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Tension v non tension crystals

Lc130

By Lc130
in Watch Repairs Help & Advice

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Lc130 WRT Addict

Lc130

Posted
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HI All

I'm having trouble finding any type of basic guide to crystals.  Some old scratched ones that I remove have a metal insert and I believe that these are called tension rings.  Is that correct?  Are they also referred to as "armored"?  Some old crystals have no ring.  Question:  if I had just a case without the old crystal how would I know if I needed a replacement with or without the tension ring?  Are they interchangeable? Can I use the crystal claw for either or is a press needed?

Thank you

Charlie

 

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nickelsilver Distinguished Member

nickelsilver

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Tension ring (armored) crystals are straight sided, and need to be pressed in. The non-tension ring, or wedge-ledge or whatever the given manufacturer calls them, need to be compressed to snap in. Either the claw tool or a crystal press with a cupped die and pusher for the center of the (interior) of the crystal will work. They aren't interchangeable- though that hasn't stopped people from trying!

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Lc130 WRT Addict

Lc130

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Thank you.  Would a GS crystal "ET EVR-TITE"  described as "waterproof with white or yellow rings" be a tension ring.  This is for a late 60's early 70's Seiko 5 with a 6119A movement.  Ordering parts appears to be a hi-level skill in itself!

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qhartman Watch Enthusiast

qhartman

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Just a note on the claw. If you don't have one already, I'd put off ordering them. They only work with crystals with very vertical, tall sides. In every case I've tried to use one, it's failed, and I've ended up using my press instead. I'm sure there's some situation where they are the better tool, but I haven't found it yet.

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jguitron WRT Addict

jguitron

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Just a note on the claw. If you don't have one already, I'd put off ordering them. They only work with crystals with very vertical, tall sides. In every case I've tried to use one, it's failed, and I've ended up using my press instead. I'm sure there's some situation where they are the better tool, but I haven't found it yet.




I agree. The claw is ideal for non-waterproof crystals that have a a nice tall side wall for the claw to have a good purchase. Those crystals are thinner and easier to compress, mostly I. Dress watches of chronos. I can’t see how the claw could compress a thick water-proof crystal enough to fit in the case. The press is definitely the way to go.

Now there are presses and there are presses! The cheaper you go, the less they pushers align and the higher the risk of cracking crystals.

Cheers!


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Lc130 WRT Addict

Lc130

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I did buy a Bergeon claw.  As mentioned, it sometimes has a trouble grasping.  I concentrate on wrist watches from the 60s and 70s.  Not sure what qualifies as vintage.

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yankeedog Distinguished Member

yankeedog

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I use a "claw" for compressible crystals. it is in my opinion an excellent tool. I don't have a crystal press, I use my drill press. With the socket from my tool chest that most closely matches the crystal diameter. A plastic bag prevents scratches... All the leverage you could ever need.

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manodeoro WRT Addict

manodeoro

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I have both :

- crystal press (since a few months)

- crystal claw (since this morning)

 

I use crystal press to fit all plexis that come "over a rehaut" (vintage Rolex & Tudor style), fixed bezel, retaining rings and crystals fitted with a gasket.

Until today I managed to remove other plexis with a press and to put them back using the hot/cold method (watch case in a cool oven and plexi in the freezer) ... but I cracked some plexi and I even had problem with armored crystals.

 

So I ordered a crystal claw, received it today and tried it on a vintage diver with an armoured plexi.

It worked perfectly (the crack you can see on the plexi was already there when I got the watch) so I'm really happy with that new tool.

 

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tqrep.jpg

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