ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

cks · 17 March 2010, 05:31 PM

Is it possible to remove the date bubble from a modern Rolex without any drama or expense?
I assumed they were ground out of one piece but recall reading somewhere here they're glued on and so might be easily removed?

thanks

cks

Andad · 17 March 2010, 05:34 PM

Acetone will dissolve the adhesive but don't spread it around.

Or smack it with a chisel if you're brave.

cks · 17 March 2010, 05:44 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. Sounds fairly easy then although I did think about a quick smack with something...

I'm hoping to replace my 1665 with an SS IIc, but much prefer my old watch's plain crystal.

cks

Rikki · 17 March 2010, 10:50 PM

Acetone will also take the paint off a bezel insert so I'd leave it alone or buy and have a non cyclop crystal installed. Rikki

cks · 18 March 2010, 12:35 AM

Thanks for the warning - does that apply to the ceramic bezel on a 116710 (11c) too?
Not sure if they're simply painted or 'atomically impregnated'.
I imagine it would be pretty easy to mask the bezel if not the whole case, either way.

cks

Rikki · 18 March 2010, 06:43 AM

Don't know what if any effect acetone would have on ceramic it should not be affected but I wouldn't take a chance. Rikki

cks · 18 March 2010, 07:03 AM

Got it Rikki. If I get round to it i'll be careful.

cks

Bear1978 · 21 March 2010, 02:20 AM

Can you just order it without the cyclops in the first place? Have to say, like having the date but hate the cyclops.

JJ Irani · 21 March 2010, 03:47 AM

if you owned a Mercedes, would you knock off the 3-pointed star on the front?

Bear1978 · 21 March 2010, 09:34 AM

Well, the old DeapSea looked just like a Sub with no cyclops, and I think it looked better. It's all personal taste, I suppose.

Numismatist · 21 March 2010, 09:42 AM

I think there's one type of Rolex with anti-reflective such that if you remove the cyclops you have a new area that has no AR coating and it looks rather funny.

Rikki · 21 March 2010, 10:14 AM

The DSSD crystal is comepletely different than the normal sapphire. If you take the crystal off you can use acetone but I heat it with a torch and it pops right off,then clean the area with a straight edge razor to remove any remaining glue. Rikki

zillap · 21 March 2010, 05:45 PM

Ive heard that you can heat it up, and then knock it off with something.
I had the same question before, but now i kind of starting to like it!

cks · 21 March 2010, 10:11 PM

Well, the old DeapSea...

I think you mean old Sea Dweller (1665) which is where I'm coming from and agree with you.

I think there's one type of Rolex with anti-reflective such that if you remove the cyclops you have a new area that has no AR coating and it looks rather funny.

That is a good point Num; I was wondering about that. It could end up looking worse as I think there there are some newer ones? with A-R C on the inside under the cyclops too.

if you owned a Mercedes, would you knock off the 3-pointed star on the front?

If you mean should one meddle with the Rolex look to make it more functional and pleasing, then within reason, sure. There's always the 3-pointed star on the hour hand for back up!
Now I'll have the choice (and no 'preserving vintage value' hang-ups) I'd like to set my next Rolex up to make it a pleasure for me to own and use daily for the next 30 years. I only own one.

Are you the guy who deplores the G10 straps or something like that, JJ? I'm only new here but already I've gleaned there is some notoriety about you ;-).

cks

Rikki · 22 March 2010, 10:40 AM

They make a sapphire without a cyclop it's part number 25-295-1 Rikki

Bear1978 · 25 March 2010, 12:52 AM

@ CKS

You're quite right, I meant the Sea Dweller. Was a slip of the tongue, as it were.

And yeah, I think that would be the perfect look for the Sub Date.

quattrogeek · 25 March 2010, 04:40 AM

I removed mine using a microtorch from lowes. Just heat it for maybe 3 seconds, and slide a sharp razorblade underneath it, and it pops right off. The whole job took about 10 seconds. I cleaned the remaining glue off the face with acetone on a paper towel. No drama involved. Just dont leave the heat on the face for very long.

MitchSteel · 25 March 2010, 06:12 AM

I personally like the cyclops very much...besides, the watch was meant to be that way.I wouldn't f@#k with it.

jdbob · 25 March 2010, 08:58 PM

I was wondering the smae thing recently. Not because I actually want to, just curious how it was held on there

rmfnla · 19 May 2010, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

if you owned a Mercedes, would you knock off the 3-pointed star on the front?

If you're not careful where you park someone else will do it for you!

Huskerjss · 28 May 2010, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

if you owned a Mercedes, would you knock off the 3-pointed star on the front?

I agree. I would not change it!

Ironstark · 16 June 2010, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Numismatist

I think there's one type of Rolex with anti-reflective such that if you remove the cyclops you have a new area that has no AR coating and it looks rather funny.

There is more than one of the modern range with an anti-reflective coating on the inside of the crystal underneath the cyclops.
In fact most, if not all of the current range with cyclops will have this coating.
If the cyclops is removed you will have "shadow" in the crystal where the cyclops used to be.
Basically, there is no option to have a non cyclops glass unless your watch should have one. Rolex will not normally supply one which is not correct for a given model. I have seen some watches sent in, one a GMTII Ceramic where the owner had removed the cyclops, to be left with this shadow. They were quoted for a new cyclops crystal!!!

kzm40 · 16 June 2010, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cks

Is it possible to remove the date bubble from a modern Rolex without any drama or expense?
I assumed they were ground out of one piece but recall reading somewhere here they're glued on and so might be easily removed?

thanks

cks

A friend bought a sea dweller with a bubble the ad had put it on for the previous owner, easy to put on and take off, no issue, and its only the cyclops thats anti reflective,(on the newer ceramic etc) so again no issue. You don't need to change the crystal at all....

Ironstark · 16 June 2010, 09:20 AM

The first anti reflective coating was applied to lady date and datejust models approx 5/6 or more years ago. Then some of the gents and now across the board. Long before the GMT Ceramic et al...
On the earlier models for a period there seemed to be little rhyme or reason as to which models had it. I guess Geneva were using up the last of the old stock glasses so some had it some did'nt.

debner · 18 June 2010, 09:15 AM

Ahh, this is actually a question I have on the new Sub. It has the AR on he cyclops. In looking at Omegas in the past, one concern was that the AR coating would be easily scratched.

Does anyone know if the cyclops AR coating on the new Sub is on the inside or the outside.

By new Sub, I mean the 116610.

Ironstark · 18 June 2010, 09:34 AM

Its actually on the inside of the crystal, underneath where the cyclops is located.
That is why if removed you are left with a "shadow" on the inside of the glass.

JJ Irani · 18 June 2010, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironstark

Its actually on the inside of the crystal, underneath where the cyclops is located.
That is why if removed you are left with a "shadow" on the inside of the glass.

17 March 2010, 05:31 PM	#1
cks Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: London & France Posts: 30	remove the date bubble? Is it possible to remove the date bubble from a modern Rolex without any drama or expense? I assumed they were ground out of one piece but recall reading somewhere here they're glued on and so might be easily removed? thanks cks

17 March 2010, 05:34 PM	#2
Andad 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 36,861	Acetone will dissolve the adhesive but don't spread it around. Or smack it with a chisel if you're brave. __________________ E

21 March 2010, 03:47 AM	#9
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,320	if you owned a Mercedes, would you knock off the 3-pointed star on the front? __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

21 March 2010, 09:42 AM	#11
Numismatist "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Chris Location: Camden ME & STT Watch: 116600 Posts: 6,350	I think there's one type of Rolex with anti-reflective such that if you remove the cyclops you have a new area that has no AR coating and it looks rather funny. __________________ Rolex 116600 Sea-dweller Montblanc Solitaire Doué Black & White Legrand FP Montblanc Solitaire Doué Black & White RB Montblanc Meisterstück Diamond Mozart BP Montblanc Meisterstück Mozart BP

25 March 2010, 06:12 AM	#18
MitchSteel "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: MDangerSteel Location: Canada Watch: Vintage Rolex Posts: 2,301	I personally like the cyclops very much...besides, the watch was meant to be that way.I wouldn't f@#k with it. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons Probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival---Capt. Rage Don't believe anything in aviation, 'till V1---Mitch Danger Steel

17 March 2010, 05:44 PM	#3
cks Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: London & France Posts: 30	Thanks for the quick reply. Sounds fairly easy then although I did think about a quick smack with something... I'm hoping to replace my 1665 with an SS IIc, but much prefer my old watch's plain crystal. cks

17 March 2010, 10:50 PM	#4
Rikki TechXpert Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rik Dietel Location: Seminole Fla Watch: 5512 s/s Sub Posts: 1,818	Acetone will also take the paint off a bezel insert so I'd leave it alone or buy and have a non cyclop crystal installed. Rikki

18 March 2010, 12:35 AM	#5
cks Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: London & France Posts: 30	Thanks for the warning - does that apply to the ceramic bezel on a 116710 (11c) too? Not sure if they're simply painted or 'atomically impregnated'. I imagine it would be pretty easy to mask the bezel if not the whole case, either way. cks

18 March 2010, 06:43 AM	#6
Rikki TechXpert Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rik Dietel Location: Seminole Fla Watch: 5512 s/s Sub Posts: 1,818	Don't know what if any effect acetone would have on ceramic it should not be affected but I wouldn't take a chance. Rikki

18 March 2010, 07:03 AM	#7
cks Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: London & France Posts: 30	Got it Rikki. If I get round to it i'll be careful. cks

21 March 2010, 02:20 AM	#8
Bear1978 Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: London Posts: 15	Can you just order it without the cyclops in the first place? Have to say, like having the date but hate the cyclops.

21 March 2010, 09:34 AM	#10
Bear1978 Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: London Posts: 15	Well, the old DeapSea looked just like a Sub with no cyclops, and I think it looked better. It's all personal taste, I suppose.

21 March 2010, 10:14 AM	#12
Rikki TechXpert Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rik Dietel Location: Seminole Fla Watch: 5512 s/s Sub Posts: 1,818	The DSSD crystal is comepletely different than the normal sapphire. If you take the crystal off you can use acetone but I heat it with a torch and it pops right off,then clean the area with a straight edge razor to remove any remaining glue. Rikki

21 March 2010, 05:45 PM	#13
zillap Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Martin Location: Sweden Watch: Rolex Daytona Posts: 462	Ive heard that you can heat it up, and then knock it off with something. I had the same question before, but now i kind of starting to like it!

21 March 2010, 10:11 PM	#14
cks Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: London & France Posts: 30	Well, the old DeapSea... I think you mean old Sea Dweller (1665) which is where I'm coming from and agree with you. I think there's one type of Rolex with anti-reflective such that if you remove the cyclops you have a new area that has no AR coating and it looks rather funny. That is a good point Num; I was wondering about that. It could end up looking worse as I think there there are some newer ones? with A-R C on the inside under the cyclops too. if you owned a Mercedes, would you knock off the 3-pointed star on the front? If you mean should one meddle with the Rolex look to make it more functional and pleasing, then within reason, sure. There's always the 3-pointed star on the hour hand for back up! Now I'll have the choice (and no 'preserving vintage value' hang-ups) I'd like to set my next Rolex up to make it a pleasure for me to own and use daily for the next 30 years. I only own one. Are you the guy who deplores the G10 straps or something like that, JJ? I'm only new here but already I've gleaned there is some notoriety about you ;-). cks

22 March 2010, 10:40 AM	#15
Rikki TechXpert Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rik Dietel Location: Seminole Fla Watch: 5512 s/s Sub Posts: 1,818	They make a sapphire without a cyclop it's part number 25-295-1 Rikki

25 March 2010, 12:52 AM	#16
Bear1978 Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: London Posts: 15	@ CKS You're quite right, I meant the Sea Dweller. Was a slip of the tongue, as it were. And yeah, I think that would be the perfect look for the Sub Date.

25 March 2010, 04:40 AM	#17
quattrogeek "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Tom Location: Plattsburgh, NY Watch: 16710 GMT II Posts: 11	I removed mine using a microtorch from lowes. Just heat it for maybe 3 seconds, and slide a sharp razorblade underneath it, and it pops right off. The whole job took about 10 seconds. I cleaned the remaining glue off the face with acetone on a paper towel. No drama involved. Just dont leave the heat on the face for very long.

25 March 2010, 08:58 PM	#19
jdbob Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sydney Posts: 44	I was wondering the smae thing recently. Not because I actually want to, just curious how it was held on there

16 June 2010, 09:20 AM	#24
Ironstark TechXpert Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Rolex world Watch: SS/W Skydweller Posts: 527	The first anti reflective coating was applied to lady date and datejust models approx 5/6 or more years ago. Then some of the gents and now across the board. Long before the GMT Ceramic et al... On the earlier models for a period there seemed to be little rhyme or reason as to which models had it. I guess Geneva were using up the last of the old stock glasses so some had it some did'nt.

18 June 2010, 09:15 AM	#25
debner "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 4	Ahh, this is actually a question I have on the new Sub. It has the AR on he cyclops. In looking at Omegas in the past, one concern was that the AR coating would be easily scratched. Does anyone know if the cyclops AR coating on the new Sub is on the inside or the outside. By new Sub, I mean the 116610.

18 June 2010, 09:34 AM	#26
Ironstark TechXpert Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Rolex world Watch: SS/W Skydweller Posts: 527	Its actually on the inside of the crystal, underneath where the cyclops is located. That is why if removed you are left with a "shadow" on the inside of the glass.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)