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RolexPete · 6 April 2016, 05:58 AM

I picked up a 1983 Seadweller model 16660 last week or so that had been totally upgraded by Rolex with new dial, hands, crystal and bezel.

I love the watch, but not being able to see the date was killing me. My 47 year old eyes just can't do it, and I do not need/have/want glasses yet.

I bought a sapphire cyclops and some UV crystal glue and did what many here consider to be taboo. I glued that sucker right over the date on my Seadweller.

I see the date now, and since I plan on keeping this for life, and my eyes will only get worse, I am happy i did it. Won't take too much to take it off in the future.

Video is here: (WARNING: Some contents may be unsuitable for vintage purists and anyone else that thinks Rolex watches should never be messed with)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2L9VhmC7yk

RichM · 6 April 2016, 06:02 AM

Well done Peter.

Thanks for sharing.

ratty · 6 April 2016, 06:07 AM

Looks good

Now I would like to see a Sub date without the cyclops.

Was there a reason for you doing this rather than getting a Sub date?

RolexPete · 6 April 2016, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratty

Looks good

Now I would like to see a Sub date without the cyclops.

Was there a reason for you doing this rather than getting a Sub date?

I like the SD better...and everyone and their mother has a Sub Date. And if/when I remove the cyclops, it is an SD again.

Samui · 6 April 2016, 06:15 AM

Well clearly you do need the glasses. I would get them. Also I thought the cyclops is not made of sapphire.

RolexPete · 6 April 2016, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samui

Well clearly you do need the glasses. I would get them. Also I thought the cyclops is not made of sapphire.

You obviously either a. do not own a Seadweller or have not looked at the date on it, or b. are a 21 year old lad with super vision.

The cyclops I bought says it is white sapphire.

RolexPete · 6 April 2016, 06:27 AM

GradyPhilpott · 6 April 2016, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RolexPete

I love the watch, but not being able to see the date was killing me. My 47 year old eyes just can't do it, and I do not need/have/want glasses yet.

I'm glad you solved the date problem on your SD, but if you can't see the date on your watch, what other things are you not able to see and appreciate in your life?

Bite the bullet and get a pair of progressive lenses, even if the distance correction is plano.

It'll take some getting used to, but it will be a good move, because it won't be long before the cyclops just won't do it either.

Also, when the rest of your vision starts to go south you'll have already adapted the progressive lenses.

There's no sense being stubborn about it.

I'm just speaking from experience. I'm 66.

KeithP · 6 April 2016, 06:37 AM

Nice!

RolexPete · 6 April 2016, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I'm glad you solved the date problem on your SD, but if you can't see the date on your watch, what other things are you not able to see and appreciate in your life?

Bite the bullet and get a pair of progressive lenses, even if the distance correction is plano.

It'll take some getting used to, but it will be a good move, because it won't be long before the cyclops just won't do it either.

Also, when the rest of your vision starts to go south you'll have already adapted the progressive lenses.

There's no sense being stubborn about it.

I'm just speaking from experience. I'm 66.

Grady have you tried looking at the date on the SD? That thing is small...even worse on double digit days of the month.

GradyPhilpott · 6 April 2016, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RolexPete

Grady have you tried looking at the date on the SD? That thing is small...even worse on double digit days of the month.

Yes, I have looked at the SD date. I'm just saying that a time will come sooner than you would like when the cyclops won't do the trick.

Also, although the date is small it's not the only thing in the world that small and smaller.

The handwriting is on the wall and the sooner you address the problem globally the better.

You'll soon learn that having your glasses on your face is much better than always fumbling for them or pasting a cyclops to every thing you can't see.

Sent from my SM-G900V

SWISSAHOLICS · 6 April 2016, 06:57 AM

Nice one Peter.

El Cascarrabias · 6 April 2016, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I'm glad you solved the date problem on your SD, but if you can't see the date on your watch, what other things are you not able to see and appreciate in your life? . . . I'm just speaking from experience. I'm 66.

Well done, Peter, but seriously . . . get your eyes checked!

It's small but not that small.

RolexPete · 6 April 2016, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

You'll soon learn that having your glasses on your face is much better than always fumbling for them or pasting a cyclops to every thing you can't see.

Sent from my SM-G900V

Well since Rolex puts a cyclops on almost every other watch i though it was ok to do it in this instance.

I get the whole glasses thing I guess I just don't want to make the jump yet. My optometrist said once I get them and start using them then I will NEED them. Not ready for that yet.

I do realize that as I get older things really do get smaller....

Porter · 6 April 2016, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RolexPete

I picked up a 1983 Seadweller model 16660 last week or so that had been totally upgraded by Rolex with new dial, hands, crystal and bezel.

I love the watch, but not being able to see the date was killing me. My 47 year old eyes just can't do it, and I do not need/have/want glasses yet.

I bought a sapphire cyclops and some UV crystal glue and did what many here consider to be taboo. I glued that sucker right over the date on my Seadweller.

I see the date now, and since I plan on keeping this for life, and my eyes will only get worse, I am happy i did it. Won't take too much to take it off in the future.

Video is here: (WARNING: Some contents may be unsuitable for vintage purists and anyone else that thinks Rolex watches should never be messed with)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2L9VhmC7yk

Problem solved! Great!
I own a 16600 and I love the shape of the crystal without cyclops...but I don't need glasses...yet! You had the balls to modify the watch you love and now you can see the date!! Well done!
Hope you will enjoy your watch many years!!

RolexPete · 6 April 2016, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Cascarrabias

It's small but not that small.

Wy wife said something similar to me last week but I don't think she was referring to the date on my watch.

brandrea · 6 April 2016, 07:04 AM

Well done Peter

RolexPete · 6 April 2016, 07:28 AM

By the way...the cost for the project was as follows:

2 Cyclops $28.00
UV Crystal Glue $7.95

About $36 and I bought two in case i screwed up. Now I think I may add the spare to another bang around watch I have.

Roadblocked · 6 April 2016, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RolexPete

I picked up a 1983 Seadweller model 16660 last week or so that had been totally upgraded by Rolex with new dial, hands, crystal and bezel.

I love the watch, but not being able to see the date was killing me. My 47 year old eyes just can't do it, and I do not need/have/want glasses yet.

I bought a sapphire cyclops and some UV crystal glue and did what many here consider to be taboo. I glued that sucker right over the date on my Seadweller.

I see the date now, and since I plan on keeping this for life, and my eyes will only get worse, I am happy i did it. Won't take too much to take it off in the future.

Video is here: (WARNING: Some contents may be unsuitable for vintage purists and anyone else that thinks Rolex watches should never be messed with)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2L9VhmC7yk

Great video but I thought I might see a drimmel tool!

jrs146 · 6 April 2016, 07:39 AM

Very nice! It's your watch so don't worry about what anyone would think. Now you will enjoy it more!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

gtnator · 6 April 2016, 08:01 AM

Very nicely done.

But next time maybe you can just get one giant cyclops for the entire watch face. That way you'll be able to read everything from across the room!

just kidding...

maton12 · 6 April 2016, 11:17 AM

Well done

Good to see owner improvements, even on such an iconic product, and so long as no permanent damage should you want to remove it

albmich · 6 April 2016, 11:25 AM

I admire the courage

WatchinMD · 6 April 2016, 01:05 PM

Nice job

RolexPete · 6 April 2016, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albmich

I admire the courage

Yeah it took me quite a bit...

Jason71 · 6 April 2016, 07:24 PM

I'm right with you Peter. I'll be 45 this year, and pretty soon my arm won't be long enough to hold things so I can read them. My wife is 30, so I'm just not ready to make the jump to readers. Great job on the DIY

RolexPete · 6 April 2016, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason71

I'm right with you Peter. I'll be 45 this year, and pretty soon my arm won't be long enough to hold things so I can read them. My wife is 30, so I'm just not ready to make the jump to readers. Great job on the DIY

Thanks J

Ru4scuba · 6 April 2016, 08:10 PM

Nice! Always thought the date on the SD looked too small and non-Rolex...but that's just my opinion. I like how you spruced it up!

Token74 · 6 April 2016, 08:38 PM

I personally prefer the non-cyclops look and I have no problem seeing the date; however, I like your style! I prefer the Dweller to the Sub for a number of reasons (I currently have a 116600 but did previously have a 16600), particularly because I know so many people with Subs and yet I've never seen an SD in the wild. Assuming you feel the same way, what you've done makes perfect sense and it's also nice to have a talking point.

The only thing that would bother me is that the Cyclops is fractionally on the bonk and that would drive me bonkers! Other than that, good job!

LuminousMaximus · 6 April 2016, 08:52 PM

I think you did a smash-up job there...Umm did that come out OK?

6 April 2016, 05:58 AM	#1
RolexPete "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Peter Location: Massachusetts Watch: 214270 Mk2 Posts: 1,963	Adding a Cyclops to a "666" Seadweller - Video I picked up a 1983 Seadweller model 16660 last week or so that had been totally upgraded by Rolex with new dial, hands, crystal and bezel. I love the watch, but not being able to see the date was killing me. My 47 year old eyes just can't do it, and I do not need/have/want glasses yet. I bought a sapphire cyclops and some UV crystal glue and did what many here consider to be taboo. I glued that sucker right over the date on my Seadweller. I see the date now, and since I plan on keeping this for life, and my eyes will only get worse, I am happy i did it. Won't take too much to take it off in the future. Video is here: (WARNING: Some contents may be unsuitable for vintage purists and anyone else that thinks Rolex watches should never be messed with) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2L9VhmC7yk __________________ 2016 Explorer 214270 Mk2 - 1996 Submariner 14060* - 1972 Datejust 1601 1972 Oyster Perpetual 1002 - 1978 Oysterquartz 17000 Omega Seamaster 2265.80 - Omega Seamaster 300 166.0324 *RIP PAL 1942-2015

6 April 2016, 06:02 AM	#2
RichM 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Real Name: Richie Location: "Nowhere Man" Watch: out now,take care! Posts: 29,770	Well done Peter. Thanks for sharing. __________________ "I love to work at nothing all day" TRF #139960

6 April 2016, 06:27 AM	#7
RolexPete "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Peter Location: Massachusetts Watch: 214270 Mk2 Posts: 1,963	And a photo for good measure __________________ 2016 Explorer 214270 Mk2 - 1996 Submariner 14060* - 1972 Datejust 1601 1972 Oyster Perpetual 1002 - 1978 Oysterquartz 17000 Omega Seamaster 2265.80 - Omega Seamaster 300 166.0324 *RIP PAL 1942-2015

6 April 2016, 06:57 AM	#12
SWISSAHOLICS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Here! Watch: Rolex Posts: 4,366	Nice one Peter. __________________ 16610LN \| 16613LB \| 16710 Pepsi \| 118238 \| 116500 (White) \| 116500 (Black) \| 116710BLNR \| 116610LV "The one thing I fear most is time; time waits for no one and leaves no options."

6 April 2016, 07:28 AM	#18
RolexPete "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Peter Location: Massachusetts Watch: 214270 Mk2 Posts: 1,963	By the way...the cost for the project was as follows: 2 Cyclops $28.00 UV Crystal Glue $7.95 About $36 and I bought two in case i screwed up. Now I think I may add the spare to another bang around watch I have. __________________ 2016 Explorer 214270 Mk2 - 1996 Submariner 14060* - 1972 Datejust 1601 1972 Oyster Perpetual 1002 - 1978 Oysterquartz 17000 Omega Seamaster 2265.80 - Omega Seamaster 300 166.0324 *RIP PAL 1942-2015

6 April 2016, 06:07 AM	#3
ratty "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: Graham Location: UK Watch: Daytonas and Subs Posts: 2,810	Looks good Now I would like to see a Sub date without the cyclops. Was there a reason for you doing this rather than getting a Sub date?

6 April 2016, 06:15 AM	#5
Samui Banned Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Tokyo Posts: 611	Well clearly you do need the glasses. I would get them. Also I thought the cyclops is not made of sapphire.

6 April 2016, 06:37 AM	#9
KeithP "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Real Name: Keith Location: NYC Watch: AK 126900/SM 300M Posts: 1,664	Nice!

6 April 2016, 07:04 AM	#17
brandrea 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 78,097	Well done Peter

6 April 2016, 07:39 AM	#20
jrs146 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Josh Location: Lost in time Watch: Me Nae Nae Posts: 9,823	Very nice! It's your watch so don't worry about what anyone would think. Now you will enjoy it more! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk __________________ "Sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own." -Jerome J. Garcia, Robert C. Hunter

6 April 2016, 08:01 AM	#21
gtnator 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: USA Watch: DSSD, SD43, Pepsi, Posts: 2,084	Very nicely done. But next time maybe you can just get one giant cyclops for the entire watch face. That way you'll be able to read everything from across the room! just kidding...

6 April 2016, 11:17 AM	#22
maton12 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Sydney Posts: 400	Well done Good to see owner improvements, even on such an iconic product, and so long as no permanent damage should you want to remove it

6 April 2016, 11:25 AM	#23
albmich "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: WI Watch: SD4k Posts: 1,333	I admire the courage __________________ ♛ SD4k 116600 ♛ SD43 126600 Ω PloProf 224.32.55.21.01.001

6 April 2016, 01:05 PM	#24
WatchinMD "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Real Name: Larry Location: Maryland Watch: Saxonia Moonphase Posts: 3,428	Nice job

6 April 2016, 07:24 PM	#26
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	I'm right with you Peter. I'll be 45 this year, and pretty soon my arm won't be long enough to hold things so I can read them. My wife is 30, so I'm just not ready to make the jump to readers. Great job on the DIY __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

6 April 2016, 08:10 PM	#28
Ru4scuba "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Real Name: Chris Location: NCR Watch: Today's watch Posts: 736	Nice! Always thought the date on the SD looked too small and non-Rolex...but that's just my opinion. I like how you spruced it up!

6 April 2016, 08:38 PM	#29
Token74 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Vince Location: England Watch: Too many! Posts: 5,744	I personally prefer the non-cyclops look and I have no problem seeing the date; however, I like your style! I prefer the Dweller to the Sub for a number of reasons (I currently have a 116600 but did previously have a 16600), particularly because I know so many people with Subs and yet I've never seen an SD in the wild. Assuming you feel the same way, what you've done makes perfect sense and it's also nice to have a talking point. The only thing that would bother me is that the Cyclops is fractionally on the bonk and that would drive me bonkers! Other than that, good job! __________________ Time is limited, make every second count. Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990 - AP Royal Oak 15300 - AP Royal Oak 15450 Blue - AP Royal Oak 15450 Silver - AP Royal Oak Offshore 26480 - Royal Oak Offshore 15710 - Rolex Sea Dweller 116600 - Rolex Daytona 116519 - Rolex GMT 126710 BLRO - Omega Speedmaster Reduced - JLC Reverso GMT Moonphase - TAG Microtimer - Dent Pocket Watch - JLC Atmos Phases de lune

6 April 2016, 08:52 PM	#30
LuminousMaximus 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: USA Watch: me hit Huge Lotto Posts: 6,512	I think you did a smash-up job there...Umm did that come out OK? __________________ “Every man Dies... Not Every Man, Really Lives.” – William Wallace - To really lives means to live your life to the fullest. It means to chase your dreams, take risks, and to love life. Since everyone’s fate is the same, why not live the best life that you possibly can? In order to really live,you must seize the day. Live each day as if it's your last and overall just do it! Today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present...

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