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Post by bklake on May 18, 2018 6:30:38 GMT -8
I purchased one of these to see if I like it. After looking at what real 6217s sell for these days, it is likely the closest I'll get to the real thing.
It took me a full two weeks to scratch the mineral crystal. The scratch quickly turned into a crack. I have no plans to mod it but I looking for anybody to admit to working on one. I need the crystal size so I can find something that will work. It would seem that the quality of the glass used on these is about the same as what Coke uses in their glass bottles. The crack looks the same as broken bottles I've seen.
From this watch, I have learned that some 3 o'clock crowns are OK. Just the ones I've had before rubbed me the wrong way. I suspected bubble crystals would not fit my life style. That is now confirmed. My Vostok has a similar crystal. It took me less than an hour to scratch that one. Plexi buffs out easily so not a problem. It look me less than 2 hours to scratch the brand new Seiko crystal on my 8206 and I was being super careful with that one.
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HiBeat
Global Moderator
SEIKO Iko Iko GDTRWS
Posts: 8,642
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Post by HiBeat on May 22, 2018 13:58:15 GMT -8
I had one and flipped it since I have the actual 6217 and the new SLA017 reissue but I will say apart from the bold LTM it was quite similar to the new re-issue.
If you just pop off the old crystal and measure it any old crystal of the same diameter will do. Just be sure it has room to allow the hands to clear underneath. I have zillions of old plexi domes, if you pull it and tell me the OD I can send you one to try for free.
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Post by bklake on May 22, 2018 17:41:15 GMT -8
I contacted the main distributor that I see on ebay. They can supply a sapphire crystal for around $50. Crystal Times sells a similar crystal for about that so I guess it is a fair price.
The crystal came out in pieces so measuring is not an option. I'm guessing it is 32mm. Same as other Seiko divers. I tried an old 6309 crystal and it definitly needs something domed to clear the hands. I needed one of the domed ones for another watch so I ordered one to try out.
The boxed dome mineral was not a good choice. It must be highly stressed because a scratch quickly turned into a crack. This watch is designed for water resistance. There is a red case back gasket. The crown appears to be double sealed with an o ring in the tube and a flat gasket in the crown. The crown tube is micro welded to the case. The crystal gasket is only 1mm high. Not sure that is enough. This gasket is also on the softer side. Not stiff like an SKX gasket. Not rubber either. Any idea what material it may be of?
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HiBeat
Global Moderator
SEIKO Iko Iko GDTRWS
Posts: 8,642
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Post by HiBeat on May 22, 2018 18:23:16 GMT -8
It ain't no SBDX019 / SLA017 but at $200-ish it is one heckuva good deal. Red o-ring is something cheap, usually red is silicone but I can't see yours to be sure.
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Post by bklake on May 23, 2018 5:12:13 GMT -8
Thank you for offering a plexi crystal. I'm going to try for glass or sapphire first to maintain water resistance. I'm not sure how plexi will seal in a case designed for glass. I do swim and surf so that is important to me. The crystal is a press fit using an I-ring gasket.
I always thought the red o rings were a step up. Mainly because that's what the description at the parts suppliers says. And they cost a lot more.
The high and abrupt curve of the stock crystal maintains the vintage look but it is not very durable. One scratch near the curve grew into a crack. It would seem I am rough on my watches. If a simple domed crystal like the 320W10GN00 will clear, I'm going that direction. Not authentic but will be more suitable for durability.
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Post by bklake on May 23, 2018 19:41:57 GMT -8
I bought 2 crystals on ebay and they came early. One for the 6105 and one that was a double dome for the 7002. Both are 32mm. I opted for the 7002 crystal because the bevel was a little less pronounced. It also has an AR and hard coating. The 6105 crystal would probably look more like the original crystal. Both dropped through the bezel so there was no interference there. I do have a small problem with the seconds hand dragging. I did momentarily snag the seconds hand when I removed the movement. I adjusted the seconds hand a little but it needs a little more tweaking. The hand has a bent down tip. I can probably bend it a little more or push the hand down a bit to lower it. I should probably order a new crystal gasket, this one pushed in a little too easily.
It's been a long day, I'll deal with it tomorrow.
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Post by bklake on May 25, 2018 9:46:29 GMT -8
Pictures of the patient
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