I’ve only just seen this thread and I have to say that looks fantastic.
For me, there’s nothing better than that distorted view you get at certain angles with an acrylic crystal.
I don't mind the "milky ring" on my PRS-29A (in fact I do like the looks of it) but seeing this I bet it would also look awesome on acrylic... How charming!
PRS-25 Mk IV with acrylic crystal?
Gets my vote.
Don't you think Eddie has enough problems with the PRS-25 already? I think a top quality acrylic will easily sell at least one batch of PRS-25s. It is a different watch.
As a side-note. To me, when Rolex changed the Explorer, with the flat sapphire and all that fancy dial stuff, then and there, it lost something. It gained something else, but it also lost something.
Every watch a story.
My preference was the original PRS-29A with acrylic crystal, but both versions are superb. The milky ring on the PRS-29A MK2 is a lot less noticeable than on the PRS-25 imho.
Mine too
Agree with you on that. The tool watch charm of the previous one was certainly lost.
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Last edited by TheGent; 20th November 2020 at 18:14.
That looks excellent. I have been toying with the idea of doing something similar with my Air Ministry. Your success with this mod has almost convinced me that it is worth trying.
Well, that looks superb.
I think the previous SMITHS dial looks modern, and befitting of a sapphire. The latest iteration with the slightly twee Smiths script, really suits acrylic.
(But perhaps I would say that?)
I really like this watch, any version
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Last edited by TheGent; 23rd November 2020 at 14:18.
Excellent stuff
Just shared this thread with my watchmaker and he is willing to give it go for me
Will do
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That looks fantastic, changes the look massively!
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It really opens the dial up... possibly making the watch look larger even.
I think the milky ring is only really noticeable on a dark coloured dial, especially looking at these three and I don't think it would add anything to the Air Ministry.
The new Navigator on the other hand could look awesome with an acrylic.
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Definitely an improvement for me.
Yes - it does open up the dial making it seem slightly larger, and gives clarity at more angles.
The lighter colour dials look far better with the sapphire to me.
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Last edited by TheGent; 25th November 2020 at 21:04.
Pics just received from my watchmaker with new acrylic crystal!
https://flic.kr/p/2kb3J8Q
https://flic.kr/p/2kb3Jki
https://flic.kr/p/2kb3Jwv
https://flic.kr/p/2kb3JXq
Should be in the post and on its way back to me so will be posting more pics on my Instagram soon
@KevG1962
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Yeah, one of each (old logo and new logo)
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Just wanted to mention that we opted for a crystal without a tension ring and it did pass the pressure test
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Won't get it back til next week, so will have a a closer look then
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The Crystal diameter is 31.4mm
The Crystal I used is an ATCR Sternkreuz 31.4
You can buy them from CousinsUK or even eBay.
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Can a jewellers do this for me? Seems highly likely I'll just break my lovely watch.
I'll find out and get back to you. In the mean time, here's some more pics as just received the watch back in the mail
https://flic.kr/p/2kcBZWh
https://flic.kr/p/2kcGeQa
https://flic.kr/p/2kcGeW2
https://flic.kr/p/2kcFP5n
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The Air ministry with acrylic would be sensational!
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A few more shots..
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@ Gent, congratulations thats a great mod. In the earlier pics the renault looked a little deep but this face on picture it looks very
very appealing. Roll on the spring when they will be hopefully back in stock...
Happy new year to everyone too!
Cheers. Yes, you do notice the rehaut more with the acrylic (the so called milky ring sort of hides it), and when I first did the mod, the dial appeared much deeper relative to the glass, but once I put the watch on my wrist it just all felt right. I am finding this watch is effectively ruining this hobby by just being a perfect allrounder.
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Haha - you’re right to want one, they are excellent. I’m trying to think of a scenario where I wouldn’t / couldn’t wear this watch. And one of the most appealing aspects is the cost, I’m happy to use it without fear of loss damage or theft, which makes it more enjoyable to put on.
I’ve owned maybe 30-40 watches in the last 20 years (some higher end stuff in that number) and this one is tempting me to sell off the remainder and leave the forums. Mad eh?
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I am considering trying with a HW Sternkreuz 31.4 crystal. Any clue if that one would fit?