1986 Rolex DateJust Crystal

[TTmax]

Normally you should recognize a plexi crystal as it have a different aspect than a sapphire one. English words are missing from my vocabulary to describe that exactly. Others people here will do.

Another way is the movment:
. 5 digits refs 1601x have plexi crystal, movment 3035 with stop second and quickset date, are made of steel 316L , from 1977 to 1989 .
. 5 digits refs 162xx have sapphire crystal, movment 3135 with stop second and quickset date, are made of steel 904L , from 1987 to 2005 .

When you turn the crown clockwise, a 3035 will make the hands turn counter clockwise, where a 3135 make them turn clockwise.
This can help you distinguish the model you have in function of the caliber you have detected with this method (it should be a 1601x in 1986).

[Rolex Rolex]

Originally Posted by TTmax

Normally you should recognize a plexi crystal as it have a different aspect than a sapphire one. English words are missing from my vocabulary to describe that exactly. Others people here will do.

Another way is the movment:
. 5 digits refs 1601x have plexi crystal, movment 3035 with stop second and quickset date, are made of steel 316L , from 1977 to 1989 .
. 5 digits refs 162xx have sapphire crystal, movment 3135 with stop second and quickset date, are made of steel 904L , from 1987 to 2005 .

When you turn the crown clockwise, a 3035 will make the hands turn counter clockwise, where a 3135 make them turn clockwise.
This can help you distinguish the model you have in function of the caliber you have detected with this method (it should be a 1601x in 1986).

[Jmkokopeli]

Originally Posted by Rolex Rolex

Thanks everyone! It is weird, because I just cannot tell by looking at it what type of crystal it has. I tried using the same test that I do for sunglasses to see if they have glass lenses... by putting the lens up to back of your hand. If it is cold then it is glass and if it is plastic it is warm. When I put this watch up to my hand the crystal is very cold.

Could it be possible when it was serviced by Rolex that it had a saphhire crystal installed?

[Jmkokopeli]

One more question... is it more desirable to have an acrylic or sapphire crystal?

[TTmax]

Originally Posted by Jmkokopeli

Could it be possible when it was serviced by Rolex that it had a saphhire crystal installed?

No, case middle part is different.

[Jmkokopeli]

Very helpful, thanks all! I finally got the band off and it is indeed a 16013.