Insert mk3?

[thenewguyguys]

Hey I got this insert that I believe is a mk3, I have a hard time telling if it's naturally faded or not, what are your thoughts?

[thenewguyguys]

Anyone?

[jdog111578]

IMO, its a tough call. Most inserts I've seen, and handled, when faded are more pitted than scratched, especially where a few spots on that one look sanded. Most people overlook the fact that if anything, the crystal is going to take more of a hit as it sits higher and therefore tougher to get that many, especially on the inner portion, marks and lines on the insert. Again, just my opinion. People say to look on the underside of the insert to see if its darker, to test for bleaching. But in my option this isn't always the case as I have seen bleached inserts with the underside still very black.

[linesiders]

Good MK3 - mixed on the artificial fading or not. J has good points - I am mostly in alignment.

Crystal can also be replacement and negate argument on scratches.

[onthedial]

@Jason
Good points. I think a lot of bleached inserts have dark undersides because they're being taped off or silicone caulking is spread over the surface, then peeled off.

@linesiders
Good eyes...are seeing what looks like a bevel on the crystal???
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IG:@onthedial

[thenewguyguys]

THoughts on the crystal?

[swish77]

That looks like normal, natural wear and tear on the insert, with some scratches, staining, marks, etc ... It doesn't have much fade at all. Why (and how) would someone artificially age an insert so subtly? Doesn't make sense.

Usually, the artificially aged inserts will be more obvious than that, with more fade. If I'm a detective, I'd say it looks fine, but very hard to say 100 percent either way, of course.

[thenewguyguys]

Thanks for the info guys, do you think the crystal is genuine?

[Wing Zero]

Originally Posted by thenewguyguys

Thanks for the info guys, do you think the crystal is genuine?

IMHO I don't think so, Aftermarket domes tend to warp the hour plots. Gen's don't.

If you want genuine old dome T19 crystals, go to an old watchmaker, ask him if he has any old used rolex crystals, get the best ones and re-polish them. Also ask him if he has any old used inserts, you might be surprised what he brings out.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Wing Zero

IMHO I don't think so, Aftermarket domes tend to warp the hour plots. Gen's don't.

If you want genuine old dome T19 crystals, go to an old watchmaker, ask him if he has any old used rolex crystals, get the best ones and re-polish them. Also ask him if he has any old used inserts, you might be surprised what he brings out.

I have a genuine super dome on my 5512 and my hour plots definitely are distorted at certain angles. Maybe there's another trick to check if a crystal is genuine.

[thenewguyguys]

Originally Posted by swish77

I have a genuine super dome on my 5512 and my hour plots definitely are distorted at certain angles. Maybe there's another trick to check if a crystal is genuine.

Can you post a few pictures?

[swish77]

Originally Posted by thenewguyguys

Can you post a few pictures?

Sure!

[thenewguyguys]

The seller was not sure if it was gen or not, I just might install service plexi when you guys are saying its not gen, I had the watch tested to 60meters it was fine.I am worried that it might "brake" cuz not gen.Can anyone post their Superdome crystals.

[droptopman]

Gen domes distort too. Best way for me to tell is in sunlight. The concentric circles in the plexi. You can only see them at certain angles in the sunlight. Gen domes have more of the circles in a tighter pattern than aftermarket or even gen service plexis. There was a thread on one of the forums but I can't seem to find it.
This is an original T19.

[onthedial]

@droptopman
Gorgeous, just gorgeous!
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IG: @onthedial

[thenewguyguys]

A few more pictures of the back.