Sapphire / Plexi and Gasket Question

[mfer]

Does anyone know if a gasket is used on Plexi crystals? I'm fairly certain they are used on Sapphire crystals, but not sure on Plexi.

My understanding on a Sapphire case...



Does the Plexi crystal also use the gasket?

Appreciate everyone's help here.

[Vincent65]

have a look at this: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=291786

[Vincent65]

later ones (mid-70s) have gasket

[mfer]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

have a look at this: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=291786

Thanks, this shows what Rolex does and it does support what I'm thinking.

I'm looking for Panerai information, like on a 249 or 372 for example. I'm guessing that the Plexi Panerai's doesn't have any gaskets between the bezel, plexi and case.

Even with the gasket on the rolex sub though, it looks as though it doesn't touch the plexi, but the case and retaining ring (which would be similiar to the Panerai bezel in this case).

[Vincent65]

sorry - I assumed Rolex - didn't check forum! I know nothing of Panerai

[mborkow]

The 422 and 372 have the same WR so I'd have thought they use the same gasket system

[kilyung]

Modern Panerais all use delrin gaskets regardless of crystal material.

[mborkow]

I wonder if the 372's plexi ended up being too delicate if you could swap out a sapphire replacement?

[mfer]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Modern Panerais all use delrin gaskets regardless of crystal material.

My answer!!!!!

Mike, do you know if this is something that can be made, or I could only get it from Panerai? Also, how did you find this out?

Thanks a million man.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by mborkow

I wonder if the 372's plexi ended up being too delicate if you could swap out a sapphire replacement?

The 372 and 422 cases are identical so there's no reason you couldn't swap them as long as you could get one.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by mfer

My answer!!!!!

Mike, do you know if this is something that can be made, or I could only get it from Panerai? Also, how did you find this out?

Thanks a million man.

The Delrin gaskets are specifically sized so I'm guessing you can only get it from Panerai. There was a thread a while back on P.com (iirc) of a Rad (249 I think) having its plexi replaced with sapphire.

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by kilyung

The 372 and 422 cases are identical so there's no reason you couldn't swap them as long as you could get one.

At the moment I love the plexi and I think it should wear just fine...but if I ended up abusing it too much I guess this is avenue to explore (especially if more, local, SCs start coming on line).

[travisb]

Originally Posted by kilyung

The 372 and 422 cases are identical so there's no reason you couldn't swap them as long as you could get one.

True. You'd have to find one though and have an outside watchmaker install it for you. Panerai will not sell you just a crystal, and will not swap out a plexi for a sapphire.
At one point I actually inquired with Panerai to see if one had a model (372) with plexi, could you send it to them and have them swap it with sapphire. The answer was a definate no.
I'm sure the crystal from a 422 would fit the 372, just a matter of sourcing one and having it properly installed.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by travisb

True. You'd have to find one though and have an outside watchmaker install it for you. Panerai will not sell you just a crystal, and will not swap out a plexi for a sapphire.
At one point I actually inquired with Panerai to see if one had a model (372) with plexi, could you send it to them and have them swap it with sapphire. The answer was a definate no.
I'm sure the crystal from a 422 would fit the 372, just a matter of sourcing one and having it properly installed.

I've got a crystal press and leak tester so I'm willing and able.

[mfer]

I'm wondering about people who replaced their sapphire 232 with a plexi have high chances for leak issues if they don't have the gasket?

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by mfer

I'm wondering about people who replaced their sapphire 232 with a plexi have high chances for leak issues if they don't have the gasket?

Assuming the plexi replacement is dimensionally the same as the sapphire crystal, they could reuse the same gasket without a problem.

[travisb]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I've got a crystal press and leak tester so I'm willing and able.

You never cease to amaze, Mike...lol.
I wouldn't doubt it...

[travisb]

One last shot for the night...