Is it risky to change a crystal on a Vintage Daytona?

[xeal]

Just wondering about this.

I have a friend that has done it himself at home.
Pop off the bezel, remove crystal/insert new crystal, then push the bezel all the way back in. He did not use any tools to do this, however is pretty handy himself and does a bit of the work on his watches on his own.

Is changing a crystal generally risky? Assuming one has a really scuffed and cracked one.
What tools would a watchmaker use is what I would love to know.

Thanks.

[mag]

You can do everything at home, with the right skills and tools.
Lookup a Rolex Ref. 1009 it s a "Oyster Bezel Remover".

Greetings from germany
MaG

[J!m]

Well, removing the bezel can damage the case and bezel if not done correctly.

The crystal, Case and bezel can all be damaged installing it.

And you are asking if this is a good idea on a vintage daytona?

[xeal]

Originally Posted by mag

You can do everything at home, with the right skills and tools.
Lookup a Rolex Ref. 1009 it s a "Oyster Bezel Remover".

Greetings from germany
MaG

Thank you. How about mounting it back on, what tool for that?

Originally Posted by J!m

Well, removing the bezel can damage the case and bezel if not done correctly.

The crystal, Case and bezel can all be damaged installing it.

And you are asking if this is a good idea on a vintage daytona?

I understand, thank you.

[roh123]

If you have a 50k+ watch I think the smart thing is to let a professional do the work. Really makes no sense to take unnecessary risks in order to save a few dollars.

[HERITAGE82]

Yes it is risky if you are not experienced and it may not seal properly if everything is not mounted correctly.

[swish77]

On a DJ, I might try this myself .... but never, ever on a vintage Daytona that could be worth $100K plus, depending on the model, condition, etc ...

I actually had this same issue a month or so ago when I wanted an NOS Tropic 21 installed on my 6263, but I didn't give it much thought, really. I had the Ridleys at Watchmakers International handle it for me. Way too much at stake. Many things could go wrong.

[1675-David]

Shouldn't be too difficult, just pop it in the vice and pry it off with the sharp end of a joiners hammer... what could possibly go wrong??

[mag]

No risk no fun ;-)

> Thank you. How about mounting it back on, what tool for that?

Get a Ref. 1019 for this job.

[Vincent65]

There's always an element of risk involved.