Acrylic or Sapphire?

[Fazzer]

Hi Guys,

Wanted some advice.

I have just purchased a 1987 Rolex Datejust 16030 pre owned. However the crown and glass has been changed. I’m having second thoughts into why it was changed and if aftermarket parts have been used even though the dealers said they only use genuine Rolex parts.

Looking at a few other threads regarding changing acrylic to Sapphire has put me in a dilemma as the watch has now got a Sapphire Crystal Glass. What should I do, as I still have the chance to return and get my money back or get another Datejust which the have 2 more one which is a 1980’s model (Do not know if it is water resistant) and a 1991 model which is 18ct white gold.

Please help as it is bugging me.

Thanks

[Rocket_Man]

Originally Posted by Fazzer

Hi Guys,

Wanted some advice.

I have just purchased a 1987 Rolex Datejust 16030 pre owned. However the crown and glass has been changed. I’m having second thoughts into why it was changed and if aftermarket parts have been used even though the dealers said they only use genuine Rolex parts.

Looking at a few other threads regarding changing acrylic to Sapphire has put me in a dilemma as the watch has now got a Sapphire Crystal Glass. What should I do, as I still have the chance to return and get my money back or get another Datejust which the have 2 more one which is a 1980’s model (Do not know if it is water resistant) and a 1991 model which is 18ct white gold.

Please help as it is bugging me.

Thanks

Me personally I would not worry about it, but in the end it is your call. I have a 1985 DJ with an acrylic crystal and it gets easily scratched. It has been replaced twice in its life during routine service. I've also polished out some scratches on my own a few times. It was probably 'upgraded' by the owner to cut down on all the scratches. If you wanted to you could get it swapped back to an original acrylic part to make it more original. I think the acrylic crystal is around $100. If you really like that particular watch, negotiate a discount to get the crystals swapped. Probably not hard to find a watchmaker who can swap a crystal on a 16030.

[SearChart]

The model needs a plexi to ensure water resistance, all the sapphire mods I've come across were a sloppy job with gasket sticking out and none were water resistant.

Either return and get something else or have the watches serviced by RSC and get it to original condition again.