crystal change on rectangular watch

[diderot]

I did post this on my introduction. I then learned this is the forum for questions.  Thanks for being patient with the new guy!

A friend (another watch person) gave me 4 very old watches to work on. Three very tiny womans watches, one Wittnauer men's watch. I have discovered for some reason, Wittnauer is my favorite watch. Why? I think the history of the brand. I am guessing it is from the fifties (picture included so correct me on year if needed). The picture shows, the crystal is terrible. Part from age, part from me trying to clean it. I bought 15 Wittnauer crystals online and by my measurements, it looks like at least one will fit. I opened the case and the old crystal pushed out by hand easily (back to front). I am waiting for the new crystal and a leather band. For practice, I tried to re-install the removed crystal. I know round crystals need a tool to compress an acrylic crystal. I am not sure how to do this rectangular crystal. An online search said you can just install with hand pressure. I could not accomplish this. I thought I might be able to use two small screwdrivers to pry it in, but of course I do not want to destroy the new crystal.  It seems like no glue was involved. It seems like the long ends fit in the case easily and the smaller ends (12-6 o-clock) are a tension fit.  Please help! Sorry for being long-winded. 

Diderot

[grsnovi]

You did get an answer over in your introduction thread. I would try gently pressing the center arch of the case on both sides. Doing so should make the distance between 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock slightly longer which should allow the crystal to snap into place. That said, you don't want to permanently deform the case (which I'm assuming is gold plate over brass).

I said: "I would try..." you should note that I have never done one myself and you should wait until others more experienced than me comment since most of what I've been trying lately has gone wrong...  

[diderot]

Thanks grsnovi! Hey, we all learn from doing. My first movement change went well but I scratched the watch face. I realize my error and it will never happen again. 

Still hoping for more info on rectangular crystals. I guess everything will be dependent on how the new crystals fit. I realize I could file the crystal down so it will just drop in, but I really think the original was in by tension and I am hoping I can do the same with no glue, and only tension on the crystal, and not on me.  Like I said, I tried to re-install the original one without no luck. But...it was in there so it must be able to be put back in. I know it did not grow larger. 

[Kalanag]

13 hours ago, diderot said:

I know round crystals need a tool to compress an acrylic crystal. I am not sure how to do this rectangular crystal.

The rectangular crystal can not be compressed. Some glue will be required even if you have a tight fit. UV-hardening super glue should be the best way to go imho.

[diderot]

Thanks Kalanag...

That would make it easier for me. Just file down the crystal so it is easier to install and glue it.

I ordered G-S Hypo cement on eBay and it is a long delivery, but it was inexpensive and highly recommended. I do like the idea of UV set glue. Like dental work, an immediate set up time. I will look online later. I guess I will have to purchase some kind of a kit that includes the UV light. I do have a UV flashlight, but I am not sure what wavelength UV is needed for glue (UVA, UVB, UVC). Thanks again. This is what I ordered