Sapphire crystal.

[dnr21]

Hi All,

I just got a Explorer II from a watch dealer. After inspecting the watch under a 15 x loupe, i found that there are some real tiny scratches on the saphhire crystal on the area where the 6 - 9 indicators are, which could not be seen with the naked eye.

May i know whether RSC can buff off those tiny scuff?

If not, does anyone has an idea how much it cost to change one at RSC?

In your opinion, will you change the sapphire crystal just because of some tiny scratches that can be seen by the naked eye?










Sometimes, knowing too much isn't such a good thing. Especially if knowing something bothers you..

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Well, if you cannot see it with the naked eye, I'd leave it.

On the other hand, KNOWING it is there can be frustrating. I know since I am a perfectionist when it comes to such tiny details.

I would guess a new crystal would be around US 250.

That US 250 would be an ESTIMATE!

I once was involved in a traffic accident on my bike. I was hit by a car turning right, and I flew over my bike during breaking. My Sub Date was badly scratched on the road, but luckily I only got some flesh wounds. Anyway, my AD charged Danish Kroner 5300 for exchanging the crystal, the WHOLE bezel and giving the watch a complete overhaul. That is around US 950. As far as I remember, the bezel on its own was 1500 Danish Kroner (ca. 270 US). The re-finish of the case and cleaning of movement (I chose to have that done when it was in, anyway) was about US 430.

BTW, if you have the crystal changed, the new crystal would then will get the "S" in the "Laser etched Coronet" (The "S" standing for "Service" ....exchanged crystal).

[dnr21]

I have spent the entire night inspecting the entire sapphire crystal and i must say that it really bothers me quite alot..

And since the scratches was found, now it can be seen by my naked eye!

Cos im looking for the scratches everytime i look at the dial!!

I think i must get it done, but wonder if i should live with it for another 1 - 2 years before i send in for complete servicing.

One more question, does Rolex give you back the Scratched crystal if they have to changed it?

[roadcarver]

If you're not happy and it bothers you, go back to your dealer and return it. This time, bring a loupe with you to inspect the replacement.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by dnr21

I have spent the entire night inspecting the entire sapphire crystal and i must say that it really bothers me quite alot..

And since the scratches was found, now it can be seen by my naked eye!

Cos im looking for the scratches everytime i look at the dial!!

I think i must get it done, but wonder if i should live with it for another 1 - 2 years before i send in for complete servicing.

One more question, does Rolex give you back the Scratched crystal if they have to changed it?

Might I make a suggestion put your 15x loupe away,else you will get more paranoid with your watch. Are you sure they are scratches 15X is a real big magnification,and sapphire is very difficult to scratch.But now with modern abrasives yes you can remove scratches from sapphire crystals.You will need some good quality diamond paste. I have used 3 micron to remove the main scratch going across the scratch first,it takes a fair bit of elbow grease.Just a tiny bit on a cloth like a spectacles cloth or similar.Then just a fine polish after with the quarter micron,and scratch will be gone,and good as new. Cost for the two tubes in the UK around £20 expect cheaper out of the UK.And far cheaper than a new crystal takes a bit of time,if scratch is very deep then should replace.A new service replacement crystal is around $70-$90 plus fitting.

[wandyprawira]

I know scratches are sometimes frustrating and it's even more frustrating if it's only a tiny bit of scratch, right? It might as well be bigger and thus we are certain the scratched part needs replacing.

Sorry, I can't advise you anything on that since I'm at the same dilema right now. A few days ago I scratched my clasp with a strapler, just a tiny one, and I buffed it using Cape Cod and now it becomes more obvious. I just HATE that 'shape-odd' thing.

[roadcarver]

Watches are made to be worn and will take dings and scratches so its part of owning these babies.

However right out of the box with a scratch esp on the crystal, I would take it back.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by dnr21

One more question, does Rolex give you back the Scratched crystal if they have to changed it?

Yes. I think they would do that.

I also discovered a scatch on another Rolex I had. A Datejust 16234 (flipped LONG ago). I had it exchanged without any fees by my AD (the scratch having been there from the start!), and he also gave the scratched crystal back to me to keep.

I kept it, and here it is:



Later, I tried to see just HOW scratch resistant Rolex sapphire crystals are. I tried scratching it with the tip of the blade of a Swiss army knife.

NO scratches!

I tried using sand paper on the crystal. Now, that DID leave a tiny scratch, though.