BEZEL/CRYSTAL

[berniethebolt]

hi.i have just replaced a movement on this quartz watch for a friend and i had to take the bezel off to get at the movement as it is a front loader.the problem i now have is getting the bezel with the crystal fitted back in.i have tried with my crystal press but it does not seem to want to go back in.i have tried the different sizes of the plastic presses but it wont budge and i dont want to exert too much pressure so as not to break the crystal.is a crystal press the answer? i do not want to spoil the bezel!B.

[berniethebolt]

3 hours ago, berniethebolt said:

hi.i have just replaced a movement on this quartz watch for a friend and i had to take the bezel off to get at the movement as it is a front loader.the problem i now have is getting the bezel with the crystal fitted back in.i have tried with my crystal press but it does not seem to want to go back in.i have tried the different sizes of the plastic presses but it wont budge and i dont want to exert too much pressure so as not to break the crystal.is a crystal press the answer? i do not want to spoil the bezel!B.

forgot photos

[Tudor]

I think those plastic dies are the answer, unless you make a perfect fitting one of aluminum or something. Be sure there is no pressure (such as from the brass threaded insert coming out) on the center of the crystal. You may have to go down one size on the die to be sure.

Also, leave the bottom die off the press and use a block of hard wood, such as oak, to support the back side. With two dies, you get double the deflection.

Of course, make sure the bezel and case are both sterile clean where they come together. 

[berniethebolt]

46 minutes ago, Tudor said:

I think those plastic dies are the answer, unless you make a perfect fitting one of aluminum or something. Be sure there is no pressure (such as from the brass threaded insert coming out) on the center of the crystal. You may have to go down one size on the die to be sure.

Also, leave the bottom die off the press and use a block of hard wood, such as oak, to support the back side. With two dies, you get double the deflection.

Of course, make sure the bezel and case are both sterile clean where they come together. 

Sorted it. Fiddled about a bit to get the right size of plastic die then it snuck in. Hallijuh! Thanks B.