Changing plastic crystals

[007Sub]

Hey all. Has anyone ever tried changing their own crystal on a vintage sub? Are they glued down or just held by the retaining ring?

[Vanessa CW21]

Originally Posted by 007Sub

Hey all. Has anyone ever tried changing their own crystal on a vintage sub? Are they glued down or just held by the retaining ring?

The bezel holds the crystal in place and the tension makes it water proof.
Depending on who has done service on the watch previously and if genuine parts were used, there is a possibility that the crystal is currently glued down...
You wouldn't believe all the crazy, butchered things we see on vintage watches!

My advise: Let an expert do it.

[007Sub]

Originally Posted by Vanessa

The bezel holds the crystal in place and the tension makes it water proof.

Depending on who has done service on the watch previously and if genuine parts were used, there is a possibility that the crystal is currently glued down...

You wouldn't believe all the crazy, butchered things we see on vintage watches!



My advise: Let an expert do it.

I can believe it alright. It just seems like if I wanted to switch a service crystal to an original tropic 19 it would be a drag to have to send the watch out and wait that long for it to come back. Granted if it's glued I wouldn't want to tamper but if it isn't...Could be an easy switch no? What tool do you use to do this? Ideally should the crystal be glued? If so, with that type of glue is typically used? Also does the movement and dial need to come out first for pressure reasons or is this something that can be done without opening the case back? I most likely will end up sending it out as per your rec Vanessa but I'd love to know how this stuff works anyway!

[RolexPete]

Originally Posted by Vanessa CW21

The bezel holds the crystal in place and the tension makes it water proof.
Depending on who has done service on the watch previously and if genuine parts were used, there is a possibility that the crystal is currently glued down...
You wouldn't believe all the crazy, butchered things we see on vintage watches!

My advise: Let an expert do it.

Correct me if I am wrong but sometimes a crystal needs to be glued down, correct??

[Vanessa CW21]

Not with the Rolex Oyster models.

[robisan]

Yes let an expert do this as a tiny mishap can crack the crystal. If you are up to it you need a swiss knife and press to do it I think.

[strafer_kid]

Did not realise the bezel held the crystal in place as you see a lot of people removing the bezels? -

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

Did not realise the bezel held the crystal in place as you see a lot of people removing the bezels? -

Don't confuse the bezel with the bezel insert; that's the black (or colored) ring with the numbers and it does not contribute to holding the crystal in place...

[strafer_kid]

No - am not confusing bezel with bezel insert - have seen bezels coming off?

[rmfnla]

I've not seen that.

[007Sub]

I always thought that the retaining ring under the bezel held the crystal in place along with glue


Inviato dal mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by 007Sub

I always thought that the retaining ring under the bezel held the crystal in place along with glue


Inviato dal mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

AFAIK, Rolex doe not use glue on any of it's crystals...