Will the real T19 superdome please stand up?

[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

Dear All,
My head spins trying to read this discussion... may I know where to purchase a acrylic "crystal" that is the closest shape to the original for my 5513 matte dial that will prevent moisture to enter the case from daily wear in high humidity areas.

Thanks in advance.

[southtexas]

I was putting away some old parts and took some measurements on T19. I measured and remeasured and, while I recognize some of them don’t add up, I hope these help someone:






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[AndreaC]

this is my original (not clone or service) T19




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[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

Thank you for your detailed measurements on the Service and Original T19's. Numbers only tell half the store since the surface profiles are quite different.

Originally Posted by southtexas

I was putting away some old parts and took some measurements on T19. I measured and remeasured and, while I recognize some of them don’t add up, I hope these help someone:

[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

May I know if these original T19's still hold pressure-test and if so, can you tell me where I could purchase one? From the posts here on this Forum, someone quoted that 99% are not genuine Rolex and/or the original T19.

Thank you for your help.

Originally Posted by AndreaC

this is my original (not clone or service) T19

[roh123]

I wouldn’t expect them to be water proof. It is very old plastic. To find an authentic one you’d either need good connections or luck. They are scarce finds these days.

[AndreaC]

Originally Posted by 18●20●22●▼●2●4●6

May I know if these original T19's still hold pressure-test and if so, can you tell me where I could purchase one? From the posts here on this Forum, someone quoted that 99% are not genuine Rolex and/or the original T19.



Thank you for your help.

I bought it from a friend that has an important collection.. it is a very old t19.
Yes.. what you can buy on internet are or original service t19.. or replica.. is very difficult to find an original one..also because who has one.. will not sell it very easily. I bought it from my friend after 4 months of discussions about it .. and I pay for it a lot of .
About the pressure test.. I don’t know...
I know that he has other two plexy but I don’t think that he will sell them. If you want I can ask.


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[southtexas]

Yes they’ll pressure test


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[athom]

Originally Posted by jsft98

Yes Michael's T19 is very good replacement, but pricy.

around US$60 for a dome on a US$20k watch is quite acceptable imho

[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

Thank you for your kind reply and I never expected that keeping a vintage watch (learned from vintage cars) is low-cost... If you can ask him if one is available to sell, I am interested. I just purchased 93150 bracelet with 580 end-links on Chrono24 and I know how costly to remain "period-correct" can get.

Originally Posted by AndreaC

I know that he has other two plexy but I don’t think that he will sell them. If you want I can ask.

[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

Edit: Oops... I should have checked... One could purchase from the Internet. I am wondering US reputable shops will install and guarantee.
http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/en...-domed-crystal

US$60 for high-quality reproduction is very reasonable. Can the crystal be purchased from online or I have to be in Hong Kong for installation? Please kindly share your experience. Thank you.

Originally Posted by athom

around US$60 for a dome on a US$20k watch is quite acceptable imho

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by 18●20●22●▼●2●4●6

Edit: Oops... I should have checked... One could purchase from the Internet. I am wondering US reputable shops will install and guarantee.

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/en...-domed-crystal



US$60 for high-quality reproduction is very reasonable. Can the crystal be purchased from online or I have to be in Hong Kong for installation? Please kindly share your experience. Thank you.

You can order from them online. I’ve heard mixed reviews on those crystals, apparently they are prone to break upon installation.


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[roh123]

Originally Posted by southtexas

You can order from them online. I’ve heard mixed reviews on those crystals, apparently they are prone to break upon installation.


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As most aftermarket crystals. Including the fake ones that are sold expensively as NOS.

[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

I am wondering if the risk is the same even for a true vintage NOS acrylic crystals?

From my experience in engineering, the material science is one of the areas that have truly improved over the years... I would guess that modern acrylic would be superior... Just my guess...

Originally Posted by roh123

As most aftermarket crystals. Including the fake ones that are sold expensively as NOS.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by 18●20●22●▼●2●4●6

I am wondering if the risk is the same even for a true vintage NOS acrylic crystals?

From my experience in engineering, the material science is one of the areas that have truly improved over the years... I would guess that modern acrylic would be superior... Just my guess...

I would guess it is more of a fitting issue with the new China made crystals. The tension breaks them easily when mounted.

Old plastic is of course crap from a usage perspective and Rolex stopped with the superdomes for a reason. They do however look great.

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by jsft98

Yes Michael's T19 is very good replacement, but pricy.

Try $500-$600 for an original.All my Watches have authentic T19 SD’s no matter the cost,It’s a important part of the Vintage look for me personally and aftermarket is usually junk.My MY clone Crystal devolved stress cracks within a Month...Originals Don’t do this.

[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

Yes... vintage steel parts may vary more than today's so fitment could be an issue. I will check with the shop who will be doing the maintenance...

Thank you for your kind replies... I really appreciate it.

Originally Posted by roh123

I would guess it is more of a fitting issue with the new China made crystals. The tension breaks them easily when mounted.

Old plastic is of course crap from a usage perspective and Rolex stopped with the superdomes for a reason. They do however look great.

[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

Even if that is the cost, posts in this thread stated that the chance of getting a genuine vintage NOS crystal is "very unlikely"... some quoted 99% are not genuine Rolex T19. Then there is a chance of material degradation over the year from storage conditions.

If you have a source for a genuine one besides eBay, please duly let me know. I might take a chance to see if a genuine Rolex NOS T19 could hold pressure test at the shop... Thank you.

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

Try $500-$600 for an original.All my Watches have authentic T19 SD’s no matter the cost,It’s a important part of the Vintage look for me personally and aftermarket is usually junk.My MY clone Crystal devolved stress cracks within a Month...Originals Don’t do this.

[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

I went to Classic Watch Repair in Hong Kong and I purchased the T19 Crystal. My plan was to install it while I was at the location. However, when I saw example of a 5513 supposedly with this crystal, I was hesitant that the height is correct compare to the original.

Can some of you please help me with the measurement of straight-edge of the crystal exposed above the bezel on original T19 Super? Thank you.

Edit: Image I found on the internet;

[southtexas]

Sorry I don’t have a measurement, but here’s how a legit superdome T19 sits on a 1965 Gilt 5513.









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[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

Thank you Southtexas.

From your photos, it appears to be half a millimeter or less. But some of the photos I see (Google Search: 5513 untouched) appear to have about 1mm of exposed straight edge...

Since I do not know the assembly drawing of the parts, I can't tell if there is variations coming from differences coming from bezel and bezel-insert.

I'm bummed that I did not take a note of my original...

Originally Posted by southtexas

Sorry I don’t have a measurement, but here’s how a legit superdome T19 sits on a 1965 Gilt 5513.

[southtexas]

Yes it is minimal, and the difference is slight and could be caused by the shape of the insert, for example.

A T39 will stand much taller than a T19, so if it’s a drastic difference, maybe it’s a T39?






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[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

My watch was serviced by LAWW and my original plexi was not holding pressure. At first I had the T39 and I did not like the look of very tall (exposed straight edge) crystal. I had it replaced with the Service T19 and I wanted to get the original look of the T19 Superdome back.

I am wondering if the crystal I purchased from Classic Watch Repair can be ground down, to get the correct fitment. I will have to ask...

Please let me know if you have any recommendation. Thank you!

Originally Posted by southtexas

Yes it is minimal, and the difference is slight and could be caused by the shape of the insert, for example.

A T39 will stand much taller than a T19, so if it’s a drastic difference, maybe it’s a T39?

[southtexas]

I don’t know if a watchmaker can shorten the height of profile of a crystal.


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[phillip ridley]

Originally Posted by saskmh

I must have got a dud then. I installed a Michael Young T-19 and it cracked after a few weeks.

That is the biggest issue with the aftermarkets...if it doesn't crack will installing the retaining ring, then there is a high chance it will crack right around the corner as you are wearing it. And chances are...you won't know it.

[Toronto Soup King]

Originally Posted by phillip ridley

That is the biggest issue with the aftermarkets...if it doesn't crack will installing the retaining ring, then there is a high chance it will crack right around the corner as you are wearing it. And chances are...you won't know it.

Update to my post last year - LAWW reported that MY T19 was incorrect, cracked (they sent pics, I didn't notice the damage because it was under the bezel) and needing replacement, which they did with their version of the T19, and no problems since.

Given how much I spent on that MY T19 and how long it lasted (LAWW said it might've cracked on install) I can no longer recommend it. If you have a stretched-out bracelet that's a different story, of course.

[mattedialdoc]

I draw the line on our obsession for “period correct” at crystals and crown/tubes. There is a reason these components are “disposable” and frequently and routinely recommended changed at service. Keep using your aged crystals and old crowns my friends and sadness and despair will follow.


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[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by mattedialdoc

I draw the line on our obsession for “period correct” at crystals and crown/tubes. There is a reason these components are “disposable” and frequently and routinely recommended changed at service. Keep using your aged crystals and old crowns my friends and sadness and despair will follow.


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I’ve used them for Years on Daily Wear Watches,No Sadness or despair yet,Only smiles every Time I look at my Super Domes.

[mattedialdoc]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

I’ve used them for Years on Daily Wear Watches,No Sadness or despair yet,Only smiles every Time I look at my Super Domes.

Well there you go. Disregard. We have N=1.


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[southtexas]

I found an old super dome T19 in my stuff. It is 6.32mm tall. I also have an old dome T19, it measures 5.92mm tall. I’m sending them both to Phillip Ridley, to see if he can bring them back to life.




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