The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Old 5 September 2016, 05:33 AM   #1
configsys
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mountain Time
Posts: 138
Acrylic crystal replacement

I used to own 2 GMT Masters, sold a 1981 ref 16750 for next to nothing and also Tudor Military Sub.

I was rummaging through my watch stuff and noticed I have a few acrylic crystals that have been replaced. Two of them didn't even seem like there was anything wrong with them. I did have both GMT Masters and the Tudor Military Sub serviced so I was wondering if the acrylic crystal and rubber gasket are replaced each time the watch is serviced?
configsys is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 September 2016, 05:06 AM   #2
Fredrik
2024 Pledge Member
 
Fredrik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Sweden
Watch: 1680
Posts: 1,874
Yes, as far as I know and in my experience. However if you are in the USA, you usually don't get the replaced parts back. I also still have the original top hat acrylic from my 1680 that was replaced a couple of years ago.
Fredrik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 September 2016, 06:50 AM   #3
configsys
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mountain Time
Posts: 138
Thanks for the reply. I imagine it has to do with keeping it waterproof. I'm having a 16013 being serviced and the watchmaker told me the crystal also has to be replaced. Not sure if it's an acrylic or not.

The GMT Masters were serviced through an independent watchmaker although the Tudor Sub was serviced by RSC New York.
configsys is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 September 2016, 06:12 PM   #4
jvmartin
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 2,349
16013 woud have an acrylic crystal...
jvmartin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 September 2016, 06:56 PM   #5
padi56
"TRF" Life Patron
 
padi56's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Real Name: Peter
Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng
Watch: ing you.
Posts: 53,064
Quote:
Originally Posted by configsys View Post
I used to own 2 GMT Masters, sold a 1981 ref 16750 for next to nothing and also Tudor Military Sub.

I was rummaging through my watch stuff and noticed I have a few acrylic crystals that have been replaced. Two of them didn't even seem like there was anything wrong with them. I did have both GMT Masters and the Tudor Military Sub serviced so I was wondering if the acrylic crystal and rubber gasket are replaced each time the watch is serviced?
If serviced by a RSC acrylic crystals are always replaced as part of service.
__________________

ICom Pro3

All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only.

"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever."
Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again.

www.mc0yad.club

Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder
padi56 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 September 2016, 09:02 PM   #6
77T
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
77T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 42,024
Visually an old acrylic crystal may appear fine. But over time oxidation, UV and even gamma rays cause molecular level changes that weaken the crystal such that it becomes less compliant and prone to cracking.

The gaskets also lose their sealing properties and can crack. So hey, too are replaced as insurance for water resistance.
__________________


Does anyone really know what time it is?
77T is online now   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

OCWatches

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.