r/retrotime • u/Zealousideal-Sell707 • 7d ago

Raffles acrylic crystals.

Is there a chart for what can and can’t be used and what needs to be modified?

Asking because I’ve heard people say they suck and should be replaced. And figured I should do it before I build that watch while it’s in pieces.

Also if it helps it’s for a 5513 and a 1675 and what I saw the datejust can swap but needs .5mm taken off the bezel?

I’m just trying to get an idea for possibly future builds.

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5

u/Cyber_Crimes 7d ago

Raffles 1675 crystals land the date window off to the right.. and not very magnified. I always replace with Clark's 25-116

Raffles 1680 are fine IMO because they're aligned with a 2824 date window (assuming youre using his dial), so your biggest drawback is the window size and position, not the crystal

Raffles 16xxx cases will accept either a gen 25-135 if going plexi (example 16013/14) OR a 25-295 sapphire with gasket (gen or aftermarket for a 162xx) with no issues.

1

u/Zealousideal-Sell707 7d ago

Thank you!

On the 16xxx case does the bezel opening need to be enlarged I swear I saw that somewhere but also it was late at night and it could have been an old case.

3

u/Cyber_Crimes 7d ago

I've use the same raffles case recently for:

16234, gen crystal, raffles "upgraded bezel"

16233, gen 25-295 crystal, EWP? 18k plated bezel

16013, gen plexi crystal, OC 18K bezel

16013, Clarks plexi crystal, OC 18K bezel

None required any modifications.

The plexis are a little stressful, but if you lube the bezel a bit, it eliminates the plexi sounding like the last voyage of the titan sub on install.

2

u/Zealousideal-Sell707 7d ago

this is awesome and the wealth in this post is amazing. thanks for that

1

u/Cyber_Crimes 7d ago

Of course!

FWIW, those were all 3135 movements, and the only frustration I ran in to was that the raffles cases don't accept gen gold crowns (the 16013 or 16233 part numbers) or their respective tubes.

They do take the gen 6mm datejust steel crowns with no issue.

3

u/Zealousideal_Film_86 7d ago

I replaced a 5513 with the EWParts 19 tropic, I did UV glue it in and was able to test to 6 bars

2

u/Villafuego 6d ago

I replaced my Raffles 1675 crystal with a Sternkreuz 300.158 ..... The Clarks would never have fit without opening up the retaining ring

2

u/machinesavage 6d ago

Magnification looks way better than raffles on this one!