Scratched sapphire crystal on submariner date

[vermasub]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum and this is my first post. I am looking for some genuine advice by Rolex enthusiasts.

I purchased my first Rolex Sub date 3 months ago. Absolutely loving it. I was at a family dinner yesterday and some how scratched the sapphire crystal and few small scratches on the cyclops lens as well. Not sure how it happensed I am always careful which makes it even frustrating. It seems like they are superficial scratches to me. One on the crystal is about 1 cm linear scratch between 12 and 1 O’ clock position and three small ones (approximately 2-3 mm) on the cyclops lens. The black dial of the sub makes them even more prominent and it is bothering me as it is a relatively new watch and not due for service soon.

My questions to the Rolex enthusiasts on the forum-
1. I called my AD and they said they would have to send the watch to Rolex service center for crystal replacement. He also mentioned Rolex might not open the watch as it is relatively new and if they deem necessary that the scratch is minor. He also mentioned that once they open the watch they would have to do a complete overhaul and it would cost be about 1000 US dollars and I will loose my 5 year warranty and will just have a 3 year service warranty left. So if have to replace the crystal I would have to get a complete service on the watch. To me it sounds overkill on a watch that is just 3 month olds. Will Rolex not do just crystal replacements on scratched crystals?? Can they just finish or polish it so that the scratch is less prominent without completely disassembling the watch??

2. Is it possible to repair the scratches. I have read about diamond paste/compound. Any experiences/success with it.

It is a relatively very new timepiece and it bothers me to see scratches on the crystal.
All advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
vermasub

[Tools]

1. your AD is mistaken. Rolex does not have to do a service on the movement to replace the crystal, if that is necessary.

However, a crystal is a couple of hundred dollar fix and they do have to take the movement out, usually.

2. The warranty, and if it is still valid when they do non-warranty work, is something to discuss with RSC, not an AD.

Use a razer blade to see if the scratch comes off, or other polish compound.

[Pauln]

I’m curious how this could happen without you doing something and looking to see if it was damaged. Mine seems bomb proof. I’ve banged the hell out of mine and was sure I must have damaged the crystal, but nothing yet. Do others get crystal scratches?

[vermasub]

I am not sure how it happened, but seems like something very sharp just kissed the crystal on my sub without me even realizing it. Frustrating and I guess bad luck.

[Pauln]

Interesting. And bad luck.

[thlax]

Originally Posted by vermasub

I am not sure how it happened, but seems like something very sharp just kissed the crystal on my sub without me even realizing it. Frustrating and I guess bad luck.

You don't need an explosive to scratch the crystal, just something harder on the scale.

I believe RSC will replace if requested. You just have to pay and wait..I'd just let them do what they do if they have to touch movement vs not. They'll send it back in perfection :)


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[vermasub]

Originally Posted by Tools

1. your AD is mistaken. Rolex does not have to do a service on the movement to replace the crystal, if that is necessary.

However, a crystal is a couple of hundred dollar fix and they do have to take the movement out, usually.

2. The warranty, and if it is still valid when they do non-warranty work, is something to discuss with RSC, not an AD.

Use a razer blade to see if the scratch comes off, or other polish compound.

Does the sapphire crystal on Rolex sub have an antireflextive coating on the outside? I am concerned about using any diamond polish/compound as I read it can damage the antireflective coating if it has one. Concerned about doing more damage than better.
Using a Razor to remove the scratch?? How is that possible without making more scratches??

[thlax]

Originally Posted by vermasub

Does the sapphire crystal on Rolex sub have an antireflextive coating on the outside? I am concerned about using any diamond polish/compound as I read it can damage the antireflective coating if it has one. Concerned about doing more damage than better.

Using a Razor to remove the scratch?? How is that possible without making more scratches??

Pretty sure the AR is underside so it can't scratch.

You're not using the razor to fix it. You're using the razor to see if it catches the scratch or not.


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[JayHantz]

My guess is a family member with diamonds on may have brushed up against your wrist.

Rolex does not use AR on their crystals...they want it to catch more when the light hits it. I would say if it bothers you that much just contact RSC and see what the details are of replacing a crystal and be prepared to pay, and possibly be without a watch for a bit.

[Nikrnic]

I would show it to your local jeweler. They might be able to polish it out easily. I noticed some light scratches or scuffs on my wife's DJ36 and our jeweler kept it one day and it looks like new. If you can't feel the scratch with your nail you should be ok. BTW no AR coating on your Sub.

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[grymg]

Originally Posted by JayHantz

My guess is a family member with diamonds on may have brushed up against your wrist.

THIS...

My wife's left ring hand brushed up against my speedmaster the other day, luckily only the tips of the prongs hit so could only see slight scratches on the acrylic from a loupe.

[Rocket_Man]

Yup, family members engagement ring. It may therefore happen again.

Sapphire can be polished with diamond paste. I've never done it, but take it to a jeweler or try it yourself, worse case you screw it up and have to replace it. Mask off anything that is not sapphire.

It sounds to me like your AD is setting you up to rip you off. Charge you an arm and a leg claiming you need a service, then send it to an independent. This will void the Rolex warranty. Never use your AD to send you watch to an RSC. You can do it directly and be in charge of the whole process. Since you watch is new, and you want to keep it under warranty, and if you want the scratches gone, you might just have to suck it up and send it to the RSC. But do it yourself.

Sometimes it is not really a scratch. It may not rub off easily, but if you can't catch your fingernail on it, it might be from a door jamb ding. Rub harder.

[R!$]

call Rolex RSC in Bev Hills or Dallas

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by Tools

1. your AD is mistaken. Rolex does not have to do a service on the movement to replace the crystal, if that is necessary.

However, a crystal is a couple of hundred dollar fix and they do have to take the movement out, usually.

2. The warranty, and if it is still valid when they do non-warranty work, is something to discuss with RSC, not an AD.

Use a razer blade to see if the scratch comes off, or other polish compound.

X2.
I sent my 114300 in to NY RSC last year for a new crystal. I told them it wasn’t dropped and wouldn’t need a service. They said no problem. Cost around $315

[Brazicano]

If it’s under warranty they will charge you for the crystal

If it were not under warranty it would be the crystal+Full service

[Dsmith1974]

I think the next hardest thing to a sapphire crystal is a diamond. Do you hold hands with someone who wears diamonds? No AR coating on a Rolex so no need to worry about that. Would probably let a jeweller do it all the same.

[AEC]

Originally Posted by vermasub

...Will Rolex not do just crystal replacements on scratched crystals??

My guess is the Rolex Service Center in Dallas will take good care of your watch, and your warranty after the repair will remain valid. Contact RSC Dallas directly and ask their help with shipping instructions, and let them perform a proper evaluation and appropriate repair. Good luck!

[JacksonStone]

A couple general questions about warranty:

- If the watch has more than three years warranty remaining, and you get warranty service performed by RSC that involves opening the case, does that void the initial warranty, leaving you with a three-year service warranty instead?

- Same question, except the servicing done is for something not covered under warranty, such as a broken crystal or some such. If RSC performs the work, will that void the original warranty?

[Dirt]

Try to see if thr Crystal has picked something up or if it is indeed scratches that you can feel with your tip of a fingernail.
Alternately get over it and worry about it on the service(whenever it's due).

[danwang0520]

just go to the RSC and fix it up

[iamjakekim]

Send it to the Dallas RSC. Avoid the NYC RSC.

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[Token74]

I don’t mind scratches on my watches, in fact I embrace them, but a scratch on the crystal would bother me I think. Should only be a couple of hundred to replace, I’d do it in a heartbeat.


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[Innocenti]

I took a new omega to an AD to replace under warranty.
They checked the sapphire with a loupe and it had multiple tiny scratches .
I explained the shop sales guy (intact every watch sales person) said it could only be scratched or marked with a diamond. Apparently this just isn’t true

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by vermasub

Does the sapphire crystal on Rolex sub have an antireflextive coating on the outside? I am concerned about using any diamond polish/compound as I read it can damage the antireflective coating if it has one.

Yes it does have an AR coating on top of the cyclops i.e. externally as well as on the underside of the crystal. There are a few documented cases of damaged or defective external AR coating. So no polishing compound should be applied on the cyclops.

[ashokleyland]

common culprit for these is your wife' diamond ring on solitary setting.
wear your watch and your wife's ring on both sides to lessen the risk (i.e., your watch on left hand, your wife's diamond ring on left hand)

[Sweetswisssteel]

RSC. Just replace it now or at service (cheaper with service).

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[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

A couple general questions about warranty:

- If the watch has more than three years warranty remaining, and you get warranty service performed by RSC that involves opening the case, does that void the initial warranty, leaving you with a three-year service warranty instead?

- Same question, except the servicing done is for something not covered under warranty, such as a broken crystal or some such. If RSC performs the work, will that void the original warranty?

If it’s in its warranty period, there is no change to the period. For example, in year 1 you have a warranty service. The original warranty continues until it expires.

RSC work does not void the warranty.

[Chronokid]

I'm kind of curious myself. It appears that my wife is prone to scratches on her 36mm DJ. In fact, she recently scratched the cyclops which made me wonder if that was even sapphire. Has anyone ever heard of the cyclops NOT being sapphire?

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by minute_man

Yes it does have an AR coating on top of the cyclops i.e. externally as well as on the underside of the crystal. There are a few documented cases of damaged or defective external AR coating. So no polishing compound should be applied on the cyclops.

I believe the AR coating is only under the cyclops, not on it per se. Perhaps a watchmaker here can confirm or deny.

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

I believe the AR coating is only under the cyclops, not on it per se. Perhaps a watchmaker here can confirm or deny.

Myself prefer it wasn't on the outer surface but it is.

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