Sea Dweller Crystal less likely to break?

[Aceofspades2345]

Hello All, have been looking to get a Rolex to go with my modern Speedmaster since last year. Convinced myself to wait to see what Baselworld holds, and getting excited about potential new Sea Dwellers. Just wondering if the extra thick crystal on the Sea Dweller makes it less likely to crack, or whether the kind of thing that makes watch crystals crack will generally break anything. Obviously the ceramic bezel will likely go before the crystal anyway, but just wondering if the crystal thickness provided additional durability?

Bring on the end of March to put to bed the wondering about new models!

[Andad]

Yes, the thicker the sapphire crystal the greater the strength.

That is why the SD crystals are thicker than the Submariners.

[Glidelock]

Wait a minute... it's my understanding that the crystal on the modern SDC4K is not in fact thicker, but merely manipulated to set higher on the Rehaut! Of course...admittedly I could be wrong about this, but if memory serves me correct, this subject once came up on a previous thread sometime a year or two back? In fact, if I recall, and again going off memory here, I believe it noted that the crystal ends up being the same part number from either the 114060 or 14060? I'm looking forward to one of our many watch techs either correcting me or confirming this!

[RolexLuthor]

I dunno about the thickness but there is something special and vintage about the way it sits higher than the case! When you look at it from certain angles it looks pure class!

[Andad]

You were welcome to check it out.

The SD crystal on my SD is thicker than the crystal on my 14060.

[Abdullah71601]

Here's a picture of the DSSD crystal versus a sub crystal. The SD isn't as extreme, but is thicker than the sub.

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[Abdullah71601]

The depth rating is the crush depth of the watch, not the depth it leaks. The pressure causes deflection of the case back and crystal that presses into the movement, damaging the watch. The SD and DSSD need a thicker crystal to limit deflection at the much higher pressures they are rated to.

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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Here's a picture of the DSSD crystal versus a sub crystal. The SD isn't as extreme, but is thicker than the sub.

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[Glidelock]

Originally Posted by RolexLuthor

I dunno about the thickness but there is something special and vintage about the way it sits higher than the case! When you look at it from certain angles it looks pure class!

Couldn't agree with you more! That's one if the things I don't like about the modern ceramic Subs...is the crystals are flat, and I've always associated the raised crystal as a key feature of all Rolex watches!

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Here's a picture of the DSSD crystal versus a sub crystal. The SD isn't as extreme, but is thicker than the sub..

Yes, clearly no doubt about the DSSD having a thicker crystal!

[padi56]

On the SD the crystal is 1mm thicker than say a Sub,but like any other sapphire crystals they will crack if dropped from a fair height and land crystal side on to any hard floor.

[Abdullah71601]

For the OP's question, the SD crystal is tougher head on. But it's still a crystal and can be chipped on the edge, or scratched on the face just like any other crystal. And, it is just as likely to shatter from edge impacts.

[travisb]

It has a thicker crystal but can be more prone to chips since it's a raised crystal where as the Sub's is more flush.

[natosub]

In impact situations that would shatter the crystal, I'm not sure you would see an appreciable difference due to the slightly greater thickness, especially when adjusting for the fact that the SD crystal is in some ways more exposed.

[pd999]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Here's a picture of the DSSD crystal versus a sub crystal. The SD isn't as extreme, but is thicker than the sub.

[TygerJaxsin]

I believe the SD crystal is actually thicker because of how far down its rated to dive. It's a true divers watch hence the helium escape valve it has as well.

[Aceofspades2345]

Originally Posted by padi56

On the SD the crystal is 1mm thicker than say a Sub,but like any other sapphire crystals they will crack if dropped from a fair height and land crystal side on to any hard floor.

That pretty much answers it! Thanks. The question isn't really about durability increase, that's a given, more functional improvement.

[Iloreyix]

I can't imagine durability will be an issue unless you are wearing your Rolex while rock climbing, etc. These watches are super tough.
Plus - the crush limit is more a matter of the case back than the crystal.
The sub has a "deeper" rating than the GMT due to the case back, not necessarily the crystal.

[Nunez. Jacob]

what is the average cost in replacing one on a SD 40mm pre ceramic

[sager]

Wow those pictures really showcase the difference.

[Smarties]

You should be referring to DSSD instead of SD50......

[Eva123]

Wow!!!! I could not imagine that there is so much difference between Sub and DSSD crystals.

[Tridor]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Here's a picture of the DSSD crystal versus a sub crystal. The SD isn't as extreme, but is thicker than the sub.

.

And, there ya have it.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Glidelock

Wait a minute... it's my understanding that the crystal on the modern SDC4K is not in fact thicker, but merely manipulated to set higher on the Rehaut! Of course...admittedly I could be wrong about this, but if memory serves me correct, this subject once came up on a previous thread sometime a year or two back? In fact, if I recall, and again going off memory here, I believe it noted that the crystal ends up being the same part number from either the 114060 or 14060? I'm looking forward to one of our many watch techs either correcting me or confirming this!

It's highly unlikely the SD43 crystal is interchangeable with other Rolex divers.

[Etschell]

They all crack when dropped on the floor...