Nanuq Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 I ran across some photos on VRF showing Superdome crystals that have been crazed from UV exposure. They're fascinating, but I'm not real sure I like them. Thoughts? This photo barely shows how the crystal on my Sharkie is starting to do the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoJo35 Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 My 5513 is like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demsey Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 My Furuno depth/fish finder is like that. Couldn't imagine liking a watch crystal like it. Either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 Although the sun does damage crystals (oxidizes/makes them brittle over time), I think the actually crazing (hairline cracking) occurs (to oxidized/brittle crystals) from temperature & pressure changes (frequent expansions/contractions). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmb Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 I think they need new crystals! If this was done artificially then some things can be carried a bit too far... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dluddy Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 I'm all for vintage but if my crystal looked like that I'd replace it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member X Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 That would bug me something chronic lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brightight Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 I have to agree, those would be candidates for new replacements in my book. When it interferes with seeing the dial and hands it's over the top for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted October 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 Freddy, I don't know if you remember but a few years ago we were talking about how aged crystals took on more and more of an amber tint. Someone (IT WASN'T ME!) subjected a Superdome to some crazy intense UV at his job and reported that after about 30 to 40 hours he started seeing this crazing but no color change. He told us "Stop! Stop! It's ruining the crystal!" and little did we realize... Fascinating, eh?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 Freddy, I don't know if you remember but a few years ago we were talking about how aged crystals took on more and more of an amber tint. Someone (IT WASN'T ME!) subjected a Superdome to some crazy intense UV at his job and reported that after about 30 to 40 hours he started seeing this crazing but no color change. He told us "Stop! Stop! It's ruining the crystal!" and little did we realize... Fascinating, eh?? Yes, I remember that now. You may be right. But I also recall that the light source generated heat, which may have been the catalyst that prompted the cracking. Either way, I agree with the others - when the lens gets cloudy, it is time to change the lens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronin Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 Interesting. Anyone with extra domes to play with should do a Freezer (or Nanuq's Backyard ) -to- Hot water bath -to- freezer a couple of times. If that is the look you are going for. Science!!! Gotta love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted October 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. A freezer is actually not cold enough, they only go down to zero or so. What's REALLY a hoot is getting out in a hot tub, then jumping in the -20F snow, then back in the hot tub. The snow instantly freezes to the crystal (and your bum) then it melts right off again. And... it's never cracked or caused a failure in a plexi crystal for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 That's a really interesting effect I like how it looks, but as above, I think I would consider that time to replace the crystal when it gets to that condition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest avitt Posted October 14, 2009 Report Share Posted October 14, 2009 I've got a handful of old DW Tropic 21s that look just like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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