Will new crystal look misplaced on very worn/polished 16800?

[mattg6]

My crystal has some tiny marks. I was thinking of replacing it with a new one. Has anyone ever done that? Will it look out of place against the very worn watch? I can imagine a more extreme version of that is replacing the plexi on a 5513 or 1680 and suddenly a super clear plexi/crystal looks at odds with a worn vintage watch


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[Tools]

No, it will look like a normal sapphire crystal. 16800's look exactly like a 16610 so give it a good cleaning afterwards and you won't see a difference

[kegan]

For tiny marks I’d be surprised if you will notice the difference on the wrist. I’m in the never look at your watch with a loop camp when it comes to repair decisions. This way the older you get the less cosmetic problems. It works with everything.


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[TimeLord2]

Nope. Worn watch new crystal, exceptional clarity.

[Dr.Smellody]

It will look great! Do it!

[Kingface66]

You clean the windshield on a vintage car. You put new guitar strings on a vintage guitar. Why would you want an scratched-up, blemished, old crystal on a nice vintage watch?

[mattg6]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Nope. Worn watch new crystal, exceptional clarity.

Sounds good thanks


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[mattg6]

Originally Posted by kegan

For tiny marks I’d be surprised if you will notice the difference on the wrist. I’m in the never look at your watch with a loop camp when it comes to repair decisions. This way the older you get the less cosmetic problems. It works with everything.


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Yeah it’s just in the direct sunlight it clouds the dial in a few places


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[pereztroika]

Service crystals for the 16800 are thinner and have the laser etched Rolex coronet at 6 o'clock.


Cheers
Jose

[Dan S]

Service crystals sometimes look different because the shape has changed, but I would not be concerned about trying to preserve scratches and chips.

[mattg6]

Originally Posted by pereztroika

Service crystals for the 16800 are thinner and have the laser etched Rolex coronet at 6 o'clock.


Cheers
Jose

Oh wow interesting. Thinner as in: it’ll look a little sunken in? Or do you mean something else


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[pereztroika]

Originally Posted by mattg6

Oh wow interesting. Thinner as in: it’ll look a little sunken in? Or do you mean something else

It sticks out only half of what an original crystal does.

Cheers
Jose

[mattg6]

Originally Posted by pereztroika

It sticks out only half of what an original crystal does.

Cheers
Jose

Wow I’m shocked - good to know and thank you. That changes my decision entirely


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[77T]

If the watch is passes a pressure test at a depth rating with which you are comfortable, maybe just try some polywatch for the tiny scratches.

But if it doesn’t, then it’s dress watch - or you face a crystal replacement. NOS may be around but could be expensive.


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[swish77]

Originally Posted by pereztroika

Service crystals for the 16800 are thinner and have the laser etched Rolex coronet at 6 o'clock.


Cheers
Jose

The new service crystals for 16800/0s also have AR coating on the cyclops, so it gives off a slight blue tint in certain light. Ask me how I know.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by 77T

If the watch is passes a pressure test at a depth rating with which you are comfortable, maybe just try some polywatch for the tiny scratches.

But if it doesn’t, then it’s dress watch - or you face a crystal replacement. NOS may be around but could be expensive.


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I don’t think polywatch will work on a sapphire crystal.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by swish77

The new service crystals for 16800/0s also have AR coating on the cyclops, so it gives off a slight blue tint in certain light. Ask me how I know.

I don't know, Aaron. I think you have the version with blue hands.

[mattg6]

Originally Posted by swish77

The new service crystals for 16800/0s also have AR coating on the cyclops, so it gives off a slight blue tint in certain light. Ask me how I know.

Really interesting and helpful - thanks so much. Very glad I asked and really happy you answered


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[mattg6]

Originally Posted by swish77

The new service crystals for 16800/0s also have AR coating on the cyclops, so it gives off a slight blue tint in certain light. Ask me how I know.

This looks like blue on the whole crystal- is the coating just on the cyclops or does the whole crystal have the AR (giving the whole thing a blue tint in certain lighting)?


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[mattg6]

Originally Posted by pereztroika

Service crystals for the 16800 are thinner and have the laser etched Rolex coronet at 6 o'clock.


Cheers
Jose

Is this only for certain years? I was told by a dealer:

“the fact that some crystals are smaller than others, it’s not true. This was the case with plexi Glasses before sapphire started to replace Plexi glasses”

[Arnozerosix]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

I don’t think polywatch will work on a sapphire crystal.

It doesn't ...

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by swish77

The new service crystals for 16800/0s also have AR coating on the cyclops, so it gives off a slight blue tint in certain light. Ask me how I know.

beautiful sub!!