What to do with my TT DJ?

[Phil G.]

I have a 1988 R160133 SS/YG Datejust, which I really do like and use as my "daily driver" for work. The crystal is domed, and not sapphire, and is therefore, fairly scratched up. I'm contemplating replacing the crystal - but would you replace it with a new domed crystal to keep it authentic, or with a scratch-free sapphire? Also, I don't love the Jubilee bracelet, although it does look "right" with this model, but I am thinking of replacing it with an oyster (TT PCL??). What would you do? I think you get my drift that I'd like to leave the watch with as much of the original look as possible. Thoughts?? Thanks!!

What would a new crystal and/or bracelet cost? I'm assuming an AD could do this - that I wouldn't have to send it to an RSC, correct?

[JimSnyder]

I would stay with acrylic crystal. As for the bracelet I like the oyster

[Warnsboy]

Thats a classic beauty! IMHO keep it original. If that picture is recent, it may just need the crystal polished and a good detailing of the case and band.

[Jackxv]

Rolex won't put saphire on plastic DJ, it propably don't fit.
There are conversion kits (non Rolex) but that's crap.

Plexi will be around 80 bucks including pressure test.

A new 2 tone oyster wil cost you $2000+.

I'd search for a TT DJ on Oyster and sell this one, a lot cheaper.


Jack

[Phil G.]

Thanks for the replies. That is a very recent photo - I will have the crystal polished or replaced, and band polished. Can an AD polish an acrylic crystal, or is it worth just replacing it? The watch is in wonderful shape. As much as I like the oyster bracelet, not sure I want to spend $2K on a new TT. Plus, I really do like the idea of keeping the watch original.

[ParisDakarBmw]

Just polish the crystal. A local jeweler might offer the service for a few bucks. It takes a special polish, but he'll take it off the watch, and buff it clear. After it's back on your good to go.

[icnbne]

the watch seems to be in pretty good condition, i agree with just giving a good polish

[shandy]

I love plastic crystals! I know they can get scratched up but as long as they are not too deep it is a breeze and quite fun to polish them out, you would be amazed how much better the dial will look once polished!

You can either purchase a product called "Polywatch" which has been specifically designed for the job, around $8 for a small tube but that tube goes a long way!

Or even cheaper get some silvo from your local hardwear store and use that. I was away for a few days last week and got a scratch on my crystal, used silvo and it came out and glossed up the crystal perfectly!

Some folks will recommend Brasso but be aware they recently changed the formula and it is now much more abrasive, I would not take the chance with that!

Please give the crystal polishing a go, it is one of the most satisfying things one can do to a watch!

If you use poly watch put three or four small drops on the crystal and then with a soft, lint free cloth polish the crystal in a circular motion for between 1 and 2 minutes. Once done, buff with a clean cloth and you will be amazed!
Same procedure with silvo but this time dab a little on the cloth instead.
Try not to include to much polishing on the cyclops as it could alter the magnification, just a few seconds should sort that one out!

For the case and bracelet if you want to continue the DIY route and your watch does not look too bad! You might want to use the combination I do, cape cod cloth to take out the deeper scratches, clean that off in the prescribed way and then finish off with a light buff with a sunshine polishing cloth which gives a lovely lustre!

It is a beautiful watch you have, a keeper!

As for changing bracelets, well, you might want to check out some of the dealers in older Rolexes and see if they would do a trade of some sort, your jubilee for an oyster..You never know!

[Phil G.]

Originally Posted by shandy

I love plastic crystals! I know they can get scratched up but as long as they are not too deep it is a breeze and quite fun to polish them out, you would be amazed how much better the dial will look once polished!

You can either purchase a product called "Polywatch" which has been specifically designed for the job, around $8 for a small tube but that tube goes a long way!

Or even cheaper get some silvo from your local hardwear store and use that. I was away for a few days last week and got a scratch on my crystal, used silvo and it came out and glossed up the crystal perfectly!

Some folks will recommend Brasso but be aware they recently changed the formula and it is now much more abrasive, I would not take the chance with that!

Please give the crystal polishing a go, it is one of the most satisfying things one can do to a watch!

If you use poly watch put three or four small drops on the crystal and then with a soft, lint free cloth polish the crystal in a circular motion for between 1 and 2 minutes. Once done, buff with a clean cloth and you will be amazed!
Same procedure with silvo but this time dab a little on the cloth instead.
Try not to include to much polishing on the cyclops as it could alter the magnification, just a few seconds should sort that one out!

For the case and bracelet if you want to continue the DIY route and your watch does not look too bad! You might want to use the combination I do, cape cod cloth to take out the deeper scratches, clean that off in the prescribed way and then finish off with a light buff with a sunshine polishing cloth which gives a lovely lustre!

It is a beautiful watch you have, a keeper!

As for changing bracelets, well, you might want to check out some of the dealers in older Rolexes and see if they would do a trade of some sort, your jubilee for an oyster..You never know!

Thanks for the advice. I will have an AD polish the band and crystal - the watch is nearly flawless after all these years. I think I want to keep the original look of the Jubillee bracelet at this point - with the domed crystal, it may not look quite right with an oyster bracelet. Just my opinion.

[sevykor]

Keep it as is. It looks GREAT!

[rfknauss]

Originally Posted by sevykor

Keep it as is. It looks GREAT!

X2!

[kyle L]

Looks fine.

[Phil G.]

Took it to an AD today to have the bracelet polished - honestly, he overdid the clasp, and didn't leave enough "brush" texture. But, it's OK. He said the crystal was near perfect so he didn't polish it. I took it home, found some Gorham stainless polish (also for brass, plastic, etc.) and it did a nice job on the crystal myself. Needless to say, I won't be back to that jeweler - either for future purchases or for service.

I'm going to keep the Jubilee bracelet on as well - I think it really does work with this older watch. I saw a DJ II in the store, and didn't like it much - it's gaudy and too big, IMO.

[Sperry]

Yep, usually the best thing to do is nothing.
In time, maybe you'll set the watch aside for a few years.
There are very nice Y-serial DJs available [pre-PCL] for $2400.
But there will always be a reason go go back to "vintage".

[Gerardus]

Keep it this way!

[mambo]

Originally Posted by Phil G.

I have a 1988 R160133 SS/YG Datejust, which I really do like and use as my "daily driver" for work.Also, I don't love the Jubilee bracelet, although it does look "right" with this model, but I am thinking of replacing it with an oyster (TT PCL??). What would you do? I think you get my drift that I'd like to leave the watch with as much of the original look as possible. Thoughts?? Thanks!!

What would a new crystal and/or bracelet cost? I'm assuming an AD could do this - that I wouldn't have to send it to an RSC, correct?

Off the topic, but I have the exact watch as yours. I was contemplating changing to a champagne dial, but the watch is so "readable" now that I am going to keep the white dial...and leave it all original. I really like the watch. I like the oyster bracelet on my sub, but the jubilee fits the DJ. I say leave as is and enjoy.

[7S26]

Keep it as is. It looks Awesome!!!