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jldc · 24 June 2010, 01:23 PM

I have had my first Rolex (a beautiful polar Explorer II) for just a few days now and I'm wondering about getting the cyclops removed.

Now, I'm not going to rush into things. I'm going to wait at least two or three months before doing anything. I like the magnification, but it bugs me that it can't be read at a glance - I need to look practically "straight on" at the face of the watch to read the date. I knew before I bought the watch that this might be an issue because my previous watch (Tag Aquaracer 500m) has a cyclops that I disliked. The Tag cyclops is much smaller with a more limited viewing angle than my Explorer. I definitely like the cyclops on the Rolex better than the Tag - actually, I like pretty much everything about the Rolex better than the Tag.

I've looked at the threads about cyclops removal, and the Explorer looks great without one. However, none of the threads mentions the cost of removal. Will Rolex even replace the crystal with a non-cyclops crystal, or will I need to get somebody else to do it? What is the rough cost? Will Rolex service the watch with a different crystal in place?

In all likelihood, I'll just get used to it, but before I seriously consider anything, I need to know what I'm getting myself in for.

Thanks

PS There is an upside. I have to look at the watch for a few seconds longer to read the date, and I really like looking at the watch.

JJ Irani · 24 June 2010, 02:35 PM

Hi buddy,

If you really like looking at that beautiful watch just that little bit longer, why desecrate it?

If you didn't like the cyclops in the first place, an SD would have been a perfect choice.

All my Rolexes have cyclops, I'm way over 63 and I have no problems with reading the date on any of them.

Cheers - JJ

Shade · 24 June 2010, 02:38 PM

I actually like Rolex BECAUSE of it's cyclops.. It gives this unique look...

JJ Irani · 24 June 2010, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shade

I actually like Rolex BECAUSE of it's cyclops.. It gives this unique look...

Yes, like a Merc with its 3-pointed star!!

sleddog · 24 June 2010, 02:40 PM

If you really want to do this,I think the best option to do is:
Buy an aftermarket Crystal and have a quality watchmaker install it.That way you will keep the original as is and the mod can be reversed if need be later on for reasons of sale or dislike!!! Rolex will not do this change for you nor will they service it without replacing it back to factory.......Hope this helps a little with your choice!

sleddog · 24 June 2010, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Yes, like a Merc with its 3-pointed star!!

Or a butcher with scales!!!

(Sorry JJ,had to!)

JJ Irani · 24 June 2010, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleddog1000

Or a butcher with scales!!!

(Sorry JJ,had to!)

Speed · 24 June 2010, 02:53 PM

One of our members - Father John - had a black dial expy II. He bought a replacement crystal, soaked it in acetone for a time, and then flicked the cylops off with his finger. He then had his watchmaker remove the original crystal & cyclops and stored it...and had the replacement crystal put on his watch.

Not sure what the replacement crystal cost...

fikko · 24 June 2010, 04:03 PM

I always have a problem with reading date on my SD.
Design wise, I also do not like the cyclops, but function wise it really helps.
But maybe my eyes is not so good anymore.
Why dont try a SD for a day before deciding to remove the cyclops

Jolu · 24 June 2010, 05:21 PM

It may look good on the black, but on the white Explorer II I'd keep the cyclops.

And when it comes to the "Merc" - the star looks so much better when it's flush with the hood...

BTW: You CAN do it yourself, just practice on the Invicta first...:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzhYmhawDCg

.

swatty · 24 June 2010, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I'm way over 63 and I have no problems with reading the date on any of them.

Cheers - JJ

Something to do with your glasses JJ ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Yes, like a Merc with its 3-pointed star!!

[IMG]

[/IMG]

Jocke · 25 June 2010, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hi buddy,

If you really like looking at that beautiful watch just that little bit longer, why desecrate it?

If you didn't like the cyclops in the first place, an SD would have been a perfect choice.

All my Rolexes have cyclops, I'm way over 63 and I have no problems with reading the date on any of them.

Cheers - JJ

You forgot to mention your cyclop glasses.

Jocke · 25 June 2010, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jldc

I have had my first Rolex (a beautiful polar Explorer II) for just a few days now and I'm wondering about getting the cyclops removed.

Now, I'm not going to rush into things. I'm going to wait at least two or three months before doing anything. I like the magnification, but it bugs me that it can't be read at a glance - I need to look practically "straight on" at the face of the watch to read the date. I knew before I bought the watch that this might be an issue because my previous watch (Tag Aquaracer 500m) has a cyclops that I disliked. The Tag cyclops is much smaller with a more limited viewing angle than my Explorer. I definitely like the cyclops on the Rolex better than the Tag - actually, I like pretty much everything about the Rolex better than the Tag.

I've looked at the threads about cyclops removal, and the Explorer looks great without one. However, none of the threads mentions the cost of removal. Will Rolex even replace the crystal with a non-cyclops crystal, or will I need to get somebody else to do it? What is the rough cost? Will Rolex service the watch with a different crystal in place?

In all likelihood, I'll just get used to it, but before I seriously consider anything, I need to know what I'm getting myself in for.

Thanks

PS There is an upside. I have to look at the watch for a few seconds longer to read the date, and I really like looking at the watch.

I try it on my DateJust, I will say it's very hard to read the date after it was removed.

I start with my cyclop remover kit.

Pull it up in my full size Bergeon case holder.

And start the work.

Damn, Rolex have quality glue so I have to warm it up a bit.

Now I hope it will come off.

Ouups, not so good.

What do you think, did I have to change crystal? Or can it
be polished?

kyle L · 25 June 2010, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

I try it on my DateJust, I will say it's very hard to read the date after it was removed.

I start with my cyclop remover kit.

Pull it up in my full size Bergeon case holder.

And start the work.

Damn, Rolex have quality glue so I have to warm it up a bit.

Now I hope it will come off.

Ouups, not so good.

What do you think, did I have to change crystal? Or can it
be polished?

Johny · 25 June 2010, 02:28 AM

Well done jocke and very informative. Oxidising or carborising flame ?

Jocke · 25 June 2010, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johny

Well done jocke and very informative. Oxidising or carborising flame ?

Carburizing as you can see, I do not skimp with Acetylene.

George Ab · 25 June 2010, 02:36 AM

Info on removal. If you don't like it later, you can always buy another crystal. With the acetone technique you should be soak it without removing the crystal by supporting the watch so only the crystal is in the acetone.

http://horologycrazy.blogspot.com/20...s-removal.html

Personally, I would lay down until the urge to remove the cyclopes goes away.

nickriebe · 25 June 2010, 02:43 AM

Dont do it man!

jldc · 25 June 2010, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Ab

Personally, I would lay down until the urge to remove the cyclopes goes away.

This is actually my first plan. Only if the urge persists for a LONG time will I give in to it.

Jocke: thanks for the informative photos. LOL

JJ: What's so terrible about modding a Rolex? Don't you have a Datejust with Yachtmaster hands (that looks terrific BTW)?

Back to my OP: What would a new crystal with replacement/pressure check cost (in round numbers)?

Johny · 25 June 2010, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

Carburizing as you can see, I do not skimp with Acetylene.

hahahahahahaha nice one

Roley · 25 June 2010, 03:19 AM

I won't.... I won't.... I WON'T TELL YOU.

Johny · 25 June 2010, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

Carburizing as you can see, I do not skimp with Acetylene.

not seeing any soot jocke looks like oxidising to me.

Jocke · 25 June 2010, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johny

not seeing any soot jocke looks like oxidising to me.

I sucks me in soot, it becomes much more fun then.

Johny · 25 June 2010, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

I sucks me in soot, it becomes much more fun then.

good for smoke rings hahaha

JJ Irani · 25 June 2010, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jldc

This is actually my first plan. Only if the urge persists for a LONG time will I give in to it.

Jocke: thanks for the informative photos. LOL

JJ: What's so terrible about modding a Rolex? Don't you have a Datejust with Yachtmaster hands (that looks terrific BTW)?

Back to my OP: What would a new crystal with replacement/pressure check cost (in round numbers)?

Me? A DJ with YM hands??? Whatcha talkin' about, buddy?

See my list below..............all genuine, untouched Rolexes!!

tgoose1 · 25 June 2010, 03:49 AM

Its' now a rare Rolex "DateNot".

Chipmunk · 25 June 2010, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgoose1

Its' now a rare Rolex "DateNot".

jldc · 25 June 2010, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Me? A DJ with YM hands??? Whatcha talkin' about, buddy?

See my list below..............all genuine, untouched Rolexes!!

My mistake: it was Jocke. Somebody with a forum ID starting with a J:

Of course, it DOES still have a cyclops

jdub · 25 June 2010, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

I try it on my DateJust, I will say it's very hard to read the date after it was removed.

I start with my cyclop remover kit.

Pull it up in my full size Bergeon case holder.

And start the work.

Damn, Rolex have quality glue so I have to warm it up a bit.

Now I hope it will come off.

Ouups, not so good.

What do you think, did I have to change crystal? Or can it
be polished?

This made my day, thanks.

rolexnovice · 25 June 2010, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jolu

It may look good on the black, but on the white Explorer II I'd keep the cyclops.

And when it comes to the "Merc" - the star looks so much better when it's flush with the hood...

BTW: You CAN do it yourself, just practice on the Invicta first...:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzhYmhawDCg

.

Nice.

24 June 2010, 01:23 PM	#1
jldc "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: USA Watch: SeaDweller Posts: 464	Tell me about removing the cyclops I have had my first Rolex (a beautiful polar Explorer II) for just a few days now and I'm wondering about getting the cyclops removed. Now, I'm not going to rush into things. I'm going to wait at least two or three months before doing anything. I like the magnification, but it bugs me that it can't be read at a glance - I need to look practically "straight on" at the face of the watch to read the date. I knew before I bought the watch that this might be an issue because my previous watch (Tag Aquaracer 500m) has a cyclops that I disliked. The Tag cyclops is much smaller with a more limited viewing angle than my Explorer. I definitely like the cyclops on the Rolex better than the Tag - actually, I like pretty much everything about the Rolex better than the Tag. I've looked at the threads about cyclops removal, and the Explorer looks great without one. However, none of the threads mentions the cost of removal. Will Rolex even replace the crystal with a non-cyclops crystal, or will I need to get somebody else to do it? What is the rough cost? Will Rolex service the watch with a different crystal in place? In all likelihood, I'll just get used to it, but before I seriously consider anything, I need to know what I'm getting myself in for. Thanks PS There is an upside. I have to look at the watch for a few seconds longer to read the date, and I really like looking at the watch.

24 June 2010, 02:35 PM	#2
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,320	Hi buddy, If you really like looking at that beautiful watch just that little bit longer, why desecrate it? If you didn't like the cyclops in the first place, an SD would have been a perfect choice. All my Rolexes have cyclops, I'm way over 63 and I have no problems with reading the date on any of them. Cheers - JJ __________________ 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!!

24 June 2010, 02:40 PM	#5
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,903	If you really want to do this,I think the best option to do is: Buy an aftermarket Crystal and have a quality watchmaker install it.That way you will keep the original as is and the mod can be reversed if need be later on for reasons of sale or dislike!!! Rolex will not do this change for you nor will they service it without replacing it back to factory.......Hope this helps a little with your choice! __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

24 June 2010, 05:21 PM	#10
Jolu "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Jo Location: Norway Watch: Explorer I/II Posts: 660	It may look good on the black, but on the white Explorer II I'd keep the cyclops. And when it comes to the "Merc" - the star looks so much better when it's flush with the hood... BTW: You CAN do it yourself, just practice on the Invicta first...:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzhYmhawDCg . __________________ “I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks” - Daniel Boone - Last edited by Jolu; 24 June 2010 at 05:26 PM.. Reason: addendum

25 June 2010, 02:36 AM	#17
George Ab "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: George Location: Seattle Watch: One of Them Posts: 6,924	Info on removal. If you don't like it later, you can always buy another crystal. With the acetone technique you should be soak it without removing the crystal by supporting the watch so only the crystal is in the acetone. http://horologycrazy.blogspot.com/20...s-removal.html Personally, I would lay down until the urge to remove the cyclopes goes away. __________________

24 June 2010, 02:38 PM	#3
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	I actually like Rolex BECAUSE of it's cyclops.. It gives this unique look...

24 June 2010, 02:53 PM	#8
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,695	One of our members - Father John - had a black dial expy II. He bought a replacement crystal, soaked it in acetone for a time, and then flicked the cylops off with his finger. He then had his watchmaker remove the original crystal & cyclops and stored it...and had the replacement crystal put on his watch. Not sure what the replacement crystal cost...

24 June 2010, 04:03 PM	#9
fikko Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 105	I always have a problem with reading date on my SD. Design wise, I also do not like the cyclops, but function wise it really helps. But maybe my eyes is not so good anymore. Why dont try a SD for a day before deciding to remove the cyclops

25 June 2010, 02:28 AM	#15
Johny "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: john Location: Scotland Watch: sub 16610Lv Posts: 13,523	Well done jocke and very informative. Oxidising or carborising flame ?

25 June 2010, 02:43 AM	#18
nickriebe "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Nick Location: 3026'23N 8638'41W Watch: out for pirates! Posts: 692	Dont do it man! __________________ ~Nick Riebe~

25 June 2010, 03:19 AM	#21
Roley "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Roland Location: GMT -4:00 Today Watch: Enthusiast Posts: 874	I won't.... I won't.... I WON'T TELL YOU.

25 June 2010, 03:49 AM	#26
tgoose1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 666	Its' now a rare Rolex "DateNot".

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