What is an Aftermarket Rolex dial? Complete Guide
When browsing Rolex watches, chances are you have some time come across the term “aftermarket dial”. Chances are, that’s why you are here. But what is an aftermarket Rolex dial?
The answer is that an aftermarket Rolex dial is a custom-made dial that is not made by Rolex. Let’s look closer at what it actually means.
Aftermarket Rolex dials
Aftermarket Rolex dials are dials that have not been manufactured by Rolex. They are third-party dials made by anyone else by Rolex or in the Rolex factory. The reason that aftermarket Rolex dials exist is that it gives people the opportunity to get exactly the dial design that they want and not be limited by the designs that Rolex makes. Aftermarket dials can come in all kinds of different designs and colors. In general, Rolex has a very limited selection of dials for its models. And if you want something
Moreover, an aftermarket dial can be an affordable way to get access to a sought-after Rolex dial but without having to pay the hefty premium for one. For example, if you really love the Daytona 116508 with the green dial but don’t want to pay the tens of thousands in premium, some people opt for an aftermarket green dial. This allows them to give their watch the look of one in a more accessible and affordable way.
Original green dial 116508
Technically, anything that has the Rolex logo on it and isn’t made by Rolex is fake. Therefore, the topic of aftermarket dials can sometimes be controversial. Naturally, the most devoted collectors and enthusiasts are generally not fans of aftermarket Rolex dials as they are not “factory”. As for most collector’s items, these individuals want their watches to be 100% original. For this reason, the value of a watch with an aftermarket dial will be negatively affected.
But shall you, for example, choose to sell your watch, removing the aftermarket dial and replacing it with an original dial is a rather easy thing to do. And this is something that is also advised to do. An aftermarket dial is not a permanent modification such as aftermarket gemstones.
Aftermarket vs custom Rolex dials
Aftermarket and custom are two words that are oftentimes used interchangeably when talking about Rolex dials. But they do not have to be the same thing. What makes it complicated is that people use these terms with different meanings. You will likely get different answers depending on who you ask. But regardless, we can say that an aftermarket Rolex dial is one that is not 100% original/factory in one way or another.
One user on Rolexforums said:
“It means the dial wasn’t made by Rolex, but by some other company, and was installed by a non-authorized watchmaker.”
Another user said:
“Or that the dial is original Rolex, but may have been refinished or diamonds added. It is a pretty loose term and many sellers on eBay will skirt the issue.”
So as you can see, the term is used rather loosely in the industry and may have different meanings to different people.
For example, an aftermarket Rolex dial will always be a non-factory Rolex dial. In other words, a dial that has not been manufactured by Rolex. However, a custom Rolex dial may be a completely original Rolex dial, only that it has been customized in one way or another. For example, it may have had diamonds added to it, or been repainted to get a different color. At its core, it can therefore be an original dial but may have a slightly (or considerably) different design.
Therefore, it’s important to distinguish between aftermarket and custom. On the contrary, when talking about other things, for example, a watch in general, it may have aftermarket diamonds but is completely authentic. In this case, the diamonds may just be referred to as a custom Rolex watch.
It’s important to pay attention to how people use the terms, especially when you are buying a watch. Always try to understand what each seller means by these terms. Some people may say “custom” and mean that it is customized but still an original Rolex dial at its core. Or, they may mean that it is a custom dial that is not an original Rolex dial at all. You may decide to buy a watch even though it has an aftermarket or custom dial, but the most important thing is that you know what you are actually buying.
Moreover, even if the plate of the dial is original, the customization of the dial will most likely have a negative effect on the value. If it has been gem-set or repainted, it will be difficult (likely impossible) to restore it to its original condition. Therefore, most people will likely view it as a non-original dial regardless.
On aftermarket dials, you can usually notice differences in quality and finishing. Naturally, Rolex is the company that will uphold the strictest and best quality of its products. Quality and finish that any other will struggle to replicate. Therefore, aftermarket dials can usually be identified by things like the quality of the dial print, the quality of the diamonds, the finishing of the hour markers, and so on.
Aftermarket parts during service
Aftermarket parts can cause issues with your watch if you send it to Rolex to have it serviced. If you send your Rolex watch with an aftermarket dial to Rolex, they will confiscate the dial as it is not original. therefore, if you have an aftermarket dial, make sure you have it serviced by an independent watchmaker – or change the dial to a 100% original one before you send it to Rolex.
