My constant dilemma is about having the racing dial service set fitted to my non racing Mk2. It's a tough one as I have a great dial on mine but it's an itch I've had for way too long and the option of "why not buy a second Mk2 with racing dial" is simply out of the question.

Of course the beauty here is that I'd keep the original dial/hands so could always switch back later during a future service and those racing parts will always be easy to sell. I have a good source for the dial/handset which is a bonus.

So yep I'm giving it some good thought over the next few months (would probably get it done for my birthday which is some way off).

What I'm looking for from you lot is some pictures you may have of your own mk2 racing service dials/hands that you've had done. No need for pics of original racing Mk2 as I've seen plenty of those and obviously the service sets tend to look quite different. These pics could help me decide ready for when I have the funds.

What have you? Any pics?

Thanks in advance.

 

Here’s a few pics of mine which was done by Swiss time services a couple of years ago. I’m very pleased with the result.

 

Looks fantastic thanks, that's who id be using. Did they also refinish the case?

 

Yes they did and it used to look great but it’s worn and marked again. To be fair I would say it was only a light refinish but the brushing does seem to have smoothed quite a lot just through general light handling.

 

Here is my 145.014 - with racing service dial. The watch really pops with the orange against grey.
It was a really great watch - went nicley with a tan leather strap.
Sadly it has since been sold/part traded to scratch my Rolex itch - 16710 GMT

 

Just looked up what it cost me. It was £449.90 inc vat for a new dial, crystal, hands and case/ bracelet refurbishment.

 

That's really good, I think they've put their price up a fair bit since then. I would be planning on getting a movement service at the same time to take advantage.

I know these service dials aren't for everyone but I love the nice vivid colours.

 

Here is mine, at the moment for refinishing at my watchmaker.

Kind regards Max

 

Having had a few MKii the racing dial can get very faded and was the reason I sold two until I found a keeper with some pop in the original orange. I do think service dials look fantastic though, with those vibrant colours.
You say buying another MKii with a racing dial is out of the question but converting your's sounds like a fair whack of money to me, plus the cost of returning to original, if required, down the track. There are affordable racing dial Mkii out there and plenty with service dials, if it were me I would keep putting the pennies away and save for another.
As requested I won't show my original racing dial but a pic of my all time favourite orange accented watch. And you really can't get service dials for these.....

 

Here you can see mine.
Refinished case and service dial.



I like the watch, but when compared to an original dial the service dial looks "sterile" in the lack of a better word.
(Original dial from the web)


Evaluate your options and good luck.