Anti Reflection

[P2725TMB]

I'm new to Rolex and am thinking of buying a DSSD (currently own a couple of Breitlings). One thing intrigues me though - why don't Rolex use an anti-reflection coating on their crystals? I understand just the date lens (or area it covers) is coated? With my Breitling watches the glasses are coated so that one can easily see the watch dial etc at any angle but on Rolex watches you often get flare.

I'm just trying to evaluate in my mind whether I will be able to cope with the reflections etc or whether it wil be too annoying?

Many thanks

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by P2725TMB

I'm new to Rolex and am thinking of buying a DSSD (currently own a couple of Breitlings). One thing intrigues me though - why don't Rolex use an anti-reflection coating on their crystals? I understand just the date lens (or area it covers) is coated? With my Breitling watches the glasses are coated so that one can easily see the watch dial etc at any angle but on Rolex watches you often get flare.

I'm just trying to evaluate in my mind whether I will be able to cope with the reflections etc or whether it wil be too annoying?

Many thanks

To my knowledge Rolex uses anti reflective coating under the crystal.

They don't put it on the outside of the crystal...thank God. Have you ever seen an Omega for example who's anti reflec coating has been scratched up?
UGGLLYYY!

[P2725TMB]

Is that the case? When I looked at a DSSD in the AD it seemed to show quite bad reflections and looking at pics of other people's watches on this forum they too seem to show reflections, whereas my Breitlings don't, at all.

[Mickey®]

Someone will chime in but yes Rolex uses anti reflective coating UNDER the watch.
Some use on top and under which look great until the top gets scratched!

Maybe I'm wrong...many here know much more than I.

[thewatchguy93]

Breitlings use a blue-ish AR coating.. Looks real good, to my knowledge I tought Rolex only coat the cyclops.. Maybe wrong!

[P2725TMB]

Originally Posted by Dingoo93

Breitlings use a blue-ish AR coating.. Looks real good, to my knowledge I tought Rolex only coat the cyclops.. Maybe wrong!

From reading previous posts on here that was my understanding - for some reason just the area beneath the cyclops has anti-reflection treatment, not the rest of the glass. If this is the case I'm intrigued to know why.

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by P2725TMB

From reading previous posts on here that was my understanding - for some reason just the area beneath the cyclops has anti-reflection treatment, not the rest of the glass. If this is the case I'm intrigued to know why.

Where are the experts when we need them!

I am 99% positive they use AR under the entire dial. I think just recently they have also added it under the cyclops too...

Now I'm second guessing myself! LOL

[Jetjock]

Where is Peter when you need him?

[dricig]

If in fact Rolex uses any anti-reflective coating at all on the crystal they should try harder since it does not do a thing!

Actually, I do not think they use any at all except under the cyclops on some models.

I would like to see some sort of AR applied on the inside to minimize some reflection and not on the outside where it scratches easily.

dave

[Passionata]

Mr James Dowling asked this question from one of the top executive of R. at Basel in 2009
"Will Rolex introduce AR coatings on the glass?
No, except on the cyclops; if AR coating is used the glass essentially disappears, this is not something Rolex wish to do. In all Rolex watches the glass is an integral part of the design of the watch, which is why it sits above the bezel. "

[bayerische]

They only use on the cyclops, that's why a Rolex still has "glass", if you know what I mean.

[kokota]

Besides the AR under the cyclops on the later models, I'm pretty sure the new EXP II 42mm has it under the entire crystal only on the black dial.

[JIFF1975]

Rolex doesn't use AR coating but they should. At least at the underside of the crystal...

But that should be an easy mod...

[P2725TMB]

Originally Posted by Passionata

Mr James Dowling asked this question from one of the top executive of R. at Basel in 2009
"Will Rolex introduce AR coatings on the glass?
No, except on the cyclops; if AR coating is used the glass essentially disappears, this is not something Rolex wish to do. In all Rolex watches the glass is an integral part of the design of the watch, which is why it sits above the bezel. "

I do find that amazing as they are in effect suggesting that seeing reflections in the glass is enhancing, but I have to say I don’t think it is. I’d have thought it much better, and certainly more efficient as a watch, to employ the technology available to reduce or eliminate reflections as much as possible as I truly can’t see how they enhance the use nor enjoyment of the watch. Bizarre!

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by Passionata

Mr James Dowling asked this question from one of the top executive of R. at Basel in 2009
"Will Rolex introduce AR coatings on the glass?
No, except on the cyclops; if AR coating is used the glass essentially disappears, this is not something Rolex wish to do. In all Rolex watches the glass is an integral part of the design of the watch, which is why it sits above the bezel. "

My opinion is they are perfect as is. I've never had any issues telling the time due to rfelections, but had plenty of joy enjoying the way the glass sits!

[dooder202]

Originally Posted by P2725TMB

I do find that amazing as they are in effect suggesting that seeing reflections in the glass is enhancing, but I have to say I don’t think it is. I’d have thought it much better, and certainly more efficient as a watch, to employ the technology available to reduce or eliminate reflections as much as possible as I truly can’t see how they enhance the use nor enjoyment of the watch. Bizarre!

Well I can definitely see why they want to keep the look of the glass. It's part of the design for them - having the glass gloss and reflect. I love it actually. Very appealing and classic.

Btw, never had a problem reading the time.

Now the anti-reflection treatment under the cyclops is definitely necessary IMO. I had a datejust once that didn't have the AG and it was difficult to read the date.

[RXPete]

What a coincidence. I just emailed a someone today to see if they can add a AR coating on my SubC. Unlike some people posting here, I find it difficult to tell the time under certain conditions. The reflections are annoying. I guess I've been spoiled by my Breitlings and Omegas.

If I can still find this thread when I get a response, I'll let you know what he says about the modification. I'm scared that it'll void the Rolex warranty though.

[MP5]

Originally Posted by zeuloa

My opinion is they are perfect as is. I've never had any issues telling the time due to rfelections, but had plenty of joy enjoying the way the glass sits!

Agree, EXCEPT Rolex scrapped the above the bezel with the ceramic models. Since glass isn't part of the new Rolex design they should have been ARd. Rolex will scrap a classic design element yet justify keeping an annoyance

[dricig]

Originally Posted by Passionata

Mr James Dowling asked this question from one of the top executive of R. at Basel in 2009
"Will Rolex introduce AR coatings on the glass?
No, except on the cyclops; if AR coating is used the glass essentially disappears, this is not something Rolex wish to do. In all Rolex watches the glass is an integral part of the design of the watch, which is why it sits above the bezel. "

This is a strange statement by Rolex since the elimination or reduction of glare on any instrument is an improvement. I have had both Breitlings and a Revue Thommen with AR that made the glass all but disappear! A good thing!

I understand the tradition and design thing, but AR coating would be a plus on any Rolex. The competition has them beat on this item.

dave

[Mickey®]

My opinions...
I'm glad Rolex doesn't have it (now that I know for sure) under the "glass".
I thank GOD they don't do it on the outside like Omega. One of the reasons I got rid of a couple Omegas. Hated when I'd see scuffed/scratched AR.
If this is a tradition and design standard that keeps them from using it... I wouldn't put it past Rolex to change it ...Have you seen some of the new "non" traditional "designs" they have put out recently!

Like most things Rolex is slow to move. HEY did you hear BIG watches are in!!! 5 years ago !!!

[P2725TMB]

My thoughts exactly, dricig, I cannot see how any sort of clarity reducing reflections can possbly be seen as an asset. Its the big dilemma for me right now - if I invest in a DSSD will I be able to put up with annoying reflections or would I just end up moving the watch on for a loss. I think Rolex's attiture is very odd indeed, particularly as the glass doesn't entirely dissappear with AR, it just does what it says on the can, reduces reflections.

[P2725TMB]

I assume the AR coating is on the inside of my Breitling glasses. Anyway one in particular has had a hard 10 years of virtually everyday use and, whilst the case is scratched there's certainly no signs of any scratches on the glass surface. Its also why I might find living with reflections should I invest in a Rolex so difficult after living without them for so long!

[Gundam]

Originally Posted by P2725TMB

My thoughts exactly, dricig, I cannot see how any sort of clarity reducing reflections can possbly be seen as an asset. Its the big dilemma for me right now - if I invest in a DSSD will I be able to put up with annoying reflections or would I just end up moving the watch on for a loss. I think Rolex's attiture is very odd indeed, particularly as the glass doesn't entirely dissappear with AR, it just does what it says on the can, reduces reflections.

Originally Posted by dricig

This is a strange statement by Rolex since the elimination or reduction of glare on any instrument is an improvement. I have had both Breitlings and a Revue Thommen with AR that made the glass all but disappear! A good thing!

I understand the tradition and design thing, but AR coating would be a plus on any Rolex. The competition has them beat on this item.

dave

I agree. Particularly with a flat crystal.

Underside AR would be a significant improvement... To argue otherwise is rather 'Emperor's new clothes', I feel...

Given a choice - should Rolex offer it - i'd wager the majority of consumers would opt for having it than not. I suspect most would less forgiving of this shortcoming were it any other brand.

[Gundam]

Originally Posted by Passionata

Mr James Dowling asked this question from one of the top executive of R. at Basel in 2009
"Will Rolex introduce AR coatings on the glass?
No, except on the cyclops; if AR coating is used the glass essentially disappears, this is not something Rolex wish to do. In all Rolex watches the glass is an integral part of the design of the watch, which is why it sits above the bezel. "

Hmm... An unconvincing statement... They could say similar to argue for lack of AR on the cyclops too...

[dddrees]

That Rolex shine is part of the appeal for me. Having the anti reflective mater underneath the cyclops also means there is less chance of it being damaged. When it's on top of the glass and it gets scratched you might as well just peal it all off.

I for one vote to keep it the way it is. The Rolex Glass Shine is Great to look at!!

[dricig]

One things for sure,
Our Rolex's would be a lot easier to photograph if they had AR

dave

[Fifth Ave Rolex Man]

I get my prescription glasses coated with the Crizal Blue Sapphire process.
It's the best anti glare coating made for lenses.
I'm wondering if they've ever coated a Rolex Sapphire Xtal with the same treatment!

[Onikage]

I wouldn't want the blue hue adding to my Rolex crystal. Classic watches like the Sub and SeaDweller have always been black and white! I've never had any trouble seeing the time and I wore a Breitling Colt for about two years prior to my Rolex.

[P2725TMB]

Sounds like its a case of personal preference, although I myself am definitely in the reduced reflection camp. I suspect reflections might be less noticeable with a white faced dial than darker one. On my Breitlings (sorry to keep mentioning that name) the AR gives a pinkinsh tinge when angled, which I don't find unpleasant, but is invisible (as are reflections) when viewed square on.

I suspect that ultimately Rolex will provide AR - perhaps they are waiting until a colourless material can be created. I agree with the comment that expensive lesser brands would find it much less likely to have a sympathetic view should they not employ AR.

My personal decission is, if I invest in a DSSD (or other Rolex) could I live with dreaded reflections!