Watch service question

[bitparser]

Sending my 1997 GMT-Master II Rolex to be serviced at the RSC and received the following quote for replacing the hands and crystal in addition to servicing the movement. I know that I shouldn't replace the hands if I want to keep it all original but is there any harm in replacing the crystal? I did not notice any chips or cracks when I had the watch but don't know if there was something more minuscule that I missed.

Thanks in advance!

[TimeToGo]

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I would not hesitate to replace the crystal. In fact, I usually also ask to replace crown and tube.

[1William]

The crystal is fine to replace.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Yes, as noted. Crystal is fine. It will likely have AR on the entire crystal underside l, which isn’t my thing, personally. But it’s fine “value-wise”.

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

Yes, as noted. Crystal is fine. It will likely have AR on the entire crystal underside l, which isn’t my thing, personally. But it’s fine “value-wise”.

Would RSC put an AR coated crystal on a reference that didn’t come originally with AR?

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Would RSC put an AR coated crystal on a reference that didn’t come originally with AR?

Pretty sure all service crystal are now AR coated. Personally I like it makes the dial pop more.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Would RSC put an AR coated crystal on a reference that didn’t come originally with AR?

Originally Posted by ronricks

Pretty sure all service crystal are now AR coated. Personally I like it makes the dial pop more.

Unfortunately, yes… the old AR cyclops crystals are almost completely discontinued now. The non AR LEC crystals have long been discontinued as well.

It’s very likely that any crystal replacement will be full AR now.

Some like it; some don’t. I’m in the camp of “keeping” a watch “period” correct.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

Unfortunately, yes… the old AR cyclops crystals are almost completely discontinued now. The non AR LEC crystals have long been discontinued as well.

It’s very likely that any crystal replacement will be full AR now.

Some like it; some don’t. I’m in the camp of “keeping” a watch “period” correct.

I would embrace an AR crystal on my P serial exp II. the date window is not viewable due to reflection in all but the most perfect lighting conditions.

[jimmypark54]

Replacing the crystal shouldn't affect the watch's originality too much and can ensure it stays in great shape. If there are no visible chips or cracks, it might just be a precaution from the RSC. But if you want to keep it all original, you could decline unless you notice any issues. Your call!

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by subtona

I would embrace an AR crystal on my P serial exp II. the date window is not viewable due to reflection in all but the most perfect lighting conditions.

Agreed. I have a service 295C crystal with AR under the cyclops on my F serial 16570 Polar - Love it!

The AR there is totally fine, I just personally don't like the look of having a "blue" hue under the entire crystal.

What you want is a B25-295-CAR. You can still find them blistered!!! That would be my recommendation.

[bitparser]

Thank you all for your responses.


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