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25-116 plexi

Vitor747

Active Member
14/1/19
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Hi all

Just wondering if there is any noticeable difference between a Clark plexi and a Gen Rolex 25-116
Just trying to make my mind up if its worth it to dash out $300

Thanks!
 

hanski

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25/4/18
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I recommend getting a GS # PA 462-18F

Very good quality replacement crystals - I’d argue better than Clark’s.
 

Vitor747

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hanski

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Thanks KJ
Just ordered it
Will see how it fits......
I thinks Clarks Magnification is a little off....
Will try this one and if its still not that great Ill eventually go Gen


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For vintage acrylic I think there are only a few instances where it’s critical to be gen or where a gen shows through - aging or grossly incorrect size/shape. For the latter, a high quality aftermarket will get you there.
Aging is a whole other story. A crazed, smoky, scuffed, scratch, or polished down plexi is going to indicate vintage era and more likelihood of being original.
Which brings me back to size/shape. These acrylic plexi become misshapen over time. Unless it’s a NOS crystal out of the bag, no two Rolex crystals will look identical on a watch.
IMO an aftermarket like GS is good. It’s a company specializing in optics - not an aftermarket parts supplier out of China or whatever. Handling gen crystals and GS - I don’t think gen is worth the money.
 
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Vitor747

Active Member
14/1/19
267
394
63
Puerto Rico
For vintage acrylic I think there are only a few instances where it’s critical to be gen or where a gen shows through - aging or grossly incorrect size/shape. For the latter, a high quality aftermarket will get you there.
Aging is a whole other story. A crazed, smoky, scuffed, scratch, or polished down plexi is going to indicate vintage era and more likelihood of being original.
Which brings me back to size/shape. These acrylic plexi become misshapen over time. Unless it’s a NOS crystal out of the bag, no two Rolex crystals will look identical on a watch.
IMO an aftermarket like GS is good. It’s a company specializing in optics - not an aftermarket parts supplier out of China or whatever. Handling gen crystals and GS - I don’t think gen is worth the money.

Thanks again for you valuable input
Im more concerned about magnification/shape than it being aged
Clark seemed fine until i compared it to a gen side by side....
I already have a 116 Cyclop Magnifier 30.17mm PA462-18F Watch Crystal A18 GS #1 inbound

Here is the watch in its current state
b409e8b488387b69538f8909be4737bc.plist



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KJ2020

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This one has a gen crystal. I'm sure it was overkill but wow is it nice. Better be, for the price...

15870767620282.jpg
 
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Vitor747

Active Member
14/1/19
267
394
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Puerto Rico
This one has a gen crystal. I'm sure it was overkill but wow is it nice. Better be, for the price...

15870767620282.jpg

That buid looks super clean
Viet or cartel?
Insert is really nice and the dial too
Magnification look great
Unlike mine


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Last edited:

Vitor747

Active Member
14/1/19
267
394
63
Puerto Rico
427e9945c2fd088888f14b3ac8e516b8.jpg

323d15c0cade201113a3a3cc3cd84cb8.jpg

d2b3ad1612c9ecd1f1c9089f8c1856b0.jpg



Just installed the PA462-18F A18 GS #1

What do you guys think?

I can tell you the dial looks way more clear and crisp compared to the Clark


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KJ2020

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Just installed the PA462-18F A18 GS #1What do you guys think?I can tell you the dial looks way more clear and crisp compared to the Clark

Cyclops magnification level looks way off compared to gen.

p6u83.jpg
 

hanski

Renowned Member
25/4/18
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Ahh! Dude! I’m sorry, I copy/pasted the wrong GS reference!
GS 462-19K is the correct one. I realized it as soon as I saw your pictures. The crystal you got “fits” as a replacement for 25-116 but it doesn’t have the same profile.
I have some gen cyclops crystals for Submariners, GS, and Sternkreuz (as well as Clark’s, WSO, Watchman, etc). Honestly, I would argue gen isnt substantially better than GS and SK.