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Freccione 1655 · 15 December 2007, 04:38 AM

Does anyone know how expensive it is to replace an acrylic lens on the older Rolex models. I have a 1973 Explorer II 1655. Because this watch is worth so much now, I've been reluctant to wear it, because I don't want to scratch the lens. One jeweler told me it would be very expensive (around $1000) to find an acrylic lens and replace it along with the gaskets. A different jeweler told me it's only $140 for a stock acrylic lens plus labor. I'm not sure if this "stock" lens is the same as the original.

f16570 · 15 December 2007, 04:43 AM

I do not know about the price of the lens, but I would not be reluctant to wear it. It is a true classic and deserves to be allowed to "Explore" this mortal coil.

f

xf384c · 15 December 2007, 04:44 AM

You have to be really careful.
$140 would probably not be original.
I would only trust sending that watch back to RSC for any repair or services.

watchnut · 15 December 2007, 05:36 AM

I've had a late 60's early 70's GMT serviced several times at RSC/NY. I know the acrylic crystal was replaced at least once and it was lumped in with the service price. It couldn't have been anywhere near $1000. Probably between $100 and $200.

scottschoe · 15 December 2007, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watchnut

I've had a late 60's early 70's GMT serviced several times at RSC/NY. I know the acrylic crystal was replaced at least once and it was lumped in with the service price. It couldn't have been anywhere near $1000. Probably between $100 and $200.

Agreed. 1k is a joke.

koronet-kid · 15 December 2007, 08:35 AM

if you have the watch serviced by rolex it will come back like new. included in the service is replacement of the crystal. also because its acrylic you can also polish it yourself. i have used a car polish called G3 (used in car paint shops) and got really good results.

regards sean

SPACE-DWELLER · 15 December 2007, 08:41 AM

PolyWatch scratch remover would do the job!

Here's a tutorial:

Pics! CLICK!

But Jocke has an even better tutorial. I hope he chimes in with it.

Tools · 15 December 2007, 08:41 AM

If it's been a few years since that fine timepiece was serviced, you might think about a complete service - to include a new crystal -

That should get you through the next decade without any worries at all..

frostie · 15 December 2007, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

PolyWatch scratch remover would do the job!

Here's a tutorial:

Pics! CLICK!

Nice tutorial Bo thanks for sharing. It went straight to my bookmarks

mike · 15 December 2007, 09:56 AM

An acryllic crystal is not expensive. It's part of a service. I can't remember for sure, but I want to say less than $75.

jac67 · 15 December 2007, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

An acryllic crystal is not expensive. It's part of a service. I can't remember for sure, but I want to say less than $75.

Spot on!

I had Rolex replace an acrylic crystal on a OP (circa 1953) for A$30-40.

You can get your watch a complete overhaul from Rolex for around $500.

John.

Freccione 1655 · 19 December 2007, 04:46 AM

Thanks all for the info. I feel better now!

15 December 2007, 04:38 AM	#1
Freccione 1655 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Eric Location: Wisconsin, USA Watch: 1973 1655 Exp II Posts: 37	Acrylic Lens Replacement Does anyone know how expensive it is to replace an acrylic lens on the older Rolex models. I have a 1973 Explorer II 1655. Because this watch is worth so much now, I've been reluctant to wear it, because I don't want to scratch the lens. One jeweler told me it would be very expensive (around $1000) to find an acrylic lens and replace it along with the gaskets. A different jeweler told me it's only $140 for a stock acrylic lens plus labor. I'm not sure if this "stock" lens is the same as the original.

15 December 2007, 08:41 AM	#7
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	PolyWatch scratch remover would do the job! Here's a tutorial: Pics! CLICK! But Jocke has an even better tutorial. I hope he chimes in with it. __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

15 December 2007, 04:43 AM	#2
f16570 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: F Location: Scotland Watch: Exp II White Face Posts: 4,272	I do not know about the price of the lens, but I would not be reluctant to wear it. It is a true classic and deserves to be allowed to "Explore" this mortal coil. f

15 December 2007, 04:44 AM	#3
xf384c "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Beverly Hills, CA Watch: Sea Dweller 16600 Posts: 155	You have to be really careful. $140 would probably not be original. I would only trust sending that watch back to RSC for any repair or services.

15 December 2007, 05:36 AM	#4
watchnut "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: David Location: SW Fla Watch: SS Daytona & TT DJ Posts: 1,430	I've had a late 60's early 70's GMT serviced several times at RSC/NY. I know the acrylic crystal was replaced at least once and it was lumped in with the service price. It couldn't have been anywhere near $1000. Probably between $100 and $200.

15 December 2007, 08:35 AM	#6
koronet-kid "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: John Location: AT HOME Watch: deep-sea Comex Posts: 676	if you have the watch serviced by rolex it will come back like new. included in the service is replacement of the crystal. also because its acrylic you can also polish it yourself. i have used a car polish called G3 (used in car paint shops) and got really good results. regards sean

15 December 2007, 08:41 AM	#8
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,515	If it's been a few years since that fine timepiece was serviced, you might think about a complete service - to include a new crystal - That should get you through the next decade without any worries at all..

15 December 2007, 09:56 AM	#10
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	An acryllic crystal is not expensive. It's part of a service. I can't remember for sure, but I want to say less than $75.

19 December 2007, 04:46 AM	#12
Freccione 1655 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Eric Location: Wisconsin, USA Watch: 1973 1655 Exp II Posts: 37	Thanks all for the info. I feel better now!

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