Jump to content

Using a crystal press

AP1875

By AP1875
in Tools & Equipment

 Share

Recommended Posts

AP1875 WRT Addict

AP1875

Posted
Posted

I picked up a Robur press on ebay it came with the T31 die set. It was a fairly decent price. So I thought I'd give it a go considering the $10 one I've been using from ebay doesn't press straight. 

I just want to check what I'm using it for and how I'm using it is correct. 

The watch I want to fit a new crystal to has the following construction - crystal held in place with a plastic ring, the crystal is the fixed by pushing the steel bezel over it. 

 

So

I put a metal die on the bottom of the press that the caseback will sit in and cover with a cloth to prevent damage. 

On the top I select a die that just fits around the crystal and rests on the bezel? 

The best fit die still has a little bit of room on both the bottom and top. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

Posted
Posted

Lay the case on a suitable flat bed die depends on the size of the case. Pick one of the cupped dies so it just fits over the glass, that goes into the top. Screw down watching that the cup is even all round, you  quite often hear a sound as the glass is pushed home. Remove case  and check to see that the glass is even around in side the case.   

The Robur press is one of the best for fitting tension ring glasses. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
AP1875 WRT Addict

AP1875

Posted
  • Author
Posted
3 hours ago, oldhippy said:

Lay the case on a suitable flat bed die depends on the size of the case. Pick one of the cupped dies so it just fits over the glass, that goes into the top. Screw down watching that the cup is even all round, you  quite often hear a sound as the glass is pushed home. Remove case  and check to see that the glass is even around in side the case.   

The Robur press is one of the best for fitting tension ring glasses. 

ahh ok i will use the flat die. I guess the only difference between the watch i'm swapping the glass on is you have to press down on the bezel and not the glass. The glass is already in position, the bezel holds it there.

What are these black dies for? They look like they could snap very easily.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
AP1875 WRT Addict

AP1875

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)
3 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

What are these black dies for? They look like they could snap very easily. A photo would help.:D

Sorry forgot to send the link.

This is the set i have. I got the press and dies for less than the cost of the dies alone, way out of my budget otherwise.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/die-set-robur

Would you use this press for a ceramic bezel?

Edited by AP1875
Link to comment
Share on other sites
oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

Posted
Posted

The blacks are to be used for the bass when you fit low dome glasses.  When you put the glass in the top die it causes the glass to bend and become a little smaller, it’s the shape of them that also helps when pressure is applied. That one flat bed die, you will find you will use that a lot when fitting tension ring glasses   

Would you use this press for a ceramic bezel? If you have a die that will go over and press it right down on the case then yes. Fitting those things you need ever pressure and this tool will do the trick. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
AP1875 WRT Addict

AP1875

Posted
  • Author
Posted
26 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

The blacks are to be used for the bass when you fit low dome glasses.  When you put the glass in the top die it causes the glass to bend and become a little smaller, it’s the shape of them that also helps when pressure is applied. That one flat bed die, you will find you will use that a lot when fitting tension ring glasses   

Would you use this press for a ceramic bezel? If you have a die that will go over and press it right down on the case then yes. Fitting those things you need ever pressure and this tool will do the trick. 

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I just tried it on a ceramic and it was so much easier than my last press.

Does your Robur have a slight bit of play in the shaft or is it completely solid? I can wiggle this one ever so slightly but apparently it has had new shaft fitted.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
vinn3 Distinguished Member

vinn3

Posted
Posted

  I bought a well used (destructively)  case closer at a watch mart.   all the black dyes were broken or glued.   it had the cardboard box and all the instructions.  "the price was right".   I made aluminum cups for each watch to be closed.  vin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • ManSkirtBrew
      1972 Bulova President "E" Sea King 11ACACB movement

      By ManSkirtBrew · Posted

      Unfortunately I'm not that lucky. I started on the train side and after I noticed the binding I pulled everything out except the driving wheel to rule everything else out. It still binds. I'm going to double check that the pinion is fully seated on the staff first, then if no joy I'll push the bridge jewel up a fraction of a mm. Fingers crossed!
    • Waggy
      Rado rotor removal

      By Waggy · Posted

      Happy to have helped, great way to start the day with a win! 🥳
    • doober
      Rado rotor removal

      By doober · Posted

      Thank you for the advise!! It worked. The setting screw was a lock/unlock to remove the rotor. 
    • GuyMontag
      1972 Bulova President "E" Sea King 11ACACB movement

      By GuyMontag · Posted

      I have that French tech sheet too, it is a little different than the English one (eg, it doesn't have the auto works diagram). BTW, it looks like you are looking up the case number in the 1979 ABC supplement. The 1974 ABC catalog does have the 3093 case. As you determined it takes the 1222-5 crystal.  When I serviced my President 'A' (which also takes that crystal), I was able to fit a 29.8 crystal from my DPA crystal assortment. Those are, in my opinion, a great deal. The assortment comes with 10 sizes each from 27.8mm to 32.4mm in 0.2 increments. I pretty much use them for any non-armored crystal that takes a high dome crystal. I think they no longer make them but Cousins has still has some in stock but when I bought them they were around $40 for the set and now they are around $100. Still, at 40 cents a crystal it's still a good deal. For the large driving wheel, I remember I once assembled the keyless/motion works first and when I placed the large driving wheel it was interfering with the setting wheel on the dial side as the teeth were not fully meshing and it wouldn't fully seat. If that isn't the issue I got nothing and am looking forward to see how you solve it 🙂
    • Waggy
      Rado rotor removal

      By Waggy · Posted

      Not sure, but just looking at it, it seems like the screw on the right may be a fake? The one on the left may not be a screw in the regular sense at all, rather a 2 position device, I think you need to point the slot towards either of the 2 dots and one will secure and one will open. Like I said this is just my best guess looking at the pictures.
×
×
  • Create New...