Scratched Rolex Crystal—Watchmaker Question

[Turpentine]

Hello all! I just noticed a tiny scratch on my DJ 36 and confirmed it is indeed a scratch.

I can certainly live with this; however, is there any concern regarding integrity of the crystal or integrity of the watch in terms of being guaranteed waterproof to advertised depth?

Thanks!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[thenewrick]

As a non-watchmaker I'd say it's fine. The water resistance comes from the seals more than anything afaik. As long as the rubber seals are good and the crown is screwed in you're fine. They're rated for very deep depths so unless you're saturation diving in your date just I'm sure its fine.

[fskywalker]

Seems a small scratch, not deep. It can be polished out by a watchmen with diamond paste or just leave as is


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Turpentine]

Thanks for the replies and FWIW, the scratch is not visible in all lighting angles. In my picture, I tried my best to capture it at its most visibly-aggressive angle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Turpentine

. . .
I can certainly live with this; however, is there any concern regarding integrity of the crystal or integrity of the watch in terms of being guaranteed waterproof to advertised depth?

. . .

You are unlikely to ever see the advertised depth of any Rolex.

Any scratch can become a weak point on an otherwise unmarred structural surface, but the crystal is not the weak point in a watch. It would likely be on the bottom of the ocean before the pressure was sufficient to break synthetic sapphire at a minor scratch.

[Kliminator]

I don't think you are going to have any issues. How deep are you trying to go anyways?? Haha, I am limited to the beach / swimming pool, call it < 10 ft? :D

[Turpentine]

Originally Posted by Tools

You are unlikely to ever see the advertised depth of any Rolex.

Any scratch can become a weak point on an otherwise unmarred structural surface, but the crystal is not the weak point in a watch. It would likely be on the bottom of the ocean before the pressure was sufficient to break synthetic sapphire at a minor scratch.

This is exactly what I was looking for, thanks. Wanted to ensure the scratch had no effect on the crystal integrity.

[Turpentine]

Originally Posted by Kliminator

I don't think you are going to have any issues. How deep are you trying to go anyways?? Haha, I am limited to the beach / swimming pool, call it < 10 ft? :D

lol, I dive with my sub. Just wanting to ensure this scratch did not compromise an already good crystal.

[Ron P]

Not good. Take a glass and make a mark with a glasscutter, amazing how easy ot breaks on the line made by the glasscutter, even on glass 8mm thick.

Personally I would replace the crystal to be sure. If it goes wrong it will set hou back > 1000 euro at the very minimum.

[jtgonzalez2]

I would just wait to get it replaced during the next service

[214270Explorer]

Unless it decides to turn into a major crack . . . . no worries at all. Leave it.

[Turpentine]

Originally Posted by Ron P

Not good. Take a glass and make a mark with a glasscutter, amazing how easy ot breaks on the line made by the glasscutter, even on glass 8mm thick.

Personally I would replace the crystal to be sure. If it goes wrong it will set hou back > 1000 euro at the very minimum.

Thanks for the comment Ron, but I think sapphire crystal behaves very differently from traditional glass.

r/Aaron

[Soultime]

I have got 2 watches in at RSC London at the moment for regulation, which both seemed in great condition when they went in. The crystals were unmarked as far as me or the AD could see.

I received the attached email for BOTH watches:

Rolex have examined your timepiece and advise the following interventions as necessary.

New glass

Notes from Rolex -

Please note that due to impacts to the watch, a replacement crystal is required to guarantee waterproofing. The movement will be corrected as courtesy on this occasion.

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by Soultime

I have got 2 watches in at RSC London at the moment for regulation, which both seemed in great condition when they went in. The crystals were unmarked as far as me or the AD could see.

I received the attached email for BOTH watches:

Rolex have examined your timepiece and advise the following interventions as necessary.

New glass

Notes from Rolex -

Please note that due to impacts to the watch, a replacement crystal is required to guarantee waterproofing. The movement will be corrected as courtesy on this occasion.

HMmmm. You should make them explain and provide photos of what are the issues. I wonder if you will even hear back from them.

[watchmaker]

Will it cause problems for routine use in wet environments (shower/pool)? no.

The issue is each Rolex must pass it’s rated pressure in water and a scratch or a chip (or any abnormality) is a structural weak point, which with the addition of pressure (10bar/145psi in this case) can very easily cause the glass to shatter.

When a sapphire glass shatters in a Fathometer at 10bar it sounds like a gunshot under water, and the resulting damage to the rehaut and caseback looks like a buckshot peppered steel plate.