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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:
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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.
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Woah, great work! The minute track really opens up without the milky ring
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Simply amazing. As someone said once about the 1016, the crystal makes the watch.
That looks amazing. What a massive transformation
Well done @TheGent Looks really great.
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.
Nice work OP!
Can you provide the reference for the crystal you used?
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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.
Just wow!
Superb job. That looks amazing.
Always liked the acrylic in the Mk1 Everest.
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.
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!
Good work OP, it's perfect now.
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.)
It looks great. I still like the peace of mind I get with sapphire, but it does look amazing with the acrylic.
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TheGent, that looks great. How many PMs have you had now? How long is your waiting list? Ha
Love an acrylic crystal. Great mod OP, I am imagining the Navigator with acrylic and in my imagination it looks very very good!
Absolutely beautiful!
Two thumbs up for the great work, OP. Looks perfect!
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Looks really nice and gives the watch a really authentic feel. fancy modifying mine too?
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Excellent work G, good luck with the inbox
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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 certainly makes it feel closer to a vintage watch. The same way a speedmaster does I think.
Haha - cheers Nick!
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!
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Last edited by TheGent; 17th November 2020 at 10:27.
Wow, great job. Acrylic crystals do look great, especially on vintage inspired watches. It just fits the overall theme.
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.
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