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Racer X · 16 January 2012, 05:06 AM

Hey folks,

I was wearing my red sub this weekend and noticed a couple of tiny flecks on the dial. At first I thought they might be pieces of tritium that broke free from the plots, but upon close inspection with a loupe, I noticed that the flecks were white and glossy. With further inspection I realized that the flecks are pieces of hour markers. Specifically, small portions of two hour markers appear to have broken free right next to the edge of the dial where it meets the case. While I am quite disappointed (an understatement!), the portions that have broken off are so small that you really can't see them with the naked eye.

I would like to remove the flecks from the dial both because they are visible to someone as meticulous as I am and I am concerned about them getting into the movement. I don't want to have someone completely take the watch apart if possible for fear of further damage to the dial so I'm wondering whether or not a watchmaker can easily and gently remove the crystal without great risk of dial damage and remove the loose flecks. Any insight from our resident experts would be appreciated!

Thanks guys,

Dave

Ticking Away · 16 January 2012, 05:27 AM

I'd take it to a reputable watchmaker (or AD). They should be able to do it for you in a jiff. I expect that the minimal cost will offset any problems should you decide to do it yourself.

Beaumont Miller II · 16 January 2012, 06:21 AM

Dave
check your PM John

matt4hand · 16 January 2012, 07:01 AM

The crystal can be removed very easily without having to remove the movement. The Bezel is removed then the retention ring is removed. The crystal will then pop off and the specs can be removed (VERY VERY CAREFULLY!!!)I would use air to remove it and would not touch the dial.. Reverse the process and pressure test and you will be good to go.

The whole process should take less than an hour.

Good luck and PM me if you want more information.

Where are you located?

Racer X · 16 January 2012, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

Dave
check your PM John

Hi John. Thanks for the PM. As usual, your advice is spot on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt4hand

Where are you located?

Hey Matt, I'm actually in Atlanta too. Do you know of a good local watchmaker? I would rather not attempt this surgery myself and I'd rather not have to send the watch off to Bob R. or another remote watchmaker, if possible.

matt4hand · 16 January 2012, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racer X

Hi John. Thanks for the PM. As usual, your advice is spot on.

Hey Matt, I'm actually in Atlanta too. Do you know of a good local watchmaker? I would rather not attempt this surgery myself and I'd rather not have to send the watch off to Bob R. or another remote watchmaker, if possible.

PM sent.
Yes I do

Freelance · 17 January 2012, 08:41 AM

Not sure about all the PM'ing, but for those DIY people here are the steps.

1.) Pop off the Bezel. Dozens of tutorials on this already. I use the blade of a swiss army knife, or heavy duty blade from a utility knife. (you may want to tape off your case with packing or electrical tape to prevent scratching)

2.) Using the heavy duty blade from a utility knife (tougher than a razor blade). Pry around the crystal retaining ring to remove it.

3.) Being very careful, you can then use the same method to pry up and off the plastic crystal.

4.) Use some Rodico, BlueTack, or the adhesive side of a PostIt Note and puffs of air to remove the specs.

5.) TIP TRICK: To remove dust from plastic crystals use a piece of Scotch Tape Magic Tape and Puffs of Air. I found Rodico would often leave smudges.

6.) Assembly is reverse of removal, and make sure to get it water pressure tested. IF you watch has a rubber seal below the crystal retaining ring, replace it or at least re-lube it.

HTH

larryccf · 17 January 2012, 09:29 AM

curious if you guys can advise the procedure to removing a crown? I've got a B&R Fusion that i removed the caseback to change out the battery, only to find the movemen has to be lifted out to get to the battery

having never removed the crown or stem, i put the caseback back on

Paladin · 17 January 2012, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryccf

curious if you guys can advise the procedure to removing a crown? I've got a B&R Fusion that i removed the caseback to change out the battery, only to find the movemen has to be lifted out to get to the battery

having never removed the crown or stem, i put the caseback back on

Battery????

larryccf · 17 January 2012, 01:28 PM

yeah, yeah, i know - but for the shop i need something i'm not too worried about and that i don't have to worry about winding & resetting the time if i leave it off my wrist for too long - plus, the damn thing is super legible and easy to read at a glance

16 January 2012, 05:06 AM	#1
Racer X "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Dave Location: Unknown Posts: 999	Removing the crystal Hey folks, I was wearing my red sub this weekend and noticed a couple of tiny flecks on the dial. At first I thought they might be pieces of tritium that broke free from the plots, but upon close inspection with a loupe, I noticed that the flecks were white and glossy. With further inspection I realized that the flecks are pieces of hour markers. Specifically, small portions of two hour markers appear to have broken free right next to the edge of the dial where it meets the case. While I am quite disappointed (an understatement!), the portions that have broken off are so small that you really can't see them with the naked eye. I would like to remove the flecks from the dial both because they are visible to someone as meticulous as I am and I am concerned about them getting into the movement. I don't want to have someone completely take the watch apart if possible for fear of further damage to the dial so I'm wondering whether or not a watchmaker can easily and gently remove the crystal without great risk of dial damage and remove the loose flecks. Any insight from our resident experts would be appreciated! Thanks guys, Dave

16 January 2012, 06:21 AM	#3
Beaumont Miller II "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 2,615	Dave check your PM John __________________

16 January 2012, 05:27 AM	#2
Ticking Away "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 272	I'd take it to a reputable watchmaker (or AD). They should be able to do it for you in a jiff. I expect that the minimal cost will offset any problems should you decide to do it yourself.

16 January 2012, 07:01 AM	#4
matt4hand Banned Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Matt Location: Atlanta Watch: Tramp Posts: 2,369	The crystal can be removed very easily without having to remove the movement. The Bezel is removed then the retention ring is removed. The crystal will then pop off and the specs can be removed (VERY VERY CAREFULLY!!!)I would use air to remove it and would not touch the dial.. Reverse the process and pressure test and you will be good to go. The whole process should take less than an hour. Good luck and PM me if you want more information. Where are you located?

17 January 2012, 08:41 AM	#7
Freelance "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: USA Watch: 1675 Posts: 171	Not sure about all the PM'ing, but for those DIY people here are the steps. 1.) Pop off the Bezel. Dozens of tutorials on this already. I use the blade of a swiss army knife, or heavy duty blade from a utility knife. (you may want to tape off your case with packing or electrical tape to prevent scratching) 2.) Using the heavy duty blade from a utility knife (tougher than a razor blade). Pry around the crystal retaining ring to remove it. 3.) Being very careful, you can then use the same method to pry up and off the plastic crystal. 4.) Use some Rodico, BlueTack, or the adhesive side of a PostIt Note and puffs of air to remove the specs. 5.) TIP TRICK: To remove dust from plastic crystals use a piece of Scotch Tape Magic Tape and Puffs of Air. I found Rodico would often leave smudges. 6.) Assembly is reverse of removal, and make sure to get it water pressure tested. IF you watch has a rubber seal below the crystal retaining ring, replace it or at least re-lube it. HTH

17 January 2012, 09:29 AM	#8
larryccf "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: richmond, va Posts: 541	curious if you guys can advise the procedure to removing a crown? I've got a B&R Fusion that i removed the caseback to change out the battery, only to find the movemen has to be lifted out to get to the battery having never removed the crown or stem, i put the caseback back on

17 January 2012, 01:28 PM	#10
larryccf "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: richmond, va Posts: 541	yeah, yeah, i know - but for the shop i need something i'm not too worried about and that i don't have to worry about winding & resetting the time if i leave it off my wrist for too long - plus, the damn thing is super legible and easy to read at a glance

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