Replacing crystal, do I need a bezel tool?

[zx6rfool]

This will be my first crystal replacement, I have a press, but looking at the watch I wonder if I might need a bezel tool also. Any and all help appreciated. 

[Malocchio]

Tool for removing or pressing the bezel? Most likely you have to remove the bezel (with a knife) before removing old crystal or inserting a new one. You can press the bezel with the crystal press if you have a suitable die with straight walls or otherwise a die that has enough clearance that it doesn't touch the crystal when pressing the bezel.

[VWatchie]

4 hours ago, zx6rfool said:

This will be my first crystal replacement, I have a press, but looking at the watch I wonder if I might need a bezel tool also.

It's difficult to tell, but my guess is it just looks like it has a bezel. Once you have removed the movement, you should be able to tell. Either way, I think you should be able to press out the old crystal from the inside as long as you have a die that properly supports the bezel around the crystal. So, take it apart first and then assess if any additional tools or actions are needed. Let us know how you do!

 

Edited April 24 by VWatchie

[Kalanag]

From what I see, the crystal is made of mineral glass and is secured to the bezel with a sealing ring.

If you might want to replace the crystal without removing the bezel or the movement, I think it's possible, but risky. You have to suck out the old crystal without breaking it into tiny particles. I would not do that.

If you remove the movement first you can press the crystal out and press a new one in without removing the bezel.

Edited April 24 by Kalanag

[zx6rfool]

Well, turns out it was a fake bezel! The crystal is domed mineral glass and I was able to find a cheap replacement that should be here in two days. 

I used my crappy little press to pop out the cracked crystal, Ill give the case a good cleaning in the meantime and do a once over on the movement. 

 

 

[Kalanag]

3 hours ago, zx6rfool said:

Well, turns out it was a fake bezel!….

Doesn‘t look like fake, but has not to be removed.

[zx6rfool]

Double checked, definitely a fake bezel. It has a thin plastic gasket that creates the seal for the crystal. I went ahead and gave the case a good cleaning, and light polish. Now Im just hoping I can install the new crystal with out screwing up! I will likely be putting it in tomorrow night.   

[VWatchie]

20 minutes ago, zx6rfool said:

It has a thin plastic gasket that creates the seal for the crystal.

It can be a good idea to replace the gasket as well, especially if has any kind of damage. If it's a very tight fit between the gasket and the crystal, a thin layer of silicon grease on the gasket can help a lot. Keep us updated!

[Kalanag]

16 hours ago, zx6rfool said:

Double checked, definitely a fake bezel. It has a thin plastic gasket that creates the seal for the crystal.

For me a fake bezel looks like a bezel but is part of the case. I understand what you mean though.

Edited Saturday at 07:22 AM by Kalanag

[zx6rfool]

First major fail. Finally got in my replacement crystal. Ordered 31.5mm x 1.1mm double domed mineral glass. But it didnt snap in. Tried adjusting but I was able to pop it out by hand easily. Tried again and again until I shattered the crystal. With the gasket in the case the inner diameter is 31.5mm, with out the gasket the case inner diameter measures 32mm. What size should I go with?

[AndyGSi]

Normally I-Rings for around 1mm Crystals are either **.2 or **.7 to match with **.5 & **.0 crystals.

i.e. a 32.2mm I-Ring would be a 31.5mm Crystal.

Based on your measurements I'd have thought the 31.5mm would be correct.

Where did you get it and did you measure it?

Edit

Just looking at your photos.

Was it a double dome 1.1mm originally as the I-Ring looks very deep for that size?

Edited 4 hours ago by AndyGSi

[zx6rfool]

Got it off amazon, brand is Harfington. I just measured and it measured at 31.37mm diameter and 1.01mm thick. The original measured at 1.22mm thick. Maybe I should have ordered from esslinger. Gonna fix that now.

Edited 3 hours ago by zx6rfool
typo