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Eric88 · 26 November 2010, 02:33 PM

Acrylic, sapphire, raised, flush, cyclops, no cyclops?

I've owned enough Rolex models to know there are many variations. The vintage 1680 top hat crystals are raised quite high above the bezel while the new Sub-C crystals are essentially flush with the bezel. I think I prefer the middle of the road as seen with the 14060M. Smooth sapphire that is raised a notch above the bezel.

What's your favorite and why? Please share photos that highlight your crystal of choice. Thanks!

steven.veres · 26 November 2010, 02:52 PM

Flush because it reduces the chance you can nick the edge of the crystal. Also it looks more steamlined and reduces the overall thickness of your watch. At first I didn't like the cyclops, but it's and acquired taste. It's another defining mark of the rolex brand. I love it now. Lastly, sapphire material ofcourse.

mike · 26 November 2010, 05:39 PM

esm · 26 November 2010, 06:48 PM

I prefer the flat version.
The 16610 Sub had a slightly raised crystal (i think) and my dear wife have managed to chip the edge of the crystal on the 16610LV (she had no idea how it happened)... It's only a very small chip but I know it is there.....

Looks like she has been doing the damages to the watches lately....

dddrees · 26 November 2010, 07:04 PM

All my watches are new so I only have saphire crystals.

I have a Daytona so I have one without the Cyclops, however for the most part my preference would be with the Cyclops. To me the Cyclops is a part of the Rolex experience.

At some point I think I would like a vintage piece with an acrylic crystal.

Rags · 26 November 2010, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steven.veres

flush because it reduces the chance you can nick the edge of the crystal. Also it looks more steamlined and reduces the overall thickness of your watch. At first i didn't like the cyclops, but it's and acquired taste. It's another defining mark of the rolex brand. I love it now. Lastly, sapphire material ofcourse.

x2

Clay · 26 November 2010, 08:45 PM

buz-lh · 26 November 2010, 11:52 PM

I like acrylic best.

Dan Pierce · 27 November 2010, 03:42 AM

High and mighty.

dP

Yazo · 27 November 2010, 03:47 AM

Plastic domed!!

Damage Inc. · 27 November 2010, 03:48 AM

Perhaps it's considered fence sitting, but I appreciate the variety and how the different shapes & materials seem to compliment certain models.
The acrylic domed models lend a 'softness' to the look (1665/1675) and really goes well with matte dials. The top hat on a 1680 just looks classic!
The sharper, clear (when clean), clean look of a flat sapphire looks very modern- fitting for those models IMO.

I'm very happy to have both acrylic & sapphire. Now for that top hat....

SaddleSC · 27 November 2010, 03:49 AM

I don't have a picture to post (yet) but my favorite crystal of all time is my 16600 Sea Dweller because it is sapphire with NO Cyclops and it sits up above the bezel by quite a good margin. It really makes the light dance in a unique way. (Pictures to Follow)

AA717driver · 27 November 2010, 03:52 AM

Slight bulge. Wish I could get the date without the cyclops. Sapphire.

What is the advantage of Acrylic?

TC

Dan Pierce · 27 November 2010, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AA717driver

What is the advantage of Acrylic?

TC

Easily polished, doesn't show smudges, and has a luster that glows.

But I'm w/ Vic.

The enjoy both plex and sapphire crystals for different applications.

dP

Eric88 · 29 December 2010, 03:10 AM

After seeing dP's "high and mighty" top hat crystal compared to my "undercover" flush crystal on the Sub-C, I find myself wishing that the Sub-C had gone with more exposure of the crystal. At least like the 16610 or 14060 sapphire look. Oh well, time marches on. I wonder if it would be possible to fit a thicker crystal?

Nicko · 29 December 2010, 03:42 AM

I'm with you Dan!

imono · 29 December 2010, 03:56 AM

This one.

RJC · 29 December 2010, 04:38 AM

Apologies Eric. Didn't realise you'd started this thread. I've now started a similar one!!

Kanger · 29 December 2010, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

wow those look good. What are the model numbers of these two pieces: a 1680 and 5513?

Jocke · 29 December 2010, 05:12 AM

Everyone have their own charm.

petesjag · 29 December 2010, 05:16 AM

great thread!!!!
I have no picture but can say that I like mine clean!!!!

rmfnla · 29 December 2010, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AA717driver

Slight bulge. Wish I could get the date without the cyclops. Sapphire.

What is the advantage of Acrylic?

TC

I believe you can remove the cyclops from a sapphire crystal.

Acrylic can be polished out more easily if scratched and it won't shatter if dropped.

Mirx · 29 December 2010, 06:38 AM

Flush all the way. Smooth transition from bezel to crystal on the Sub-C needs to be seen to be appreciated!

Sapphire (scratch resistant) with cyclops (not 20 anymore,ha,ha!).

Z06 · 29 December 2010, 06:57 AM

Related question...It seems like the anti-reflective coating that is used (GMT IIc) "films" up...I clean my crystal daily, mostly wear a long sleeve or sweater this time of year, and at night, it has a cloudy film appearance...any idea why?

BTW, it wipes right off...just seems strange cause none of my Omegas do this, so i attribute it to the antiglare coating...am I correct?

Thanks, and sorry if i hijacked the thread

jamesbondOO7 · 29 December 2010, 05:58 PM

Just bought an Explorer II and I am a bit surprised by the sort of "haze" on the crystal compared to my 1986 DJ. I don't know which is which, but I prefer the transparency and clearness from all angles of the DJ.
Also, the Explorer takes all the finger marks on the crystal when the DJ does not. I hope it will improve over time.

rmfnla · 30 December 2010, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

Just bought an Explorer II and I am a bit surprised by the sort of "haze" on the crystal compared to my 1986 DJ. I don't know which is which, but I prefer the transparency and clearness from all angles of the DJ.
Also, the Explorer takes all the finger marks on the crystal when the DJ does not. I hope it will improve over time.

I think that "haze" is the result of the crystalene molecular structure of the sapphire material; it reflects light oddly, much like tempered glass.

Jason71 · 30 December 2010, 09:23 AM

I like a nice top-hat or like this.........

Wildwing · 30 December 2010, 12:05 PM

To be honest, even though I love my Rolexs', there's something about the warmth of the old-fashioned acrylic crystal:

Davew833 · 30 December 2010, 02:32 PM

I didn't appreciate the warmth and "luminance" of a vintage 1680 top-hat acrylic crystal until I saw one in person. Before that happened I was more than a little puzzled as to why a high-end watch like Rolex would have a PLASTIC crystal. Now I see the value of being able to polish it. I've scratched the heck out of the sapphire crystal on my Seiko 5M23 "Submariner" and there's no way to fix it save replacement.

jamesbondOO7 · 30 December 2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davew833

I didn't appreciate the warmth and "luminance" of a vintage 1680 top-hat acrylic crystal until I saw one in person. Before that happened I was more than a little puzzled as to why a high-end watch like Rolex would have a PLASTIC crystal. Now I see the value of being able to polish it. I've scratched the heck out of the sapphire crystal on my Seiko 5M23 "Submariner" and there's no way to fix it save replacement.

True, on my 1986 DJ, the crystal is like new and I have been wearing it all the time. I just polish now and then with some toothpaste or some product for vitroceramic cookers. I am disappointed with the lack of clarity of the crystal of my new Explorer II.

26 November 2010, 02:33 PM	#1
Eric88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: 88 keys Posts: 2,241	How do you like your crystal? Photos welcomed. Acrylic, sapphire, raised, flush, cyclops, no cyclops? I've owned enough Rolex models to know there are many variations. The vintage 1680 top hat crystals are raised quite high above the bezel while the new Sub-C crystals are essentially flush with the bezel. I think I prefer the middle of the road as seen with the 14060M. Smooth sapphire that is raised a notch above the bezel. What's your favorite and why? Please share photos that highlight your crystal of choice. Thanks!

26 November 2010, 08:45 PM	#7
Clay Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Up a tree Posts: 4,001	Something convex and made out of Acrylic.....

26 November 2010, 11:52 PM	#8
buz-lh "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Buz Location: Atlanta Watch: Rolex Tudor Pam Posts: 5,108	I like acrylic best. Attached Images __________________ Buz The faster you move, the slower time passes, the longer you live. Peter Diamandis

27 November 2010, 03:42 AM	#9
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,216	High and mighty. dP Attached Images __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

27 November 2010, 03:48 AM	#11
Damage Inc. "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Vic Location: Colorado, USA Watch: Mechanical!! Posts: 807	Perhaps it's considered fence sitting, but I appreciate the variety and how the different shapes & materials seem to compliment certain models. The acrylic domed models lend a 'softness' to the look (1665/1675) and really goes well with matte dials. The top hat on a 1680 just looks classic! The sharper, clear (when clean), clean look of a flat sapphire looks very modern- fitting for those models IMO. I'm very happy to have both acrylic & sapphire. Now for that top hat.... __________________ "Science tastes like vomit." Kari "Mythbusters hottie" Byron Z-serial GMT IIc 2.92M serial 1675 Pepsi V-serial 16610LV

26 November 2010, 02:52 PM	#2
steven.veres "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 152	Flush because it reduces the chance you can nick the edge of the crystal. Also it looks more steamlined and reduces the overall thickness of your watch. At first I didn't like the cyclops, but it's and acquired taste. It's another defining mark of the rolex brand. I love it now. Lastly, sapphire material ofcourse.

26 November 2010, 05:39 PM	#3
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683

26 November 2010, 06:48 PM	#4
esm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Eric Location: Location,Location Watch: this, bro... Posts: 15,340	I prefer the flat version. The 16610 Sub had a slightly raised crystal (i think) and my dear wife have managed to chip the edge of the crystal on the 16610LV (she had no idea how it happened)... It's only a very small chip but I know it is there..... Looks like she has been doing the damages to the watches lately....

26 November 2010, 07:04 PM	#5
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	All my watches are new so I only have saphire crystals. I have a Daytona so I have one without the Cyclops, however for the most part my preference would be with the Cyclops. To me the Cyclops is a part of the Rolex experience. At some point I think I would like a vintage piece with an acrylic crystal.

27 November 2010, 03:47 AM	#10
Yazo "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas TX Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,812	Plastic domed!!

27 November 2010, 03:49 AM	#12
SaddleSC "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: Charles B Location: GMT -7 Watch: Hulk 116610LV Posts: 6,131	I don't have a picture to post (yet) but my favorite crystal of all time is my 16600 Sea Dweller because it is sapphire with NO Cyclops and it sits up above the bezel by quite a good margin. It really makes the light dance in a unique way. (Pictures to Follow) __________________ Hulk 116610LV + GMT II 126710 BLNR + Explorer 124270 + Air King 126900 + Submariner 16613LB

27 November 2010, 03:52 AM	#13
AA717driver "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Indianapolis Watch: SSub 14060 "K" Posts: 62	Slight bulge. Wish I could get the date without the cyclops. Sapphire. What is the advantage of Acrylic? TC

29 December 2010, 03:10 AM	#15
Eric88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: 88 keys Posts: 2,241	After seeing dP's "high and mighty" top hat crystal compared to my "undercover" flush crystal on the Sub-C, I find myself wishing that the Sub-C had gone with more exposure of the crystal. At least like the 16610 or 14060 sapphire look. Oh well, time marches on. I wonder if it would be possible to fit a thicker crystal?

29 December 2010, 03:42 AM	#16
Nicko Banned Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Not here anymore Posts: 4,787	I'm with you Dan!

29 December 2010, 03:56 AM	#17
imono "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: USA Posts: 3,241	This one. Attached Images

29 December 2010, 04:38 AM	#18
RJC "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cheshire, UK Watch: Sea-Dweller Posts: 1,125	Apologies Eric. Didn't realise you'd started this thread. I've now started a similar one!! __________________ Current - DSJC 136660 - Sea-Dweller 126600

29 December 2010, 05:12 AM	#20
Jocke 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Jocke Location: Sweden Watch: A dozen of Rolex's Posts: 22,541	Everyone have their own charm. __________________ This message is written in perfect swenglish. What is best a custom Rolex or a Rolex that is stuck in custom? Buy a professional camera and you´re a professional photographer, buy a flute and you own a flute.

29 December 2010, 05:16 AM	#21
petesjag "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: netherlands Posts: 2,177	great thread!!!! I have no picture but can say that I like mine clean!!!!

29 December 2010, 06:38 AM	#23
Mirx "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK Watch: RLX Posts: 437	Flush all the way. Smooth transition from bezel to crystal on the Sub-C needs to be seen to be appreciated! Sapphire (scratch resistant) with cyclops (not 20 anymore,ha,ha!).

29 December 2010, 06:57 AM	#24
Z06 Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Real Name: John Location: Within24,901fromU Watch: 116713 - V Posts: 220	Related question...It seems like the anti-reflective coating that is used (GMT IIc) "films" up...I clean my crystal daily, mostly wear a long sleeve or sweater this time of year, and at night, it has a cloudy film appearance...any idea why? BTW, it wipes right off...just seems strange cause none of my Omegas do this, so i attribute it to the antiglare coating...am I correct? Thanks, and sorry if i hijacked the thread

29 December 2010, 05:58 PM	#25
jamesbondOO7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: BondJamesBond Location: The Algarve Watch: Rolex or nothing Posts: 4,081	Just bought an Explorer II and I am a bit surprised by the sort of "haze" on the crystal compared to my 1986 DJ. I don't know which is which, but I prefer the transparency and clearness from all angles of the DJ. Also, the Explorer takes all the finger marks on the crystal when the DJ does not. I hope it will improve over time. __________________ ♛ 5-digit Rolex or nothing ♛

30 December 2010, 09:23 AM	#27
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	I like a nice top-hat or like this......... __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

30 December 2010, 12:05 PM	#28
Wildwing "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 593	To be honest, even though I love my Rolexs', there's something about the warmth of the old-fashioned acrylic crystal: Attached Images

30 December 2010, 02:32 PM	#29
Davew833 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Dave Wilkinson Location: Utah Watch: 1970 Red 1680 Sub Posts: 50	I didn't appreciate the warmth and "luminance" of a vintage 1680 top-hat acrylic crystal until I saw one in person. Before that happened I was more than a little puzzled as to why a high-end watch like Rolex would have a PLASTIC crystal. Now I see the value of being able to polish it. I've scratched the heck out of the sapphire crystal on my Seiko 5M23 "Submariner" and there's no way to fix it save replacement.

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