Sapphire or Acrylic..........

[jasper]

I like the dome most of all, and specifically don't love the look of the flat sapphire. Scratches don't bother me at all either. There's a clear preference for acrylic here.

Timely thread....I am considering buying a vintage sub at the moment. I'd really like the last of the acrylic models....the 1680 but I am considering a 16800 (first sapphire) because it's more affordable and because the 1680 is hard to find. The only thing stopping me from pulling the trigger *right now* is the sapphire crystal. hhmm

[boxbrownie]

Originally Posted by oneillba

You have a very nice watch there. I love the strap and plastic. Very nice indeed!

Thank you, yes I prefer it on leather (particulary this strap) than the bracelet.....the leather sort of softens the "bling" of the bi-metal and makes it an even classier understated watch....just my opinion though..... it really does say you don't need to flaunt it!

Best regards David

[gmt 16750]

I guess I'm in the minority here as I much prefer an acrylic crystal over sapphire.
I realise the benefits of a sapphire crystal but the reflection you also get does bug me a little if I'm honest.
I just had a count up and I was surprised to find there is 12 acrylic and 13 sapphire between my Rolex/Tudor watches........

[Tools]

Sounds like it's nicely balanced Neil...........

[Toxicant]

I just recently got my first sapphire Rolex and the only thing it has going for it is......If I'm ever on a deserted island I have something to reflect my position to a passing plane.

Other then that,

[Timber Loftis]

The first week I got my Explorer II I knocked it against the squared-off side of a metal doorhandle, putting a forever nick in the crystal. I went to see if I could get it buffed out, and learned that with the sapphire you have to replace the crystal. I was quoted $135, which seems fair, but I decided to hang onto it for now and let it get another nick or 2.

So, I have a low opinion of the sapphire because it can't be cared for like the other aspects of the watch -- a buffable surface would be better. This is especially true on models where the crystal sits high off the bezel, like the Expy. It's less of a problem when the crstal is closer to the bezel, like GMT and Subs.

It seems to be permanently-smudged, too.

[f16570]

My old Seiko is scratched to bits on the lens, 2.5 years of constant wear and no nicks, scrathes or otherwise.

[Letsgodiving]

Once they make this baby in sapphire crystal I might agree with you.


from the www.

[mike]

Originally Posted by jasper

I like the dome most of all, and specifically don't love the look of the flat sapphire. Scratches don't bother me at all either. There's a clear preference for acrylic here.

Timely thread....I am considering buying a vintage sub at the moment. I'd really like the last of the acrylic models....the 1680 but I am considering a 16800 (first sapphire) because it's more affordable and because the 1680 is hard to find. The only thing stopping me from pulling the trigger *right now* is the sapphire crystal. hhmm

Go 1680.