closing tag is in template navbar
timefactors watches



TZ-UK Fundraiser
Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 50 of 198

Thread: PRS-25 Everest with Acrylic Crystal

  1. #1
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930

    PRS-25 Everest with Acrylic Crystal

    Evening! I’ve spoken to a couple of members here who’ve been keen on the idea of modifying the PRS-25 from a Sapphire to an Acrylic Crystal. I thought I’d give it a go.

    Using dimensions provided from one of the case drawings and post #135 here (https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...Smiths-Everest) I set about ordering some tension ring acrylic crystals in several diameters above and below the suggested 31.5mm.

    A bit of trial and error letter, and a bit of adjustment to a tension ring with a dremel tool and.... success. My chief concern was getting water resistance with a acrylic crystal. But the tension ring helps there. I checked the case in the testing tank (up to 6bar) before reassembly - no issues.

    Here are some photos of the completed watch:









    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  2. #2
    Journeyman jamiej's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Surrey, United Kingdom
    Posts
    149


    Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Meanwhile - here’s what I did to the tension ring.

    With the crystal fitted I found the tension ring was too polished and had a step to the rehaut, see my crude drawing below:



    You can see it here in this photo:



    My intention was to remove the material shown as hashed in diagram A, and apply a brushed finished. But then I found you could buy a tension ring that was recessed, as in diagram B, so there was less material to remove:




    That’s exactly what I did, then turned the tension ring upside down, then placed it back in the crystal before installing into the case, as shown in this diagram:



    Happy to explain further if anyone is interested.

    For me - this makes the watch perfect. I love the way acrylic picks up scuffs along with the rest of the case, and I think it adds to the vintage feel of the design.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    This is the one!

    It looks so much better without the horrible milky ring

    If only they came like this as standard

    Great work Graham!
    Thank you Ian!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    Apprentice Nastadon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    York, United Kingdom
    Posts
    46

    PRS-25 Everest with Acrylic Crystal

    Woah, great work! The minute track really opens up without the milky ring


    Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

  6. #6
    Journeyman fogar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2020
    Location
    Spain
    Posts
    196
    Simply amazing. As someone said once about the 1016, the crystal makes the watch.

  7. #7
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by Nastadon View Post
    Woah, great work! The minute track really opens up without the milky ring


    Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
    Yes, nice to see the ‘Great Britain’ more clearly as well.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  8. #8
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by fogar View Post
    Simply amazing. As someone said once about the 1016, the crystal makes the watch.
    Looks a lot more like your avatar now too


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  9. #9
    Master
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    ' EXEMPLO DUCEMUS '
    Posts
    5,768
    That looks amazing. What a massive transformation

  10. #10
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Location
    Czech
    Posts
    159
    Well done @TheGent Looks really great.

  11. #11
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by hondzax View Post
    Well done @TheGent Looks really great.
    Quote Originally Posted by MADDOG View Post
    That looks amazing. What a massive transformation

    Thank you


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  12. #12
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    North Riding, UK
    Posts
    478
    Would agree field watch designs work better with acrylic crystals, only example I've seen in hand which seems OK with the sapphire crystal is the CWC Sub-Hunter, possibly helped by a white dial, the seconds rail track not quite extending to the edge of the case and a fairly flush crystal fit.

    Mind I'm not thinking of going radical with the incoming Nav, will stay as designed.
    Last edited by Ed875; 16th November 2020 at 00:16.

  13. #13
    Grand Master
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Wakefield, West Yorkshire
    Posts
    22,496
    Nice work OP!

    Can you provide the reference for the crystal you used?

  14. #14
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by walkerwek1958 View Post
    Nice work OP!

    Can you provide the reference for the crystal you used?
    Cheers. Sure thing, ATCR Sternkreuz 31.4


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  15. #15
    Journeyman engrneil's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    United States - Chicagoland
    Posts
    62
    Well said.
    Quote Originally Posted by MADDOG View Post
    That looks amazing. What a massive transformation
    Sent from my SM-G960U using TZ-UK mobile app

  16. #16
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Location
    Shropshire
    Posts
    61
    Beautiful work! I entirely agree that the crystal should pick up character with the rest of the case. Wish I had your skill to try it with my own.

  17. #17
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by Mattcurry View Post
    Beautiful work! I entirely agree that the crystal should pick up character with the rest of the case. Wish I had your skill to try it with my own.
    Cheers. It was a little bit tricky but worthwhile certainly.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  18. #18
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Location
    Sussex
    Posts
    53
    Just wow!
    Superb job. That looks amazing.
    Always liked the acrylic in the Mk1 Everest.

  19. #19
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by SussexScots View Post
    Just wow!
    Superb job. That looks amazing.
    Always liked the acrylic in the Mk1 Everest.
    Thank you!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  20. #20
    Quote Originally Posted by TheGent View Post
    Cheers. It was a little bit tricky but worthwhile certainly.
    Once you've done half a dozen it will be easier. I reckon it'll be a five minute job after the first ten.

    I mean, you are offering this service as an aftermarket mod, right?

  21. #21
    PS I wonder if acrylic is the next trend? Like smaller watches and vintage lume it will have to start with the microbrands before the Big Names pick it up and start copying, always playing catch up. We are their market research dept! Where Eddie leads, Omega and Rolex follow.

  22. #22
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by Rev-O View Post
    Once you've done half a dozen it will be easier. I reckon it'll be a five minute job after the first ten.

    I mean, you are offering this service as an aftermarket mod, right?
    Haha - tempting


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  23. #23
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by Rev-O View Post
    PS I wonder if acrylic is the next trend? Like smaller watches and vintage lume it will have to start with the microbrands before the Big Names pick it up and start copying, always playing catch up. We are their market research dept! Where Eddie leads, Omega and Rolex follow.
    That’s a really interesting point. I’d like to think so! But I can see it now, big names charging an additional £XXX for authentic acrylic crystal as found on the original watch....


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  24. #24
    Grand Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Sussex
    Posts
    13,888
    Blog Entries
    1
    Quote Originally Posted by Rev-O View Post
    PS I wonder if acrylic is the next trend? Like smaller watches and vintage lume it will have to start with the microbrands before the Big Names pick it up and start copying, always playing catch up. We are their market research dept! Where Eddie leads, Omega and Rolex follow.
    Sadly Eddie has been explicit that sapphire makes his life significantly easier. A pity.

  25. #25
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by M4tt View Post
    Sadly Eddie has been explicit that sapphire makes his life significantly easier. A pity.
    Makes sense from a business perspective.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  26. #26
    Grand Master abraxas's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    London
    Posts
    33,737
    Quote Originally Posted by Rev-O View Post
    ....

    I mean, you are offering this service as an aftermarket mod, right?
    It needs to be said that the work will invalidate the warrantee.
    "Owning one is almost as satisfying as making one." ~ Rolex 1973

  27. #27
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by abraxas View Post
    It needs to be said that the work will invalidate the warrantee.
    It certainly does, very good point. I was happy to take that risk on my own watch.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  28. #28
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Darlington. United Kingdom
    Posts
    88
    My old Sinn 356 UTC had an acrylic, domed crystal and I loved it. If I wore a hat, I'd well and truly take it off to you.

    Top job!

  29. #29
    Grand Master Passenger's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Cartagena, Spain
    Posts
    24,661
    Good work OP, it's perfect now.

  30. #30
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by Passenger View Post
    Good work OP, it's perfect now.
    Quote Originally Posted by DennisK View Post
    My old Sinn 356 UTC had an acrylic, domed crystal and I loved it. If I wore a hat, I'd well and truly take it off to you.

    Top job!
    Thank you both.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  31. #31
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  32. #32
    I was wondering whether a three piece case might be possible, with two bezels / crystals: one sapphire one acrylic. Screw on fit. (A bit like the way Eddie is offering the two casebacks with the monopusher, "solid" and display.)

  33. #33
    Grand Master abraxas's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    London
    Posts
    33,737
    Quote Originally Posted by TheGent View Post
    I must say, it does look good.
    "Owning one is almost as satisfying as making one." ~ Rolex 1973

  34. #34
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by Rev-O View Post
    I was wondering whether a three piece case might be possible, with two bezels / crystals: one sapphire one acrylic. Screw on fit. (A bit like the way Eddie is offering the two casebacks with the monopusher, "solid" and display.)
    That would be amazing.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  35. #35
    Apprentice
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Pennsylvania, US
    Posts
    45
    It looks great. I still like the peace of mind I get with sapphire, but it does look amazing with the acrylic.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  36. #36
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    N/A
    Posts
    18,941
    TheGent, that looks great. How many PMs have you had now? How long is your waiting list? Ha

  37. #37
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    TheGent, that looks great. How many PMs have you had now? How long is your waiting list? Ha
    Haha

    Quote Originally Posted by Deacon211 View Post
    It looks great. I still like the peace of mind I get with sapphire, but it does look amazing with the acrylic.

    I know what you mean, but I’ve actually found that acrylic is more robust than is generally perceived!

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  38. #38
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Location
    Norfolk, UK
    Posts
    473
    Love an acrylic crystal. Great mod OP, I am imagining the Navigator with acrylic and in my imagination it looks very very good!

  39. #39
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Location
    Belgium
    Posts
    81
    Absolutely beautiful!

  40. #40
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    Singapore
    Posts
    476
    Two thumbs up for the great work, OP. Looks perfect!

    Sent from my SM-G985F using Tapatalk

  41. #41
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by andyd30 View Post
    Love an acrylic crystal. Great mod OP, I am imagining the Navigator with acrylic and in my imagination it looks very very good!
    Quote Originally Posted by ywl23n View Post
    Two thumbs up for the great work, OP. Looks perfect!

    Sent from my SM-G985F using Tapatalk

    Thank you


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  42. #42
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Aug 2020
    Location
    Oldham
    Posts
    158
    Looks really nice and gives the watch a really authentic feel. fancy modifying mine too?


    Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

  43. #43
    Excellent work G, good luck with the inbox

    Sent from my Mi A2 Lite using Tapatalk

  44. #44
    Master Kirk280's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Manchester
    Posts
    7,051
    Great job OP! That looks superb, I’d love to compare it with the sapphire in the flesh.

    Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever handled an Everest!

  45. #45
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930

    PRS-25 Everest with Acrylic Crystal

    Quote Originally Posted by Crowsfoot View Post
    Looks really nice and gives the watch a really authentic feel. fancy modifying mine too?


    Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
    Thank you - it certainly makes it feel closer to a vintage watch. The same way a speedmaster does I think.


    Quote Originally Posted by nickyboyo View Post
    Excellent work G, good luck with the inbox

    Sent from my Mi A2 Lite using Tapatalk
    Haha - cheers Nick!

    Quote Originally Posted by Kirk280 View Post
    Great job OP! That looks superb, I’d love to compare it with the sapphire in the flesh.

    Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever handled an Everest!
    Thank you. It makes the watch feel a little larger than the sapphire, ie the dial looks wider and the whole watch is a little bit taller as well. I think it takes it closer to the original explorer size and feel. I’m assuming that, as I’ve never handled a 1016!




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Last edited by TheGent; 17th November 2020 at 10:27.

  46. #46
    Apprentice
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Location
    Copenhagen, Denmark
    Posts
    21
    Wow, great job. Acrylic crystals do look great, especially on vintage inspired watches. It just fits the overall theme.

  47. #47
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by madsdrastrup View Post
    Wow, great job. Acrylic crystals do look great, especially on vintage inspired watches. It just fits the overall theme.
    True. Nothing else replicates it.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  48. #48
    Craftsman NCC66's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    West Yorkshire
    Posts
    708
    This is absolutely fantastic! I love my Everest but believe I’d be even more infatuated if it had an acrylic crystal.

    Seriously, this is way beyond my abilities but if I could find someone local to take it on, I can see some post lockdown cash going that way. Massive thanks for taking the plunge and for the lust-worthy photos, Mr Gent.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  49. #49
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930
    Quote Originally Posted by NCC66 View Post
    This is absolutely fantastic! I love my Everest but believe I’d be even more infatuated if it had an acrylic crystal.

    Seriously, this is way beyond my abilities but if I could find someone local to take it on, I can see some post lockdown cash going that way. Massive thanks for taking the plunge and for the lust-worthy photos, Mr Gent.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Thank you!

    For me, it takes it to a new level.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  50. #50
    Master TheGent's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    North West, UK
    Posts
    2,930



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Do Not Sell My Personal Information