70's era Datejust with sapphire crystal

[Vomtaylor]

Hello All.... (Please forgive me in advance if my facts are off) but I wanted to address a topic that I had some questions in....

Im in search of a timepiece for my wife for x-mas gift. She said she wanted something "vintage". I came across a 72+- Datejust. It has been restored to a "like new" condition." It looks good, and she really likes it...

They replaced the acrylic with a sapphire crystal. Any thoughts on this?

We will prod keep it forever, just want to know what the Rolex community thought about this idea......

Thanks.

[Annan]

I've read/been advised that the sapphire crystal shape is not 100% compatible with a case designed for the acrylic. In other words you might be slightly compromising the ability to keep out dust and moisture. There are businesses out there that advertise such replacements but be careful. I once had a DJ I considered having this done to but then backed off.

[Tools]

Sapphire conversions are frowned upon because they do not seal the watch as engineered/designed.

This is not a "restoration", it is a clean-and-flip - intended solely to make it look good for sale. There is no way to know what else was done, or not done, that would further devalue and degrade this watch..

[andromeda160]

When a acrylic crystal is placed on a watch it forms to the cases contour and is fastened with a retaining ring. A sapphire crystal sits against the case and without enough pressure and the right surface it won't seal as there isn't any flex to it.