Just got this crystal in today. Bought it from a respected guy in watch group. This is for 116610 franken I have. Plan on bringing it in Monday to do crystal swap. Just wanted to get a second opinion before I bring it in.
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How to identify gen crystal
- Thread starter Mattoo1977
- Start date
The coronet indicates this crystal may not appear to be gen to my eye. Rolex usually has smaller "dots". Could be your photos, but those look fatter like those found on many reps. I think a better picture would give us a better indication.
It seems like the pictures may give that impression, but I believe they aren't a very accurate representation. Taking pictures with an iPhone can be challenging sometimes. I think the dots appear larger due to the light refraction through the crystal, which causes them to illuminate. I tried taking a few more pictures, but these are the best I could capture.
McDuck888
Respected Member
- 22/2/17
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Your photos are great but I can only tell a crystal is gen when the cyclops is sitting over a dial and datewheel. Do you have a loose dial anywhere you could place under it ? I'm glad you bought from some reputable guy
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Your new pictures here are much clearer. The coronet looks good. Much cleaner than you would find on reps. I don't even think you need to look at the cyclops... unless someone is out there putting fake cyclops on gen crystals!It seems like the pictures may give that impression, but I believe they aren't a very accurate representation. Taking pictures with an iPhone can be challenging sometimes. I think the dots appear larger due to the light refraction through the crystal, which causes them to illuminate. I tried taking a few more pictures, but these are the best I could capture.
McDuck888
Respected Member
- 22/2/17
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(I find it nice to inspect condition of a gen crystal by cyclops too. To see that the anti-reflective coating is still gorgeous and there's a nice rolex halo on it still and not worn away with use and storage).
I need a new phone/camera, those pictures are incredible qualilty. Totally rad!
I need a new phone/camera, those pictures are incredible qualilty. Totally rad!
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I read somewhere that now Rolex does the coronet etching with dots at varied random depths, though the initial coronets were at uniform depth
note: I never had a gen Rolex in hand, so this is just readup info
note: I never had a gen Rolex in hand, so this is just readup info
Thank you! It took me quite a while to get a decent picture. I’m using iPhone 14, found the best way to get good pictures was to put it on video mode with the flash on, and snap the stills as I was videoing. I have a 50x loupe and even with that you have to hold it at the perfect angle to be able to see it.
Thank you for your input! The guy I bought from is reputable, and I believe it to be gen. I just get super paranoid with buying gen parts that aren’t in blister packs, only because the reps have gotten so good. I bought this crystal because I was nervous the one I currently have on the watch isn’t gen. It’s supposed to be but I just feel like magnification is off. After doing some research, I think the issue may be within the gasket causing it to sit a little lower than it should. I will post pictures in a minute and see what you guys think.
It's always good to be a bit paranoid in this game- but I will say I have bought "Rolex" parts off Aliexpress that come in very legitimate looking Rolex blister packs- they even have the little electronic thingy on it - so caveat emptor....
Your new pictures here are much clearer. The coronet looks good. Much cleaner than you would find on reps. I don't even think you need to look at j
Here’s pictures of the crystal that’s currently on watch. I bought this 116610 franken and it’s supposed to be gen crystal, bezel, bezel insert, dial, hands, crown, and since I’ve got it put a gen 3135 movement in it. Can you please tell me your thoughts on this crystal? Like I mentioned earlier I’m thinking it may have the wrong gasket which causes it to sit a hair low. (See pictures) Thanks for any input.
Again, I'll say the pictures could be better, and I know from experience it is very tough!
The thing that comes to top of mind right away from the photos is the scallops on the bezel appear very sharp that would make me question it being gen.
The thing that comes to top of mind right away from the photos is the scallops on the bezel appear very sharp that would make me question it being gen.
