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Old 16 August 2012, 09:11 AM   #1
crs12
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Plexi or Sapphire

Eyeing my 2nd model already and thinking of maybe going a bit older due to various factors.

The only thing that is putting me off is older models are plexi glass.

I cant get a straight answer out of any shops so far I have had

Plexi is stronger than Sapphire but will scratch more easily
Plexi is safe to get wet/isn't safe to get wet
Plexi is better than Sapphire because it can be replaced more easily

Is what I am being told correct?

Should there be any concern with getting a older model with Plexi glass?
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Old 16 August 2012, 09:18 AM   #2
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From what I understand plexi is stronger in that it can withstand impact without shattering unlike sapphire which is more prone to shattering if dropped on a tile floor. Plexi is also cheaper to replace if need be. Plexi does scratch easily but can be buffed out with polywatch or toothpaste. I have heard over time plexi will develop micro abrasions compromising water resistance. I think sapphire has been around long enough to proove it's worth and has become the industry standard. Most glasses that use plexi/hesalite like the moon watch do it just for historical purposes.

On another note this plexi vs sapphire argument is strikingly similar to the current aluminum vs ceramic bezel argument... I think out with the old in with the new will prevail.
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Old 16 August 2012, 09:46 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by crs12 View Post
Should there be any concern with getting a older model with Plexi glass?
I would not have any, especially if it is correct for the watch.

History and tradition are two of the hallmarks of a great watch and if the watch comes with Plexi then so be it!
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Old 16 August 2012, 10:20 AM   #4
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Post the question in the vintage and the guys will have more feedback. As for me I have no problem with plexiglas
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Old 16 August 2012, 10:44 AM   #5
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If you want a vintage watch plexi is absolutely fine. My first Explorer II, I purchased NIB in 1982 was plexi and it was durable. Old cases cannot be retrofitted with sapphire and plexi is easily replaced. Go for it,if you want vintage.
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Old 16 August 2012, 10:48 AM   #6
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1. Vintage Oyster cases had plexi, and Rolex oyster is synonymous for being water proof at various depths. Just think of the Sea-Dwellers used by the COMEX dive team
2. Plexi will get scratched easily but it can buffed by using polywatch
3. Sapphire is harder to get scratch but can get scratched. If it does, it can be buffed out by diamond paste (based on what I read on this forum) but you need some skill to do so.
4. Vintage models cannot take sapphire crystals and vice versa
5. Plexi is not a finger magnet, sapphire crystals are
6. Plexi on vintage Rolexes are higher, sapphire are more low profile

Here's a thread that stumbled upon regarding plexi and sapphire WRT water resistance.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=249295
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Old 16 August 2012, 12:17 PM   #7
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Plexi is sexy
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Old 16 August 2012, 01:35 PM   #8
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My Datejust has a Plexi crystal and, in all honesty, I love it! I think it gives it a very classic Rolex look.
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Old 16 August 2012, 04:42 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beshannon View Post
I would not have any, especially if it is correct for the watch.

History and tradition are two of the hallmarks of a great watch and if the watch comes with Plexi then so be it!
In some ways Acrylic crystals have a advantage over sapphire but its swings and roundabouts which is better.Myself like Acrylic very easy to polish a scratch out and all watches with acrylic crystals are changed as part of normal routine service.So as long as you have it serviced then there should not be any problems whether sapphire or acrylic.
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Old 16 August 2012, 07:12 PM   #10
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Thanks for the helpful replys :)
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Old 17 August 2012, 03:54 AM   #11
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I have a couple of watches with sapphire crystals and I absolutely hate them because of the glare and reflections. Why they don't put an anti reflection coating on them is beyond me. On the positive side, the sapphire crystals impart a perfect look to the watch.
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Old 17 August 2012, 04:03 AM   #12
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IMHO the vintage pieces look very classic with the acrylic crystal. I am glad Rolex moved to a sapphire Crystal with the newer models. I like them act they are thinner and to me appear clearer.
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Old 17 August 2012, 05:31 AM   #13
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I personally do not like plexi, at least not on simple dials. The scratches show far too easily.
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Old 17 August 2012, 05:49 AM   #14
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I would not worry. Get the watch you like - if it's a vintage with acrylic then just have the crystal replaced - there is no inherent weakness in itself.
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Old 17 August 2012, 05:52 AM   #15
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In some ways Acrylic crystals have a advantage over sapphire but its swings and roundabouts which is better.
One advantage is the extra height that acrylics have - the cyclops provides a slightly greater magnification of the date.
Aging eyes, ya know...
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Old 17 August 2012, 05:55 AM   #16
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Before I got my Big Block, I was looking for a newer Tudor 79260 because it has sapphire. After a few interesting posts from Dan P and a few others, I decided to go for the older 79160 with Plexi. I have to say, it is much better looking than I expected. I love the soft look of it and it is perfectly clear (for some reason I expected yellowing).
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Old 17 August 2012, 06:04 AM   #17
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I have both vintage and modern - plexi and sapphire. They both do the job.

IMO, pick the watch/look you like with no concerns on performance either way.
Plexi vs sapphire would be way down the list of deciding factors.
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Old 17 August 2012, 06:06 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Darlinboy View Post
I have both vintage and modern - plexi and sapphire. They both do the job.

IMO, pick the watch/look you like with no concerns on performance either way.
Plexi vs sapphire would be way down the list of deciding factors.
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Old 17 August 2012, 06:11 AM   #19
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Great responses above, just to add that plexi's are an automatic replacement with a RSC service

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Old 18 August 2012, 06:13 AM   #20
Robbie68
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Plexi does pick up scratches very easily. My 5513 (1968) will get very fine scratches if I put it against the leg of my jeans when putting it on. Good news is as already said they polish out very easily, I use Maguires Scratch X 2 and a cotton wool swab, 20 second job. Personally for daily wear I prefer sapphire.
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Old 18 August 2012, 07:26 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crs12 View Post
I cant get a straight answer out of any shops so far I have had

Plexi is stronger than Sapphire but will scratch more easily
Make that "...much, much more easily."

Acrylic crystals collect scratches instantly. They are easy to polish for the same reason they are so easy to scratch.

In normal use, sapphire won't scratch at all, which is why everyone uses it now.

I have a 24 year-old Datejust with the original sapphire crystal (the very first of the Datejusts to have it) and it has zero scratches despite heavy use. Even in blinding noontime sun, there are no visible scratches whatsoever.

Contrast that with the brand-new acrylic crystal on a delicately-worn vintage Patek - several visible scuffs after less than a week of wearing.

The difference in scratch-resistance is night and day.
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Old 18 August 2012, 08:49 AM   #22
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Don't let the plexi alter your decision. There's always Polywatch if needed.
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Old 18 August 2012, 09:30 AM   #23
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Is that why the 1680s have larger than normal date magnification?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 77T View Post
One advantage is the extra height that acrylics have - the cyclops provides a slightly greater magnification of the date.
Aging eyes, ya know...
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