Anti reflective coating on the new 2020 models

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by 77T

Take a look at post 10, then follow the link in it to Jocke’s website.



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If someone had told me this in conversation I'd have thought they were full of it! Informative stuff.

[Robf52]

If true, a nice change in long time policy.

[jerryguo]

the crystal is an integral part of Rolex design and they actually want it to standout to the customer, plus AR coating is prone to scratches so they dont want to use it for the entire crystal. I remember reading that some time ago...

[eonflux]

Originally Posted by 77T

Take a look at post 10, then follow the link in it to Jocke’s website.



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This indicates there is AG coating on the outside of the cyclops.
Considering that's a pretty high contact area with sleeves, striking things, etc, it seems to have held up very well on my Subc40 and GMTc.

But in general, I don't like external AG, and let watches go because of that.
Internal AG had been great on several watches, though.

[77T]

Originally Posted by eonflux

This indicates there is AG coating on the outside of the cyclops.

Considering that's a pretty high contact area with sleeves, striking things, etc, it seems to have held up very well on my Subc40 and GMTc.



But in general, I don't like external AG, and let watches go because of that.

Internal AG had been great on several watches, though.

The best outcome would be Rolex innovating an anti-reflective/anti-glare crystalline property in the synthetic sapphire material used for their crystal.

I’m not an aluminum oxide engineer expert - just suggesting some work there would yield a better outcome than applied coatings.

Heck, if they could fabricate GV sapphire for Milgauss aesthetics ya would’ve thought an AR structure isn’t impossible.


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[RJRJRJ]

I just noticed a scratch on my 116655 cyclops the other day. I used to be pro AR until I scratched a couple Breitlings.

[JohanJvR]

My 124060 crystal looks exactly the same as my 126600. No ARC on outside.

[JohanJvR]

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I would be very pleased if they coated the entire underside. Not sure how anyone benefits from reflections on the crystal that cut down on readability.

Well, Rolex thinks it benefits them by light shining on the crystals and giving us that hard-to-read Rolex glimmer.

[G.Montag]

Originally Posted by padi56

I would doubt if the A/R coating would have changed on the so called new models, on GMT watches under cyclops and on top crystal under cyclops, the rest on the line up under cyclops.But if and a big if the A/R coating is changed it will be under crystal only, as on surface of crystal its easily scratched.

The outside of the cyclops is coated as well.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

Well, Rolex thinks it benefits them by light shining on the crystals and giving us that hard-to-read Rolex glimmer.

Part of the charm

[Onikage]

Never bothered me. Turn it a bit. Reflecty stuff goes away. Leave this stuff to microbands that need to provide extra value. Rolex obviously doesn't need to. Imo.

[nicon]

[southcarolina1801]

Wearing a 2020 126610 on my wrist now and can 100% confirm there is no AR. The crystal is just as reflective as previous Subs I’ve owned.

[GBD]

Originally Posted by southcarolina1801

Wearing a 2020 126610 on my wrist now and can 100% confirm there is no AR. The crystal is just as reflective as previous Subs I’ve owned.

There is, though. See post above from the Rolex website.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by southcarolina1801

Wearing a 2020 126610 on my wrist now and can 100% confirm there is no AR. The crystal is just as reflective as previous Subs I’ve owned.

It's on the dial side to prevent the multiple mirror effect while flash photographing the 2020 sub for immediate resale upon receipt.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by GBD

There is, though. See post above from the Rolex website.

Well IMHO that above post is not from the official Rolex site as there is no mention of any A/R coating.

MODEL CASE
Oyster, 41 mm, Oystersteel
OYSTER ARCHITECTURE
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
DIAMETER
41 mm
MATERIAL
Oystersteel
BEZEL
Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated, scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert in ceramic, numerals and graduations coated in platinum
WINDING CROWN
Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
CRYSTAL
Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date
WATER RESISTANCE
Waterproof to 300 metres / 1,000 feet

[GBD]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well IMHO that above post is not from the official Rolex site as there is no mention of any A/R coating.

MODEL CASE
Oyster, 41 mm, Oystersteel
OYSTER ARCHITECTURE
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
DIAMETER
41 mm
MATERIAL
Oystersteel
BEZEL
Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated, scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert in ceramic, numerals and graduations coated in platinum
WINDING CROWN
Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
CRYSTAL
Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date
WATER RESISTANCE
Waterproof to 300 metres / 1,000 feet

It's from the Rolex website, on the landing page for the Sub:
https://www.rolex.com/watches/submariner.html

[padi56]

Originally Posted by GBD

It's from the Rolex website, on the landing page for the Sub:
https://www.rolex.com/watches/submariner.html

Got it but when they say back of crystal this still could apply to just under the cyclops.

[GBD]

Originally Posted by padi56

Got it but when they say back of crystal this still could apply to just under the cyclops.

True. We really need someone to find the LEC on the new Sub and see what it says about the crystal being used.

[SparklesMcgraw]

Well there you have it. Can someone please photograph the etched crown. It would put this debate to bed!

[Lol-x]

No it says "ensures optimal legibility of the dial" not 'the date window'.

So I think it is an AR coating to the entire underside of the crystal. Maybe some crystals didn't get the treatment, or it may be a very light treatment that is only discernable under certain lighting angles/conditions.

[chazadams]

This thread needs pics! Some outside shots from some inshore fishing yesterday. I believe it has some AR but not a significant change.

Overall the legibility of the watch has definitely improved on the water for me. (Wife has already procured the 116610 worn for years). Changes not dramatic as Padi points out. The little tweaks are so Rolex and very well done. Well received by this guy and I absolutely love the bracelet after a few days on wrist.

The 1st and 2nd pictures are under a bridge and you can see the reflection at bottom of watch where the ceramic and crystal meet. Perhaps an indication of the AR? Again, I don’t find it a huge change but legibility improvement with sunglasses and full sun for sure. I hope some outside shots will contribute to this thread.





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[swissfrank]

To see the etched crown on a 2020 oyster perpetual 41 MM go on
YouTube and search for Rolex 124300
Click on millenary watches
Advance video to 5:10 and if you look real hard you’ll see the LEC.
(At 5:16 you missed it)
It’s the symbol for AR under crystal

[alphadweller]

I find my new Sub much easier to photograph, there are less reflections on the crystal compared to my YM and SD43. I tried to macro shoot my L.E.C. with a 5x loupe but I need more magnification.

Rolex'own description is pretty crystal clear (pun intended):

The anti-reflective coating applied to the back of the sapphire crystal on the new generation Submariner and Submariner Date ensures optimal legibility of the dial.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by nicon

There you have it then

[173rdabn]

My 216570 has AR on the cyclops only. Wish it had AR on the rest of the crystal (inside).

[HogwldFLTR]

My newest Rolex was my Milgauss; I don't need to luck for the LEC on that cause I know exactly what I'd find. The rest of you have fun finding yours. I find a loop helps!!!

[SparklesMcgraw]

Good improvement imo. Hopefully becomes the norm on all pieces going forward

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by SparklesMcgraw

Good improvement imo. Hopefully becomes the norm on all pieces going forward

It might be a good improvement, however, the lack of strong affirmations of its usefulness from those who are seeing it in person gives me pause. I would love for someone to see a new Sub and Pelagos side by side in the flesh and see if they think the Sub AR rivals that of its cousin.