Crown and glass changed on a 1987 Datejust

[Fazzer]

Hi guys,

Just wanted some advice, just bought a vintage Datejust 16030, however the crown and glass has been changed which is a sapphire one. Should I be worried as I am having second thoughts. Have not picked up the watch yet. Any advice will be much appreciated.

[Dan S]

Personally, I'm not in favor of retrofitting sapphire crystals on watches which originally had acrylic. I think it interferes with the vintage look, and I have heard second-hand that it can compromise the water resistance.

If you like the watch otherwise, however, it's not a big expense to have an acrylic crystal installed. If you want more comprehensive advice, you should post photos and provide the terms of the deal.

[Fazzer]

Thanks for the info on the glass I was worried about the crown being changed also, it has nice and papers with it and was bought from Goldsmiths. Should I be worried? I mean I've heard the sapphire crystal is better in terms of less scratches as in looking to wear this regularly and is said to be better in terms of water resistance but how true is it on vintage watches of this age?

[Dan S]

Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about a replacement crown on a 1987 DJ, as long as it's an authentic Rolex crown. As I mentioned previously, I don't think that installing the wrong crystal will help the water resistance. If anything, it will be less water resistant, but unless the watch is pressure-tested, you really can't know either way. Sapphire crystals are more scratch resistant, but scratches can easily be removed from acrylic crystals by polishing.

[donq]

The design of the case is different depending on the type of crystal, so it’s not simply a matter of changing the part.

I would want the correct part installed.

If you want a sapphire crystal you should buy a later watch that came with it.

I prefer the acrylic crystals personally, they don’t collect smudges and fingerprints like the sapphire.

The crown is replaced when the threads wear out, along with the tube.
Between that and the modified/incorrect crystal I would have to be getting a good price.
Don’t let them tell you it’s some kind of upgrade that increases the value. It’s not.

Hope this helps!

[Fazzer]

Thanks. Does anyone know if the models of the DATEJUST in the 80's had acrylic or sapphire crystal glass as well as if they were water resistant as someone told me a 8ps model is not water resistant.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Fazzer

Thanks. Does anyone know if the models of the DATEJUST in the 80's had acrylic or sapphire crystal glass as well as if they were water resistant as someone told me a 8ps model is not water resistant.

A 16030 from 1987 had an acrylic crystal. I don't know what 8ps means, but a 16030 would have originally had a 100m depth rating, and if it's in decent shape, it could probably pass a pressure test to that depth with new seals and a correct crystal installed.

[donq]

Originally Posted by Fazzer

Thanks. Does anyone know if the models of the DATEJUST in the 80's had acrylic or sapphire crystal glass as well as if they were water resistant as someone told me a 8ps model is not water resistant.

Any Rolex Oyster is water resistant if it is in proper condition.

Sapphire crystal was introduced on the steel and two tone DateJust in 1989.
The gold model got it in 1978.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by Fazzer

Hi guys,

Just wanted some advice, just bought a vintage Datejust 16030, however the crown and glass has been changed which is a sapphire one. Should I be worried as I am having second thoughts. Have not picked up the watch yet. Any advice will be much appreciated.

If at all possible I would cancel the deal - you already have doubts about the watch and these will only likely get worse as time passes (I have been there myself!!). My advice would be to continue your search until you find an example that you are satisfied with. Good luck.

[Fazzer]

The changes that have been made ie the glass and the crown would it affect the resale value?