Rolex Non-Antireflective Crystals

[herbalt]

I love that they don't have this coating... catches light and color beautifully.

[kilyung]

It's only a matter of time probably. I believe the new platinum Daytona has AR.

[slm9555]

I wish they had the AR coating, it would be nice to look at the dial without so much glare.

[JohnFM]

Would love to see a pic of with and without AR -- especially on the cyclops.

Mentioned to a friend that I wish a certain watch had an AR-coated cyclops and he responded, 'Glare may cause you to readjust the position of your arm to read the date ... the horror ... the horror. Signed, Kurtz'.

Always good to maintain perspective ;-)

John

[Johny]

i had a crystal with the a/r cyclops fitted to my 16610lv. it is a lot easier to read the date.

[joe100]

AR is inevitable. Omega has been using it for years but most of their crystals have a slight dome to them. Some AR coatings are better than others

[herbalt]

Originally Posted by kilyung

It's only a matter of time probably. I believe the new platinum Daytona has AR.

Maybe because the platinum Daytona is blingy enough as it is?

I have to say, I didn't like the lack of a/r before (and I do like it on some of my lesser watches, like the Hamilton Khaki). But it's grown on me, don't mind having to tilt the watch a bit to read it better.

[JohnFM]

Interesting perspective Tim. Good to hear that old school is OK for you in this regard. Sometimes we think we have to have something because it's new or 'better'. Often, the old way is just fine.

[warrior]

I completely disagree with you. The lack of AR is probably the worst thing about Rolex watches. Perhaps you're rationalizing a bit. Bottom line is that the beauty of the dial/face is compromised. It's always better for the dial to be clear and legible--not cloudy and hazy and under glare.

Originally Posted by herbalt

I love that they don't have this coating... catches light and color beautifully.

[Bangel]

If Rolex put AR coating on the underside of the entire crystal I would consider it to be a definite improvement and it would be something that I would like to have.

How can anything that improves legibility be anything but an upgrade?

[RXPete]

The latest Watch Time magazine says the new blnr GMT has a double sided AR coated crystal. The rolex website has no mention of it, though. If it's true, then it's just a matter of time before the rest of the sports line gets it.

I wish my SubC had it. I went as far as buying an OEM crystal and having it coated. I'm just getting the guts up to swap it. Non of the ADs will do it because rolex didn't provide them with the tools to work on the new cases so it has to be done by an independent watchmaker used to modifying the new models.

[acr]

While I love the AR coating on Breitlings I've owned, I actually prefer no AR coating on Rolexes since the perfectly flat crystal does look good when the light dances off of it. Additionally, AR coating scratches easily and I enjoy how Rolexes can bump against things and be no worse for wear.

[Noonan]

AR coating on the inside only is the way to go, IMO. I always find myself trying to be too careful when I've worn an Omega or Breitling. The coating on the cyclops was a huge improvement.

[10:10:31 28]

Here is an example of AR on the inside vs both the inside and outside...

http://www.pmwf.com/Watches/REVIEWS/...koCompared.htm
If Rolex starts offering an AR crystal on the SubC I wonder one can have the crystal upgraded when sent in for service?

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by JohnFM

Interesting perspective Tim. Good to hear that old school is OK for you in this regard. Sometimes we think we have to have something because it's new or 'better'. Often, the old way is just fine.

Concur. All the Rolex models I like are no longer made.

[RXPete]

Originally Posted by 10:10:31 28

Here is an example of AR on the inside vs both the inside and outside...

http://www.pmwf.com/Watches/REVIEWS/...koCompared.htm
If Rolex starts offering an AR crystal on the SubC I wonder one can have the crystal upgraded when sent in for service?

It seems that double is the way to go. There's too much haze on the inner coated one.

Btw, I've never had any issues with the AR coating rubbing off on any of my Omegas and Breitlings. Plus, the cyclops will protect the rest of the crystal from being scratched.