Thoughts on crystal replacement v originality?

[tIB]

So... had another mess - it won't stay this way as I don't really like the crystal and the fitting of it is a hack, but at least I can stare at the thing for a while without feeling like too much of a fool! 

As an aside I answered my own question on this one - I prefer the original crystal, warts and all, to this repro one.

Repro is fine in terms of bevel (it nicely refracts the outer dial markings) and height (it sits a mm or so lower than the old one which while not perfect I don't mind), though it ultimately lacks the level of doming on the inside than the original one has. There's no reverse magnification like there is on the OG and doesn't distort quite as nicely as a result. 

I'll see if the one I have coming from Australia is any better and make that call when it gets here, but I can see me fitting the old one. Meanwhile I'm happy just to have it on my wrist again. 

[AndyGSi]

Sounds like you had one of the original high dome lenses which didn't last long due to chipping and changed through a couple of variations over the years.

You'll find it easier now to try and polish the old one while it's out and see how much you can improve it.

 

[tIB]

1 hour ago, AndyGSi said:

Sounds like you had one of the original high dome lenses which didn't last long due to chipping and changed through a couple of variations over the years.

You'll find it easier now to try and polish the old one while it's out and see how much you can improve it.

 

That's the plan. I'm really not sure what type was in there - I thought it was a 2 but period and height suggests it's more likely a 4, if indeed it is the original (which I think is likely). Type 4 would probably fit with the time period fwiw, so I'll go with that.

 

I'm hoping the one from Australia is more similar in which case ill have another decision to make, though at this point I'm set on getting the polishing paste out... 

[AndyGSi]

What date is it as Type 4 is the thinnest at about 3.5mm

[tIB]

44 minutes ago, AndyGSi said:

What date is it as Type 4 is the thinnest at about 3.5mm

It's a '76 and is ~3.5mm. seems likely to be a 4.

Incidentally this has an amazing serial number for a 6105 - full on geekfest there with it's combination of only 6, 1, 0 and 5 in the right order! 

[tIB]

Bit of an update here - the gaskets I thought wouldn't fit didn't (sternkrauz for the record) - they sit too high to get the metal crystal gasket cover over. 

I did have some success polishing the OG crystal - installed using my hack method (pair of o-rings of two different sizes for the same record) until the VTA arrives. I'm much happier with it, with the exception of fitting the worst scratch bang on the 12 o'clock marker where I'll notice it more. It looks loads better though, without being perfect.  

I'll see about that other crystal - all depends on the domes and height...

OG crystal:

[tIB]

Another update - the VTA crystal and gaskets arrived while I've been away. While I haven't fitted yet on the face of it the crystal looks fantastic, and has similar doming (not exactly the same on the inside dome) but has the same effect in terms of de-magnifying/distorting. It's very nice indeed is my first thought - I'll add more when I've side by sided it. 

Having not fitted the gaskets it's hard to comment, though they look good too. What I will add is that OG gasket wise I found that a few of the 6309 models share the same crystal gasket specs, so I ordered one... it looks pretty much identical to both the VTA gasket and what's left of my OG one, so I'll have a go at fitting it when I have time after the weekend.

(If it's the same gasket/works I'll be a handful more and post a link if anyone wants spares? I kind of doubt Seiko made two types of gasket for these after discontinuing one so suspect it's the OG gasket?)

Still not decided on whether I'm fitting the new crystal or the OG I've tidied, though I'll need to fit the glass gasket regardless which will probably lead me to that decision...

 

 

[tIB]

So, gasket was indeed the right one - bonus on that front; I'll be buying some spares...

Fitted the new crystal, more because I'd have spent a load of money on it not to use it... It's nice - sits higher than the original one and as a result the champfer is a little different/possibly less steep. Looks great though, same some, same effect on the distortion on the dial. 

Whether I keep it this way remains to be seen...

Pics:

[tIB]

So we have a winner here - Ive fallen in love with the VTA crystal and it will stay in place... It's beautiful!

Had a bit of back and forth from the guy who sells them - he says it was designed to be between a type 1 and type 2 in terms of spec/type, his reasoning being that it would take any scuffs rather than bezels which are much harder to come by.

Think I'll be ordering another as a spare at some point, and obviously I'll keep the original (which I'm pretty sure is a type 4). 

[tIB]

While I'm still in love with that VTA crystal, I have found/purchased another seiko which I'm pretty certain has an original type 1 high dome, flat top crystal in... hopefully it's condition matches those of the photos... 

I'll make the call depending on how much I like the other watch.

[tIB]

...and it's in - couldn't resist! I like them a little higher if I'm honest but whichever type this 1970 one pulled from another watch is was too lovely not to put in... Beautiful!

 

[rehajm]

One of these is destined for my bench in a few months. Your’s looks great!

[tIB]

1 hour ago, rehajm said:

One of these is destined for my bench in a few months. Your’s looks great!

Yeah, thanks I got really lucky - couldn't be happier with it!

[tIB]

Come full circle on this and have the original crystal back in after lots of rubbing. It's far from perfect but it feels right to have it in so there you go - pretty sure it's the original crystal, and while it's a bit rough now it was much worse before I went at it...

Edited February 20 by tIB