Replacing the crystal on Russian watch

[GPrideaux]

I've been doing a restoration on a cheap Zim (ЗИМ) with a Zim 2602 manual wind movement. Based on https://ranfft.org/caliber/10923-ZIM-2602 it dates between 1957 and 1959 (push-pin setting lever release means post '57; two screws on crown wheel means no later than '59). It's a nice uncomplicated movement to practice on, but I digress.

I'm now looking to replace the crystal. The watch is a front-loader and the crystal comes off with a thin bezel. I'm struggling to see how to remove the crystal from the bezel. Is it glued in? If so, suggestions for what solvent to remove it? Acetone?

Front view:

Rear view:

Side view:

[Neverenoughwatches]

The Raketas are the same so it should just push out and back in again as any crystal would do that is fitted directly to the case. I use my fingers to do both operations being careful not to distort the bezel...though they are usually quite tough. If it's glued then that's a previous repairer's idea.

Acetone should work assuming the glue is superglue which is the usually home bodger's method.

[GPrideaux]

Thanks. I did give it a push but was tentative as I didn't want to bend the bezel. I'll put it on a flat surface and push harder.

[AndyGSi]

10 minutes ago, GPrideaux said:

Thanks. I did give it a push but was tentative as I didn't want to bend the bezel. I'll put it on a flat surface and push harder.

It should push out from the back, not the front.

[Neverenoughwatches]

43 minutes ago, GPrideaux said:

Thanks. I did give it a push but was tentative as I didn't want to bend the bezel. I'll put it on a flat surface and push harder.

If you are struggling click the bezel back onto the case that will offer some support to the bezel......then  push the crystal out from inside there. 

You should be able to hold the bezel in place as you work the crystal out, starting at one end and work around it. Use your microscope to look at the inside lip to verify that the crystal is moving out. If it still doesn't move think about using your press, you might even get to a point where it has to be broken out , but that's a last resort.

[AndyGSi]

5 minutes ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

f you are struggling click the bezel back onto the case that will offer some support to the bezel......then  push the crystal out from inside there. 

Presuming there's a back to remove.

@GPrideaux You may need to replace the bezel and then use a crystal lift.

[Neverenoughwatches]

6 minutes ago, AndyGSi said:

Presuming there's a back to remove.

@GPrideaux You may need to replace the bezel and then use a crystal lift.

The Soviets with click off bezels have rear case screws and access to the stems. The dials are too big to come out of the rear. But yes good point.

[GPrideaux]

Update: it did indeed push out fairly easily. I was probably doing something dumb like trying to push it IN rather than OUT.