Favre-Leuba Deep Blue Ref.59603 Crystal Replacement

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I am often asked about crystal replacement for the Favre-Leuba Deep Blue Ref. 50603 with cal. FL1152.

There is two styles of crystals depending on the watch. One that is traditional, held down by tension ring and a generic diver tight will work. This is typically found in later executions w/out rA lume.

The more difficult is in early to mid executions with rA dials and has a flange that holds the bezel in place when pressed into the watch. That is the style mine has and finding a NOS is nearly impossible. If your looking to replace this style, there is a solution. I did find that a GS PA 462-19D will work, with minor shaving of its base to fit the diameter of the opening as noted below.

PA 462-19D – This crystal has enough height.

o The outside diameter of the top section is 30.2mm

o The outside diameter at the base, the section under the “mushroom” top is 29.95mm.

o The plastic sidewalls are about 1.0mm thick, so you will have to file down the base by about 0.2mm around, reducing the diameter of this section by 0.4mm to achieve the 29.5mm diameter needed to fit the watch.

o This crystal is supplied with an interior metal tension ring.

I used a GS for a while. In the end I did manage find a NOS crystal (purely by chance) and sold the GS I was using to a gent who also needed a replacement. It worked fine and looked very close to original.

Here are some pics with measurements of the NOS I found that may help you/your watchmaker if you go the route of using the GS PA 462-19D with minor modification.

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Hope this info helps. Jeff
 
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Potentially very useful info – thanks!

(And a terrific diver.)
 
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I knew...before even scrolling down the pictures...that your watch had a snazzy bracelet. 😁
 
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I knew...before even scrolling down the pictures...that your watch had a snazzy bracelet. 😁
OG Favre-Leuba for this model. #keepitrealputitonsteel 😉
 
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This is so useful Jeff. I have this exact problem with a cracked crystal in an early Deep Blue that was my Dad’s. Can’t find anyone - including FL - who can or wants to replace the glass. Does anyone here know anyone in the UK who could do this? Can anyone tell me more about the spec or part numbers of the original glass? What is the original even made of? Thanks so much.
 
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This is so useful Jeff. I have this exact problem with a cracked crystal in an early Deep Blue that was my Dad’s. Can’t find anyone - including FL - who can or wants to replace the glass. Does anyone here know anyone in the UK who could do this? Can anyone tell me more about the spec or part numbers of the original glass? What is the original even made of? Thanks so much.
Perhaps Richard Askham at The Watch Spot (www.thewatchspoyblog.com) - Lovely piece & your dad had great taste! I hope that you get it sorted out. Cheers! Jeff