beyondx4

It totally depends on what you want to do with your old insert. I assume you've bought an aftermarket insert. If you want to preserve the original insert and also have the tool (I got my cheap crystal press from Harbor Freight), then I don't think there is any better way than popping out the crystal and then slowly unseating it from behind. Otherwise, just pry it out with a thin razor blade. But be sure to keep the original UPO pearl because you may want to reuse it. Though it is flawed, it's still more convincing than any recent aftermarket bezel inserts I've seen.

I don't recommend that crystal from ebay, as the seller doesn't have too good of a reputation. I've been a little busy with my other watches lately, but should be able to bring my attention back to my Seamaster soon. The first thing I'll be doing to my SMP is to replace the crystal, and the aftermarket crystal I recommend is from Krysworks, Inc. It's a 2.5mm x 30.5mm single-AR domed-sapphire made for direct replacement on the gen. Check out their website and contact John for more info.

The DG4813 version supposedly has the same case, bezel, caseback, crystal, and bracelet as the ETA or Clone version; however, that's where the similarities begin to fade. The dial feet are different, the hands are not interchangeable, and of course the movement & mvmt holder. If you want the best bang-for-the-buck watch, the DG4813 version cannot be beaten. But if you have any plans to fully mod the watch with gen parts, then do yourself a favor and get at least the Clone version, which you can easily drop in a gen dial and hands. It'll be close to 2x the price, but it may be worth it, depending on your future plans.

Yes. As long as you have the gen pearl on-hand, you've just saved yourself $$$! HoleSaleOutlet's SMP bezel insert has very accurate coloration, but a sub-par pearl (as with virtually all aftermarket SMP inserts nowadays). Just mod the gen pearl in and you're good. As for the crystal, if you have to replace it, Krysworks does have a very nice single-AR SMP replacement sapphire crystal for about $70. If you feel like selling your messed up insert, please do lemme know.

Boneventura, I assume the seller had exactly what you needed (a black SMP bezel insert). Of the 3 SMP inserts he have in his webstore, the 1st one is the black insert, the 2nd one is a mid-size blue, and the 3rd one is the full-size blue. Both of the blue inserts have pretty inaccurate pearls, while the black insert has a relatively nice pearl.

I have this same exact insert. I agree, this seller has the nicest SMP pearl I've yet to see on *bay. I was actually communicating w/ him for awhile to find a blue one for my SMP, but he only has this "nice" version in black. The blue inserts he has onhand is from a different supplier and it looks nothing like the black one. The seller himself couldn't understand what kind of games these factories are playing. Anyway, I got the black one with the intention to remove its pearl and mod it into my Mary SMP's blue insert in the near future.

About removing the bezel; be extremely careful. I don't recommend doing this without the proper tools (especially these higher quality SMPs) because you will likely bend the bezel when forcing it out. The SMP Chrono's bezel insert is probably one of the nicest rep SMP inserts available today and is virtually impossible to purchase separately. It's more accurate than any aftermarket SMP insert I've seen. I have tried multiple times from a few dealers and none would be able to buy a replacement insert for me (seems like the factories are doing this on purpose). So when you are prying one out, be extra careful or you will regret it. It may be a good idea let the watch face soak in a pool of acetone for awhile to soften & dissolve the glue.

I'm not totally sure about the SMP 2220.80, but the gen 2531.80 only had single-AR on the inside, which I personally think is not a bad idea, especially if this is a watch you wear daily. The 30.5mm x 2.5mm single-AR SMP replacement crystal from Krysworks may be a good option. I've been trying to get my hands on a gen 2531.80 bezel insert (or even a rep SMP chrono insert), but have been unsuccessful, otherwise, I would definitely jump for the Krysworks single-AR to replace my SMP's ugly magnifying glass.

I would avoid the Holesale Outlet place simply because they sell pretty crappy stuff and quite dishonest about their policies. I bought an SMP bezel insert from them, received a POS item, mailed it back and got charged a bunch of fees; luckily ended up with less than half of my initial payment. A well-known member from this forum (or RWG) had to deal with a mediocre crystal for his SMP and ended up with a nightmare. You might want to give Krysworks a call to see if you could get a replacement sapphire crystal for your SMP 300m. They only deal with crystals and have good quality stuffs.

Hmmm...almost forgot I'm still waiting for one. I've been wishing and begging for the past year and nothing is even remotely available. Can't afford a genuine bezel/insert assembly.

I have an orange and a black strap for my 42mm PO's from Reg. I find the black colored strap to be the most versatile; I use it on both my orange and black PO. Quality and markings on the straps are excellent, but I would rather wear the steel bracelet if I gotta do my daily activities, like going to work (just feels more secure and comfortable). The rubber straps are nice to have for use while I'm going outdoors and having fun under the sun. Mine are still in excellent condition after a year. Around the same time, I also bought an aftermarket rubber strap on ebay for my Tag Formula 1; it's not even close to the quality and comfort of the PO's rubber.

I agree. Narikaa's customer service is top notched! I own two of his 42mm PO's (an orange and a black one). I must warn you the Asian 21j movement may be unpredictable. My black PO is still running great for over a year, but my orange one died pretty early. I replaced it with another DG2813 (a similar $15 Asian 21j movement), but then that one died on me recently too I may end up putting another DG2813 in there, but we'll see. However, the watch is physically excellent: sapphire crystal, nice & solid band, clasp, and case. I would definitely buy from Narikaa again if he ever gets ahold of an ETA clone PO.

Ryaku, I checked out the Krysworks, Inc store and they appear to be serious with this watch crystal business. Are you planning to buy a non-coated 30.5mm x 2.0mm domed sapphire crystal from them and then have Chief double AR it? Cuz now I'm thinking about doing just that rather than wasting $10 on a mineral crystal or $75 on a single-AR crystal that I'm not fully satisfied with. Thanks.

TripleHD, I didn't know you were hit that hard (only a $20 credit on a $70 crystal?). My only experience with them was on a PO bezel that didn't fit, so I returned it unopened, and got back about 75%. Glad you found a solution. Where would you suggest getting the base sapphire 2mm thick crystal? Thanks for your input. Ryaku, the 30.5mm x 2.0mm mineral crystal would run about $7 + $3 shipping from JB. Go to their website, look under Products --> Horological catalog --> Crystals (12pg) --> then it should be on the 3rd pg. If this thing is similar to the mineral glass found on WBK's, then it should satisfy my needs for now.

That's interesting because another member purchased that crystal from the Bay, expecting single sided AR, but there wasn't any sign of AR coated on that crystal. He ended up returning it for partial credit and got a gen crystal instead. Maybe people got different standards. If you're not looking for any AR, maybe that crystal would be perfect for your case. Just be a little careful with that company if you need to return something, not only will you be paying the shipping back but there will also be a 20% restocking fee (which is not in their terms/condition page). I've re-measured the thickness and at the center of the dome, it could get as thick as 2.5mm. I'm actually considering purchasing a 30.5mm / 2mm thick mineral glass dome crystal from Jules Borel (I usually purchase my parts from them).

I finally had the time to remove my SMP's crystal to measure it with a caliper and it seems to be pretty true to the original specs. The diameter is about 30.45mm and the thickness is about 1.75mm. What makes the thickness a little hard to measure is because it is a domed sapphire crystal (the center measures slightly thicker). Anyway, I'll need some more advice here. First on the diameter, replacement crystals usually come in 30.40mm or 30.50mm. Would it be safe to get a 30.50mm? Secondly, does anyone know where there may be a sapphire dome crystal that is around this thickness? I've just had a confirmation from another member that the $70 SMP crystal from that wholesale990 guy on the bay is not what it's claimed to be, so my only option may be to get a domed mineral crystal. At least I won't have to deal with the loupe effect. Thanks.

Thanks DemonSlayer. I'll need to remove my crystal to make some specific measurements. I've been looking around online and it seems like generic domed crystals are in the $40 range and I'm not so sure about the quality (or if I'll end up with the same loupe effect I'm having). In the past, I've bought an SMP from WBK (with a mineral crystal) for my brother that is so much clearer and shows off the wave dial like it was meant to be. I doubt if any AR would help with the magnifying effects of my SMP's crystal. I've seen discussions about this issue on this batch of SMPs. Just wondering if any member have had personal experience with this and have found a solution. I'll pull the trigger as soon as I could get a confirmation on a source for a decently constructed domed sapphire crystal.

Hello. I've recently bought a Bond SMP w/ clone ETA + sapphire crystal from Mary. I think the watch is very nice overall, but one thing that I cannot stand about it is the loupe effect of the crystal that distorts the dial and also makes it seem less-clear. I'm looking around for a good solution and the only one I see that may work is an aftermarket crystal by wholesaleoutlet990 on the bay; however, I do not know if it'll fit nor do I have any idea on the true quality of that crystal. I don't think I could afford a gen crystal. I'd appreciate if anyone could give me some recommendations. Thanks!

If it's losing or gaining a few minutes every few hours, it's definitely not normal. Now, look closely at your seconds hand. Does it sweep smoothly in an equal fashion aross all 60 seconds? If you see the hand momentarily "jump" or "freeze" somewhere, then that's the obvious problem. In any case, you'll need to tell your dealer; they'll need to give you another watch or swap out your 21J movement. Good luck!

If somebody could reproduce the 4th gen 42mm PO, fix the logo and crown, and double AR the crystal, that's a dream come true for me. I've been scoping for an orange bezel PO to start my collection and will likely add on another black bezel PO. My wrist is a bit small for the UPO.