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KenBer · 25 July 2015, 12:33 AM

I have a 36mm stainless model 16030 datejust with a 3035 movement (attached). I need to get some work done on the movement and I'm figuring while its being repaired I'll also do some upgrades. I'm looking to modernize this a bit.

First: I've scratched up too many acrylic crystals so I really want to upgrade to a sapphire crystal. Will an original Rolex sapphire crystal work for this (since it originally had acrylic) or will I need to use some type of aftermarket? Is it worth the cost for an original Rolex? If aftermarket, does anyone have recommendations on where to get a good one? (I'd really hate to just blindly buy from the 'bay/web). Or, should I just get whoever repairs/does the upgrades to get it?

Second: I want to change my silver dial to a black dial. (Similar to the attached pictures). What guidance does everyone have regarding should I buy a new/used original Rolex dial, buy an already refinished dial and sell mine, or just have someone refinish my dial? Do the refinished dials really look pristine and OEM like the originals? Any thoughts and recommendations for who to buy from or do this work?

Lastly: Recommendations for who I should get to service my movement. I absolutely want original Rolex parts for that. I'm not too concerned about the cosmetics - but the internal mechanics are a different story. Ideally I would like to find someone/some place to do everything, but I can break it up if needed. I was leaning towards Jack at IWW, but I'm not sure if he does the dial refinishing...

Pre-Thanks for all your help!!!

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KenBer · 28 July 2015, 08:55 AM

Nothing?

NKflyer · 30 July 2015, 11:39 PM

Most folks here would recommend that you keep the acrylic crystal to maintain originality and the vintage vibe of the watch. There is a product called "polywatch" which can be applied to the acrylic crystal periodically to remove scratches, even fairly large ones. If you decide to retrofit a sapphire crystal anyway, the aftermarket is your only option. I'm sure your watchmaker could recommend a vendor.

As far as the dial, definitely go with a authentic Rolex dial that hasn't been refinished. Datejust dials are very common and very reasonably priced. You won't save much by getting a resprayed dial and the original will look so much better.

bletch · 31 July 2015, 10:13 PM

Would it maybe be better to sell the one you have and buy a more modern one that has the dial and sapphire crystal, then you will not have the concern of a watch fitted with parts not designed for it...Just my opinion

25 July 2015, 12:33 AM	#1
KenBer "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Westminster Posts: 2	Suggestions for datejust replacement dial/refinish and a sapphire crystal? I have a 36mm stainless model 16030 datejust with a 3035 movement (attached). I need to get some work done on the movement and I'm figuring while its being repaired I'll also do some upgrades. I'm looking to modernize this a bit. First: I've scratched up too many acrylic crystals so I really want to upgrade to a sapphire crystal. Will an original Rolex sapphire crystal work for this (since it originally had acrylic) or will I need to use some type of aftermarket? Is it worth the cost for an original Rolex? If aftermarket, does anyone have recommendations on where to get a good one? (I'd really hate to just blindly buy from the 'bay/web). Or, should I just get whoever repairs/does the upgrades to get it? Second: I want to change my silver dial to a black dial. (Similar to the attached pictures). What guidance does everyone have regarding should I buy a new/used original Rolex dial, buy an already refinished dial and sell mine, or just have someone refinish my dial? Do the refinished dials really look pristine and OEM like the originals? Any thoughts and recommendations for who to buy from or do this work? Lastly: Recommendations for who I should get to service my movement. I absolutely want original Rolex parts for that. I'm not too concerned about the cosmetics - but the internal mechanics are a different story. Ideally I would like to find someone/some place to do everything, but I can break it up if needed. I was leaning towards Jack at IWW, but I'm not sure if he does the dial refinishing... Pre-Thanks for all your help!!! Rolex-2.jpg $_1.JPG 2624099_xxl.jpg

28 July 2015, 08:55 AM	#2
KenBer "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Westminster Posts: 2	Nothing?

30 July 2015, 11:39 PM	#3
NKflyer "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Real Name: Richard Location: Colorado Posts: 2,834	Most folks here would recommend that you keep the acrylic crystal to maintain originality and the vintage vibe of the watch. There is a product called "polywatch" which can be applied to the acrylic crystal periodically to remove scratches, even fairly large ones. If you decide to retrofit a sapphire crystal anyway, the aftermarket is your only option. I'm sure your watchmaker could recommend a vendor. As far as the dial, definitely go with a authentic Rolex dial that hasn't been refinished. Datejust dials are very common and very reasonably priced. You won't save much by getting a resprayed dial and the original will look so much better.

31 July 2015, 10:13 PM	#4
bletch "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: London Watch: 16660 Posts: 104	Would it maybe be better to sell the one you have and buy a more modern one that has the dial and sapphire crystal, then you will not have the concern of a watch fitted with parts not designed for it...Just my opinion

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