Question for all the Rolex afficianados

[ldc]

Hi guys,

New to the forum and to the whole world of Rolex. I have a question regarding the durability of the Sub , GMT , or SD crystal.

Is it tough and scratch resistant ? I would be wearing this timepiece daily at work , in the gym, shower, swimming etc.

Ive had a Tag for close to 20 years and its remained bulletproof, Im wondering if Rolex can put up with the same day to day abuse ( within reason of course ).

Ive been eyeing Breitling and Omega also, but Ive come to the realization that nothing beats a Rolex.

Thanks for your replies, great to be part of this information rich forum.

[Tools]

The latest Rolex crystals are synthetic sapphire and are as good as it gets...

Nobody makes a tougher, harder crystal in a production watch..

[daunwaun]

you said it all nothing beats Rolex.

i suggest a Sea Dweller as I have just made the purchase and was one of the best desicions I have made in a while!!!! It rugged Bold and can withstand anything you throw at it!!!

Enjoy your stay at the fantastic forum and Make it your homepage !!!

Cheers

D

[mike]

As tough as it gets--in any of the references you mentioned.

[blackeagle]

They are tough, but not bullet proof. I ran my GMT into a rough brick wall chasing a problem student. Scratched the bezel so bad it had to be replaced and knocked a big chunk out of the crystal.

[ldc]

Thanks guys for the responses.

Daunwaun congrats on your new SD.

[daunwaun]

Thank you Sir much appreciated

Now go get yours lol

Cheers

[marshallr47]

First off, welcome LDC to this great forum. I have a 40 year old Rolex and it keeps going and going. However, keep in mind that service is required on all Rolex watches. The service can be expensive...almost $500 a pop but that just comes with the territory.

You can have the watch serviced by a local watchmaker and that will help keep the price down. Just make sure they are authorized to order Rolex parts. Others will say that there is nothing like service you get from RSC.

Good luck on your search and send some photos when you finally purchase your timepiece.

[ldc]

Originally Posted by marshallr47

First off, welcome LDC to this great forum. I have a 40 year old Rolex and it keeps going and going. However, keep in mind that service is required on all Rolex watches. The service can be expensive...almost $500 a pop but that just comes with the territory.

You can have the watch serviced by a local watchmaker and that will help keep the price down. Just make sure they are authorized to order Rolex parts. Others will say that there is nothing like service you get from RSC.

Good luck on your search and send some photos when you finally purchase your timepiece.

Thanks for the tips. With some creative budgeting Im probably looking at 5 months.

Main problem is that the wife doesnt seem as satisfied with her Tag Alter Ego, and is also eyeing Rolex and Chopard.

In other words it has to be a two watch at the same time purchase

By the way, I dont mean to de-rail my own thread but Ive heard that a gentleman ( Steve Ferraro ) seems reputable. Any thoughts ? His prices are very good.

[SLR]

Funny...mine was a two watch purchase too b/c of the wife. Then after reading this forum, it became a four watch purchase and counting. Having owned a a couple tags, I can say that rolex is just as durable, but I do worry more when wearing a rolex b/c I know I'm wearing something that's 4x the cost of the tag.

[ldc]

Originally Posted by SLR

Funny...mine was a two watch purchase too b/c of the wife. Then after reading this forum, it became a four watch purchase and counting. Having owned a a couple tags, I can say that rolex is just as durable, but I do worry more when wearing a rolex b/c I know I'm wearing something that's 4x the cost of the tag.

Cheers.

[Downing]

Originally Posted by ldc

I have a question regarding the durability of the Sub , GMT , or SD crystal.

The SD's crystal is one tough hombre. The Sub and GMT, not so much.



Welcome to TRF and congrats in advance on whichever watch you choose. You've got plenty of time to get to know all three pieces well, so hopefully you won't have too much trouble making a decision when it comes time to get out your wallet.

[ldc]

[QUOTE=Downing;337395]The SD's crystal is one tough hombre. The Sub and GMT, not so much.



Welcome to TRF and congrats in advance on whichever watch you choose. You've got plenty of time to get to know all three pieces well, so hopefully you won't have too much trouble making a decision when it comes time to get out your wallet. [/QUOTE

Very true. I can really appreciate the clean look of the SD.

Thanks

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

The Rolex sapphire crystals ARE tough, but can STILL be scratched and can STILL be shattered into smithereens, especially if you drop the Rolex on a tile floor.

I would also go for the SD if you want a VERY rugged watch that also has a "clean look" of the dial (no cyclops) and a watch you don't see everyone wearing.

[jimbo1mcm]

Go for the new GMT2C. Better bracelet and clasp. More accurate with new parachrom spring. Would you rather be a pilot, up in the wild blue yonder, or a squid, wearing a SD or Submariner?

[Ed Rooney]

Originally Posted by SLR

Funny...mine was a two watch purchase too b/c of the wife. Then after reading this forum, it became a four watch purchase and counting. Having owned a a couple tags, I can say that rolex is just as durable, but I do worry more when wearing a rolex b/c I know I'm wearing something that's 4x the cost of the tag.

Ha! Me too.

I'm still looking for her TT Datejust.

[Jedi]

I wore my Sub for about 9 years straight, dropped it, swam with it, tried to dive with it, went through ups downs successes failures and just when it was starting to get some character, ie, some really decent scratches, mind you, nothing severe after all that time as a daily beater, I sent it in for service and it came out.... brand new, save for a small scratch on the bezel insert which in my opinion gives the watch a face of its own. I know it's mine!

RE: Crystal, no problems with it whatsoever. I've banged my watch into concrete walls on construction sites, scraped it over door jambs etc etc. Only a small tiny chip on an edge which I only found out about under magnification. After service, nada.

[mcubed]

Originally Posted by blackeagle

They are tough, but not bullet proof. I ran my GMT into a rough brick wall chasing a problem student. Scratched the bezel so bad it had to be replaced and knocked a big chunk out of the crystal.

But with Rolex, it can always be fixed. With Tags after a few years I have heard parts are scarce and you can be SOL

[ldc]

Some great info, thanks guys.

Does the fact that the crystal is raised slightly cause any concern ?

[Seadweller]

The odd scratch to the crystal adds personality I think.
I have a few small scratches as you can see.

[ldc]

Originally Posted by Seadweller

The odd scratch to the crystal adds personality I think.
I have a few small scratches as you can see.

. That bezel looks almost diamond like. Did it fall out of a moving car ?

[Destroy]

Looks more like a motorcycle accident.

[Downing]

Originally Posted by ldc

Some great info, thanks guys.

Does the fact that the crystal is raised slightly cause any concern ?

None.









I'm not trying to be flippant here. I just can't think of anything else to say...