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1655: keep original plexi or replace?

AAAKK
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I'm finally getting my 1655 serviced that I found a few years ago. Original owner didn't baby it but it's in honest condition. Bonus is that is still has the original warranty paper, box etc.

My initial inclination was to swap out the crystal because of the chunk missing from the 1 o'clock position. The original 25-116 crystals have become ridiculously priced so I was going to use an aftermarket replacement. However, my watchmaker has suggested that I also consider keeping the original. He did a quick initial polish just so I could get a sense of the final appearance.

I'm now leaning towards keeping the original plexi in place. It feels in character with the overall watch and it keeps it original. Watchmaker said that it's possible that it hasn't been serviced in the past.

I know it's ultimately a personal decision but I'm curious to know what others would do. Thanks for any replies!

20240701_160152.jpg 20240701_160230.jpg 1721406959622.jpg
 
Davidt
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I’d say there’s further work to do on that crystal. Clearly a lot of scratches remaining before I’d consider keeping it. If the rest of the crystal can be made good, I’d consider it if it was going to be a rarely worn piece. If however, I’m wearing it frequently I’d want a new crystal.
 
AAAKK
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Davidt Davidt
I’d say there’s further work to do on that crystal.

Yes, this was just a quick polish to help me make my decision. Watchmaker would continue with more polishing if I decide to keep it.
 
rootbeer7
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Have you taken it to RSC for service? They may be able to help.
 
befobe
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It disturbs my reading of this amazing dial, so I'd change it
 
vibe
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Id swap for a new crystal for aftermarket. Paying big money for a crystal is a bit insane to me, but it has a huge impact on the look of the watch. I’d modify the aftermarket crystal if it has a hard edge to a softer more domed profile. It’s easy to do.
 
Eve
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+1 for keeping the original crystal.
A more or less skilled person will be able to even further improve the scrates, if those disturb you.
 
faid2black
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If the crystal can be cleaned up decently, I'd stick with the original. Can always change in the future if it's not working for you
 
Aurelius
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Was the guy who owned it a jackhammer operator?

Keep it OG for that, "The Last of Us," vibe.

Couldn't justify restoring an explorer myself.
 
NGO1
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I’m all for preserving heritage, but that watch is tired, nay, exhausted. I’d send it to RolieWorks to bring the old girl back to her glory day.

IMG_9507.jpeg

no shame in a little botox
 
GuiltunderGlass
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I have a 1655 too and was set on swapping out the original for a true dome D38, but a friend argued that on the Exp II they look better w/ the cyclops and a shoulder on the crystal. After looking at a lot of images, I have to agree.
In your case, and my own, I would not want a compromised 50 year old piece acrylic standing between the world and my rather expensive and hard to replace dial and hands.
In an ideal world, I would get a replacement from Rolex w/o them screwing with the rest of the watch. Given the pitfalls associated with RSC and vintage, I'd probably go aftermarket and hang on to the original on the chance that I were to sell.
 
AAAKK
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NGO1 NGO1
I’m all for preserving heritage, but that watch is tired, nay, exhausted. I’d send it to RolieWorks to bring the old girl back to her glory day

I appreciate you perspective but I'd personally never go that route with this particular watch. I see a tool watch that was used for it's intended purpose (well maybe not cave exploration like the original marketing, but you get my point) that has an excellent dial and probably hasn't been polished in the past. I understand that many people don't find any charm in an "exhausted" watch (although I wouldn't characterize it as such) and wish them to look closer to new. To each their own. If this watch had been polished to death over the years, then I'd consider having the case reworked.

By the way, nice 1655 you have there.
 
jjen
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I think a crystal is a part that is meant to be replaced as it wears out. The structural integrity of the crystal is compromised by cracks/chipping. I didn't even know an acrylic crystal could get a chunk break off like that. Moisture could get on the dial and hands or it might just pop off one of these days. I would definitely replace it. You can always keep the original crystal if that floats your boat
 
spacemission
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The expendable. I know a predicador who wanted one of these.

Is it a watch with a sentimental value? If not, I'd change the crystal.
 
M
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get the watch cleaned, serviced, and change the crystal (save it in the box). The structural integrity of the crystal is too far gone for my comfort.
 
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