What seals the crystal to the case?

[Hellbender]

Noob here with a dumb question......

I've got a rep Navitimer coming and ordered an extra crystal to send off and get AR'd.

I've been studying a lot here and think I may be able to do a crystal swap myself, I'm pretty good with small mechanical stuff.

The process looks pretty straight forward.....

1. Remove caseback

2. Remove bezel

3. Remove movement/dial ass'y

4. Press out crystal

5. Replace with new crystal

Here's the question........

Is just the interference fit of the crystal in the case (in this Navi model) all that seals around the crystal?

I've read about "crystal glue" but it seems this would be very difficult to use and keep everything pristine inside.

Thanks for all replies,

HB

[offshore]

To add,

Crystal glue, ( at least the GS Hypo cement), is a form of gasket material. If the instructions are followed, you allow the "cement" to tack off....and yes, it does have a form of bonding, but it is as much or more a "space filler".

Offshore

[Hellbender]

Thanks for the answers, now I just have to wait for my new toy to arrive!

HB

[ajoesmith]

You say in point 2 remove the bezel

Ive have just removed and installed a crystal on my navitimer and you do not need to remove the bezel.

1 - Case back off

2 - Movement etc out

3 - Push out crystal with thumbs

4 - get new crystal and press in place and then use a crystal press.

5 - Put back together.

[POTR]

Additional note: DO NOT use superglue. It destroys the crystal's inside surface.

Heh, cyanoacrylate fuming. Could be useful, but only if you wish a permanent, foggy, aged look. However, if you leave any prints on the inside, you will end up developing the print like a mini CSI lab.