Putting crystal back on

[kevinb95]

So, I have a Seamaster Cosmic, I had someone else put it together, but I didn't have the right case at the time.  I've got the case now.  I'm trying to use the crystal press and it's little slider tool to put the crystal back in.  Is there some magic secret to doing this?  I put the crystal on the little slider thing.  Clamp down with the crystal press, tighten it.  I can see a lip around the bottom of the crystal, apply it into the case and start releasing pressure.  From the videos I watch, the crystal should be in.  Nope... not for me.  I've tried at least 6 or 7 times, never get it.  It feels like it's setting down in the case, but it just pops out every time.  I thought maybe I don't have it tight enough, a couple times I almost couldn't loosen the press because it was so tight.  Any guesses at what I may be doing wrong, or is there some magic trick?

[Chopin]

Out of curiosity. Are you talking about the claw tool ? The crystal press is an actual press.

If you're indeed talking about the claw tool keep in mind that it usually works on acrylic crystals only. And I believe it doesn't work on the ones with a tension ring.

Is the glass teh correct one for the case ? Is it OEM ?

[transporter]

It does sound like he is using the claw type tool (crystal lift tool) as chopin has said the crystal press is that a press, i have a screw down one with different dies, i find it more controllable than the hand squeeze type myself, plus i have seen a couple of that type break in the past.

[kevinb95]

Sorry, yes.  I'm using the claw tool.  It is a plastic crystal, I'm not sure if it is because of the doming of it, but it almost looks like a tension ring is built into the glass.  I think I have a press in a box somewhere, I'm a little afraid of it, and doing greater damage.

[transporter]

I get what you are saying mate, have you a friendly watchsmith that you can go to to get advice and guidance?  If you have pop in to see him /her and ask them to help you put that crystal back in. I know you might think this is not teaching you how to do it yourself but believe me I have used mine for some really simple stuff that was bugging me, and they enjoy passing on their knowledge.

Them claw lifters also need to be used with the clamp to ensure the jaws all stay the same height on  the crystal, I sometimes have great success with these and at others ive cracked crystals left right and centre using them.

[kevinb95]

Thank you for the sage advice.  Maybe I'll let a pro do this higher value watch, and I will keep playing with my cheap ones until I get seasoned.

[transporter]

Good idea for now mate, none of us are trying to put you off having a go ok, but sometimes we all have to all skin for that little bit of help, ask your smith if he will help and show you how he does it, I know some dissappear into the back room and do little jobs, but see if he will run you through the process so you can be certain of how it's done, I always leave a drink for mine, its nice to oil the wheels ready for the next visit I pay him