DSSD Mods - Questions

[biggiesmall]

I have recently acquired a DSSD which I am pretty sure is a V3 or newer straight from Asia (friend's mother is a flight attendant). I have read most of the mods and I would like to make it waterproof but I have never opened a case or anything else except change bracelets. I don't mind trying the minor things but I have a couple of questions.

I do not have a case back opener and do not plan doing this often- Do I need to get a Rolex specific opener or just one that has an extra large capacity? Any recommendations?

I think my watch has a glossy dial (I can see the reflection of the second hand) but I am apprehensive about removing the hands and spraying w/ matte finish. Is it easy and if not, is it worth it?

Do I need to reseal the crystal also? I am just looking for showering & surfing wear - not diving.

Thanks for any insight offered.

 

[Targa]

You can wad up a bal of duct tape (sticky side out) and use it to remove the case back (usually...sometimes it takes alot of prerssure)

I did the matte finish myself and have since given up on my modding career

Seems I can get them apart but not back together, I could not get the hands on (even though I have the correct tools) and mucked up the keyless works as well

Sent the mess I made to Katt and to his credit he was able to fix it

I wont be doing any more watchsmithing!

 

[Q5?]

I think doing the HEV/Epoxy mod is a good first mod for you.

Yes use the duct tape trick.

Make sure to not press the stem release too hard. Just enough as you pull the stem out. If you push it too hard it can mess up the keyless works.

Take your time and it should be easy peasy.

 

[biggiesmall]

Thanks guys. That's all I needed to hear on the hand removal. If I get serious enough about it, I will practice on a lesser model. But I am going to do the waterproofing as soon as I get some grease and epoxy.

Anyone have a good source for the grease or just get it online? I may do the same w/ my GMT!

 

[jfazioli]

Just modded my first watch, a dssd, and was pretty successful.

I used a case back opener from amazon for 8 bucks when the duct tape trick failed.

I did the hev with marine epoxy from my local hardware store... Which is the dame place I got the grease. It was $3 for a 6 oz tube.

Once I got it apart, the dial worried me a bit, so I didn't bother. For some reason, it's not that noticeable on mine, so it stayed glossy.

I had it pressure tested to 100m yesterday, and it passed, so I'm pretty pleased.

All in all, it wasn't that difficult, but it was tedious to mix and apply the epoxy, wait, and reassemble... I wanted it back on my wrist!

 

[Q5?]

That reminds me. Let the epoxy cure for at least 24 hours. The fumes can really mess up the dial and other stuff if sealed back too early.

 

[biggiesmall]

Success! I did the mods and the thing still works! Wow, I don't know if I could get used to working with those small parts on a regular basis.

I finished and looked at my work and realized a tiny speck of dust found its way into the crystal:shocked: - so I had to repeat the process but I get practice makes perfect.

I ended up using a ball of Gorilla tape and the back came open almost too easily - so I twisted it back on as tight as I could w/ the tape. I also happened upon some good tweezers in a kit from Harbor Freight tools (didn't expect to find watch specific tools there).

I don't think I am up for hand removal yet but the waterproofing mods were easy. i just have to make sure they work - maybe i will try the DIY pressure test next.:thumbsup:

 

[maleth]

Mods done by kenny1kenny1, dial matte, re lume, sync movement.

 

[biggiesmall]

That looks great! I could use a relume myself - the lume on mine is a bit lumpy on 6 & 9.

 

[waterluver]

What is the name of the grease you got?

 

[biggiesmall]

I found a tube of Loctite Silicone Lubricant which lists o-ring lubrication and waterproofing on the front of the tube. I think this tube will last me for the rest of my life. 18 bucks at Grainger supply.