How many pieces are in the Crystal Detector?

Crystal Detector contains 105 pieces.

When was the Crystal Detector released?

Crystal Detector was released in 1998.

🏛 Hydronauts

Set #6159

Crystal Detector

The Crystal Detector is a classic underwater exploration set from the Hydronauts theme.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Beginner build Younger LEGO fans and those who enjoy classic LEGO themes
Build: 105 pieces · about 1 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $19.99 list price · 19.0¢ per piece
Availability: Likely retired

★★★☆☆ 3.8 AI-generated review score, not a customer rating

Fans appreciate the nostalgia factor and unique trans-green color scheme. Some consider it overpriced for the piece count and simplicity of the build.

$19.99

Best Price

$144.22

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Crystal Detector is a classic underwater exploration set from the Hydronauts theme. It perfectly captures the late 90s LEGO aesthetic with its bright colors, functional design, and focus on playability, making it a nostalgic trip for many AFOLs.

This set is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts who appreciate vintage themes and underwater exploration. The build is straightforward, making it a quick and satisfying project, and the resulting model is great for display or imaginative play.

Skip this if you are looking for complex building techniques or a massive piece count. Consider newer underwater themes like City Deep Sea Explorers for more intricate builds and modern design elements.

✨ New

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How does the Crystal Detector compare to other Hydronauts sets in terms of playability? What are the best ways to display the Crystal Detector to highlight its unique features? Is the rising price trend of the Crystal Detector sustainable, or is it likely to plateau? What are some creative ways to incorporate the Crystal Detector into a larger underwater LEGO display?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

105

Pieces

⏱

1.0h

Estimated Build Time

📊

Beginner

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Simple and fun build process
Features a working grabbing claw
Incorporates unique trans-green elements
Provides a good introduction to underwater exploration themes

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

↑ Trending up since release

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Crystal Detector presents a moderate investment opportunity. Its age, relatively low piece count, and the rising price trend suggest potential for appreciation, especially among collectors of classic LEGO themes. However, its higher MSRP compared to piece count and the availability of the Hydronauts minifigure in other sets temper expectations. Keeping it sealed in box would maximize returns, but even a well-maintained used set could appreciate modestly over time.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Neptune Discovery Lab

Aquasharks • 377 pcs

$60.00

While the Crystal Detector offers a nostalgic underwater experience, newer sets like the LEGO City Deep Sea Explorers series provide more complex builds and modern design elements. However, the Crystal Detector's classic charm and unique trans-green parts may appeal to collectors seeking a vintage LEGO experience.

1 Minifigure Included

Hydronaut 1

5 parts

B+

The included Hydronaut 1 minifigure is a standard figure for the theme, but its presence is essential for completing the set and adding to its collectible value.

📦 Parts Inventory

Piece count: 105
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 55 unique parts, 100 pieces
Minifigures: 1

The piece count includes the 5 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 2× Black

Windscreen 6 x 6 ...

Part #: 2418bpr0001 1× Trans-Green

Wedge Plate 3 x 6...

Part #: 2419 2× Light Gray

Bracket 1 x 2 - 1...

Part #: 2436 2× Yellow

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 2458 1× Yellow

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 2540 1× Black

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2555 3× Light Gray

Windscreen 4 x 4 ...

Part #: 2620 1× Trans-Green

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 1× Black

Arm Holder Brick ...

Part #: 30014 2× Black

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 1× Black

Brick 2 x 10

Part #: 3006 1× Light Gray

Plate Special 6 x...

Part #: 30062 1× Yellow

Brick 1 x 4

Part #: 3010 1× Light Gray

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 1× Yellow

Cockpit 6 x 6 x 3...

Part #: 30200 1× Black

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 1× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 2× Yellow

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 2× Light Gray

Plate 4 x 12

Part #: 3029 2× Light Gray

Rock 1 x 1 Crysta...

Part #: 30385 1× Chrome Silver

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3039 4× Yellow

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 1× Blue

Tile 2 x 2 with A...

Part #: 3068bpr9881 1× Black

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 3298pr0038 2× Yellow

Turntable 4 x 4 S...

Part #: 3403 1× Black

Turntable 4 x 4 Top

Part #: 3404 1× Black

Arm Piece Straigh...

Part #: 3612 4× Black

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3660 7× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 1× Light Gray

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 3749 2× Light Gray

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 2× Light Gray

Arm Piece 90° Tur...

Part #: 412 6× Trans-Green

Arm Grab Jaw Hold...

Part #: 4220 1× Yellow

Arm Grab Jaw

Part #: 4221 2× Black

Box 2 x 2 x 2 [Ho...

Part #: 4345b 1× Trans-Green

Box 2 x 2 x 2 Doo...

Part #: 4346 1× Trans-Green

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4590 1× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4623 1× Yellow

Hinge Tile 1 x 4

Part #: 4625 1× Black

Hose, Pneumatic 4...

Part #: 5102c19 1× Light Gray

Weapon Harpoon [4...

Part #: 57467 2× Chrome Silver

Minifig Footwear ...

Part #: 59275 2× Black

Cone 2 x 2 x 1 2/...

Part #: 6039 2× Yellow

Propeller Housing

Part #: 6040 2× Black

Propeller 3 Blade...

Part #: 6041 3× Trans-Green

Brick Special Oct...

Part #: 6042 2× Yellow

Brick 2 x 4 x 2 w...

Part #: 6061 2× Black

Wheel Hard Plasti...

Part #: 6118 4× Black

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 2× Trans-Neon Orange

Arm Piece with Pi...

Part #: 6217 1× Black

Brick Special 2 x...

Part #: 6249 2× Dark Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 6541 1× Yellow

Equipment Compass...

Part #: 70001pr0001 1× Black

Dish 2 x 2 x 2/3 ...

Part #: 71128 2× Chrome Silver

Equipment Suction...

Part #: 71594c01 1× Trans-Green

The set features a good selection of black and yellow slopes, useful for creating various models. The Trans-Green elements add a distinctive touch and are valuable for builders interested in underwater-themed creations.