Help with plexi for 5513

[LugholeChris]

Hey all

Recently had the good fortune of acquirring my dream watch a 1966 meters first 5513. Would love to share photos, but not allowed yet on account of my low post count.

In either case, I love the watch dearly, but it has gotten a service crystal at some point, and would like to restore it to original spec.

I have read the many threads here about the NOS crystals being fragile and very hard to find.

What is the best option? Can see some have had good luck using a T-39 instead. What would the downside to that be?


Thanks for your time.

[996marty]

You can post pictures just do a search of how to do it

[LugholeChris]

Thank you very much.

[LugholeChris]

Managed to work out how to post photos. So here she is in all her might and glory :D

As you can see, the plexi is a newer service crystal with the shallow profile.20240407_130238.jpg20240407_125854.jpg20240407_125924.jpg

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[Dan S]

All things considered, I probably wouldn't worry about it. The watch is what it is, watches are worn and parts get replaced over time. But when the time comes to replace the crystal, there are various aftermarket crystals that mimic the original shape or there are people who will modify service crystals. You can spend anywhere from $50 to $250 for the crystal alone. The topic has been addressed in many previous threads if you search.

[TuRo]

Looks fine and dandy to me as is it's a soft edged service - orig crown style too.

Many NOS plexi's are not as they seem.....I.e the are slightly aged aftermarket put in old packaging.

If you insist on cracking on with it, only buy from reputable seller perhaps here or on VRF even better perhaps, and get the likes of Jedly, Mike or Xeramic or a few other plexi experts to give it the green light before shelling out $500 or so....

[padi56]

Originally Posted by LugholeChris

Managed to work out how to post photos. So here she is in all her might and glory :D

As you can see, the plexi is a newer service crystal with the shallow profile.Attachment 1431602Attachment 1431603Attachment 1431604

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Would leave it things like crystals are often replaced and all acrylic crystals are always replaced at any full RSC service.

[996marty]

As everyone has mentioned I think it looks fine as it is

[Dom9]

Nice looking watch and soft-edge plexi suits it well!

[minimalista]

When I bought my '66 5513 the original crystal was showing its age. I had a Truedome crystal installed and have been very happy with it.

Your watch is beautiful!

[one80]

I can recommend a Truedome also - the D19 would be the version for your watch (LINK).

[Tools]

I agree that plexi crystals should be changed from time to time. They are degradable, expendables; nothing wrong with a service plexi. If you want one with original everything, then you wouldn't wear it due to its likelihood of failure.

If you want it to have the look of the high tops or other look then you will find plenty of recommendations but keep in mind, these too are not "original", they are replacements.

[bpetty13]

Another vote for TrueDome!

[LugholeChris]

Thanks so much to all who replied.

Will be looking more into the Truedome option - sounds like a good solution for the right vintage look, but hopefully with good waterresistance capabilities.



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[LugholeChris]

Originally Posted by minimalista

When I bought my '66 5513 the original crystal was showing its age. I had a Truedome crystal installed and have been very happy with it.

Your watch is beautiful!

Do you have photos of the installed crystal that you want to share?



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[TuRo]

Rather your nice original service, than an aftermarket personally.

[Dom9]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Rather your nice original service, than an aftermarket personally.

This!

[studioal]

IMO the crystal, as long as it's a genuine replacement, is really not a big deal. Consider it a maintenance item and not a botched modification to increase value. Enjoy the watch.

[gates]

Hey - if you want a matching replacement pip for that bezel insert Phillip Ridley has a bag of NOS aged pips he can find one that will match the markers and hands - hes here on the forum he just serviced my 1967 MKII DRSD 1665

[paul cbc]

Originally Posted by Dom9

This!

Quote:
Originally Posted by TuRo View Post
Rather your nice original service, than an aftermarket personally.

This Again!!

[LugholeChris]

Originally Posted by gates

Hey - if you want a matching replacement pip for that bezel insert Phillip Ridley has a bag of NOS aged pips he can find one that will match the markers and hands - hes here on the forum he just serviced my 1967 MKII DRSD 1665

Thanks for the headsup. Will give him a message :D



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[LugholeChris]

Thanks to all for your inputs.

Apart from wanting the original superdome effect, another reason I wanted another plexi was also to get one that hopefully was less foggy than the one I currently have. It becomes a bit foggy / seems scratched under certain lightings, taking away from the beautiful dial and hands, and Polywatch has helped quite a bit, but not totally.

Is it possible to use Polywatch on the insede too? Seems the fogginess is partly under the crystal.

Thanks again.

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