Is this an aftermarket crystal?

[JCW1980]

Just picked up this 16700 (R serial, ca. 1988), and my immediate thought is that the crystal is aftermarket based on the magnification of the cyclops. I've read somewhere here on TRF that it may be that older GMTs have less maginfication, but then someone else said that they were pretty sure all Rolex cyclops's magnify to 2.5x. This looks like 1.5x to me.

The seller says he thinks it's original Rolex, and my watchmaker couldn't tell me that it isn't aftermarket... What do you guys & gals think?

I want the date to fill up most of the cyclops like it's supposed to. (Especially since this early 16700 has "open" 6's and 9's!! ) Even if the concensus here is that it's original Rolex, I may have it swapped for a new one just for the magnification.

PS - If GMT's did have less magnification at one time, why was that? Or is that just a nasty rumor?

[coralfarmer84]

the magnification doesn't look right to me either but I'm not expert on the crystal

[crowncollection]

you cannot tell if its original unless you remove it from the case and look at the edges and the gasket 100% although magnification varies on models, your date does look a bit small and under magnified

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

you cannot tell if its original unless you remove it from the case and look at the edges and the gasket 100% although magnification varies on models, your date does look a bit small and under magnified

What, specifically, should one look for?

[Baselman]

It should fill the window and be very easy to see, Wilsdorf’s near-sighted second wife could not read the date on her watch that's how it came about in early 1950s and that's why it's called the cyclops.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Baselman

It should fill the window and be very easy to see, Wilsdorf’s near-sighted second wife could not read the date on her watch that's how it came about in early 1950s and that's why it's called the cyclops.

The first part is cool to learn, but how did that lead to it's being called a cyclops; was she really ugly..?

[Baselman]

It's called "Cyclops” window because of its large one-eye appearance.

[xlor]

The calender # won`t fill up the entire window. Which helps for allowing different viewing angles. Most importantly is the angle when it`s viewed from eye to wrist angle when worn and just a glance tells the date.
Magnification seems a bit less than it should be though going by the pic.

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

What, specifically, should one look for?

I will write a reference post one day it's complex. Gasket is pretty easy. Hard by eye to tell the crystal but can be done if you look with an eye glass.

[JCW1980]

Thanks guys. My watchmaker wants 220 to put a new Rolex crystal in. Seems steep. I may look around. Pretty sure I'm gonna do it though.

[datejusting]

I think your watch has a plastic crystal, which has probably been polished. The Cyclops gets thinner when polished and has less magnification.

[adiorandomhero93]

Originally Posted by JCW1980

Thanks guys. My watchmaker wants 220 to put a new Rolex crystal in. Seems steep. I may look around. Pretty sure I'm gonna do it though.

That doesn't seem to be too far off, I would maybe post a wtb here on the forum or look around online for a genuine one and see if your watchmaker will install it for you.

[adiorandomhero93]

Originally Posted by datejusting

I think your watch has a plastic crystal, which has probably been polished. The Cyclops gets thinner when polished and has less magnification.

It should be a sapphire crystal if it's a 1988 gmt I believe

[Tools]

All 16700's will have a sapphire crystal.

Here is one of mine with a correct service crystal..

[77T]

$220 sounds fairly good. But as long as it's going to be opened, maybe it needs to be checked for dryness in the lube department? Could be overdue for a service.