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Benjo74 · 20 May 2018, 03:15 AM

I don’t baby my watches, I wear them. That said, I was doing some work in the garden today, and I took off my Sub because there’s no need to be asking for trouble.

Anyway, finished working, got showered and even took my watch in there for a clean up (yes, it was safe).

When I came back down, all clean and fresh and with the Sub on my wrist I remembered I had left the gate open. I reached down to move some plant pots and scraped my Sub on a big distressed terracotta plant pot (ie rough surface).

I quickly checked for damage and the case was fine. The cyclops, however, has some scratches.

I’m a bit annoyed with myself, but also think “whatever - it’s here to be worn”.

I might give RSC St James a call on Monday to see how much it will cost to replace. If it’s cheap I might do it (I expect not cheap). Alternatively I might live with it until service time, but that’s about 8 years away!

Anyone know the uk RSC price for a cyclops replacement?

Here’s the obligatory photo, scratches not that visible in the pic because they are quite fine but I can see them...

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REFZ · 20 May 2018, 03:27 AM

The cyclops can't be replaced you need a new crystal.

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antbkny · 20 May 2018, 03:27 AM

Can you feel the scratches with your finger nail? If not maybe some diamond paste would polish it out.

Benjo74 · 20 May 2018, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antbkny

Can you feel the scratches with your finger nail? If not maybe some diamond paste would polish it out.

I can feel it. I did wonder if I might smooth it out with something but I don’t want to make it worse. I might just live with unless it really starts to irk me too much.

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Benjo74 · 20 May 2018, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REFZ

The cyclops can't be replaced you need a new crystal.

That sounds about right. Probably not worth it. I’ll convince myself it “adds character”

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Uhtred59 · 20 May 2018, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjo74

I can feel it. I did wonder if I might smooth it out with something but I don’t want to make it worse. I might just live with unless it really starts to irk me too much.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'd go with that.

Speedbird-1 · 20 May 2018, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antbkny

Can you feel the scratches with your finger nail? If not maybe some diamond paste would polish it out.

Agree.
Or, try a rub with a small piece of 'Duraglit' (very fine, metal polish wadding).
Mask off the rest of the crystal of course.

I've done it myself, it works!

Rocket_Man · 20 May 2018, 03:49 AM

It could be a very stubborn smudge that can be removed. I think the cyclops can be removed and replaced. It is just glued on.

antbkny · 20 May 2018, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjo74

I can feel it. I did wonder if I might smooth it out with something but I don’t want to make it worse. I might just live with unless it really starts to irk me too much.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

that sucks dude. You’ll probably forget about it after awhile. If not at least you can replace the crystal.

GradyPhilpott · 20 May 2018, 03:58 AM

The crystal is the only place that I feel that scratches don't add character.

I'm not sure if the cyclops is sapphire or even glass, so why not give some toothpaste a shot to see if it gets rid of the scratch.

It works on plastic and you have nothing to lose.

Diamond is the only thing that will scratch sapphire, so I think the odds are in your favor.

A new crystal isn't so expensive, probably about $250, and that's what I'd choose if it were mine and if the toothpaste option didn't work.

Speedbird-1 · 21 May 2018, 03:53 AM

Do we know if the (modern) cylops is Saphire Crystal?

Bxtek · 21 May 2018, 04:00 AM

I found this procedure on another watch forum, but I'm not sure if it's legal to post the link here. If you would like it, please PM me and I can send it to you. Sounds like this would definitely be worth giving it a shot.

The things you will need are
- a scratched up crystal
- masking tape
- diamond paste (3µ & 0.25µ / 5000 & 100.000 grit) - eBay $10-20 is your best bet.
- paper tissues

Diamond paste contains microscopic diamond particles and is widely used to polish on jewellery. Being harder than sapphire, it is the obvious choice. My quick research has revealed that it is best to use 3µ for the hard work and then move down to 1µ or even 0.25µ for a fine finish.

1. Tape the watch so that the paste can't get on any other surfaces, especially not into the bezel if yours is rotating.
Leave a window over the scratch (see picture below) and a bit of space around it to work on.
2. Start with the most coarse polishing paste and rub it in with a good amount of pressure using paper tissues/toilet paper.
3. Check your progress and keep rubbing along the scratch and in a circular motion until the scratch is not visible anymore.
A few scratches were gone after just a minute, others needed more work.
4. Once the scratches are gone (feels like a miracle!), move down to the finer paste for a perfect finishing touch.
5. Make sure to wipe residual paste from the watch before removing the tape. If the paste is oil-based, use some soap to get it off.
6. Enjoy your rejuvenated timepiece!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocket_Man

It could be a very stubborn smudge that can be removed. I think the cyclops can be removed and replaced. It is just glued on.

The cyclops is definitely 1 piece with the whole crystal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Virgil Hilts

Do we know if the (modern) cylops is Saphire Crystal?

Yes, they are a sapphire crystal.

Rose Gold · 21 May 2018, 04:18 AM

I would definitely try to polish it. The worst thing that could happen is that it doesn’t fix the problem (assuming that you can polish the cyclops with toothpaste without damaging any other part of the watch). One thing you should do is take an alcohol pad and wipe the cyclops off just to see if it comes clean.

KBM · 21 May 2018, 04:21 AM

If the crystal replacement ends up being your choice, could be a good idea to replace it for a 114060 crystal (sans cyclops). That way you would be getting a fresh look for the money spent, not just replacing a cyclops.

T.Mas · 21 May 2018, 04:29 AM

Around $300 to replace it as it takes some work from a skilled watchmaker. If you can handle waiting, it would be cheaper to replace it when you take it for its next service, since the crystal will be removed anyway during a regular overhaul. You won’t be paying for the work 2x in that case.

Byrdguy · 21 May 2018, 05:37 AM

Simichrome metal polish will more than likely remove the scratches. Tape it off and use an old clean T shirt. Rub the Cyclops until it is smooth. You'll be amazed.

kzm40 · 21 May 2018, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bxtek

I found this procedure on another watch forum, but I'm not sure if it's legal to post the link here. If you would like it, please PM me and I can send it to you. Sounds like this would definitely be worth giving it a shot.

The things you will need are
- a scratched up crystal
- masking tape
- diamond paste (3µ & 0.25µ / 5000 & 100.000 grit) - eBay $10-20 is your best bet.
- paper tissues

Diamond paste contains microscopic diamond particles and is widely used to polish on jewellery. Being harder than sapphire, it is the obvious choice. My quick research has revealed that it is best to use 3µ for the hard work and then move down to 1µ or even 0.25µ for a fine finish.

1. Tape the watch so that the paste can't get on any other surfaces, especially not into the bezel if yours is rotating.
Leave a window over the scratch (see picture below) and a bit of space around it to work on.
2. Start with the most coarse polishing paste and rub it in with a good amount of pressure using paper tissues/toilet paper.
3. Check your progress and keep rubbing along the scratch and in a circular motion until the scratch is not visible anymore.
A few scratches were gone after just a minute, others needed more work.
4. Once the scratches are gone (feels like a miracle!), move down to the finer paste for a perfect finishing touch.
5. Make sure to wipe residual paste from the watch before removing the tape. If the paste is oil-based, use some soap to get it off.
6. Enjoy your rejuvenated timepiece!

The cyclops is definitely 1 piece with the whole crystal

Yes, they are a sapphire crystal.

Wrong, the cyclops is seperate, it is glued in place on sapphire.

bradyb · 21 May 2018, 06:04 AM

I've had good luck with diamond paste. Plenty of tutorials on the interwebs and Youtube.

Bxtek · 21 May 2018, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kzm40

Wrong, the cyclops is seperate, it is glued in place on sapphire.

Is it really?? Sorry about that. I stand corrected and I learned something new! I was told that it was one piece before which was why I said it so confidently. Thanks! I'm always open to learning new things and correcting the the things I thought I knew!

siempreko · 21 May 2018, 06:43 AM

That sucks... keep us posted with how you choose to resolve this issue... and the outcome!

Cheers!

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Benjo74 · 21 May 2018, 07:15 AM

Cheers for all the advice. Looking again today it’s not all that noticeable unless you’re looking for it. I think I’m just gonna live with it until service time.

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lecorsaire · 21 May 2018, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kzm40

Wrong, the cyclops is seperate, it is glued in place on sapphire.

It is much easier to just have the entire crystal replaced. Even if it were possible to replace just the cyclops, the chances of ending up with a misaligned one would be there just like you see misaligned baguettes on aftermarket diamond dials.

kzm40 · 21 May 2018, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lecorsaire

It is much easier to just have the entire crystal replaced. Even if it were possible to replace just the cyclops, the chances of ending up with a misaligned one would be there just like you see misaligned baguettes on aftermarket diamond dials.

I don't disagree, depends on your AD, a friend of mine had a cyclops added to his sea dweller, by his local AD, for the previous owner, AD offered to remove it, or leave it on when my friend purchased.

He decided to leave it on!

lecorsaire · 21 May 2018, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kzm40

I don't disagree, depends on your AD, a friend of mine had a cyclops added to his sea dweller, by his local AD, for the previous owner, AD offered to remove it, or leave it on when my friend purchased.

He decided to leave it on!

Just as some people don’t like the cyclops, others love it! I’ve never seen a pre-SD43 with a cyclops. Will look for pictures!

kzm40 · 21 May 2018, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lecorsaire

Just as some people don’t like the cyclops, others love it! I’ve never seen a pre-SD43 with a cyclops. Will look for pictures!

Pictures on this thread. https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...t=kzm40&page=2

037 · 21 May 2018, 09:55 AM

The Hulk got poked in the eye.

Rolexism_ · 21 May 2018, 10:06 AM

RSC can polish it off.

fskywalker · 21 May 2018, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjo74

I can feel it. I did wonder if I might smooth it out with something but I don’t want to make it worse. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No harm if gets worst if you are considering having it replaced

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nyyankees · 21 May 2018, 10:08 AM

I don't think the cyclops is sapphire. I think it's plexi material. I had a similar problem and used some brasso on the cyclops and the scratch disappeared.

037 · 21 May 2018, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyyankees

I don't think the cyclops is sapphire. I think it's plexi material.

It's sapphire on models with sapphire crystals. It's plexi on models with plexi crystals.

The cyclops on your 114060 is made from unobtanium -- a special invisible material leftover from the space program.

20 May 2018, 03:15 AM	#1
Benjo74 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 1,125	Scratched Cyclops I don’t baby my watches, I wear them. That said, I was doing some work in the garden today, and I took off my Sub because there’s no need to be asking for trouble. Anyway, finished working, got showered and even took my watch in there for a clean up (yes, it was safe). When I came back down, all clean and fresh and with the Sub on my wrist I remembered I had left the gate open. I reached down to move some plant pots and scraped my Sub on a big distressed terracotta plant pot (ie rough surface). I quickly checked for damage and the case was fine. The cyclops, however, has some scratches. I’m a bit annoyed with myself, but also think “whatever - it’s here to be worn”. I might give RSC St James a call on Monday to see how much it will cost to replace. If it’s cheap I might do it (I expect not cheap). Alternatively I might live with it until service time, but that’s about 8 years away! Anyone know the uk RSC price for a cyclops replacement? Here’s the obligatory photo, scratches not that visible in the pic because they are quite fine but I can see them... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

20 May 2018, 03:27 AM	#2
REFZ "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Martin Location: Netherlands Watch: The Rolex Way Posts: 1,471	The cyclops can't be replaced you need a new crystal. Send from my smartphone with Tapatalk. __________________ 114060 - 116520 - 126334

20 May 2018, 03:58 AM	#10
GradyPhilpott 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Mexico Watch: Seiko #SRK050 Posts: 34,447	The crystal is the only place that I feel that scratches don't add character. I'm not sure if the cyclops is sapphire or even glass, so why not give some toothpaste a shot to see if it gets rid of the scratch. It works on plastic and you have nothing to lose. Diamond is the only thing that will scratch sapphire, so I think the odds are in your favor. A new crystal isn't so expensive, probably about $250, and that's what I'd choose if it were mine and if the toothpaste option didn't work. __________________ JJ Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner

21 May 2018, 04:18 AM	#13
Rose Gold "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Real Name: Joe Location: North Carolina Watch: er in the rye Posts: 234	I would definitely try to polish it. The worst thing that could happen is that it doesn’t fix the problem (assuming that you can polish the cyclops with toothpaste without damaging any other part of the watch). One thing you should do is take an alcohol pad and wipe the cyclops off just to see if it comes clean. __________________ 2018 Rose Gold Daytona (116505) with Rose Gold Dial and Black Sub-Dials.

20 May 2018, 03:27 AM	#3
antbkny "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Real Name: Anthony Location: Brooklyn, NY Watch: Dblue Posts: 6,723	Can you feel the scratches with your finger nail? If not maybe some diamond paste would polish it out.

20 May 2018, 03:49 AM	#8
Rocket_Man "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Houston TX Posts: 1,332	It could be a very stubborn smudge that can be removed. I think the cyclops can be removed and replaced. It is just glued on.

21 May 2018, 03:53 AM	#11
Speedbird-1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Steve. Location: UK Posts: 6,435	Do we know if the (modern) cylops is Saphire Crystal?

21 May 2018, 04:21 AM	#14
KBM 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: K. Location: 780 Posts: 10,451	If the crystal replacement ends up being your choice, could be a good idea to replace it for a 114060 crystal (sans cyclops). That way you would be getting a fresh look for the money spent, not just replacing a cyclops.

21 May 2018, 04:29 AM	#15
T.Mas "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Switzerland Posts: 316	Around $300 to replace it as it takes some work from a skilled watchmaker. If you can handle waiting, it would be cheaper to replace it when you take it for its next service, since the crystal will be removed anyway during a regular overhaul. You won’t be paying for the work 2x in that case.

21 May 2018, 05:37 AM	#16
Byrdguy "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Florida Panhandle Watch: Sub C LV, Posts: 490	Simichrome metal polish will more than likely remove the scratches. Tape it off and use an old clean T shirt. Rub the Cyclops until it is smooth. You'll be amazed.

21 May 2018, 06:04 AM	#18
bradyb "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Brady Location: Austin, TX Watch: GMT Posts: 976	I've had good luck with diamond paste. Plenty of tutorials on the interwebs and Youtube.

21 May 2018, 06:43 AM	#20
siempreko "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Maryland, USA Watch: Sometimes Posts: 1,197	That sucks... keep us posted with how you choose to resolve this issue... and the outcome! Cheers! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

21 May 2018, 07:15 AM	#21
Benjo74 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 1,125	Cheers for all the advice. Looking again today it’s not all that noticeable unless you’re looking for it. I think I’m just gonna live with it until service time. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

21 May 2018, 09:55 AM	#26
037 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: USA Posts: 6,173	The Hulk got poked in the eye.

21 May 2018, 10:06 AM	#27
Rolexism_ "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 126	RSC can polish it off.

21 May 2018, 10:08 AM	#29
nyyankees "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southeastern PA Watch: 1216610 Posts: 2,131	I don't think the cyclops is sapphire. I think it's plexi material. I had a similar problem and used some brasso on the cyclops and the scratch disappeared.

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