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BB83 · 20 January 2011, 06:54 AM

Hi, I've heard that plastic crystals on vintage Rolexes will warp over time, perhaps negating the waterproofness of the watch. Is that true? And if so, is it more a don't swim with it kind of thing, or avoid even getting it wet in the rain/using a bit of water to clean smudges off the crystal concern?

Thanks in advance for the education, vintage lovers!

Clay · 20 January 2011, 07:45 AM

I have never heard that before....

And I doubt it's true.......Under normal use there should be no issues what so ever.....
There is an issue with the Super Domes......Because of there age(Rolex hasn't made any in years) They can form small cracks where the crystal meets the retaining ring, thus causing the watch to leak......
If you want to swim with your vintage piece, I would recommend a Rolex SERVICE crystal.....

HL65 · 20 January 2011, 07:55 AM

Exactly why I changed mine on my 62 5512 or Bob Ridley did that is. Here is a shot for you. I kept the original though of course!!

62 crystal.jpg

BB83 · 20 January 2011, 09:09 AM

Great shot, Ken. Maybe less of a concern on my '85 Daytona than your '62 sub?

HL65 · 20 January 2011, 10:09 AM

Plus--you are not wearing it in the water--nor am I!!!!

Racer X · 20 January 2011, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Plus--you are not wearing it in the water--nor am I!!!!

+1. My vintage pieces never go under water. That's what newer pieces are for.

Clay · 20 January 2011, 11:06 AM

That's why I have my 16600.....

BB83 · 20 January 2011, 11:31 AM

Will a warped crystal let in humidity and affect the dial even if watch doesn't get wet? I guess I'm wondering whether you guys worry about this issue when you buy a vintage and have it checked right away, or just have it checked whenever you might send it in for a general service. (guessing the latter...)

Btw I don't swim/shower in my watches and definitely wouldn't think of submerging a vintage. I was more getting at exactly HOW careful you need to be to prevent any water at all from coming in contact with the watch (e.g., a splash while doing the dishes).

HL65 · 20 January 2011, 11:51 AM

Have it checked for seal integrity when you get it serviced. Again--I use Bob Ridley and will continue too based on my experience with him!! I wouldn't worry much about it though as I know your watch!!

BB83 · 20 January 2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Have it checked for seal integrity when you get it serviced. Again--I use Bob Ridley and will continue too based on my experience with him!! I wouldn't worry much about it though as I know your watch!!

Thanks! Mind at ease now. I have LOVED wearing the vintage the past few days.

HL65 · 20 January 2011, 01:05 PM

What a stunner my friend!!

BB83 · 20 January 2011, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

What a stunner my friend!!

Thanks! I'm going to find a pic of your PN right now to gaze at. That's what I'm shooting for next-- though not for a while!

20 January 2011, 06:54 AM	#1
BB83 Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: USA Watch: Daytona Posts: 375	Do Plastic Crystals Warp Over Time? Hi, I've heard that plastic crystals on vintage Rolexes will warp over time, perhaps negating the waterproofness of the watch. Is that true? And if so, is it more a don't swim with it kind of thing, or avoid even getting it wet in the rain/using a bit of water to clean smudges off the crystal concern? Thanks in advance for the education, vintage lovers!

20 January 2011, 07:55 AM	#3
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,816	Exactly why I changed mine on my 62 5512 or Bob Ridley did that is. Here is a shot for you. I kept the original though of course!! 62 crystal.jpg __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

20 January 2011, 10:09 AM	#5
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,816	Plus--you are not wearing it in the water--nor am I!!!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

20 January 2011, 11:51 AM	#9
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,816	Have it checked for seal integrity when you get it serviced. Again--I use Bob Ridley and will continue too based on my experience with him!! I wouldn't worry much about it though as I know your watch!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

20 January 2011, 01:05 PM	#11
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,816	What a stunner my friend!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

20 January 2011, 07:45 AM	#2
Clay Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Up a tree Posts: 4,001	I have never heard that before.... And I doubt it's true.......Under normal use there should be no issues what so ever..... There is an issue with the Super Domes......Because of there age(Rolex hasn't made any in years) They can form small cracks where the crystal meets the retaining ring, thus causing the watch to leak...... If you want to swim with your vintage piece, I would recommend a Rolex SERVICE crystal.....

20 January 2011, 09:09 AM	#4
BB83 Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: USA Watch: Daytona Posts: 375	Great shot, Ken. Maybe less of a concern on my '85 Daytona than your '62 sub?

20 January 2011, 11:06 AM	#7
Clay Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Up a tree Posts: 4,001	That's why I have my 16600.....

20 January 2011, 11:31 AM	#8
BB83 Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: USA Watch: Daytona Posts: 375	Will a warped crystal let in humidity and affect the dial even if watch doesn't get wet? I guess I'm wondering whether you guys worry about this issue when you buy a vintage and have it checked right away, or just have it checked whenever you might send it in for a general service. (guessing the latter...) Btw I don't swim/shower in my watches and definitely wouldn't think of submerging a vintage. I was more getting at exactly HOW careful you need to be to prevent any water at all from coming in contact with the watch (e.g., a splash while doing the dishes).

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