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Bubble dome on a 14060
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JwRosenthal
·That’s awesome! So glad you were able to do it yourself. If you want to go for the tropic look, the one in my first posts was an Uncle Seiko Tropic strap- but I shaved down the lug end sides with a Dremel to curve like the vintage tropics did (last I checked Tropic Straps only did flat) not just becuase is was cool but because the US tropic rubbed the case due to the short holes to case distance (I’ve had this issue a lot using straps on the Sub- surprisingly short gap).
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JwRosenthal
·The rehaut was only on the last ones as far as I know. The fact that yours is a 4 line with branded rehaut, but with holes case really puts it in that wierd transitional period- so many little variations year to year. I think they were plowing through the parts bins at that point and just putting watches together with what they had at the end of the run.
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Mister2kris
·The rehaut was only on the last ones as far as I know. The fact that yours is a 4 line with branded rehaut, but with holes case really puts it in that wierd transitional period- so many little variations year to year. I think they were plowing through the parts bins at that point and just putting watches together with what they had at the end of the run.
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JwRosenthal
·Over 3 years of weekly (probably 2-3 times a week) wear- and seen some pretty heavy field work and taken a few hard knocks. Haven’t poly’d or cleaned it once since I installed the crystal
And looking at my pic more closely…maybe it’s time to clean the watch 👎
And looking at my pic more closely…maybe it’s time to clean the watch 👎
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mecha_h
·I recently have been itching for a vintage sub (acrylic) having sold my first rolex, a glossy 5513, years ago. I modded an existing crystal to get a feel for it and decided to order the crystal shown in this thread. First off, the $30 shipping stung but 2 days from HK to PA was pretty unexpected so i'll survive. The swap is easy w/ basic tools. I also have a proper pressure testing setup so was able to confirm. Full disclosure, it did not pass initially w/ a crystal leak. I didn't notice anything on the watch that would have caused this (previously w/ the sapphire it was fine) so I added crystal adhesive to the base and after that it passed a -.5/+5bar vac/pressure test w/o any issues. Confirmed in a water tester as well.
Most importantly, I love the look. It's tall (if i had a complaint it would be this) but it distorts the light so well. Really fun and also, as mentioned in this thread, I think it bring out the gloss of the dial way more than sapphire. Also love that acrylic doesn't fingerprint up as much... yes it scratches but it doesn't really smudge.
I bought an extra crystal in case I feel compelled to put it on the lathe and try to reduce the height a bit. it's a $60 crystal so a little roll of the dice but I kinda want to try and the intrusive thoughts to just do it will probably in. I'll report back if i do but for now enjoying the mod.
-Matt
Most importantly, I love the look. It's tall (if i had a complaint it would be this) but it distorts the light so well. Really fun and also, as mentioned in this thread, I think it bring out the gloss of the dial way more than sapphire. Also love that acrylic doesn't fingerprint up as much... yes it scratches but it doesn't really smudge.
I bought an extra crystal in case I feel compelled to put it on the lathe and try to reduce the height a bit. it's a $60 crystal so a little roll of the dice but I kinda want to try and the intrusive thoughts to just do it will probably in. I'll report back if i do but for now enjoying the mod.
-Matt
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Poppyboy
·Very nice to see these mods. As long as disclosed at sale, you just do what you want!
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JwRosenthal
·Very nice to see these mods. As long as disclosed at sale, you just do what you want!
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JwRosenthal
·I recently have been itching for a vintage sub (acrylic) having sold my first rolex, a glossy 5513, years ago. I modded an existing crystal to get a feel for it and decided to order the crystal shown in this thread. First off, the $30 shipping stung but 2 days from HK to PA was pretty unexpected so i'll survive. The swap is easy w/ basic tools. I also have a proper pressure testing setup so was able to confirm. Full disclosure, it did not pass initially w/ a crystal leak. I didn't notice anything on the watch that would have caused this (previously w/ the sapphire it was fine) so I added crystal adhesive to the base and after that it passed a -.5/+5bar vac/pressure test w/o any issues. Confirmed in a water tester as well.
Most importantly, I love the look. It's tall (if i had a complaint it would be this) but it distorts the light so well. Really fun and also, as mentioned in this thread, I think it bring out the gloss of the dial way more than sapphire. Also love that acrylic doesn't fingerprint up as much... yes it scratches but it doesn't really smudge.
I bought an extra crystal in case I feel compelled to put it on the lathe and try to reduce the height a bit. it's a $60 crystal so a little roll of the dice but I kinda want to try and the intrusive thoughts to just do it will probably in. I'll report back if i do but for now enjoying the mod.
-Matt
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mecha_h
·it's hard to describe but a really well fit acrylic crystal has this *perfect* feel of resistance when fitting... not too loose but not too tight. When i installed this it was snug but just short of that perfect fit. I wasn't surprised it didn't pass and the water test confirmed it was the crystal and another opening/gasket. if i end up modifying my "extra" the seat of the crystal will be shaved and I can theoretically tighten up the internal fit every so slightly and see how that goes.
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JwRosenthal
·The height is startling at first and feels a bit over the top for the first few days (you may have a -my god, what have I done moment) much like the sky-high dome on the Bulova 1957 diver reissue
But once you get used to it, you don’t even think about it- it’s just very much part of the watch and seeing a flat sapphire again just looks sad and humorless.
But once you get used to it, you don’t even think about it- it’s just very much part of the watch and seeing a flat sapphire again just looks sad and humorless.
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Barking mad
··Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder
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BAJJ
·That looks fabulous, I too would take acrylic over sapphire any day, it’s just nicer.
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nkhandekar
·Such a nice mod. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. They look awesome.
Personally, having a domed non-cyclops crystal on a 16610 maxi dial would wind my watch. Something to think about.
Personally, having a domed non-cyclops crystal on a 16610 maxi dial would wind my watch. Something to think about.
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JwRosenthal
·I wear mine at least 2-3 days a week (my SM300 Watchco seems to get 2-3 other days with wild card for the remaining) and it’s taken some hard knocks on field work and construction shoots. The superdome has survived as well as any factory armored crystal and taken on the patina of a well worn classic acrylic crystal. Still have yet to polish it- I’ll wait until I can’t see through it anymore.
