Upgrading from Acrylic to Sapphire

[Owen's Dad]

Hi TRF,

I have a 1966 Date Just that is all original. The acrylic crystal has a couple of scratches on it. They are not too bad, but they are there. I have been thinking of doing some research on upgrading to a sapphire crystal, but before i do anything, i wanted everyone's opinion.

is this a good idea or bad idea and why?

thank you all so much.

Joe

[sherwin]

if you can get one that fits nicely why not.

ive considered an aftermarket option to fit my 6694 with sapphire crystal.

[Olivierve]

My humble advice is that going from acrylic to saphire is rather downgrading.

The charm and style of acrylic is unique.

I would recomend polywatch and a nice polishing of the existing acrylic.

Or go to a phone shop and buy paste for secreens, 10 minutes polishing, and you will have a new acrylic...and the class, charm and style going with it....

[jamesbondOO7]

Originally Posted by Olivierve

The charm and style of acrylic is unique.

Absolutely. The clarity and transparency are so much better. Plus the cyclop is integrated and the dirt does not get stuck there like on a sapphire. Finally, you don't see the fingerprints so much.
I wish I had acrylic on my Explorer II like I have on my DJ....

[Owen's Dad]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

Absolutely. The clarity and transparency are so much better. Plus the cyclop is integrated and the dirt does not get stuck there like on a sapphire. Finally, you don't see the fingerprints so much.
I wish I had acrylic on my Explorer II like I have on my DJ....

now that you mention it...it doesnt get finger prints! i never even thought about that!

thanks!!!

[Ubique]

I may not be entirely steeped in vintage watchitis (horologicus mania), I will say that in my opinion, going from acrylic to sapphire on an all-original '66 watch would be anything but an upgrade. I suppose if you would prefer the technical upgrade, then do what you will, but a piece of 1966 might be better left alone (or polished until scratch-free, as I understand is easy with acrylic crystals), with perhaps an 'upgrade' to a sapphire crystal being achieved with the purchase of a watch with which one came standard.

[unclesallie]

Joe:

I have to agree with Oliviere, with a slight twist: the sapphire crystal vs. the
acrylic is a matter of great debate, on and off on this forum and elsewhere.
Acrylic is bigger, thicker and allows more light on the dial. It is just as hard as the sapphire and (i forget) maybe harder. If there is a difference in hardness, it is not great. It is easier to clean scratches from an acrylic than a sapphire crystal. The sapphire crystal, mainly is soooo cool because it's thickness is less, and it fits the watch profile better. I would love to see pics of that Date, I'll bet it's very nice. What would I do? I'd go to a watchmaker, have a new acrylic crystal fitted for about $100.00 dollars, and sleep well.

[sherwin]

I agree that acrylic has charm, oozes vintage, but for a daily wear in our busy world, you collect scratches, dents, etc.

also as vintages approach the 30year cycle, parts taper off (with rolex at least!) and they get hard.

my most ideal solution would be to keep a acrylic in the safe and have a sapphire for daily wear. when the time is right to retire the watch, put the acrylic back on and admire it in its true beauty.

[mike]

Bad idea Joe.

The watch was designed for acryllic and while there have been aftermarket kits there's a good chance it won't seal.

I know of a couple that have tried it with bad results.

If you want a sapphire watch, best to get one designed for it.

[GlennW]

I had Dalton rebuild this watch for my wife and he converted the plexi crystal to sapphire.....the smooth bezel had to be custom made to work with the 34mm case and crystal. The watch passed the pressure test without any problems and I was very pleased with the results.

Glenn

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by mike

Bad idea Joe.

The watch was designed for acryllic and while there have been aftermarket kits there's a good chance it won't seal.

I know of a couple that have tried it with bad results.

If you want a sapphire watch, best to get one designed for it.

Great advise.
dP

[JimSnyder]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Great advise.
dP

X2! A good watch maker could buff out those scratches while you wait Joe. Some won't even charge you for it.

[Jarhead024]

The Polywatch works great removing any scratches from the acrylic crystal. The cost of replacing the bezel to accept the sapphire is not worth it. Keep the original crystal. It's part of the allure of the vintage pieces.

[HL65]

Bad idea IMHO. Don't do it!!!

[adam78]

I agree with Sherwin to just find another, later sapphire model. Converting to sapphire (if possible) seems silly. It paradoxically is expensive to do and adversely affects the resale value of the watch. There is nothing wrong (and much that is right) with acrylic. Just invest $10 in some Polywatch polish.

One thing I have against most older sapphire crystals is the highly reflective nature of the surface. Even now does Rolex use antireflective coating on both inner and outer surfaces? It makes it difficult to read the date sometimes.

[MorganDK]

IMHO 9 out of 10 conversions are bad. If you really want to do it, have a pro complete it and make sure it pressuretests.

Morgan

[Frogman4me]

I would not consider that an upgrade.

[BB83]

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

I would not consider that an upgrade.

x2

[MonBK]

Bad idea.

[Paulie 50]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Bad idea.

I agree.

[roadcarver]

I had an acrylic 16030 DJ before and polywatch scratch remover was magic.

You will have a frankenwatch if you fit in a sapphire crystal on a watch designed for an acrylic crystal, plus water tightness will be gone.

[slcbbrown]

I've got a DJ that I bought, for the bracelet actually. It had been "upgraded" to sapphire and looks fine. However, the acrylic DJ's have a case designed for the plastic crystal and an "upgrade" will always be suspect as far as waterproofness goes.

I wouldn't do this. I've got both sapphire and acrylic Rolex and like the sapphire, but after 35 of wearing acrylic, I've got to say that it has never failed me.

[onkyo]

If you do make sure to ask for a pressure test.

Personally I would leave it as acrylic. As Mike wisely stated above .... that's what the watch was design for.

Good luck!

[Racer X]

To me, this is like tossing the original wire wheels off of an early '60s e-type Jaguar to "upgrade" to some modern chrome rims. IMHO, this is something you just don't do.

[SkyKing31]

I asked this same question .. I didnt change because I really dont want to take the chance of ruining my watch .. I wouldnt want to chance water getting into the watch

[Owen's Dad]

Thanks every one. i will be keeping the watch as it is...i love this place!!! i appreciate all of the expertise here!

[enbro]

I've worn a 60's acrylic covered Rolex for 15 years and always thought i wanted a sapphire crystal watch. I now have a sapphire covered submariner and to be honest, I'm missing my other watch! The sapphire gets greasy and it is hard to see the date sometimes due to reflection or something. I miss the tall thick look of the acrylic too.

[Shermstead]

As stated previously: To love Rolex , is to love the Top Hat!

[oldbronco]

if it's not acrylic, it's not vintage, imho. also, if sapphire is so tough, why is the NASA official watch still the Omega Speedmaster Pro with the acrylic crystal?

[Puffy]

IMO if it's not acrylic it's not really vintage....