Crystal Replacement | Seiko

[smcchr00]

Hey all, hoping someone can help out on this. I did a bit of searching but wasn't really able to find the answer. I'm trying to fit a new crystal to a vintage watch I purchased, and not sure what kind of crystal I need. 

This is from a Seiko 5 (5126-7010), but it doesn't seem to be an original case. I'm assuming it is the same dimensions etc of a geniune case, but I don't know how to find out. I ordered a classic domed crystal, but it doesn't work. There seems to be some kind of lip on the inside of the crystal that rests on the watch case, and the bezel holds it in place. 

Pictures are attached. The crystal is 31mm I believe. The inner ring of the case doesn't seem to have any effect on the crystal that I can discern. 

 

[Tudor]

based on the crown position I think the mid case is Seiko but that back obviously isn’t. Does the rear gasket seal properly? Maybe you should seek out the correct back while you’re working this case. 
 

I would not be surprised to learn Seiko used the same dial diameter for a lot of watches and the case may not be correct to the original watch. 

[smcchr00]

@Tudor

There is no waterproof gasket, it's just metal on metal. I can take a photo of it placed on the mid case. I notice others of this range tend to be waterproof, but this doesnt have threads on the back to seal, and is just push on. Additionally, this case back acts as the movement ring/holder keeping it in position. I've tried seeking out a Seiko 5 case, but there don't seem to be many options.

I am thinking that mostly any seiko 5 case would work, but I wasn't too sure ont hat either. I saw some seiko 5 refubs in india for about $17, but the movement looks different, so I didn't want to commit on that. 

Thanks for the response!

Edited September 11, 2020 by smcchr00

[smcchr00]

[Tudor]

Is the case threaded even though the back is snapped on? I would still expect a gasket; possibly on the back, for that case. Even to keep dust out an o-ring is a simple solution.  
 

notice no o-ring groove in the mid case here: 

 

it’s on the back. 

Edited September 11, 2020 by Tudor

[jdm]

17 hours ago, smcchr00 said:

I ordered a classic domed crystal, but it doesn't work. There seems to be some kind of lip on the inside of the crystal that rests on the watch case, and the bezel holds it in place.

What is the exact problem? You may need a different size, or adapt it a little. And I think you will need to use UV or just aGS cement.

17 hours ago, smcchr00 said:

Pictures are attached. The crystal is 31mm I believe. The inner ring of the case doesn't seem to have any effect on the crystal that I can discern.

You can't carry the tension ring to a different crystal that is not designed to take one. 

 

[smcchr00]

1 minute ago, jdm said:

What is the exact problem? You may need a different size, or adapt it a little. And I think you will need to use UV or just aGS cement.

You can't carry the tension ring to a different crystal that is not designed to take one. 

 

Hey JDM, thanks for the response. 

The inner ring does not appear to be a tension ring, but you have mentioned my exact issue here. I don't know what type of crystal I need, which is why I'm here asking for help. I've never replaced a crystal before. 

The original crystal, although domed, curves down and becomes vertical, and has a lip on the inside that sits on the watch case. I have no idea what to look for in a replacement crystal. 

Hopefully this illustration helps a bit.

1. Inner ring, it seems to be there for asthetics and a smooth transition to the dial. 

2. Watch case

3. Outside tension ring to hold the crystal in place. 

The crystal is between 1 and 3

[jdm]

That is a step in cristal, it sits on top of the case. Cousins UK has them.