Laser-Etched Crystal, real or fake?

[mikekneller]

Originally Posted by Andad

The depth of field based on the fine focus adjustment on this microscope at x100 is less than the diameter of the molten bubble.

Surely the OP could take a better pix of his laser crown?

The errors on the OP’s pix are too random to be a parallax issue.

The bubbles are on the same plane.

I’m not sure why some just can’t understand and learn so I’m out if this thread.

Bye!

[Bladeshot]

OP, you are fine. I took this just now with the latest iPhone. Genuine Rolex LEC laser etched crown on 2021 126610LV Submariner Date.

At a perfect angle, one would expect to see perfect alignment. But not from any other angle besides straight on. One can almost never get a great photo of the crown, straight on… at least I can’t; without my DLSR and a great lens and perfect light. Sometimes you can get a good photo in sunlight with a phone but it’s been rare for me.

Your pic looks identical to mine.

[Tanalasta]

You’ve scrubbed the serial as sometimes the imprint and font is a “tell”

At a glance it looks authentic.

Good luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TimeAZ]

100% good based on all the photos from the OP
Enjoy with peace of mind and may you wear it in good health

[amh]

I'll bet you're ok. The fact that you have the etched crown is a good sign, difficult to get a quality picture.

Here's a trick you can do with your warranty card. Wake up your phone and lay it on top of the card. It contains an NFC Tag that will activate and your web browser will automatically be directed to rolex.com! It's not complete proof but it's yet another sign that your watch is genuine.

If you're still in doubt get an AD to take a look at it. (I recently had my grey purchase regulated and they didn't give me any grief - as far as I'm concerned the watch has now been authenticated.)

[Carondelet]

For what it's worth, I took a picture of the crown on my GMT II, I bought from an AD new. I had to take the picture at an angle, it looks similar to OP's etched crown.

[JadeRaven]

Oooof this is why I waited to buy from AD. One 43mm seadweller, hold the anxiety please.

Although I had the luxury of buying a few years ago. Today I'd probably still be waiting.

[Ginuwine]

Hey guys, I hope I can get some assistance here as well. First time buyer and I got this amazing 126622 Blue dial YM. However due to my inability to get one from the AD, had to overpay for this from a grey dealer. I've been looking at the laser etched and also have some fears of the not super tight oval at the bottom of the crown. Seems like others have also had this issue, can you guys please help with this. Much appreciated!

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by Ginuwine

Hey guys, I hope I can get some assistance here as well. First time buyer and I got this amazing 126622 Blue dial YM. However due to my inability to get one from the AD, had to overpay for this from a grey dealer. I've been looking at the laser etched and also have some fears of the not super tight oval at the bottom of the crown. Seems like others have also had this issue, can you guys please help with this. Much appreciated!

If you read posts above, you will see your watch has the same parallax causing the LEC to appear not well aligned.

If you sent pictures of full watch, we can hopefully calm your fears, but it won’t be from an off angle LEC pic.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[skatamail]

When I look closely at mine it looks like a poop emoji

[worldofoyster]

do all modern rolex have it?

[gyang333]

Originally Posted by worldofoyster

do all modern rolex have it?

Yes. Not sure how far back it goes, but I have a DD from 2002 and it has it. It looks like the intro-date varies by model, but 1999 onwards should have it.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by gyang333

Yes. Not sure how far back it goes, but I have a DD from 2002 and it has it. It looks like the intro-date varies by model, but 1999 onwards should have it.

In reality answer is no as the Milgauss does not have it on the modern versions with the green crystal


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[worldofoyster]

Originally Posted by gyang333

Yes. Not sure how far back it goes, but I have a DD from 2002 and it has it. It looks like the intro-date varies by model, but 1999 onwards should have it.

I purchased a Sub ND (2020 114060) a while ago and everything looks on point except i do not see the LEC on the glass. any way i can check to make sure the watch is indeed authentic?

[gyang333]

Originally Posted by worldofoyster

I purchased a Sub ND (2020 114060) a while ago and everything looks on point except i do not see the LEC on the glass. any way i can check to make sure the watch is indeed authentic?

Sub should definitely have one. I'm wondering if the dealer you bought it from swapped the crystal out for a non-factory one? Proper replacement crystals from Rolex have the crown and a side-ways S to denote 'Service'

[77T]

Originally Posted by worldofoyster

I purchased a Sub ND (2020 114060) a while ago and everything looks on point except i do not see the LEC on the glass. any way i can check to make sure the watch is indeed authentic?

Hold it up to the source of light at a very oblique angle and you should focus your peepers on the crystal rather than the dial.

You should see this…




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[worldofoyster]

Originally Posted by 77T

Hold it up to the source of light at a very oblique angle and you should focus your peepers on the crystal rather than the dial.

You should see this…




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Thanks, that really helps. I can finally see it now

[wilsonpepper]

Even if you could not see it, or indeed, it did not have a LEC on the crystal, the LEC singularly, does not indicate authentic, replica, fake, or otherwise.

Plenty of REPS have LEC, and those watches are not authentic.

[RogerOP]

I can’t even see my LEC no matter the angle!

[fskywalker]

Z serial 116264 TOG




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[misterpeanut]

Originally Posted by Andad

The bubbles are on the same plane.

Nope.
Lots of misinformation here. By design, the etchings have to be on different levels as that would make the glass too weak. Be wary of a crown that looks too clean and uniform from every angle.

Here is the Rolex swiss patent for the LEC process (download the PDF to see the images): https://patents.google.com/patent/CH692256A5/en

"With reference to fig. 1, the point impacts 10 have a star shape which is made visible either with the naked eye or by means of a magnifying glass, in particular by means of a modification of the crystal structure. These impacts are produced by a laser beam which is focused at a point located in the thickness of the ice. The energy of the beam, concentrated at an impact point allows to modify the crystal structure and thus to create an opaque zone or having a less transparency, which makes it possible to make it apparent. Depending on the beam energy and the beam focus, it is possible to vary the depth of the point impact. Therefore the point impact points can be located at different levels in the thickness of the ice."

[NachoNeal]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Z serial 116264 TOG




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Such a great shot!

[NCRolexguy]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

Are these etchings only for the newer watches or do all new OEM replacement crystals have it?

I think so. My 1999 16700 came back last year from a service with a LEC.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by NachoNeal

Such a great shot!

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro