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A 1680 with a domed crystal is pretty darn nice. Forget the crazy top hat!

F520117 crystal: "Has anyone ever replaced one and if so, where is it possible to source one?" Afaik only a noob F520117 type crystal will work. They are made similar to a 'stepped' oem rlx 295C sapphire crystal but the dimensions are slightly different. 'Stepped' = smaller where it mounts in the gasket that at the top. Noob F520117 crystal sizes: Noob overall diameter...30.5mm. Genuine...30.4mm. Noob diameter where it fits into the crystal gasket...29.0mm. Genuine...29.5mm. Noob thickness...2.0mm. Genuine and oem replacement...2.0mm, 2.10mm, 2.15mm. Maybe more, this is what I have. Last time I saw a Noob F520117 crystal for sale was in 2010 for $40. Do not know if any other replica case references used the same crystal other than maybe the later model Noob M092117 with lettering on the reflector ring (rehaut). "...also I tried to remove the bezel to clean any grime underneath it with no luck! How does one go about this?" The rotating bezel is held on the case by a spring wire. The way to remove them without damage is to insert a small 4mm or 5mm slice from a razor blade in the space between the bezel and case (at the top of the case, not the side) and push the spring wire away from the groove in the case while gently pulling up on the rotating bezel while turning it. The insert should be removed before attempting to remove the rotating bezel and to do that you have to remove the movement and crystal to get under the insert. Hell-of-a-hassle. The ro/bez is easy to bend so it would probably be better to put a few drops of dishwashing liquid soap between the case and rotating bezel and turn it around a few times while running warm water over it to clean the dirt out. Rinse and repeat.

JF16610 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sorry fellas, not been around in a while.. been back at work offshore, then had to rush home last week as my fiancée went into labour 5 days early.. been a hell of a ride the past few weeks lol @Jaketime , to answer your question, I used the new CHS noob case and although the winding stem sits very very slightly off, the 3186 fits well. You just need to make up the spacer to centralize the movement in the case. I modified a crystal gasket from a 44mm Panerai to fill the gap and it worked out perfect. There is obviously some trimming etc. To be done, but it works. I will be changing this to a metal spacer when I can get someone to machine one for me as I don't have the precision lathe to do the work on my own. You cannot not go wrong with Misiekped ! He does amazing work ! And if you are not used to manipulating and fabricating things to work in watches, you are best to have someone who's in the know, to assemble it for you as it will save you a lot of headaches. Cheers ! And good luck with the watch ! You will not regret it! I've had mine side by side with the gen and it's pretty much perfect !