You can’t mix and match with the oem crystals, but a newer acrylic may or may not look a little different to the one that’s on it.
Hi Gents and ladies,
I would like some advice regarding servicing a 1680. My father just gave me his Rolex 1680 he bought new in 1980. Its running abit fast but hasnt been serviced for around 20 years.
Im thinking of taking it to Rolex to get it serviced and Im set on not changing the dial or hands or bezel. However regarding the acryilic, Im guessing Rolex is gonna advice me to replace it has it has a few scratches. In that instance, will they replace it with another acrylic one? Or will it be exchanged into a sapphire? If this is the case should I just keep the original?
thank you
Last edited by kaiserphoenix; 24th April 2019 at 22:27.
You can’t mix and match with the oem crystals, but a newer acrylic may or may not look a little different to the one that’s on it.
It's just a matter of time...
Don’t worry, you can specify anything you want now with Rolex and they have upped their game with regards to listening to the customer. Overheard service person advising customer not to polish for example at st James. They can also send vintages back to Swiss HQ for a real VIP treatment on the vintages, for that though, it will cost you multiples of the standard RSC full service cost. I heard that they have a big stock period correct vintage parts back in HQ.
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Fantastic thank you. So I guess even if they replace the acrylic, it will be with a period correct acrylic right? Price is not an issue for this piece as it will stay in the family.
Variations usually in dial, hands, bezel insert between original and replacement. I haven’t come across discussions about variations in the acrylic crystals. Given your concerns though, just ask for full movement service only at RSC and it stays fully original. They will definitely comply.
I'd keep the original crystal but maybe use a bit of Polywatch on it
http://www.shwr.co.uk
These guys are (IMO) one of the best at vintage Rolex servicing.
I am prepared to be corrected but I was under the impression that Rolex will no longer release parts to non official repair workshops. Therefore is it correct to assume that if you use an indy, no matter how good they are, the watch is returned with non OEM parts.
A trip down to St. James's Square with a written list of instructions, easy.
Internals service only, no parts replaced and no polishing would be my advice. Great heirloom piece!
Personally I'd tell them not to touch it cosmetically, it's all part of the history of the watch. We all get a little rougher with age :)
Polywatch in the crystal will help get any small bits out and lessen any deeper scratches but the rest makes the watch unique.
Can you still get a Rolex acrylic top hat for a 1680(from Rolex) or are they a generic acrylic replacement now?
You might find this old thread of mine of some use.
https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...please-discuss
From reading it seems the service crystal is a t127
From what I can gather the original top hat has less of a bevel whilst the service one has a more pronounced one though I have read differing opinions on this so will let our vintage experts give a definitive answer.
Your 1680 would probably have had a slightly different original crystal than say a red 1680.
It seems that the service crystal is a fair representation of the original shape though.
I have seen pics of 1680s with superdomes on them and it does give a really great look-like a 1665 great white.