ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
|
View Poll Results: To change or not to change.... for the vintage enthusiast | |||
Leave scratched crystal original on acrylic vintage models | 13 | 18.84% | |
Change to new crystal during service interval | 56 | 81.16% | |
Voters: 69. You may not vote on this poll |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
22 February 2013, 10:04 AM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Greg
Location: USA
Watch: 5514
Posts: 1,630
|
To change or not to change....
So the question I wonder of the vintage enthusiasts, how much do we keep original? For one, the crystal... 45 yrs old. Scratched to hell. Change it when serviced or keep the original?
Thoughts? I'm very curious what the majority consensus is among vintage enthusiasts! p.s. I havent actually voted yet, because I go back and forth! Can't seem to decide!
__________________
@true_patina @true.dome |
22 February 2013, 10:40 AM | #2 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: jP
Location: Texas
Watch: GMT-MASTER
Posts: 17,215
|
I would say that after 45 years, you have received your money's worth from the crystal. I would have it replaced when serviced. They are acrylic and prone to cracking with age, especially where it is fitted into the watch case under the retaining ring.
__________________
Member of NAWCC since 1990. INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics. |
22 February 2013, 11:30 AM | #3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Real Name: Mark
Location: NC
Watch: GMT Master
Posts: 72
|
I'd replace the crystal for the reasons above, but also to be able to see, in all it's glory, the beautiful dial and all it's details.
__________________
It's Good ta' be da' King |
22 February 2013, 11:41 AM | #4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Real Name: Adrian
Location: Dallas
Watch: 218235 BronzeWaves
Posts: 760
|
I would vote for change the crystal, it would be a shame if that cool dial and/or movement were to get moisture damage because of a 45 year old crystal failure.
__________________
Sea-Dweller 16600 Day-Date II 218235 Cellinum 5240/6 Speedmaster 125 |
22 February 2013, 11:57 AM | #5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Real Name: Michael
Location: Midwest-USA
Watch: 5513
Posts: 1,942
|
There are plenty of OEM correct "domed" crystals out there. Get it changed and be sure to ask the watchmaker for your original back. Its not a lot of money....and it's nice to enjoy the beauty of your dial. Others will notice as well.
|
22 February 2013, 11:58 AM | #6 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Earth
Posts: 55
|
I have a 63-year-old Sub with a genuine replacement crystal from the late 70s or early 80s which I'll never take into the water. It's passed two pressure tests in the last year, but that doesn't really assure me that I can blithely jump in the water without very possibly ruining what is for me--financially and aesthetically--an irreplaceable antique. I would never get over the regret of having lost such a thing, so to be safe I swallow my pride and keep my Rolex diver's watch on dry land, even when doing dishes.
So I'll never have to replace my crystal. Instead, I need only have it polished now and then, which takes out all the scratches. I think a polishing would fix your crystal up perfectly. However, if you plan to swim or dive with your (very nice) watch, then I suggest you replace the crystal with a genuine OEM one and go in for an annual pressure test. |
22 February 2013, 12:21 PM | #7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Real Name: Rick
Location: Insane
Watch: Anything Tropical
Posts: 170
|
I'm going against the grain here, but I would use a 10x loupe and examine the crystal as it fits the rehaut for signs of cracking or feathering. If you don't see this, why change it? It adds character, and as long as the crystal is sound, you should be good to go.
|
22 February 2013, 12:23 PM | #8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Greg
Location: USA
Watch: 5514
Posts: 1,630
|
Well said everyone! It makes sense for the safety precautions to get it replaced. Is this crystal whats referred to as a Tropic 19?
Believe it or not, I've tried polishing it a few times with the toothpaste method.. even a little car polish... helped a bit! But still maintains a number of scratches... Looks like replacement votes are winning, yet there is still a 3rd of our vintage connoisseurs who disagree...
__________________
@true_patina @true.dome |
22 February 2013, 02:36 PM | #9 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: RedSox Nation
Watch: U Talkn Bout Wilis
Posts: 5,429
|
If you are going to get anywhere near water replace it. If not, hit it up with a log of Polywatch and see how it comes out. If it still looks bad, change it.
Here is some pre and post Polywatch pictures
__________________
I'm a sailor peg. And I've lost my leg. Climbing up the top sails. I've lost my leg! |
23 February 2013, 02:06 AM | #10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Greg
Location: USA
Watch: 5514
Posts: 1,630
|
WOW that polywatch did some amazing stuff! Thanks for sharing!
__________________
@true_patina @true.dome |
25 February 2013, 02:01 PM | #11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Real Name: Rich
Location: NC
Watch: Rolex 1675
Posts: 2,359
|
If it still is in good shape - polish it. IMO
__________________
Rich Member of Nylon Nation Red Sox Nation Instagram watchguy97 |
26 February 2013, 12:51 AM | #12 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Earth
Watch: Air-King 5500
Posts: 2,609
|
If i were you id just have the acrylic replaced when the watch goes in for a service.
|
26 February 2013, 01:59 AM | #13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 14,293
|
polish it now, replace later
|
26 February 2013, 02:52 AM | #14 |
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Newport Beach, CA
Posts: 8,391
|
I'd replace if it had a lot of deeper scratches, or had dings, etc. If the watch was mint, had the original crystal that was in mint condition I would not change it. Just my opinion.
In your case, I'd change the crystal. |
26 February 2013, 04:38 AM | #15 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Montreal
Watch: The Habs pick 1st!
Posts: 3,589
|
do you get it wet?
replace and pressure test her beautiful watch |
26 February 2013, 04:47 AM | #16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Real Name: Rob
Location: Boston, MA
Watch: 1530
Posts: 3,785
|
Since the crystal is a functioning part of what makes it watertight, I say replace it. Vintage car collectors don't drive around on the original tires.
|
26 February 2013, 05:10 AM | #17 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Real Name: John David
Location: Buckeye, AZ
Watch: 1980 Rolex 16750
Posts: 256
|
Scratch repair
I have had my GMT-Master since 1982. Over the years I have periodically polished out light scratches with Brasso. With deeper scrtaches I would take a little Brasso and then a pen knife blade and drag the blade across the scratch until the ridges were gone and then finish the fine polishing with Brasso and soft cloth until the scratch was completely gone. For decades this method kept my crystal looking as if new. I did this with the original crystal from 1982 to 2005. During its five year service I replaced the cyrstal in 2005.
__________________
J.D. |
28 February 2013, 02:09 AM | #18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Greg
Location: USA
Watch: 5514
Posts: 1,630
|
Thanks Harry! No i try not to get it wet. I understand that the new replacement crystals are quite difference though than the original superdomes... im afraid that if I change it out... it simply wont look as nice...
__________________
@true_patina @true.dome |
28 February 2013, 02:29 AM | #19 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: Lawrence
Location: Canada
Watch: 16570/14060/3570.5
Posts: 653
|
I have used this stuff on my 5513, works great.
|
28 February 2013, 02:37 AM | #20 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: california
Posts: 165
|
How my vintage watch looks is important to me. Polish it and polish it again. If it isn't much improved, change it out and make sure you keep the original crystal. The worst case scenario is that you change it back. Time and money, I know, but such is life.
|
28 February 2013, 03:53 AM | #21 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: Lawrence
Location: Canada
Watch: 16570/14060/3570.5
Posts: 653
|
I will post before and after photos of my 5513 once I get home from "work"
Lawrence |
28 February 2013, 03:54 AM | #22 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: Lawrence
Location: Canada
Watch: 16570/14060/3570.5
Posts: 653
|
+1 BigDoug
|
28 February 2013, 05:00 AM | #23 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Jarrett
Location: San Antonio TX
Watch: ing everybody
Posts: 1,515
|
I would say if the crystal doesn't hinder reading the time and is still keeping moisture out, don't change it. But if it does hinder reading the time or its letting moisture in, change it.
|
28 February 2013, 06:42 PM | #24 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 14,293
|
Change crystal - keep old one as well if you like. It's like putting a new tyre on a vehicle...
|
28 February 2013, 07:14 PM | #25 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Real Name: David
Location: australia
Posts: 20,157
|
Replace the crystal
__________________
watches many |
28 February 2013, 08:05 PM | #26 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Real Name: Nick
Location: HKG
Watch: 16520,5513 &RedSub
Posts: 92
|
|
1 March 2013, 12:28 AM | #27 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Real Name: Tony
Location: Houston, TX
Watch: Milsub 5513/5517
Posts: 143
|
From what I saw in the pictures, I would have left the scratches as is (It give the watch a character - on this specific watch I love the scratched glass more than the polished one)
In my opinion, you should not re-touch a vintage watch like this (beside general servicing for movement) |
1 March 2013, 05:22 AM | #28 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: RedSox Nation
Watch: U Talkn Bout Wilis
Posts: 5,429
|
__________________
I'm a sailor peg. And I've lost my leg. Climbing up the top sails. I've lost my leg! |
1 March 2013, 11:56 AM | #29 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Real Name: Thomas
Location: YVR
Watch: 116233/79190
Posts: 48,120
|
The rubbing compound certianly did the trick.. but I would like to update the 60min marker on the bezel...!! - Tho' vintage.. I'd still like it to look right..!
__________________
. . ' A Crown for every achievement ' |
1 March 2013, 02:52 PM | #30 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Greg
Location: USA
Watch: 5514
Posts: 1,630
|
Quote:
Also does anyone know if there is a "limit" on the amount that you can police the old plastic crystals?
__________________
@true_patina @true.dome |
|
Tags |
vintage sub |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.