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Old 19 October 2009, 08:09 AM   #1
iwhelan
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Acrylic crystals on vintage models

Hey everyone,

I love the look of matte dial vintage sport models. In fact, I would love to own a matte dialed GMT Master some day. I wonder what the availability is of acrylic crystals in the case of damage. Are you concerned that you may damage your crystal and not be able to replace it? I understand you can buff out small scratches.

Is there any reason to not wear a well preserved matte/acrylic Rolex every day without worry?

Ian
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Old 19 October 2009, 08:11 AM   #2
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there are many, many good manufacturers of acrylic crystals out there... Rolex still also replaces acrylic crystals when they service those models..

I don't think that they will run out during any of our lifetimes.........
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Old 19 October 2009, 08:32 AM   #3
greekbum
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Quote:
Originally Posted by iwhelan View Post
Hey everyone,

I love the look of matte dial vintage sport models. In fact, I would love to own a matte dialed GMT Master some day. I wonder what the availability is of acrylic crystals in the case of damage. Are you concerned that you may damage your crystal and not be able to replace it? I understand you can buff out small scratches.

Is there any reason to not wear a well preserved matte/acrylic Rolex every day without worry?

Ian
I wear 1 everyday and have no fear I even swim with some vintage from the late 50's.The crystals will be available for a long time.
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Old 19 October 2009, 08:37 AM   #4
The Baron
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A friend of mine has a datejust from around 1973. He has replaced the crystal twice in the last ten years -- most recently this summer -- and getting a replacement crystal has not been an issue.
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Old 19 October 2009, 08:52 AM   #5
mike
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There's no reason at all to be concerned about an acryllic reference as a daily wear provided properly serviced and in good working order (as with any watch).

RSC still services/replaces these crystals. The 16750 uses an acryllic crystal and a 3xxx fast beat movement. Service won't be an issue (of course matt dials/hands could come into question by RSC).
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Old 19 October 2009, 07:04 PM   #6
eparisini
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I wear my vintage rolex watches everyday NO FEAR
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Old 19 October 2009, 09:58 PM   #7
Dan Pierce
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Acrylic crystals have a rich glow that cannot be found with sapphire. Plus it hides fingerprints and can be polished to look new.
Sourcing one should be no problem as stated above.
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Old 20 October 2009, 10:02 AM   #8
therolexguy
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I've had no problem getting my 67 GMT crystal replaced but Rolex does not have a 57 Sub part of any kind according to my AD. That crystal could not be replaced by Rolex but guys like Steve Mulholland can get you an original and I believe there are aftermarket parts that will fit. Good luck and let us know what you get.
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