Slartibartfast Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 OK guys, I have swapped many a replacement acrylic crystal, but never a mineral / sapphire glass crystal. Specifically, I want to swap a flat sapphire crystal with cyclops from a submariner, for a domed no date type to change a run of the mill sub into a Tudor no-date sub. I don't know quite what to expect during removal/replacement. Firstly what is the best way to remove it? Secondly, installation. I have heard that you need a crystal press, and that there may be a gasket between case and crystal. Some crystals, I believe, have a tension ring?? The sub came from Trusty and is the old ETA version from 3 years or so ago, if that makes any difference. All help greatly received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 I don't think the sapphire/acrylics are interchangeable ??? .. what type of case are you using ?? the sapphire fits on the inside of the rehaut the arcylic on the outside next tot he bezel .. I'm no expert on watch smithing.. but that is my first thought.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 I wouldn't like to say how easily the new crystal would fit, but, it could probably be epoxied into place Removing the sapphire crystal, should just be a case of pushing it out from the back while the movement is de-cased Another alternative, would be to remove the cyclops and retain the main part of the crystal, although of course, I realize that it's a different crystal profile Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted October 18, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 Thanks lani and TeeJay! @lani: I am not trying to replace a mineral with an acrylic, but change a mineral with another mineral, but different profile. I think that the mineral crystal fits on the inside of the case, from the look of it. @TeeJay: Thanks, but I am worried that if I push the old one out, I won't be able to fit a new one in Any watchsmiths out there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 Ahhhh.. shouldn't be a problem if you have a press.. and the crystals are the same size... the cystal press is relatively inexpensive .. even the better quality ones from Ofrei.. I got one on the bay mainly for the larger dies..for about 25 usd.. but got a better Horotec from Ofrei the one on the bay is a "lever press" the Horotec is a screw down type press.. AC Lani edit add: just think about the height of the crystal wall from the case.. that may be the only deviation with a domed xtal.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 In a pinch, you can use a rubber-jawed hobby vise. I have 1 from Sears that I sometimes use instead of my crystal presses because it provides a more stable & even pressure. As you may already know, I am about to break my sapphire cherry as well, so I cannot provide any specific guidance for you. However, there are a number of websites containing info on the pros & cons of converting Rolex/Tudor Plexi lenses to sapphire (some recommend against it for technical reasons, while others provide the service). A google search is a good place to start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted October 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 19, 2009 Thanks guys. Breaking new ground it seems. I'll let you know how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offshore Posted October 19, 2009 Report Share Posted October 19, 2009 If you are going to glue it in place, use a UV glue. Loctite 358 is excellent. @slartibartfast. Typically mineral come available in .01mm increments (at worst .05) If you refit using UV glue, you will find you can get away with up to a .05 tolerance, so as long as your supplier has a reasonable selection, you should be sweet. @ Lani, I have a range of presses landing in the next 24 hours, including one similar to the Horo screw down and also their lever styles. Am busting a gut to get this web site finished...not looong I hope. O/S PS If you can get a copy of the "Watch Crystal Encyclopedia" from Florida Watch and Jewel, (Norman Helfand), all your questions and more will be answered. It is only about $12-$15 from memory, and is the "bible" on crystals. Essential reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted October 19, 2009 Report Share Posted October 19, 2009 Thanks lani and TeeJay! @lani: I am not trying to replace a mineral with an acrylic, but change a mineral with another mineral, but different profile. I think that the mineral crystal fits on the inside of the case, from the look of it. @TeeJay: Thanks, but I am worried that if I push the old one out, I won't be able to fit a new one in Any watchsmiths out there? As mentioned, as long as the diameters are close, if you use epoxy, you should get a secure fit Of course, if the worst comes to the worst, you can always re-install the original crystal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted October 19, 2009 Report Share Posted October 19, 2009 'offshore' date='18 October 2009 - 12:19 PM' timestamp='1255911558' post='738402'] If you are going to glue it in place, use a UV glue. Loctite 358 is excellent. @ Lani, I have a range of presses landing in the next 24 hours, including one similar to the Horo screw down and also their lever styles. Am busting a gut to get this web site finished...not looong I hope. O/S Looking forward to shopping OS !!! the one you have must be a lot less than shopping Ofrei !!! AC Lani Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted October 19, 2009 Report Share Posted October 19, 2009 It's not hard to change a crystal. But first it has to want to change... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demsey Posted October 19, 2009 Report Share Posted October 19, 2009 It's not hard to change a crystal. But first it has to want to change... .........and I never saw it coming. That's what hurts the most. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted October 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 19, 2009 Back from a busy day....not been able to post my thanks for your responses, until now. Cheers all! Off to check the 'bay for a press. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted October 19, 2009 Report Share Posted October 19, 2009 Hint: do it the Nanuq way... use a couple of hockey pucks and a C-clamp. You can core out the pucks to match your case and crystal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted October 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 19, 2009 Hint: do it the Nanuq way... use a couple of hockey pucks and a C-clamp. You can core out the pucks to match your case and crystal. Hot tip! If only I had hockey pucks and a lathe, I would be quids-in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted October 19, 2009 Report Share Posted October 19, 2009 Posted Today, 02:52 AM View PostNanuq, on 18 October 2009 - 10:31 PM, said: It's not hard to change a crystal. But first it has to want to change... Demsey .........and I never saw it coming. That's what hurts the most. does this mean it's a "it's me" not "you" thang ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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