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thunderyacht · 23 February 2008, 07:54 AM

Okay, I've looked and looked, even with a magnifying glass, and I can't see the etched crown on the crystal of my YM. What year did they begin putting that on?

Tools · 23 February 2008, 08:02 AM

Rolex started etching the crystal in 2001 but it was not throughout the line until about 2003.

Replacement Sapphire crystals will be etched..

thunderyacht · 23 February 2008, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Rolex started etchng the crystal in 2001 but it was not throughout the line until about 2003.

Replacement Sapphire crystals will be etched..

Thanks.

DavidHasselhoff · 23 February 2008, 08:13 AM

Bright light and looking on it at an angle helps.

SPACE-DWELLER · 23 February 2008, 08:15 AM

If your Rolex is from the right period (as Larry states: 2001ish and onwards), you can only see it by looking at the six o' clock position with a 10x or stronger loupe.

Alternatively, you can use a small flashlight and light with it from the 12 towards the 6 o' clock position. This will make the LEC literally glow up so that you can see it with your naked eye. The function of the LEC is to prevent forgery. BTW.: On counterfeit Rolex watches, you'd note that the LEC is very obvious, visible to the naked eye.

If you have a good digital camera, set to supermacro mode, and if you have some patience, getting the right angle and light, you can capture the LEC on a photo. Here is the LEC on my now flipped SD (Sea-Dweller):

If the crystal is exchanged due to damage, you will get a "service replacement crystal", and the LEC will sport an "S" inside the Rolex coronet, the "S" standing for "(S)ervice". As stated, it does not devalue your watch, but this is just to let you know in case you'd wonder why this "S" is suddenly inside the LEC.

Here is a pic of it (supermacro. Not my pic):

Art 1 · 23 February 2008, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Rolex started etching the crystal in 2001 but it was not throughout the line until about 2003.

Replacement Sapphire crystals will be etched..

They started putting the etching on ladies watches in spring of 2000. My wife has one one hers purchased at that time.

mldaytona · 23 February 2008, 08:31 AM

Wow, I think I need to drink more carrot juice if I want to continue being a Rolex collector.

Markg · 23 February 2008, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Replacement Sapphire crystals will be etched..

i had a sapphire crystal replaced on my submariner about a year ago at the rolex service center in new york, and the replacement doesnt have the etched logo. but neither did my original crystal (its an L serial purchased in 1991), so i just figured they replaced it with the same crystal with no logo.

mark

Markg · 23 February 2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art 1

They started putting the etching on ladies watches in spring of 2000. My wife has one one hers purchased at that time.

does her watch have the 'crb' etching inside the face as well?

i got a ladies rolex for my wife in 2005 (a "y" serial) and it doesnt have the etching or crb on hers.

mark

Texsubmariner · 23 February 2008, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markg

does her watch have the 'crb' etching inside the face as well?

i got a ladies rolex for my wife in 2005 (a "y" serial) and it doesnt have the etching or crb on hers.

mark

The CRB came later than the coronet etching. My Z serial Sub Date bought last year did not have the CRB. Even now, the SD and 16710 M serials do not have CRB.

Art 1 · 23 February 2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markg

does her watch have the 'crb' etching inside the face as well?

i got a ladies rolex for my wife in 2005 (a "y" serial) and it doesnt have the etching or crb on hers.

mark

No, Rolex started using a new ladies movement in the mid to later A series in mid 2000, that's when they started putting the etching on. I would think that a Y series should have the etching. It can be hard to find it the first time.

topcat30093 · 23 February 2008, 09:02 AM

If the crystal is exchanged due to damage, you will get a "service replacement crystal", and the LEC will sport an "S" inside the Rolex coronet, the "S" standing for "(S)ervice". As stated, it does not devalue your watch, but this is just to let you know in case you'd wonder why this "S" is suddenly inside the LEC.

Here is a pic of it (supermacro. Not my pic):

[/QUOTE]

Hi Bo
You have done it again, where do you get all your info from!!!!!

rolio · 23 February 2008, 09:09 AM

It is so hard to see the crown. It took me two days, changing the glasses I wore, the light, and the magnifier lens. Finially found a 10X magnifier and voila. I was discouraged, to say the least, until I found it.

Cheers

Markg · 23 February 2008, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art 1

It can be hard to find it the first time.

i found it on two others.....but not this one.

Markg · 23 February 2008, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art 1

No, Rolex started using a new ladies movement in the mid to later A series in mid 2000, that's when they started putting the etching on. I would think that a Y series should have the etching. It can be hard to find it the first time.

ok, i stand corrected. please excuse/ignore my other posts stating it wasnt there.

it DOES have it. i looked at two newer watches, and the etching almost jumped out at me, so i figured they all would; this one didnt for some reason so after your post i went back and really STARED at it; in the sun, out of the sun, every way i could think of. and there it was.....

so then i went back at two others and they had it too; one "k" serial had it but was almost impossible to see, even worse than the ladies model, and my submariner that had a crystal replaced last year had it too.

so the count is; 2 jumped out and were obvious, and three hid from sight, but are there.....

thanks for the tip.

mark

Art 1 · 23 February 2008, 11:26 AM

Glad you found it Mark.

mdx77 · 23 February 2008, 11:36 AM

East Bay Rider · 23 February 2008, 12:38 PM

It sure was exciting to see it the first time. Now at work, under an especially bright inspection lamp I often sneak a peek at it, and smile.

CPCC · 23 February 2008, 01:01 PM

Great pic BO

Markg · 24 February 2008, 03:18 AM

i tried to find a better way to view the crown.

tried different color light, some worked, some didnt.
but the green laser shined in from the top worked fairly well; see pic.

jmjm · 24 February 2008, 03:31 AM

If it was easy to see, it would be a fake.

Jocke · 24 February 2008, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunderyacht

Okay, I've looked and looked, even with a magnifying glass, and I can't see the etched crown on the crystal of my YM. What year did they begin putting that on?

I have done the same in my wallet and I never find a crown. (crown is the swedish currency)

The Yachtmaster got the crown at the crystal in 1999 and it will be there.

Just look a little harder.

Jocke

Chris B · 24 February 2008, 03:59 AM

They can be tricky to find, an alternative light source at an oblique angle often helps.

Saying that the LEC on my GMT is ridiculously easy to find, I can even spot it with my normal reading specs

JJ Irani · 24 February 2008, 04:00 AM

WOW!! Your camera work is simply amazing, Chris. What a superb close-up!!!

Alex Stylianou · 24 February 2008, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Rolex started etching the crystal in 2001 but it was not throughout the line until about 2003.

Replacement Sapphire crystals will be etched..

What about Plexi ?

f16570 · 24 February 2008, 06:30 AM

I have been looking for mine for 2 years and only spotte dit the other day with a 5,000,000 candle light. Overkill yes, but at least I know it is no fake now

danny-k · 10 June 2008, 12:56 PM

Thanx for the tip with the green laser! omg it was so hard to find :)

Ru4scuba · 1 April 2014, 09:26 PM

Dragging up an old thread because it was very informative...thx TZ!

Runnin' Rebel · 1 April 2014, 10:46 PM

Service crystal on GMT Master II

Runnin' Rebel · 1 April 2014, 10:48 PM

116619 lec

23 February 2008, 07:54 AM	#1
thunderyacht "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Richmond VA Posts: 126	Etched Crown Okay, I've looked and looked, even with a magnifying glass, and I can't see the etched crown on the crystal of my YM. What year did they begin putting that on?

23 February 2008, 08:02 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,490	Rolex started etching the crystal in 2001 but it was not throughout the line until about 2003. Replacement Sapphire crystals will be etched.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

23 February 2008, 08:15 AM	#5
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	If your Rolex is from the right period (as Larry states: 2001ish and onwards), you can only see it by looking at the six o' clock position with a 10x or stronger loupe. Alternatively, you can use a small flashlight and light with it from the 12 towards the 6 o' clock position. This will make the LEC literally glow up so that you can see it with your naked eye. The function of the LEC is to prevent forgery. BTW.: On counterfeit Rolex watches, you'd note that the LEC is very obvious, visible to the naked eye. If you have a good digital camera, set to supermacro mode, and if you have some patience, getting the right angle and light, you can capture the LEC on a photo. Here is the LEC on my now flipped SD (Sea-Dweller): If the crystal is exchanged due to damage, you will get a "service replacement crystal", and the LEC will sport an "S" inside the Rolex coronet, the "S" standing for "(S)ervice". As stated, it does not devalue your watch, but this is just to let you know in case you'd wonder why this "S" is suddenly inside the LEC. Here is a pic of it (supermacro. Not my pic): __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

23 February 2008, 11:36 AM	#17
mdx77 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Kurt Location: Philly Burbs!! Posts: 3,296	__________________ “This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the BLUE pill - the story ends; you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the RED pill - you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.” Rolex Submariner 116610LV Hulk \| Rolex GMT 16710 Pepsi \| Omega Speedmaster “Speedy Tuesday” \| Tudor Black Bay 79220R “ETA Rose” \| Tudor Pelagos Blue Dial \| Rolex Submariner Yellow Gold 116618LB \| Rolex Milgauss “Z-Blue” 116400GV

23 February 2008, 12:38 PM	#18
East Bay Rider "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Bill Location: East Bay RI Watch: GMT-II 16710LN Posts: 12,058	It sure was exciting to see it the first time. Now at work, under an especially bright inspection lamp I often sneak a peek at it, and smile. __________________ I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man Floating down canal It doesn't use numbers or moving hands It always just says "now" Now you may be thinking that I was had But this watch is never wrong And if I have trouble the warranty said Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On J. Buffett Instagram: eastbayrider46

23 February 2008, 08:13 AM	#4
DavidHasselhoff Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sweden Watch: SS Submariner Posts: 312	Bright light and looking on it at an angle helps.

23 February 2008, 08:31 AM	#7
mldaytona "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Real Name: Michael Location: USA Watch: me go all out Posts: 1,183	Wow, I think I need to drink more carrot juice if I want to continue being a Rolex collector.

23 February 2008, 09:02 AM	#12
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,449	If the crystal is exchanged due to damage, you will get a "service replacement crystal", and the LEC will sport an "S" inside the Rolex coronet, the "S" standing for "(S)ervice". As stated, it does not devalue your watch, but this is just to let you know in case you'd wonder why this "S" is suddenly inside the LEC. Here is a pic of it (supermacro. Not my pic): [/QUOTE] Hi Bo You have done it again, where do you get all your info from!!!!!

23 February 2008, 09:09 AM	#13
rolio "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: justRay Location: Back2California Watch: Birdies Posts: 1,921	It is so hard to see the crown. It took me two days, changing the glasses I wore, the light, and the magnifier lens. Finially found a 10X magnifier and voila. I was discouraged, to say the least, until I found it. Cheers

23 February 2008, 11:26 AM	#16
Art 1 Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida, Canada Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega Posts: 30,244	Glad you found it Mark.

23 February 2008, 01:01 PM	#19
CPCC "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Bill Location: USA Posts: 1,857	Great pic BO __________________

24 February 2008, 03:18 AM	#20
Markg "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Real Name: Mark Location: California Watch: R Posts: 913	i tried to find a better way to view the crown. tried different color light, some worked, some didnt. but the green laser shined in from the top worked fairly well; see pic.

24 February 2008, 03:31 AM	#21
jmjm Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: John Kim Location: Cerriros, CA Watch: Blue Submariner TT Posts: 380	If it was easy to see, it would be a fake.

24 February 2008, 03:59 AM	#23
Chris B "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Peterborough Posts: 9,631	They can be tricky to find, an alternative light source at an oblique angle often helps. Saying that the LEC on my GMT is ridiculously easy to find, I can even spot it with my normal reading specs

24 February 2008, 04:00 AM	#24
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	WOW!! Your camera work is simply amazing, Chris. What a superb close-up!!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

24 February 2008, 06:30 AM	#26
f16570 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: F Location: Scotland Watch: Exp II White Face Posts: 4,272	I have been looking for mine for 2 years and only spotte dit the other day with a 5,000,000 candle light. Overkill yes, but at least I know it is no fake now __________________ Why have what's new when you have what's best. f

10 June 2008, 12:56 PM	#27
danny-k Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Danny Location: usa Posts: 23	haha Thanx for the tip with the green laser! omg it was so hard to find :)

1 April 2014, 09:26 PM	#28
Ru4scuba "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Real Name: Chris Location: NCR Watch: Today's watch Posts: 736	Dragging up an old thread because it was very informative...thx TZ!

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