1016 Crystal Comparison: Clark vs. GS

[lhooq]

This is a follow-up to my award-winning comparison (OK, not really) of aftermarket Tropic 21s. Considering the appeal of 1016 Explorers is even narrower than that of vintage Daytonas, I will be very happy to match the two responses that thread received. You will be blessed, freddy333 and coolfire! But there's been a lot of chatter -relatively speaking- about 1016 projects in the last few months, so maybe this will help out a handful of people.

There wouldn't have even been a comparison without automatico, who kindly offered to send the GS PA464-64C crystal to me. Before automatico chimed in on one of the vintage Explorer threads, I had thought that Clark was the only way to go for an aftermarket Tropic 22. Genuine units aren't cheap: A modern, beveled-edge Tropic 22 will go for $150-200, while a vintage superdome T22 will sell for $250, minimum. Both types are rarely spotted for sale on eBay or on the forums.

Note that both of these crystals are of the modern style. I don't know any aftermarket supplier of superdome T22s, so there's a niche that's waiting to be filled. So let's get started with the comparison, as there are more differences between these two than I would have expected. The Clark is on the left, the GS is on the right:

Already the difference is clear: The GS is lower overall, but has a taller and more pronounced bevel. The Clark has a deeper dome and a thinner edge around the circumference. The bevels appear to be angled identically.

Onto an oblique angle. Clark is above, GS is below:

The Clark appears to have greater clarity on the bevel, but I believe that's a compression effect of the thinner edge. Opticians out there can correct me on this.

Both crystals are very good, but which is closer to gen? It's easier to tell when there's a frame of reference, so let's roll out the jmb/LHOOQ "1016" bezel for a simulation. Again, Clark is on top, GS below:

(Note that the picture of the GS depresses me, because it's obvious that I scuffed it while slipping it on the bezel. It's better after some Polywatch, but still... stupid, stupid, stupid!)

Now compare those two shots with this genuine 1016 in profile:

GS wins!

[jmb]

It almost looks to me like the GS crystal's "curvature" is closer to your gen shot ... Good comparo shots!

[redwatch]

The aberrations in the reflections on the GS look so much nicer. I would imagine that clarity and sharpness would be much improved if you installed a GS on the 1016.

Very, very nice comparison!! Thanks to both you and Automatico!!

Question for you: what's the price difference between the two?

[chiman12]

Another great comparision! This is great info to have! Thanks M!

BTW you'll never notice the scuffs, because you will most likely ding the bezel and the crystal on things, so I won't worry about it!

[alligoat]

Nice comparison, LH.

I think they both look pretty good!

[TeeJay]

The GS is way closer, especially with the deeper bevel

[Ronin]

Very nice comparison. That GS really has a nice quality to

I was only aware of Clark, may I ask where to find GS's?

Thanks!

[automatico]

"Question for you: what's the price difference between the two?"

GS price was $9.95 each or $9.50 each for 3 or more from Startime in Houston TX (for call in order).

Online prices may be a little less.

[nomad89]

I just purchased the same GS crystal on eBay for $6 (shipping included).

[sly]

I just purchased the same GS crystal on eBay for $6 (shipping included).

Do you mind sharing where you found it on Ebay. Thanks

[dropbear2008]

Good comparison.

[lhooq]

Good comparison.

 

Oh...  If only these GS crystals could be easily purchased from somewhere!

Edited February 5, 2013 by LHOOQ

[automatico]

"Oh... If only these GS crystals could be easily purchased from somewhere!"

 

I can send you a few if it would help.

Edited February 5, 2013 by automatico

[lhooq]

R: I'm good right now, but I appreciate the offer. 

[hidden impact]

thanks for the comparison, but despite my persistent search i have yet to come across access to the ID and OD sizes of clark's crystals.  i've asked gary and he tells me he has no reference.  i found measurements for startime, but none of the other crystals have dimensions.  http://store.startimesupply.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=1&Category_Code=1D_Rolex_Crystal

 

anyone have a reference for sizes?

Edited February 5, 2013 by hidden impact

[EEngels]

"Oh... If only these GS crystals could be easily purchased from somewhere!"

I can send you a few if it would help.

Oh man,

I could certainly use a few - can we talk?

*1601 based project in progress

*16xxx based project to begin

 

EDIT: sending PM to ask.

Edited March 29, 2013 by vmarks

[If you see Kay]

I purchased both crystals and found the GS crystal to be better.

[CptTripps]

Sorry to dig up an oldie...but does anyone have these they can sell? I can't order from Star Time.

[woof*]

Sorry to dig up an oldie...but does anyone have these they can sell? I can't order from Star Time.

Someone is currently selling the gs in parts&tools, I think they are the ones noted.