problem changing crystal on DW6263

[davids100]

Hi folks,

 

starting upgarding a DW6263, I tried to replace the crystal for a gen one.

bezel removal is no issue, pops up easily.

Crystal removal is an issue, even with force from the inside of the case (movement out of course) the crystal doesn't move at all.

I think it's been epoxyied to the case.

Is there a trick to release it like hot water or something? Better if I don't need to remove the screwed pushers...

 

Thanks for your help

 

BTW here is the watch:

 

 

 

[droptopman]

I am no expert by any means but have heard of guys using hairdryers/heat guns for this. Great looking piece btw. By far my favorite Daytona dial.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[davids100]

thanks buddy, will give try

[alligoat]

That is a nice looking watch- the 'albino' dial!

 

If the crystal was glued on, with the bezel off, try getting a razor or utility knife blade in there and breaking the glue bond- go around the whole crystal and maybe tap with a small hammer as you go.

If it is epoxy, heat will work also, but it may trash out the crystal.

 

When you put the gen crystal on, you will probably find that the bezel will not install. DW bezels are typically around .2mm too small.

So then you have to sand the inside of the bezel to make it fit the gen crystal. You could use a dremel but go slowly and test fit regularly.

[mymanmatt]

Im pretty sure the retainer is still on the watch over the crystal. It's very small and looks like part of the watch case. Double ck it to see if has one.

[dropbear2008]

I don't think the 62xx have a separate retainer, at least I have never come across this construction. Once the bezel is off, the crystal comes off, unless someone has applied glue to keep it in place. If it is just a DW crystal I would break it and replace with gen.

[freddy333]

No crystal retainer ring on a Daytona.

Once you have removed the bezel & movement, a hair dryer should soften the cement. If not, since you have a gen replacement, just force the crystal out or use a small hammer to break it apart. As alligoat said, the bezel is likely to be slightly too small to fit over the (thicker) gen xtal, so you may need to grind a bit out of its inner circumference to make it fit. But, also as alligoat said, be sure to test-fit frequently as the dividing line between too tight & too loose comes very quickly. & once you go too far (ie, too loose), your only option is to replace the bezel.

Good luck.

[davids100]

Thanks guys,

 

I tried the gen crystal and watchny fit on another DW6263 that I've got and it fits without any grinding, only the press job is needed.

I didn't realize that breaking DW's crystal is the fastest solution cause I don't need DW crystal anymore. Then I'll clean the glue or epoxy residues that are left on the case prior installing the gen one.

[Guest mikemcnair]

If you haven't broken it already, take a glass of water and put it in the microwave for 2 minutes. Then, place glass of water on counter, place watch head in water for 5 minutes, remove watch head from water and press crystal out from the back/inside using both thumbs. It will pop right out for you regardless of glue etc.

Works like a charm for stubborn crystals.