[Ichiran]

Has anyone ever tried swapping out the sapphire crystal on their KW (or Kingston, Nassau, or any other Mk II)? For a long time I’ve wondered whether such a thing would be possible for my KW. I would love a high acrylic dome, with or without a cyclops. Or even a sapphire crystal with a more boxed dome, although plexi would be more fun.

If anyone’s ever tried, I’d love to hear about it!

 

[Ryeguy]

I’m not certain, but I thought plexiglass crystals were typically glued to the case using UV activated glue while sapphire crystals are press fit with a gasket.

My concern with swapping things around would be the potential of damaging the case so a sapphire crystal could not be fitted again. I‘d worry if I were a bit heavy handed with scraping out glue remnants, I could nick the sealing surface and impact future water resistance.

There are some online sellers that offer inexpensive 6538 cases with “top hat” plexiglass crystals already fitted. I think I paid $60 for the one I bought to play watchmaker with.

 

[Ichiran]

I’m not certain, but I thought plexiglass crystals were typically glued to the case using UV activated glue while sapphire crystals are press fit with a gasket.

My concern with swapping things around would be the potential of damaging the case so a sapphire crystal could not be fitted again. I‘d worry if I were a bit heavy handed with scraping out glue remnants, I could nick the sealing surface and impact future water resistance.

There are some online sellers that offer inexpensive 6538 cases with “top hat” plexiglass crystals already fitted. I think I paid $60 for the one I bought to play watchmaker with.

I didn’t know that plexis are glued! Definitely would not want to do that to a watch designed for a sapphire!

 

[goyoneuff]

Nope. Original Rolex plexu are not glued. And yes, an acrylic can be mounted into a sapphire case designed case. So … yes, it so possible. Happy to attempt doing it in your Key West.

🫡