What Crystal is on my 5513?

[bluemartinifan]

Can someone please tell me what kind of crystal I have on my 1.7 mil 5513?
Thanks

[pdoukas]

I believe it is a tropic T19. Which version, I cannot tell. But here is a good article for reference.

http://www.vintagehour.com/en/2011/0...service-domes/

Pete

[bluemartinifan]

Originally Posted by pdoukas

I believe it is a tropic T19. Which version, I cannot tell. But here is a good article for reference.

http://www.vintagehour.com/en/2011/0...service-domes/

Pete

Excellent resource thank you Pete!

[Robbyvm]

the angle is not showing properly but to me it's a T19 superdome
here's mine

[Kingair]

Just a question :
I have been reading in some other posts that the T39 is not 'waterproof' ?
Is that correct ?
How did rolex solved this problem during the yaers ?

Thanks

HAGOne

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Kingair

Just a question :
I have been reading in some other posts that the T39 is not 'waterproof' ?
Is that correct ?
How did rolex solved this problem during the yaers ?

Thanks

HAGOne

As long as any genuine Rolex crystal is serviced correctly and all acrylic crystals are replaced as part of normal service.They will be waterproof as any other diving watch Rolex has ever made to its rated depth.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Kingair

Just a question :
I have been reading in some other posts that the T39 is not 'waterproof' ?
Is that correct ?
How did rolex solved this problem during the yaers ?

Thanks

HAGOne

Superdomes often get super small cracks which of course kills the water resistancy. This goes for both tropic 19 and 39. Rolex solved this by going down to flatter crystals which didn't have this problem.

I am sure someone can explain better why these cracks happen but that is the short story. :)

[Kingair]

Thanks Per & Peter for the info !

HAGOne

[mdw3]

The waterproofing on the acrylic crystals for the older diving watches is achieved through the tension exerted on the wall of the crystal against the case rehaut by the crystal ring. Because a great deal of tension (and stress) is required of the steel crystal ring in order to assure a tight fit by the crystal onto the case, after time, and as the acrylic ages and degrades, micro cracks will appear at the base of the crystal where it mates with the steel of the midcase.

It is standard Rolex service procedure to replace the acrylic crystals during any normal service (they are considered expendables, much as tires or windshield wipers). So while Tropic 19 or 39 "superdome" crystals were, of course, waterproof when originally installed as new, they are no longer reliable as their age has compromised the resiliency and integrity of the material. I tell customers these crystals are for "entertainment purposes only," no swimming or bathing, please.

Michael