you don’t pay the price of an original one only to get your hands on an aftermarket one. Hence, do consult an expert before going ahead with the purchase of a new dial.
Dial Change: What makes it a curse?
Just like every customization involving opening the watch, this one also carries its own set of risks. If your watch is brand new, changing the dial can void the warranty. So make sure you take the decision of changing the dial only after the warranty period has ended.
While replacing a dial with an original one is acceptable, it does deviate from how the watch initially left the factory. This can be potentially deceiving for buyers, particularly in the pre-owned market. A watch that has had its dial swapped, even with an original dial, is no longer in its original condition as sold by the manufacturer. This alteration can affect the watch’s authenticity and value.
Moreover, the risk of counterfeit dials is always there. These fake dials are getting really good making it much harder to differentiate between an original one and a fake one.
