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Old 26 March 2014, 08:23 AM   #1
phdezra
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Where to get my Rolex Datejust (1987) upgraded acryclic to sapphire?

Hi all. I like the new 116233 due to heavier band, but cannot afford it. Nevertheless, I'm considering upgrading the acrylic crystal of the 16013 from 1987 to sapphire as found on 116233.

Any recommendations of who would do this? Dont mind shipping to a reliable source. I live in NYC. Thanks.
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Old 26 March 2014, 08:34 AM   #2
jctrolex
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The acrylic has such a nice warm feel to it, I really like it on my 1675 and my Speedy but each to his own.
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Old 26 March 2014, 08:37 AM   #3
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I'm not sure how that would make your watch heavier or more like the watch you want? Maybe put the money you would have spent on this project towards saving up for the new one?
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Old 26 March 2014, 08:42 AM   #4
phdezra
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I know the sapphire wouldn't make my watch heavier -- I meant, given my lack of funds to buy a 116233, I can afford a few hundred to replace crystal so looking for watch repair recommendations. Thanks.
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Old 26 March 2014, 10:30 AM   #5
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My recommendation is, don't do it. Smushing a sapphire crystal onto a watch that wasn't designed for it isn't an "upgrade" imho. It'll devalue it, too. ;) Save up and trade it for the one you really want later.

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Old 26 March 2014, 10:35 AM   #6
1bad750
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go down to the diamond district, im sure for 100 someone will do it over there.
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Old 26 March 2014, 10:47 AM   #7
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Sapphire crystal is not a proper fit for your watch and would not be pressure proof. Your watch is not designed for it.
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Old 26 March 2014, 11:58 AM   #8
77T
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Don't you have a 116233 already?

Your user info shows that...
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Old 26 March 2014, 12:01 PM   #9
crowncollection
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Can effect Waterproofness it's not recommended
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Old 26 March 2014, 01:08 PM   #10
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I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I would think the only way to do this would be with an aftermarket (i.e. non-Rolex) crystal. A proper Rolex sapphire crystal will not fit a Datejust designed to take an acrylic crystal. That being the case, my view would be just don't do it...
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Old 26 March 2014, 01:08 PM   #11
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Don't do it.
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Old 26 March 2014, 01:14 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by datejusting View Post
Sapphire crystal is not a proper fit for your watch and would not be pressure proof. Your watch is not designed for it.
X2 There's a difference in the cases and a sapphire will not properly fit those that were designed for the acrylic. If you do an internet search you may find some sites that claim they can do it for $100-$300 or so but beware!
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Old 26 March 2014, 01:44 PM   #13
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Seen it done, glass sits a bit higher. Older dds are cheap anyway if u like do it, u can always swap back
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Old 26 March 2014, 02:51 PM   #14
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Sell your DJ and buy a pre-owned newer model with sapphire glass.
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Old 26 March 2014, 03:46 PM   #15
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Don't do it.
This^^^ While I'm fairly certain it cannot be done acrylic is both special and warm. Don't do it!
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Old 27 March 2014, 01:41 AM   #16
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Do not do it! My friend purchased such an "updated" model a few years ago. The sapphire crystal was GLUED on to make it work.
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Old 27 March 2014, 02:01 AM   #17
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I just wouldn't.
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Old 27 March 2014, 02:03 AM   #18
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The sapphire crystal was GLUED on to make it work.
Out of interest...how is a sapphire crystal normally 'stuck' on?
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Old 27 March 2014, 02:07 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by phdezra View Post
Hi all. I like the new 116233 due to heavier band, but cannot afford it. Nevertheless, I'm considering upgrading the acrylic crystal of the 16013 from 1987 to sapphire as found on 116233.

Any recommendations of who would do this? Dont mind shipping to a reliable source. I live in NYC. Thanks.
Its not advisable if a watch has a Acrylic to change it to Sapphire and IMHO its not even a upgrade.The crystal seal is totally different in a acrylic its a pressure fit with the bezel, sapphire uses a gasket and if changed its possible watch would not be water tight and Rolex would not do it.
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Old 27 March 2014, 09:00 PM   #20
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Sapphire crystal is not a proper fit for your watch and would not be pressure proof. Your watch is not designed for it.
This
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Old 27 March 2014, 09:32 PM   #21
phdezra
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Thanks. All helpful. Will not change my crystal now. :)
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Old 14 August 2017, 12:05 PM   #22
1987DJTT16013DDSapph
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Upgrading Crystal

Hi My local jewellers have replaced the acrylic crystal to sapphire crystal, I had to ring around tried places miles away said it was possible went to the jewellers in my local town and they said they can upgrade the crystal give it a complete service and guarantee 100m water resistance for £450 gbp I've had it back for over a month, doesn't leak one bit and doubt it will with a years warranty! No shop will offer that unless it's water tight! Don't listen to the haters! Would love to post a picture but I can't!
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Old 21 August 2017, 12:31 PM   #23
1987DJTT16013DDSapph
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The proof is in the pudding! No reason why you can't upgrade and this has been pressure tested to 100m with a years warranty along with a full service!
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Old 21 August 2017, 12:33 PM   #24
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Why would you spend £450 devaluing your watch with an incorrect crystal?
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Old 21 August 2017, 12:34 PM   #25
1987DJTT16013DDSapph
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It is not incorrect as it waterproof and fully pressure tested! It fits correctly unlike other bodge ups! And I have the original Rolex dial,acrylic glass and seal if I choose to revert back! Which is highly doubtful! Can afford to sell and go for the champagne diamond dot dial which is factory original Rolex along with box and papers, 1993 model 16233 on the other hand not that bothered as this watch is perfect! Don't feel the need to change but can afford to, either way I won't lose if I really want to I could buy the other watch and keep this beauty at the same time! And own two! ��
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Old 21 August 2017, 12:37 PM   #26
1987DJTT16013DDSapph
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Awesome! Sapphire! Better than that naff acrylic!!! 😂
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Old 21 August 2017, 12:38 PM   #27
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I meant it's incorrect as far as Rolex is concerned. They won't service it without returning it to correct specs. Is the dial aftermarket?
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Old 21 August 2017, 01:04 PM   #28
1987DJTT16013DDSapph
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Mint!!!
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Old 21 August 2017, 01:11 PM   #29
1987DJTT16013DDSapph
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The dial is genuine off another Rolex but not the one it came with, it has been to Rolex and they wanted to fit their dial for £2000 or service it with the original dial, what does it matter about them servicing it?! I don't care about that and can revert! Anyway it's not a concern to me as I'm not losing a great deal as I'm not too bothered about selling it! If I do I can either pass it on with the original bits or get them put back if I struggle! People will buy it! What matters is its fit for purpose and is genuine that's the main thing and it will always sell! Not an issue more so if I didn't have the original parts.
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Old 21 August 2017, 01:22 PM   #30
1987DJTT16013DDSapph
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WARNING DIFFICULT TO FIND A DECENT JEWELELLER THAT CAN DO THIS PROPERLY, make sure you find a high end and trusted Rolex watch maker specialist.
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