How do you like your crystal? Photos welcomed.

[Eric88]

Acrylic, sapphire, raised, flush, cyclops, no cyclops?

I've owned enough Rolex models to know there are many variations. The vintage 1680 top hat crystals are raised quite high above the bezel while the new Sub-C crystals are essentially flush with the bezel. I think I prefer the middle of the road as seen with the 14060M. Smooth sapphire that is raised a notch above the bezel.

What's your favorite and why? Please share photos that highlight your crystal of choice. Thanks!

[steven.veres]

Flush because it reduces the chance you can nick the edge of the crystal. Also it looks more steamlined and reduces the overall thickness of your watch. At first I didn't like the cyclops, but it's and acquired taste. It's another defining mark of the rolex brand. I love it now. Lastly, sapphire material ofcourse.

[mike]

[esm]

I prefer the flat version.
The 16610 Sub had a slightly raised crystal (i think) and my dear wife have managed to chip the edge of the crystal on the 16610LV (she had no idea how it happened)... It's only a very small chip but I know it is there.....

Looks like she has been doing the damages to the watches lately....

[dddrees]

All my watches are new so I only have saphire crystals.

I have a Daytona so I have one without the Cyclops, however for the most part my preference would be with the Cyclops. To me the Cyclops is a part of the Rolex experience.

At some point I think I would like a vintage piece with an acrylic crystal.

[Rags]

Originally Posted by steven.veres

flush because it reduces the chance you can nick the edge of the crystal. Also it looks more steamlined and reduces the overall thickness of your watch. At first i didn't like the cyclops, but it's and acquired taste. It's another defining mark of the rolex brand. I love it now. Lastly, sapphire material ofcourse.

x2

[Clay]

[buz-lh]

I like acrylic best.

[Dan Pierce]

High and mighty.
dP

[Yazo]

Plastic domed!!

[Damage Inc.]

Perhaps it's considered fence sitting, but I appreciate the variety and how the different shapes & materials seem to compliment certain models.
The acrylic domed models lend a 'softness' to the look (1665/1675) and really goes well with matte dials. The top hat on a 1680 just looks classic!
The sharper, clear (when clean), clean look of a flat sapphire looks very modern- fitting for those models IMO.

I'm very happy to have both acrylic & sapphire. Now for that top hat....

[SaddleSC]

I don't have a picture to post (yet) but my favorite crystal of all time is my 16600 Sea Dweller because it is sapphire with NO Cyclops and it sits up above the bezel by quite a good margin. It really makes the light dance in a unique way. (Pictures to Follow)

[AA717driver]

Slight bulge. Wish I could get the date without the cyclops. Sapphire.

What is the advantage of Acrylic?

TC

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by AA717driver

What is the advantage of Acrylic?

TC

Easily polished, doesn't show smudges, and has a luster that glows.

But I'm w/ Vic. The enjoy both plex and sapphire crystals for different applications.
dP

[Eric88]

After seeing dP's "high and mighty" top hat crystal compared to my "undercover" flush crystal on the Sub-C, I find myself wishing that the Sub-C had gone with more exposure of the crystal. At least like the 16610 or 14060 sapphire look. Oh well, time marches on. I wonder if it would be possible to fit a thicker crystal?

[Nicko]

I'm with you Dan!

[imono]

This one.

[RJC]

Apologies Eric. Didn't realise you'd started this thread. I've now started a similar one!!

[Kanger]

Originally Posted by mike

wow those look good. What are the model numbers of these two pieces: a 1680 and 5513?

[Jocke]

Everyone have their own charm.

[petesjag]

great thread!!!!
I have no picture but can say that I like mine clean!!!!

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by AA717driver

Slight bulge. Wish I could get the date without the cyclops. Sapphire.

What is the advantage of Acrylic?

TC

I believe you can remove the cyclops from a sapphire crystal.

Acrylic can be polished out more easily if scratched and it won't shatter if dropped.

[Mirx]

Flush all the way. Smooth transition from bezel to crystal on the Sub-C needs to be seen to be appreciated!

Sapphire (scratch resistant) with cyclops (not 20 anymore,ha,ha!).

[Z06]

Related question...It seems like the anti-reflective coating that is used (GMT IIc) "films" up...I clean my crystal daily, mostly wear a long sleeve or sweater this time of year, and at night, it has a cloudy film appearance...any idea why?

BTW, it wipes right off...just seems strange cause none of my Omegas do this, so i attribute it to the antiglare coating...am I correct?

Thanks, and sorry if i hijacked the thread

[jamesbondOO7]

Just bought an Explorer II and I am a bit surprised by the sort of "haze" on the crystal compared to my 1986 DJ. I don't know which is which, but I prefer the transparency and clearness from all angles of the DJ.
Also, the Explorer takes all the finger marks on the crystal when the DJ does not. I hope it will improve over time.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

Just bought an Explorer II and I am a bit surprised by the sort of "haze" on the crystal compared to my 1986 DJ. I don't know which is which, but I prefer the transparency and clearness from all angles of the DJ.
Also, the Explorer takes all the finger marks on the crystal when the DJ does not. I hope it will improve over time.

I think that "haze" is the result of the crystalene molecular structure of the sapphire material; it reflects light oddly, much like tempered glass.

[Jason71]

I like a nice top-hat or like this.........

[Wildwing]

To be honest, even though I love my Rolexs', there's something about the warmth of the old-fashioned acrylic crystal:

[Davew833]

I didn't appreciate the warmth and "luminance" of a vintage 1680 top-hat acrylic crystal until I saw one in person. Before that happened I was more than a little puzzled as to why a high-end watch like Rolex would have a PLASTIC crystal. Now I see the value of being able to polish it. I've scratched the heck out of the sapphire crystal on my Seiko 5M23 "Submariner" and there's no way to fix it save replacement.

[jamesbondOO7]

Originally Posted by Davew833

I didn't appreciate the warmth and "luminance" of a vintage 1680 top-hat acrylic crystal until I saw one in person. Before that happened I was more than a little puzzled as to why a high-end watch like Rolex would have a PLASTIC crystal. Now I see the value of being able to polish it. I've scratched the heck out of the sapphire crystal on my Seiko 5M23 "Submariner" and there's no way to fix it save replacement.

True, on my 1986 DJ, the crystal is like new and I have been wearing it all the time. I just polish now and then with some toothpaste or some product for vitroceramic cookers. I am disappointed with the lack of clarity of the crystal of my new Explorer II.