azbank Posted April 13, 2015 Report Posted April 13, 2015 Greetings Gentlemen, Could someone give me a tip on how to install a crystal and ovoid a distortion caused by friction or in my case glue. Which glue to use ? or should I just leave it to someone who has the right press, glue and skill ? Thank you.
highoeyazmuhudee Posted April 13, 2015 Report Posted April 13, 2015 whats the glue for exactly? does it not pressure fit properly and youre trying to 'seal' it?
azbank Posted April 13, 2015 Author Report Posted April 13, 2015 no it does not pressure fit. need to use a glue. I am using a glass glue. what glue should I use ?
alligoat Posted April 13, 2015 Report Posted April 13, 2015 G-S Crystal cement comes to mind, or a silicone adhesive. The crystal cement from G-S has a nice applicator which could make the deal a lot easier. Silicone is tricky and messy to work with, but when it dries it can be removed fairly easily. To my knowledge, Rolex doesn't use glue when installing these crystals- they are a tight pressure fit. 1
Nanuq Posted April 13, 2015 Report Posted April 13, 2015 If it's an old crystal it will be brittle and likely won't seal. I had a cache of old genuine Superdome T39s and had the AD here install one on my 1665 and do a pressure test. None of them would seal. But I bet a new Clarks T39 would because it's still malleable. Try a thin line of Vaseline at the very bottom corner of the rehaut where the "neck" stands up from the case. Then press the crystal down so its base sits into the Vaseline. Then lube the inside edge of the crystal retaining ring with a thin smear of Vaseline, and press it down tight. That lets parts ease into place under the pressure of the ring, and it might do the trick.
alligoat Posted April 13, 2015 Report Posted April 13, 2015 The watchmaker's silicone grease might do the same thing that Nanuq just described with Vaseline.
Mendota Explorer Posted April 13, 2015 Report Posted April 13, 2015 A little lube always does the trick!
highoeyazmuhudee Posted April 14, 2015 Report Posted April 14, 2015 vaseline might break down the plastic over time since its petroleum based, i would use a silicone based grease preferably, like the gasket sealant stuff. and yes hypo cement if you have to glue it in. still messy stuff because of the long threads that happen after dabbing, but it can be rolled away with your finger
Nanuq Posted April 14, 2015 Report Posted April 14, 2015 :-) The alternative here in the frozen arctic wilderness is moly disulphide axle grease. Or whale oil..........
Nanuq Posted April 14, 2015 Report Posted April 14, 2015 Ummmmmmmmmm, what would freezing the case accomplish? If the crystal was hot and the case was cold, it might help you install a very tight crystal. But then it would crack as the case warmed up. My advice is to try T-127s from different suppliers; they vary a little in dimensions. Clark makes good ones and chances are the plastic will be fresh and pliable. If it's a nice snug fit on the case, chances are you'll get a waterproof seal. Ask around and see what people have successfully used for the case you're using.
azbank Posted April 14, 2015 Author Report Posted April 14, 2015 Thank you all, great tips I will try to do what works. Pictures to follow ) cheers. and best regards.
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