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Posted

I've gotten a bit stumped on this one, so I've come here to see if the experts can give me some guidance 

I have this swiss Army watch that has gotten foggy inside the crystal. where I am stuck is how to actually get to the crystal to clean it. the case appears to be front loaded, but I can figure out how to remove the crystal from the front. 

P_20250418_205936.jpg

P_20250418_210000.jpg

P_20250418_210010.jpg

Posted

Hi going by the pictures you will have to remove the bezel and glass. The bezel needs to be lifted either with or without the glass depending on construction, I the bezel comes away without the glass you will need a tool to lift the glass to remove the movement.

 

 

Posted
1 hour ago, drtydog said:

I've gotten a bit stumped on this one, so I've come here to see if the experts can give me some guidance 

I have this swiss Army watch that has gotten foggy inside the crystal. where I am stuck is how to actually get to the crystal to clean it. the case appears to be front loaded, but I can figure out how to remove the crystal from the front. 

P_20250418_205936.jpg

P_20250418_210000.jpg

P_20250418_210010.jpg

Is there a reason the rotating bezel is missing? 

Posted
8 hours ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

Is there a reason the rotating bezel is missing? 

the bezel just pops off. I removed it to show what I am working with

  • Like 1
Posted
8 hours ago, watchweasol said:

Hi going by the pictures you will have to remove the bezel and glass. The bezel needs to be lifted either with or without the glass depending on construction, I the bezel comes away without the glass you will need a tool to lift the glass to remove the movement.

 

 

Do you know what the tool is to remove the glass? the bezel is plastic and pops off on its own

Posted
4 hours ago, AndyGSi said:

Welcome to the forum.

Looks like with the bezel removed the crystal should just pop out.

image.thumb.png.f6ca58f01d5a6d301e47e4f2ebb7f5b0.png

The glass looks quite flat. The op could double- side tape it to something and pull it off.

  • Like 1
Posted
13 minutes ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

The glass looks quite flat. The op could double- side tape it to something and pull it off.

Looks like there a big silver ring around the outside that may need to be removed first
but there's enough of a lip showing above that to try and get some purchase on.

Posted (edited)

 Is it water moisture ?  If so and you have good sunshine where you are, just put the watch under direct sun light ( Dial facing sun )  a few hours, sun light dries the moisture.

Depending on the amount of moisture, lubricants in movement might have been ruined.

No other source of heat is safe.

 

 

Edited by Nucejoe
  • Like 2
Posted (edited)

 The point I missed to make !   is ; moisture in the movement is the main problem, it can ruin  electronic components. 

 

Edited by Nucejoe
  • Like 1
Posted

I've seen many quartz watches with this kind of foggy crystals. It usually happens when the battery leaks. It's probably the electrolyte vapor. 

Remove the crystal by sticking a piece of double sided foam tape to the crystal and to the surface of your workbench. Then pull straight up on the watch straps. The crystal should pop off. There is an actual tool on AliExpress for this job, in case you find this method too "rustic".

The fog should wash of easily. But I'm more concerned about the rest of the watch, as the electrolyte vapor is all over everything and it's very corrosive.

I would do a full disassembly and rinse everything in a diluted acid. I use phosphoric acid but vinegar works fine too. Dry thoroughly, then do a full service.

Watch tool is used to open the watch glass and open the watch cover
https://a.aliexpress.com/_msI3lhh

 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Posted
3 hours ago, HectorLooi said:

I've seen many quartz watches with this kind of foggy crystals. It usually happens when the battery leaks. It's probably the electrolyte vapor. 

Remove the crystal by sticking a piece of double sided foam tape to the crystal and to the surface of your workbench. Then pull straight up on the watch straps. The crystal should pop off. There is an actual tool on AliExpress for this job, in case you find this method too "rustic".

The fog should wash of easily. But I'm more concerned about the rest of the watch, as the electrolyte vapor is all over everything and it's very corrosive.

I would do a full disassembly and rinse everything in a diluted acid. I use phosphoric acid but vinegar works fine too. Dry thoroughly, then do a full service.

Watch tool is used to open the watch glass and open the watch cover
https://a.aliexpress.com/_msI3lhh

 

That is very helpful thank you, i wasn't aware this tool existed. i'll give this a try. 

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