Crystal Question

[HappyFamilyVan]

If you need a sapphire crystal replaced on a pre 2001 Rolex at the RSC will they use a Crystal with or without a laser etched crown. Etched crystals started in 2001.

[Tangier11]

Good question, I am curious about this myself..

[billfredericks]

LEC. Can confirm.

[iliketime]

you will get an LEC sapphire. It might have an S in the crown to indicate service replacement.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by iliketime

you will get an LEC sapphire. It might have an S in the crown to indicate service replacement.

But probably not as of recent years unless it's old stock.

[HappyFamilyVan]

The main reason I asked is because per 2 different independents, Rolex 2 months ago ceased all part sales to non ADs. Independents now either have to source parts from Rolex ADs or use non Rolex parts. The etched crystal is a Rolex part and is $350 versus $150 for OEM crystal without etched crown. Pre 2001 did not have a etched crown anyway...so why pay the extra. I was also informed that full overhauls due to the new parts practice has increased from about $850 to mid teens. The independents that I spoke to said unless I only wanted certain things done and not everything an RSC require I had done, it was more cost effective to go to the RSC.

Both said they wondered how this new policy would impact independent watch repair shops that service Rolex.

[Jocke]

You will get the LEC without a S.

Here is something I have put together about it.

Click here to find out

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by HappyFamilyVan

The main reason I asked is because per 2 different independents, Rolex 2 months ago ceased all part sales to non ADs. Independents now either have to source parts from Rolex ADs or use non Rolex parts. The etched crystal is a Rolex part and is $350 versus $150 for OEM crystal without etched crown. Pre 2001 did not have a etched crown anyway...so why pay the extra. I was also informed that full overhauls due to the new parts practice has increased from about $850 to mid teens. The independents that I spoke to said unless I only wanted certain things done and not everything an RSC require I had done, it was more cost effective to go to the RSC.

Both said they wondered how this new policy would impact independent watch repair shops that service Rolex.

Why use aftermarket parts on your watch? Didn't you buy a Rolex for the quality?

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by iliketime

you will get an LEC sapphire. It might have an S in the crown to indicate service replacement.

This is my understanding too.

[Wobbly]

Originally Posted by iliketime

you will get an LEC sapphire. It might have an S in the crown to indicate service replacement.

Originally Posted by othertbone

This is my understanding too.

Originally Posted by Dirt

But probably not as of recent years unless it's old stock.

The S on the service Crystal was stopped about 10 years ago.

I do have a watch that had the crystal replaced in 2007, it has an S in the LEC

[77T]

Originally Posted by Jocke

You will get the LEC without a S.



Here is something I have put together about it.



Click here to find out

Jocke
Does that also apply to 5-digit models that originally had an unetched sapphire crystal?


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[Jocke]

Originally Posted by 77T

Jocke
Does that also apply to 5-digit models that originally had an unetched sapphire crystal?


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What I know, yes. All mens sapphire sport models exept the green crystal.

[jtarafa13]

Jocke, thanks for the link. That link has excellent info. I find the lec is such a cool thing.




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[SearChart]

Originally Posted by 77T

Jocke
Does that also apply to 5-digit models that originally had an unetched sapphire crystal?


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Yes you will get a crystal with LEC.

[77T]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Yes you will get a crystal with LEC.

Thanks Bas.

That adds another great way for future generations to judge the “originality” of future vintage 5-digit sapphire crystal models. If one sees an LEC on a 16613 then RSC swapped a crystal.


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