Help!!! Demystifying Rolex Crystal References…

[5ive-Digits-0nly]

Does anyone know what the differences are between the B25-295-C2 and the B25-295-CAR-C1 crystals in terms of gasket height?

I know that the C2 code corresponded to 2.7mm gasket height in the former.

My question (and suspicion really) is that the “C1” in the B25-295-CAR-C1 also corresponds to a gasket height of 2.7mm and is therefore correct for 5 digit subs, gmts, explorer IIs etc…?

I’ve observed that blistered B25-295-CAR-C1 crystals come with 2 gaskets. I assume they are of different heights, and that one of them is a 2.7mm gasket.

If anyone can confirm this, I’d appreciate it very much!!!

Cheers

 

[KJ2020]

Does anyone know what the differences are between the B25-295-C2 and the B25-295-CAR-C1 crystals in terms of gasket height?

I know that the C2 code corresponded to 2.7mm gasket height in the former.

My question (and suspicion really) is that the “C1” in the B25-295-CAR-C1 also corresponds to a gasket height of 2.7mm and is therefore correct for 5 digit subs, gmts, explorer IIs etc…?

I’ve observed that blistered B25-295-CAR-C1 crystals come with 2 gaskets. I assume they are of different heights, and that one of them is a 2.7mm gasket.

If anyone can confirm this, I’d appreciate it very much!!!

Cheers

The CAR, C12 and similar series crystals come with 2 identical height gaskets.

The B25-295-CAR-C1 comes with two 2.7mm gaskets. However the crystal is 1.8mm thick. My gen 295-C2 crystal is 2.0mm thick. It's an L serial GMT, IDK what thickness your F serial 16570 crystal is.

Bottom line is sometimes you have to decide on what the best gasket height is based on your crystal thickness. If you currently have a 2.7mm gasket and a 2.0mm crystal, switching to a 2.7mm gasket and a 1.8mm crystal will decrease your date mag because the cyclops is closer to the datewheel.

I always keep multiple gaskets on hand (2.5, 2.7, 2.85 at minimum) and do test fits with collage pics before pressing the bezel or retaining ring.

Which crystal gasket should I use?

Clark's gaskets are very good and close to gen thickness and density. Also very inexpensive at about $4 each.

You can also easily shave a gasket's height or thickness to create a more desirable date mag, or to permit an easier seating of the retaining ring / bezel.

Crystal gasket shave - DIY

 

[5ive-Digits-0nly]

Excellent! Thanks very much for this, mate! I am quite certain that my 16570 has an originally equipped 1.8mm crystal.

I just picked up a blistered B25-295-CAR-C1 on the bay so it looks like I’m in business! Thought so but always appreciate any insight from members who have had this experience already. Crystal codes have become a bit obscure in recent years.

I thought about going to RSC and getting a new 7035 crystal, but the crystal edge and “full” crystal AR don’t sit well with me. I can live with the AR on my cyclops though

Thanks again!

 

[KJ2020]

Excellent! Thanks very much for this, mate! I am quite certain that my 16570 has an originally equipped 1.8mm crystal.

I just picked up a blistered B25-295-CAR-C1 on the bay so it looks like I’m in business! Thought so but always appreciate any insight from members who have had this experience already. Crystal codes have become a bit obscure in recent years.

I thought about going to RSC and getting a new 7035 crystal, but the crystal edge and “full” crystal AR don’t sit well with me. I can live with the AR on my cyclops though

Thanks again!

It's possible the new gaskets will be better quality and slightly thicker. If your new crystal and gasket are extraordinarily hard to press your bezel over, you can use your old gasket if it's still in good shape or check out the gasket shaving thread I posted above. Also a thin bead of silicone grease on the inside of the bezel will help. Good luck and post pics!

 

[5ive-Digits-0nly]

It's possible the new gaskets will be better quality and slightly thicker. If your new crystal and gasket are extraordinarily hard to press your bezel over, you can use your old gasket if it's still in good shape or check out the gasket shaving thread I posted above. Also a thin bead of silicone grease on the inside of the bezel will help. Good luck and post pics!

I’ll get back with pics when she’s all done!

Pre-op shot:



A rarity in NOS condition - hence my extreme OCD

Thanks again mate ~

 

[KJ2020]

I’ll get back with pics when she’s all done!

Pre-op shot:



A rarity in NOS condition - hence my extreme OCD

Thanks again mate ~

Stellar piece for sure!

@rockdaytona