How important is a top hat crystal to you?

[RazorD]

So my red sub is in for service. It has a service crystal that’s in reasonably good shape, but I’m considering whether or not I want to put an original top hat crystal on it now. Curious what others think for their watches? Do you view this as a “nice to have” or “must have”?

[ScoRys]

Nice to have, I see C24 has some one selling them!


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[swish77]

I'm a stickler for originality and authenticity. I'd only put a Rolex top hat crystal on a 1680 ... no aftermarket crystals and no domes on a 1680 for me.

That said, it's really not a big deal, like changing tires on a car. Easy enough to switch back and forth if you want to change up the look with, say, a dome, which a lot of guys do.

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by swish77

I'm a stickler for originality and authenticity. I'd only put a Rolex top crystal on a 1680 ... no aftermarket crystals and no domes on a 1680 for me.

That said, it's really not a big deal, like changing tires on a car. Easy enough to switch back and forth if you want to change up the look with, say, a dome, which a lot of guys do.

This!

[Swearengen]

When you say "Top Hat" do you mean the just original straight sided crystal as fitted when the Red 1680 left the factory or to you include the Rolex service item for the 1680, which has a slight bevel?

The latter I suspect is less vulnerable to chipping.

As far as I am aware the original profile (straight sided) is not longer available through Rolex so any "genuine NOS" examples must be quite old by now.

[ScoRys]

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[RazorD]

Yes, it currently has a Rolex service crystal with the slight bezel. Trying to decide if I want to go for the original top hat as shown above.

[TuRo]

Original only for me - be like having aftermarket end links.... perfectly good but would mither and bother me in the long run, and if I came to resell unnecessary excuses would be needed perhaps ....notwithstanding the quality, potential cracking, waterproofing exposure of protecting your 20 big ones! If as you go on to say, you've got a RSC 45 degree ridged service one that is a different matter - yes they are not as nice to the touch as the soft edge but like a replacement larger crown I'd live with it , and certainly not pay £750 for one !!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by swish77

I'd only put a Rolex top hat crystal on a 1680 ... no aftermarket crystals and no domes on a 1680 for me.

This.

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

Original only for me - be like having aftermarket end links...

Hmm. A crystal is a disposable part, but end links aren't. For me, an authentic Rolex top-hat service crystal is fine. I actually prefer the bevel type.

Mileage may differ.

[forgedblades]

put a dome on it

[sensui]

Originally Posted by forgedblades

put a dome on it

Would agree. Use to be a stickler keeping the top hat on my 1680s, with the T19 (or truedome D19) the watch just looks so much better to my eyes without the cyclops and dimensional with the distortion. Not to mention less worry about older piece of plastic cracking/waterproofness. Keep the original on the side as part of the collection.