Cyclops questions

[TARDIS]

Anyone here know (not guess) what the cyclops date magnifiers on Rolex are made of?

Sapphire Crystal?

Hardlex?

Some other type of glass?

Also:

Are they an integral part of the sapphire crystal over the dial? .......or,

Stuck on with a clear compound?


I have been asked these questions more than once. Latest was a discussion with a person who spotted my 16600 and asked why it didn't have a date magnifier (cyclops) like the Submariner. I was able to provide him the answer to this, but he them asked the abovementioned questions to which I couldn't give him affirmative answers.

Reason for this post is I hate giving assumptive information to people who inquire about Rolex. I am reasonably knowlegeable with the brand, but this question is asked from time to time and I have seen mixed answers.

Anyone help plse?

Steve

[frostie]

As far as i remember It's acrylic glass that has been glued onto the crystal

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by frostie

As far as i remember It's acrylic glass that has been glued onto the crystal

I'm pretty much sure that the cyclops is "glued" on to the sapphire crystal, but I don't think it's made of acrylic.

I suspect it's sapphire crystal too, but I'm not a 100% sure.

JJ

[Alcan]

The cyclops is a separate piece glued on. Here's CharlesN from TZ's platinum Day Date with the cyclops removed.

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...=2404144&rid=0

[frostie]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I'm pretty much sure that the cyclops is "glued" on to the sapphire crystal, but I don't think it's made of acrylic.

I suspect it's sapphire crystal too, but I'm not a 100% sure.

JJ

There some people that managed to scratch the cyclops.

[TARDIS]

Originally Posted by frostie

There some people that managed to scratch the cyclops.

Thanks guys.

Hey Al that DD looks undressed somehow

If the cyclops is glued on to the sapphire crystal, it must be a very tricky job to get it right every time

I read somewhere that the cyclops is now coated with AR on the newer models as well.

Steve

[Scooby]

According to Sheldon's web page, when he was comparing the new GMTIIc to the old one, that's what he stated, that there is an AR coating on the bottom of the cyclops. In looking at mine, it seems to be much clearer than the old one.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by TARDIS

Hey Al that DD looks undressed somehow

Yep, eventually Charles felt the same way and replaced the crystals on his DD and DJ.

Here's an Exp II sans cyclops. The dial looks a bit like a SD.

[DSJ]

My AD's watchmaker has removed some owner's cyclops. They either heat it or use solvent. Either way, they have to remove the crystal to do so and if it goes to RSC, they replace the crystal with the cyclops again.

[JJ Irani]

Except for the SD and the dateless models, a Rolex without a cyclops is like looking at the front end of a Mercedes without the 3-pointed star - just my honest opinion!!

[ROGERB]

I must agree with JJ if it was meant not to have a cyclops it would BE!!
R

[f16570]

The cyclops is a signature of the brand.
Sorry I do not know what it is made of, I assumed it was saphire crystal.

f

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by DSJ

My AD's watchmaker has removed some owner's cyclops. They either heat it or use solvent.

Not necessary.

Originally Posted by DSJ

Either way, they have to remove the crystal to do so

No, they don't have to:

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...=2404144&rid=0

[progolferv1]

Originally Posted by ROGERB

I must agree with JJ if it was meant not to have a cyclops it would BE!!
R

Agreed

[GoldenBear]

I think the cyclops is the iconic trademark of Rolex, right up there with the little crown. I love it.

[frostie]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Yep, eventually Charles felt the same way and replaced the crystals on his DD and DJ.

Here's an Exp II sans cyclops. The dial looks a bit like a SD.

Never seen this pic. Thanks for sharing i am going to save the pic to my database

[TARDIS]

Originally Posted by Scooby

According to Sheldon's web page, when he was comparing the new GMTIIc to the old one, that's what he stated, that there is an AR coating on the bottom of the cyclops. In looking at mine, it seems to be much clearer than the old one.

Yes, that's right Darren. Looking at the new GMT cyclops it's an improvement over the former models. Photography usually shows up the reflectiveness of the magnifier part, but it isn't as evident with the new GMT. I wonder which side is AR treated?

Steve