e30m3 Posted October 11, 2017 Report Share Posted October 11, 2017 So, after doing a ton of reading, it would seem to be the consensus that CWP in Hong Kong does the best T19 "Superdome" crystal. Thing is, it's $97 with shipping, and I'm really trying to keep costs down on this one (a cartel 5513). My understanding is that the CWP crystals are not only more faithful to the original Rolex profile, but are more clear, too. But my question is, who's second best? The Clark "Superdome" crystal is $17 shipped, which as I'm sure you're all aware is eight Old-Fashioneds cheaper. Is it THAT much worse? And as long as we're on the topic, what's wrong with the cartel crystal (flame suit on)? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jigelow Posted October 11, 2017 Report Share Posted October 11, 2017 Ofrei has some nice options. They have a minimum order though. I can tell you a nice acrylic makes all the difference, especially at angles. I have a T19 Service and it's so much better than the OEM acrylic on my Gevril Tribeca. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted October 11, 2017 Report Share Posted October 11, 2017 I think Clarks are generally the best generic crystals. If you want substantially better than that, go gen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackflash Posted October 11, 2017 Report Share Posted October 11, 2017 There’s a lot of rehaut distortion with the Clark T19 crystal. Here’s a side by side of the same watch - Clark vs CWP. Cheaper is the Ofrei PA 462 66. It has a lower profile but is very close to a T19 service crystal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted October 11, 2017 Report Share Posted October 11, 2017 It's all about the clarity and the multi colored retractions you get from a top end crystal. It really is worth the money.Here's a comparison that includes a CWP crystal too:https://rwg.cc/topic/179038-a-tropic-crystal-comparison-and-gallery/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e30m3 Posted October 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2017 Man, I really would have preferred a "Oh - there's this one for five bucks that's just as good!" but I'll have to concede. Jack - both of those crystals are going for the original (not service) profile, right? I can definitely see the rehaut diff... How about on the Tropic 39's (not service cut)? Same situation there? Does Ofrei have something decent? I can't tell from the site's descriptions. I'm afraid of dropping the $97 on the CWP, waiting the month, then cracking it trying to push it in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackflash Posted October 11, 2017 Report Share Posted October 11, 2017 Actually the Clark T39 is better than their T19, different curvature so less unwanted distortion. I’ve only used the Ofrei service style T39, I prefer the look on my 1665. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e30m3 Posted October 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2017 Jack, you sure you don't want to just mail me your watches? Surely you're getting sick of them by now... I like the look of the service on the 1665 too - goes with the thicker case nicely. Anyone have any experience with the Ofrei T39(s) on this page? Tempted to try one. http://www.ofrei.com/page419.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackflash Posted October 12, 2017 Report Share Posted October 12, 2017 Actually, I‘m in two minds about putting the DRSD 1665 up for sale. It’s the Ofrei PA462-67A on the watch now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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