Aftermarket dials are replacement dials put into the watch to repair it. Aftermarket dials are not like Rolex dials, as an authentic Rolex dealer does not repair them. On the other hand, service dials are replaced by a genuine Rolex dealer. After I’ve done my research, I have learned important information about Rolex and aftermarket dials.
With both service and aftermarket dials, the watch’s value declines significantly. Watch collectors are more likely to purchase an original vintage watch with intact parts. Some Rolex dials are more valuable than others.
Whether you want to pay to have your watch serviced or repaired with an aftermarket dial is up to you. Whatever you decide, make sure that the parts come from a legitimate vendor. Read on and find out more about Rolex service and aftermarket dials.
What Does “Aftermarket” Mean?
The term aftermarket refers to any Rolex that has been altered and not repaired by a certified Rolex dealer. An example would be if you had been swimming and the crown was left open; it would damage the watch’s dial.
Your watch would still be a genuine Rolex if you took it to an actual Rolex dealer to have it fixed. However, if you take it to someone who is not an official Rolex dealer to be fixed, this will make the watch’s dial an aftermarket dial.
As a result, the entire watch would be considered aftermarket. Any changes made to the watch are typically considered aftermarket because Rolex dealers do not perform alterations to watches that are not a component of their original model.
This alteration renders the person dependent on an outside source to repair the watch, making it aftermarket. You have to understand many things about aftermarket watches before you take them to be altered.
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Should You Render Your Watch Aftermarket?
The best thing about aftermarket watches is that you can customize them to suit your taste and preferences. You can get a black dial or an extravagant dial to show off if you want.
This change could save you money because you would not have to purchase a more expensive version of the original watch. Rolex makes different dials that are deemed genuine Rolexes because they come from its factories.
Some of the Rolex styles of dials are more expensive than others. You can choose to make your watch an aftermarket watch by purchasing a piece that can go on the watch but is not Rolex certified.
What Are the Disadvantages of Aftermarket Dials?
A significant disadvantage of altering your Rolex is that you void the warranty, especially if you do it soon after purchase. You could, however, buy a pre-owned watch that has previously been customized.
Pre-owned watches and jewelry marketplaces typically offer short warranties on items separate from the original manufacturer’s warranties, which would provide you with some guarantee on the watch.
If you sell the watch, the value will decrease because of the already customized piece installed.
This replacement will ultimately cost you more than if you had just purchased an original Rolex. Be careful who you buy from because certain people or places can rip you off.
They could say that an aftermarket Rolex is a genuine Rolex and switch the parts with cheaper pieces. They may present it as an original Rolex watch.
Only give your business to those places that authenticate their watches and are truthful about every aftermarket part installed in their watches.
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What is a Service Dial?
A service dial is a replacement dial, which a genuine Rolex dealer often puts in. Rolex themselves replace any damaged parts on the watch. If your watch is a vintage Rolex, the color may fade, or there may even be rust or tarnishing.
Rolex wants the watch to be fresh and in good condition for many years to come. To be clear, Rolex does not repair old dials. They do, however, replace them with new ones.
Even though replaced by a reputable Rolex dealer, service dials will still bring down the watch’s value. Collectors are more interested in timepieces that have all their original parts. Also, you may not get the original dial back after it is serviced.
A service dial is much cheaper than an original vintage Rolex dial. Vintage dials are more attractive to collectors because only a certain amount of them exist.
What About Dial Production?
Rolex makes almost every part of their watch in-house. The company has a few different sites in Switzerland, and each place is specialized for a specific part of the watch. The Rolex Chene Bourg factory works on the production of dials and gem settings.
These dials are mostly made carefully by hand. There are a few exclusions, which include materials such as mother of pearl or hard stones. Most Rolex dials are created from brass. The dial markers are made from 18 karat gold, inhibiting any tarnishing.
Some of the different ways Rolex makes their dials include the following:
Standard Dials
I’ve found that standard dials are the most frequently used dials for Rolex watches. The dial plates are made from brass. These dials come in many different colors. These include the following:
- Black
- White
- Silver
- Green
- Blue
- Purple
- Yellow
Another option is a Day-Date 40, which has decorative patterns like striped and crosshatched.
Gem Set Dials
Gem set dials are created by the company’s gem-setting department. They also source precious stones. They include the following:
- Rubies
- Diamonds
- Sapphires
- Emeralds
The watches with gems on their dials are primarily from their more elite collection. However, the Rolex company will sometimes adorn their sportier watches with a lovely assembly of gems as well. Some of the types of watches that Rolex garnishes with gems include the following:
- Day-Date
- Datejust
- Pearlmaster
- Daytona
- Submariner
- GMT-Master
Gem-set Rolex dials can be all decked out with gems, or they can be lightly accented gem sets on the watch.
Concentric Dials
Concentric dials appear as circular patterns, and some simple models display a repeating circular design from the middle out. These dials bring a touch of character and depth to the face of the watch. The concentric dial is often a broad circle in the middle of the dial.
Decorated Mother of Pearl
Mother of Pearl dials are unique dials typically seen in everything from Datejust watches for women to Pearlmaster watches. The dial features Roman numerals in gold, giving the timepiece a classy, upscale appeal.
Sunbeam Dials
The Sunbeam pattern gives this simple-looking watch an exciting twist. It is accented with Roman or Arabic hour markers in metal. These dials are seen in Datejust watches, and they will take an understated appearance to a dressed-up look.
Logo Dials
Logo dials are co-branded dials represented by company’s other than Rolex. Many successful corporations participate.
Logo dials can be stamped with the Tiffany & Company logo to signify that the vintage Rolex watches were sold at Tiffany stores. There are also COMEX dials found on certain Rolex watches.
Rolex also specializes in customizing dials in watches for some Middle Eastern royals and governments. Even some Rolex watches have the Domino’s logo on them. Domino’s gives them as rewards for franchises who accomplish their weekly target numbers.
Wood Dials
Wood dials result from experimentation with more complex and attractive dials. These dials are rare and made from burl wood. A burl is a growth or knot on a tree, which is considered a distortion, and it creates unique wood grain patterns.
Textured Dials
Rolex also likes to experiment with different textured dials and use various colors and materials. Some of the textured dials include the following:
- Houndstooth
- Geometric honeycomb
- Pyramid
- Linen
Beautiful patterns such as flowers and butterflies on certain Rolex watches add a nice feminine touch.
Conclusion
Aftermarket dials can cause adverse effects on the value of the dial and even the watch entirely. Aftermarket dials also void the warranty on the watch.
If you are looking to replace the dial on your watch, it is best to seek a place that will offer you an authentic service dial, as an actual Rolex dealer replaces it. The dial is the most important part of the watch, and you want it to stand the test of time.