Crystal Sapphire - Can this be fixed

[Feb_29]

So, a casing from 45 ACP landed on the top of my 116710BLNR, making barley visible chip on the sapphire crystal(circled on the pic). I've searched, if this can be fixed but found only chipped crystal on the edge of the crystal, not like in my case. Also, asked other people and they said crystal cannot be fix, only acrylic can. My AD said the same and advise to send watch to RSC for new crystal replacement. My watch is still under Rolex warranty. However, AD said Rolex will not replace with new one for free, they will charge full price for it(about $300). I can live with this until first service interwall, doesn't bother me much. But if this can be fixed some how I'd like to give it a try. Appreciate your input guys.

[Wine4Golf]

My worry is that the chip will get worse, like a windshield. It’s only $300 so id fix It asap before it compromises the Watch & turns into a bigger repair bill.

[Stan Cooper]

IMHO it's highly unlikely that damage will migrate. As it is barely noticeable, I'd wear it "as is" until you send it in for service.

[JMGoodnight369]

It almost looks like burnt AR coating but that reference doesn’t have AR on the full crystal. Interesting injury. As the previous stated it’s very unlikely it will spiderweb like a windshield as it’s sapphire crystal not tempered glass. There’s always the local watchmaker route. You could find one with a Rolex account and get the crystal replaced for a bit less than RSC

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

IMHO it's highly unlikely that damage will migrate. As it is barely noticeable, I'd wear it "as is" until you send it in for service.

Exactly doubt if it would get worst best left till normal routine service then no labour charge to change only crystal cost around $100 .

[Cigars&Watches]

What could a “fix” cost $100-$150? Probably just better to replace the crystal. Btw, I thought the only thing tougher than sapphire crystal is a diamond…

[asiparks]

Originally Posted by Cigars&Watches

What could a “fix” cost $100-$150? Probably just better to replace the crystal. Btw, I thought the only thing tougher than sapphire crystal is a diamond…

don't confuse harder with "tougher".

You'll have no problem shattering your crystal banging into everyday household objects, if there's enough speed involved: door knobs, kitchen countertops, tile floors: one member had theirs shattered by a particularly enthusiastic flask swinger...

As others said- it looks like a very shallow surface grazing, rather than a deep chip- sure it'll be fine.
I'm surprised spent brass would do this- it's bounced off my face many times and was irritating at worst

[Tools]

Sapphire is a "rock" that is grown as a solid piece, sliced, ground, and polished.

This appears to be spalling which can be caused by heat or impact, this would be both. It cannot be filled and polished for repair any more than any other rock (synthetic gem)

I don't weld with my watch on if I can help it (heat and impact). A single spatter of molten metal will do the same, or even stick and leave a divot when knocked off.

Warranty repairs are for manufacturing defects, not for damage. They won't give you a free one because your broke yours.

[Feb_29]

Thanks All for your inputs!
I decide to do nothing with it. I guess it'll be one of my children problem.