Which is more desireable to a collector ?

[Loyer]

Which is more desirable to a vintage Rolex collector ?

A 5513 Submariner with an original hazed and worn lens or the same watch with a new, quality lens?

[Dan S]

Insignificant.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Loyer

Which is more desirable to a vintage Rolex collector ?

A 5513 Submariner with an original hazed and worn lens or the same watch with a new, quality lens?

The crystal is largely considered a consumable part.

[oystertime]

How bad/worn is the original crystal? Post a photo would be helpful.

Is the new crystal the original superdome version or service crystal?

[Eric88]

Is this a serious thread or just being silly? As mentioned, it's a consumable part, not much different than tires on a car. It is fascinating to see old worn out plexi still hanging in there, though having a legit mint/NOS plexi on your 5513 is desirable, plus there are some newer options to consider, such as TrueDome. These are all perfectly respectable.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Loyer

Which is more desirable to a vintage Rolex collector ?

A 5513 Submariner with an original hazed and worn lens or the same watch with a new, quality lens?

Good question. How about a vintage Jaguar? Do original headlights make it more valuable that replacements?

[Dr.Smellody]

Originally Posted by springer

Good question. How about a vintage Jaguar? Do original headlights make it more valuable that replacements?

I mean, it would be nice to have some vintage Lucas headlight lenses and bulbs in my series 1 xke, but I'm still going to buy the car, assuming it it is right car and price, with a set of Sylvania that also illuminate the darkness.

[1William]

Condition always matters to me. How much? It depends on the watch and the wear.

[swish77]

An original dome is always better, and can often be polished if it’s scratched and/or hazed. Also, the service crystals have a different shape and are usually not as desirable.

However, if the original is so beat up as to be unsightly and cannot be brought back to life, I’d take a Rolex service crystal, and never an aftermarket crystal.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Crystal doesn't matter in the least... As long as it is the correct part. Acrylic crystals can be hand-buffed anyway. Who's to say your average "original" crystal 5513 hasn't been "buffed" by its owner of 50 years from time to time...

Absolutely insignificant, as Dan rightly pointed out

[Tools]

Depends on the collector

Some like to collect as original as possible, but they likely never expect to wear or use them, they are objects of collectionl

Others like their watches to be in good condition, well maintained, yet consider the usual high value parts: dial, hands, inserts, matching bracelets

There is no one-size fits all.

[Kingface66]

Where’s the OP? Same guy who just last year asked where he could buy a fake Oyster bracelet for his 5513.

[TuRo]

Orig domed always if serviceable I'd say - oh and as someone said, yes I'd pay 30x more for orig. headlights for my series one and a half E type btw over patent items......