loketje 0 Posted July 11, 2017 (edited) So I bought a cheapish but very nice IWC topgun (quartz). I like it a lot but there's no discernible AR coating on the glass so most of the time I'm unable to see even the dial of the watch : I understand it's next to impossible to have the glass coated in europe. I found a website in France but have had no reaction to my email so far. Does anyone have any idea how to solve this ? thanks martin Edited July 11, 2017 by loketje Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dfq23 131 Posted July 11, 2017 you will be wasting your money getting it done. Would probably cost more than what the watch is worth! Better to move it on and get the auto rep Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loketje 0 Posted July 11, 2017 Will it have better AR ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diver Dave 0 Posted July 11, 2017 (edited) The easy way is to simply change the crystal. It's pretty straightforward mechanically once you source a crystal. Sourcing one takes the removal of the old one, measuring it, and comparing the measurements to the catalog of available crystals. Then ordering it, and then finally installing it. No big deal for anyone who works on watches. I do it routinely as should any competent watchmaker. Average good synthetic crystal with AR is about US$50, and installation another $50 at average. It that worth it? You decide. Edited July 11, 2017 by Diver Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
austinsom 47 Posted July 11, 2017 How do you know it's that nice if you can't see the dial : ;): Last AR job I had was about £80 including the removal and refitting of the crystal. If you want a prof job, it will be more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loketje 0 Posted July 11, 2017 The easy way is to simply change the crystal. It's pretty straightforward mechanically once you source a crystal. Sourcing one takes the removal of the old one, measuring it, and comparing the measurements to the catalog of available crystals. Then ordering it, and then finally installing it. No big deal for anyone who works on watches. I do it routinely as should any competent watchmaker. Average good synthetic crystal with AR is about US$50, and installation another $50 at average. It that worth it? You decide. I could never do that. And there's no one in this part of the world who will, as far as I know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loketje 0 Posted July 11, 2017 How do you know it's that nice if you can't see the dial : ;): Well, mostly guessing. :fearlessleader: Last AR job I had was about £80 including the removal and refitting of the crystal. If you want a prof job, it will be more. Where did you have it done ? If it's in the UK that would be an option. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
narikaa 129 Posted July 11, 2017 Easy - change the crystal If possible I'd opt for a flat one (if it'll fit) over that 'toffee shop' window pane you have currently Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loketje 0 Posted July 11, 2017 Easy - change the crystal If possible I'd opt for a flat one (if it'll fit) over that 'toffee shop' window pane you have currently To me, that doesn't sound easy at all. I would have to find a watchmaker that could do that for me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
narikaa 129 Posted July 11, 2017 ??? Then scour eBay for a magic wand Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LightGeek 25 Posted July 11, 2017 If you are comfortable removing and refitting the crystal, go for it. Else, it's a pretty cost that's probably better off on a different watch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loketje 0 Posted July 11, 2017 ??? Then scour eBay for a magic wand Thank you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryaku 3 Posted July 11, 2017 (edited) So I bought a cheapish but very nice IWC topgun (quartz). I like it a lot but there's no discernible AR coating on the glass so most of the time I'm unable to see even the dial of the watch : I understand it's next to impossible to have the glass coated in europe. I found a website in France but have had no reaction to my email so far. Does anyone have any idea how to solve this ? thanks martin Same website I contacted I guess. No answer after months. I won't bother to contact them again. Save Steve in USA, do you know another company able to provide a good AR coating? Edited July 11, 2017 by ryaku Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
austinsom 47 Posted July 11, 2017 How do you know it's that nice if you can't see the dial : ;): Well, mostly guessing. :fearlessleader: Last AR job I had was about £80 including the removal and refitting of the crystal. If you want a prof job, it will be more. Where did you have it done ? If it's in the UK that would be an option. It was a lab in the UK that did coated optics, but most people who had crystals done there had the AR start to go blotchy. I got lucky and mine is fine. It was through a former tinkerer from these parts before things went south and they got booted out. Personally, I'd save the money and put that towards the auto rep, you'd probably be about 1/3 of the way there with a cheap AR job, or halfway with the Prof. If you haven't seen a Prof crystal - check out this Montblanc I have with one of his AR'd crystals in it: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
austinsom 47 Posted July 11, 2017 Well, photobucket is dead, I copied the link from my Montblanc folder Edit: 2nd time lucky... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loketje 0 Posted July 11, 2017 That's fantastic. << Personally, I'd save the money and put that towards the auto rep >> Yeah, you're right..I promised myself no more expensive reps though..I'll start watching the M2M section.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites