DD 1803 Acrylic Crystal? How does it hold up over time?

[rolexgirl1998]

I don't own a single watch without a sapphire crystal and I have been thinking of getting the 1803 day-date and wondering how the acrylic crystal will hold up. I am very rough on my watches. Thanks!

[robinmgb]

Acrylic crystals are nothing to worry about, so easy to remove scratches from, just buy some polywatch for about £3, I’ve used it for years, just rub over the crystal and all scratches are gone!

[kieselguhr]

My DJ has an acrylic crystal. Last time this crystal was replaced was during a service in 2013. Wore it as my only watch for 6 years and now as part of a rotation.

There are micro scratches for sure as this watch has gone everywhere from mountain summits to sunken wreckages in the ocean depths but it’s hardly noticeable and doesn’t affect telling time.

I’ll add a macro shot of the crystal so you can see what it looks like close up.

Acrylic crystal body close up



Acrylic date window close up


As you can see there certainly are micro scratches throughout but are only discernible when scrutinized at loupe distances.

As Robin mentioned, these can easily be polished out with Polywatch but I don’t find it necessary as an upkeep but more as a quick fix if you get a significant scratch that would obscure your ability to tell time.

[rolexgirl1998]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

My DJ has an acrylic crystal. Last time this crystal was replaced was during a service in 2013. Wore it as my only watch for 6 years and now as part of a rotation.

There are micro scratches for sure as this watch has gone everywhere from mountain summits to sunken wreckages in the ocean depths but it’s hardly noticeable and doesn’t affect telling time.

I’ll add a macro shot of the crystal so you can see what it looks like close up.

That's so great to here. Sounds like you and your datejust have gone on some great adventures. Thanks for the pic, it is very helpful!

[rolexgirl1998]

Originally Posted by robinmgb

Acrylic crystals are nothing to worry about, so easy to remove scratches from, just buy some polywatch for about £3, I’ve used it for years, just rub over the crystal and all scratches are gone!

I never knew the scratches came out so easily, but it sound like upkeep won't be too hard!

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by rolexgirl1998

That's so great to here. Sounds like you and your datejust have gone on some great adventures. Thanks for the pic, it is very helpful!

You are welcome. I added the macro pics for you to evaluate as well.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by rolexgirl1998

I don't own a single watch without a sapphire crystal and I have been thinking of getting the 1803 day-date and wondering how the acrylic crystal will hold up. I am very rough on my watches. Thanks!

All acrylic crystals are changed as part of normal RSC routine service, and they are quite tough so no worries.