Tropical dial or new dial
Hi Crunchers.
About a year ago I had my Royal Oak (1997) serviced. At that time AP asked if I wanted to have the dial replaced. I said no. I kind of like the discoloration. Collectors call these dials ‘tropical dails’. On the other hand a prestine dial is beautiful too. Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing.
And … I believe some collectors only collect original pieces - only collect pieces with original dials. A new dial would make the he watch a bit less valuable. I’m not selling so this is not an argument in my situation.
What would you do?
In the second photo the discoloration is more visable.
Love to walk (a lot!) and a watch enthusiast for over 25 years. Here to connect and learn. And if I'm lucky to share. Sold all my (18) watches about 12 years ago to finance our plans. Now slowly build...
Keep it original. Whoever inherits it 50 years from now will appreciate that.
I’d probably keep it original
Keep the original dial. It'll look even more amazing in another 30 years and God forbid if you have to sell it one with a tropical dial will sell for more money.
There’s a romance to a faded dial like that. On the other hand who doesn’t like shiny and new?
I think I’d keep the old dial but perhaps the day would come when I decide otherwise. The thing about keeping it as is, you can still change it. Once you change it I don’t know if you’ll be able to change it back.
Keep it as it is for sure. A reminder that it’s grown and matured with you. No one likes a face lift
I like the the tropical dial looks and would not change it. It makes the watch unique and gives it a bit of extra character.
Tropical dials are cool. I would have the dial replaced and wear the new. I would keep the old dial and let it patina. That way you have the best of both worlds.
Yours is still good enough. I would only replace it once it starts looking ugly.
Tropical dial is overrated in my opinion. It seems I think a little differently from most watch enthusiasts. I once kept a vintage car, the idea of keeping patina/dints would be like keeping rust and dents on that car. To me, it's more "original" (like vintage cars) if it looks as if rolled out of the factory (as long as it had the right parts). Thus, I in past had a patina'd rolex overhauled. Just go with your gut, the aesthetic you prefer.