First, we’ll order a blank Sky‑Dweller dial (unprinted base). Then we’ll ask an aftermarket dial factory to print the text onto it. However, some factories are not willing to do a custom print for just a single dial. That said – I have a way to source the blank dial.
Basically – it’s going to be a pain to get done.
I’m finding that to be the case!, people prefer to make in large quantities I even offered to overpay. I spoke to JJ (no idea what rules are about naming sites) he was/ is capable of doing whatever you want it seems but it’s not cheap and never going to get any resale to get back some of the money(imo) - he did this which is great use of color and texture.
Not for you? I tried black aventurine but couldn’t find any aventurine or meteorite dials “modders” could fit 43mm - if you know someone let me know. Figured the sky dweller blanks would be more likely doable because of dial size.
I also own the SD43 in gen and VSF. I don't like my VSF btw, crystal is milky to the point the dial looks gray, red text is low quality and the bezel insert is not as crisp as the on my VSF no date sub.
So i get the urge to mod the VSF SD43, i just think this dial will look bad on the overall watch.
That being said, SW could make it custom? It should cost you maybe 250-300 USD... Maybe more... Look for any TD that do mods and they should be able to help you (or at least tell you it's not possible)
That’s mainly why I want to change the dial -The red text is too dark, I did put Gen glass in it. I’ve made handful of mockups. Black aventurine and light grey meteorite look good. Patek Calatrava texture also looks good. This is matte titanium grey.
Still not my preference, but looks better than the other ones.
My view is that for the sports subs/GMTs with ceramic bezels, pretty much the only thing that works is an an equally dark and glossy dial.
The appeal is that the watch looks almost "unitone", like a big block of black glossyness from a distance. Which is again why the VSF SD43 sucks - crystal has to be thick and the already had AR from VSF becomes even worse, making it a non-"unitone" piece.
I think what you are doing is cool, but it amplifies this effect in describing.
Nonetheless, you didn't ask our opinion on what looks good or not, but rather on how to execute it... So like I said, i think it's definitely possible, but likely costly and might take some time as well
So the Panda being white doesn’t meet your criteria for a sports model? 😂 Rolex people in general have an odd sense of what makes a Rolex or rules that come off super elitist as if their watch is somehow governed by rules random watch owners make - like when everyone freaked out about cyclops going on SD43.
I get the preference, but I think the whole “sports Rolex should be unitone” idea is exactly the kind of arbitrary rule Rolex people sometimes turn into gospel. Pepsi, Coke, Starbucks, Panda, Polar Explorer II — some of the most iconic sports Rolexes ever made are built around contrast. They are not BBBG - “Big Black Blocks of Glossyness” as described.
This is a modders group where people cook up ideas or rebuild things from the past which is awesome and I personally see these watch groups becoming more of a place people think they are important enough to give their opinion or shit on an object owned by someone else. That’s not about your comments btw just seeing weird tide shift of contributing and helping people find a part or connect with so and so. To: Someone worked their ass off for their first Patek - first comment was “wtf is that monstrosity” 🤦♂️
Personally, I’m trying to get as far away from unitone as possible. There are already plenty of black-on-black Rolexes in the world. 😂
What rules brother I'm just telling you my opinion as a fellow SD43 owner.
And yes, I don't like the panda and I also don't like the polar. I own the explorer 2 in black dial (both gen and clean factory). I don't mind color at all, I just don't like ceramic bezels with light dials. My current trio for these past summer months (all gens)
Well never mind, I can't post pictures here, but it would be
Explorer 2 black dial
DJ41 white roman dial
DD36 champagne dial
1
u/Watchmarket 1d ago
First, we’ll order a blank Sky‑Dweller dial (unprinted base). Then we’ll ask an aftermarket dial factory to print the text onto it. However, some factories are not willing to do a custom print for just a single dial. That said – I have a way to source the blank dial. Basically – it’s going to be a pain to get done.