Rolex Submariner 16613 - sapphire vs acrylic crystal?

[TheSearcher]

Hi all - I have a 1991 sub purple dial with an acrylic crystal. Watchfinder told me today the crystal should be sapphire. I wasn’t wise to this at all and have done some research since.

From reading online it would seem there was a cross over in the early 90s from acrylic to sapphire crystals so I was wondering does anyone know if the original crystal used would have been acrylic or if it would have been sapphire like WF has told me? TIA

[Sjmoore11]

It should be sapphire

[ltmgeller]

I believe the sub started coming with a sapphire crystal in 1979 with model 16800. When you take off the bracelet what model number is there and what is the first few digits of the serial number on the 6 and 12 o'clock sides of the case? That will give you an approximate date and model. You may have a modified 1680. Post a pic when you can so those smarter than I can better help you.

[Jcy90]

Originally Posted by ltmgeller

I believe the sub started coming with a sapphire crystal in 1979 with model 16800. When you take off the bracelet what model number is there and what is the first few digits of the serial number on the 6 and 12 o'clock sides of the case? That will give you an approximate date and model. You may have a modified 1680. Post a pic when you can so those smarter than I can better help you.

Correct

[Tools]

Originally Posted by TheSearcher

. . .
From reading online it would seem there was a cross over in the early 90s from acrylic to sapphire crystals so I was wondering does anyone know if the original crystal used would have been acrylic or if it would have been sapphire like WF has told me? TIA

If you have a 16613, it would be sapphire.

Anything with acrylic would be a different model number.

[TheSearcher]

Thanks for your replies and help all! I hadn’t a clue and i wasn’t sure if this was an attempt to bring the price offered for mine down (Life has taught me to believe half of what you see and nothing of what you hear!)

[stevedssd]

All the responses above re a 16613 having a sapphire crystal are correct. My brother has a 16803 the first bi-metal sub which like all five digit subs also has a sapphire crystal.

It would be interesting to see a photo of the crystal fitted, as the only sub date to have an acrylic crystal originally fitted was the 1680, with the distinctive "top hat".........