To change or not to change....

[007Sub]

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!

[springer]

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.

[The Fretking]

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.

[shofzr]

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.

[Warnsboy]

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.

[jjkapsberger]

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.

[Rick-O]

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.

[007Sub]

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...

[linesiders]

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

[007Sub]

Originally Posted by linesiders

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

WOW that polywatch did some amazing stuff! Thanks for sharing!

[RC2]

If it still is in good shape - polish it. IMO

[vintagewaferthin]

If i were you id just have the acrylic replaced when the watch goes in for a service.

[Vincent65]

polish it now, replace later

[Michael M.]

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.

[harry in montreal]

do you get it wet?

replace and pressure test her

beautiful watch

[powerfunk]

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.

[armypilot]

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.

[007Sub]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

do you get it wet?

replace and pressure test her

beautiful watch

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...

[lsettle]

I have used this stuff on my 5513, works great.

[BigDoug]

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.

[lsettle]

I will post before and after photos of my 5513 once I get home from "work"

Lawrence

[lsettle]

+1 BigDoug

[JPersat]

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.

[Vincent65]

Change crystal - keep old one as well if you like. It's like putting a new tyre on a vehicle...

[crowncollection]

Replace the crystal

[VinSub1680]

Originally Posted by linesiders

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

Nice work

[simplerolex]

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)

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by VinSub1680

Nice work

Thanks - it is shockingly easy to do on a plexi

[jatco]

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..!

[007Sub]

Originally Posted by lsettle

I will post before and after photos of my 5513 once I get home from "work"

Lawrence

Lawrence, any pics? Would love to see the before and after....

Also does anyone know if there is a "limit" on the amount that you can police the old plastic crystals?