Ceramic Submariner Date without the cyclops

[WojtekSk]

Hi guys,

I have a ceramic Submariner Date.

Over time I have realised the cyclops is really irritating me, and maybe I should have bought the "plain" Sub in the first place (no date)...

I would like to source a replacement Sub ND crystal and have it put in place of the one with the magnifying glass...

Is it a complicated procedure?

Can any watchmaker basically do it?

What do I need to know before I attempt this?

Thanks and stay safe!

W

[watchmework]

If all you're looking to do is remove the cyclops window there is no need to replace the entire crystal...the cyclops is actually glued on, some have removed this in the past and there are YouTube videos on how to do it. You could certainly find a replacement crystal and have a watchmaker do the work, though I would think it would void any remaining warranty you have unless it's done by the RSC.

[Wobbly]

Originally Posted by watchmework

If all you're looking to do is remove the cyclops window there is no need to replace the entire crystal...the cyclops is actually glued on, some have removed this in the past and there are YouTube videos on how to do it. You could certainly find a replacement crystal and have a watchmaker do the work, though I would think it would void any remaining warranty you have unless it's done by the RSC.

RSC are unlikely to replace with a non cyclops crystal.

You will have to find an independent or as previously mentioned, knock off the cyclops.

I’ve seem the YouTube videos and it’s not for the faint hearted.

[dardeca]

Sd4k ftw!

[Zakalwe]

You’ll need an aftermarket crystal rather than knocking off the cyclops, unless you don’t mind having a cyclops-shaped bluish tint on the crystal where the magnifier used to be, since that part of the crystal is AR coated.

Edited to add that I guess somebody cleverer than me might know a way of removing the AR without leaving a trace.

[Number3]

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/gla...id13622853.htm

[schoolboy]

Dang I didn’t know purple just knock it off!

I’m gonna have to look it up on YouTube

I love the cyclops tho, just looking it up for curiosity


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[smiles11]

I dislike the cyclops as well. Doesn’t give the watch a clean look.

[00Seven]

Originally Posted by watchmework

If all you're looking to do is remove the cyclops window there is no need to replace the entire crystal...the cyclops is actually glued on, some have removed this in the past and there are YouTube videos on how to do it. You could certainly find a replacement crystal and have a watchmaker do the work, though I would think it would void any remaining warranty you have unless it's done by the RSC.

This is incorrect. The 116610 has anti-reflective coating under the crystal, so it's not as simple as "knocking" it off like the older Sub's.

To the OP - yes, any qualified watchmaker can do it. Just need to source an 114060 crystal.

[watchmework]

Delete.

[cj3209]

My Explorer II has a crystal with the cyclops off. It makes the 16570 look much better proportioned.

Rollieworks in Northern CA did the work. I'm very pleased as I hated the cyclops.

[chro.nic]

Originally Posted by cj3209

My Explorer II has a crystal with the cyclops off. It makes the 16570 look much better proportioned.

Rollieworks in Northern CA did the work. I'm very pleased as I hated the cyclops.

That actually looks very very nice

.Nic

[CaptT]

I felt the same way years ago and picked up the SD4k 116600, and have been very happy with the decision though I’ve come around on the cyclops with the SD43 and Exp2.

[Milsub114060]

Originally Posted by WojtekSk

Hi guys,

I have a ceramic Submariner Date.

Over time I have realised the cyclops is really irritating me, and maybe I should have bought the "plain" Sub in the first place (no date)...

I would like to source a replacement Sub ND crystal and have it put in place of the one with the magnifying glass...

Is it a complicated procedure?

Can any watchmaker basically do it?

What do I need to know before I attempt this?

Thanks and stay safe!

W

It’s not straight forward no and you will need more than just the crystal it can be done yes but just make sure you have the know how and original parts

[ajas]

Originally Posted by cj3209

My Explorer II has a crystal with the cyclops off. It makes the 16570 look much better proportioned.

Rollieworks in Northern CA did the work. I'm very pleased as I hated the cyclops.

Looks good , but somehow naked

[BigBallerBrand]

Part of the reason I got my ND was bc I didn’t like the cyclops on my Bluesy. I recommend just getting a ND





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[Heimdall]

Or buy a 116600 SD4K. No cyclops and real tool watch.

[solesman]

Sell the 116610 and get the 114060 or an SD4K if you want the date without the cyclops.

[REFZ]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

You’ll need an aftermarket crystal...

Why does he need an aftermarket crystal?

He can use an original crystal of a 114060 for this.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by REFZ

Why does he need an aftermarket crystal?

He can use an original crystal of a 114060 for this.

Yes fair point I realised that after my post as it was pointed out by someone else.

Sourcing a genuine 114060 crystal at a price that makes it worthwhile is a different story mind...

[Wedders]

I like this thread because I hate the cyclops.

[WojtekSk]

Thanks guys for all the input...

Yeah, the idea is to source a 114060 crystal and have it put in place of the date crystal.

I must agree that I like the symmetry of a ND Sub...

I will try swapping the crystals to see if my irritation subsides... If not, it seems I will need to sell my Sub and buy a ND one...

[slus]

Originally Posted by cj3209

My Explorer II has a crystal with the cyclops off. It makes the 16570 look much better proportioned.

Rollieworks in Northern CA did the work. I'm very pleased as I hated the cyclops.

That looks excellent! I wonder if the 216570 EXII has the AR coating like the 116610?

Someone needs to take the chisel to a SD43 cyclops to make it a proper Sea-Dweller

[m j b]

On the one hand the cyclops is a Rolex thing, and is unique and special. On the other hand, many of us don't care for it.

How about trying to knock off the cyclops first, and polish (?) the crystal if it needs it afterwards. If that works, then great, it cost you nothing. If that doesn't work, or you bugger it up, then replace the crystal. You've lost nothing but a little time.

Of course, if you don't like the end result, reselling the sub without the cyclops will effect the resale value. So be sure to keep the original crystal (assuming you don't bugger it up like I suggested).

[LeftCoastBias]

Originally Posted by m j b

On the one hand the cyclops is a Rolex thing, and is unique and special. On the other hand, many of us don't care for it.

How about trying to knock off the cyclops first, and polish (?) the crystal if it needs it afterwards. If that works, then great, it cost you nothing. If that doesn't work, or you bugger it up, then replace the crystal. You've lost nothing but a little time.

Of course, if you don't like the end result, reselling the sub without the cyclops will effect the resale value. So be sure to keep the original crystal (assuming you don't bugger it up like I suggested).

The AR coating is on the underside of the crystal.


This topic has been covered extensively in the past. There are threads with pictures that show the horrible and costly mistakes others have done before.



There was a member about 5 years ago who did the swap and it has haunted me ever since. Looks pretty damn good.


- Sent via iPhone. Please excuse any typos or brevity in my message

[MCO1]

I get not liking as I am not a huge fan of the cyclops but unlike swapping bracelets it is not a mod that could easily be undone. I would think accept it as part of the that watch or trade that one off for one that doesn't come with a cyclops. Just my two cents though.

[Cossak]

I’d agree with the above get an ND sub or SD, keep both for awhile decide then move off the date in original condition once decided.

[slus]

Originally Posted by m j b

On the one hand the cyclops is a Rolex thing, and is unique and special. On the other hand, many of us don't care for it.

The cyclops is definitely an earmark Rolex feature. Non-WIS will notice it. I get zero non-WIS comments on the Deep Sea, while the the 116610LN drew some "Is that a Rolex?" lines from strangers and I'm convinced it was the cyclops. Might be worth removing it just to avoid that..

The magnification never made any functional difference to me anyway, eyesight isn't great but I still don't need cheaters to check the date on either of mine.

[R@lex]

I luv cyclops!

[brucethemanlee]

I would just get a SD4K


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