Rolex LEC placement

[Dan642]

First of all, this is my first post so be kind. Tried searching a few forums on here for an answer, but it is either not on here (less likely), or I can't find it (more likely).

I recently purchased a explorer mk1 214270, and the seller (highly reputable) sent me close ups of the crystal showing the LEC (laser etched crown). However, this LEC is not EXACTLY at the 6:00 position, more like at 5:29:45... very close. I am just wondering, would this suggest that the crystal was replaced? Or are the LEC logos just not always bang-on center?

Note: I cannot see if there is a letter in the crown, the pictures are not that good. I will inspect the watch personally once it arrives in about a week.



Thanks in advance!

[tmoy810]

Are you sure it is not because He needed to take the Picture at an angle to catch the LEC?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Dan642

First of all, this is my first post so be kind. Tried searching a few forums on here for an answer, but it is either not on here (less likely), or I can't find it (more likely).

I recently purchased a explorer mk1 214270, and the seller (highly reputable) sent me close ups of the crystal showing the LEC (laser etched crown). However, this LEC is not EXACTLY at the 6:00 position, more like at 5:29:45... very close. I am just wondering, would this suggest that the crystal was replaced? Or are the LEC logos just not always bang-on center?

Note: I cannot see if there is a letter in the crown, the pictures are not that good. I will inspect the watch personally once it arrives in about a week.



Thanks in advance!

On most all Rolex watches the LEC is not always within a cats whisker of the 6 o'clock position especially on the non date ones. And will add the S through the LEC which used to be for a service replacement that was stopped by Rolex many years ago.

[Josunese1975]

It suggests the crystal was removed and installed not exactly at the 6 o'clock position. I have an older air king that was serviced by RSC in Dallas and the LEC is at around 20th minute mark. I had to look all the way around the crystal to finally find it. So no worries. I guess the watchmaker wasn't concerned about exactly at 6. As long as you can find it somewhere on the crystal... all is well.

[joejet]

It really does not bother me where it is, can’t see it anyway.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Josunese1975

It suggests the crystal was removed and installed not exactly at the 6 o'clock position. I have an older air king that was serviced by RSC in Dallas and the LEC is at around 20th minute mark. I had to look all the way around the crystal to finally find it. So no worries. I guess the watchmaker wasn't concerned about exactly at 6. As long as you can find it somewhere on the crystal... all is well.

Not always true.

[Dan642]

Originally Posted by padi56

On most all Rolex watches the LEC is not always within a cats whisker of the 6 o'clock position especially on the non date ones. And will add the S through the LEC which used to be for a service replacement that was stopped by Rolex many years ago.

Thanks for your input! this was kind of my thinking. I don't think it's been replaced, since I HIGHLY doubt a repairman would try their best to not only located the LEC but then get it right on the 6:00 position, that seems like much more trouble than it's worth.

[Dan642]

Originally Posted by tmoy810

Are you sure it is not because He needed to take the Picture at an angle to catch the LEC?

I have thought about this and could very well be the case. Will have to get a lense myself and take a close look!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Dan642

Thanks for your input! this was kind of my thinking. I don't think it's been replaced, since I HIGHLY doubt a repairman would try their best to not only located the LEC but then get it right on the 6:00 position, that seems like much more trouble than it's worth.

When they are installed, it is just as difficult to see as it is when you are looking for it. There will always be a percentage that will not be exactly where we expect them to be; same with the dial/rehaut alignment.

[Mystro]

Getting a good LEC is tough. I have a few tricks but even then the color of the dial, etc…can make it very hard.

Sometimes it jumps out at you. Trying to figure if it’s exactly at 6 is a non issue as I am just happy to see it.

[3wheeler7]

Silver dials are the worst, took a lot of tries but finally found it!

[Finslayer83]

The 214270 I had - it was at 8' position.

[214270Explorer]

Never look for an LEC on the green-crystal Milguass.
Those crystals have no LEC.

[Dan642]

Originally Posted by 214270Explorer

Never look for an LEC on the green-crystal Milguass.
Those crystals have no LEC.

Yeah I have heard. Does this mean that the Air King would also not have it? Since it shares the same anti magnetic case etc?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Dan642

Yeah I have heard. Does this mean that the Air King would also not have it? Since it shares the same anti magnetic case etc?

It's not the case or the movement, it's the green glass that does not have it.