Acrylic crystals on vintage models

[iwhelan]

Hey everyone,

I love the look of matte dial vintage sport models. In fact, I would love to own a matte dialed GMT Master some day. I wonder what the availability is of acrylic crystals in the case of damage. Are you concerned that you may damage your crystal and not be able to replace it? I understand you can buff out small scratches.

Is there any reason to not wear a well preserved matte/acrylic Rolex every day without worry?

Ian

[Tools]

there are many, many good manufacturers of acrylic crystals out there... Rolex still also replaces acrylic crystals when they service those models..

I don't think that they will run out during any of our lifetimes.........

[greekbum]

Originally Posted by iwhelan

Hey everyone,

I love the look of matte dial vintage sport models. In fact, I would love to own a matte dialed GMT Master some day. I wonder what the availability is of acrylic crystals in the case of damage. Are you concerned that you may damage your crystal and not be able to replace it? I understand you can buff out small scratches.

Is there any reason to not wear a well preserved matte/acrylic Rolex every day without worry?

Ian

I wear 1 everyday and have no fear I even swim with some vintage from the late 50's.The crystals will be available for a long time.

[The Baron]

A friend of mine has a datejust from around 1973. He has replaced the crystal twice in the last ten years -- most recently this summer -- and getting a replacement crystal has not been an issue.

[mike]

There's no reason at all to be concerned about an acryllic reference as a daily wear provided properly serviced and in good working order (as with any watch).

RSC still services/replaces these crystals. The 16750 uses an acryllic crystal and a 3xxx fast beat movement. Service won't be an issue (of course matt dials/hands could come into question by RSC).

[eparisini]

I wear my vintage rolex watches everyday NO FEAR

[Dan Pierce]

Acrylic crystals have a rich glow that cannot be found with sapphire. Plus it hides fingerprints and can be polished to look new.
Sourcing one should be no problem as stated above.
dP

[therolexguy]

I've had no problem getting my 67 GMT crystal replaced but Rolex does not have a 57 Sub part of any kind according to my AD. That crystal could not be replaced by Rolex but guys like Steve Mulholland can get you an original and I believe there are aftermarket parts that will fit. Good luck and let us know what you get.