- 12/3/18
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Sometimes you end up with a crystal you could use if only it didn't have a cyclops on it. Or maybe it has one in the ETA position and you want it gone. Removing one is remarkably simple and can be done in under 10 minutes. I would never do this with the crystal still installed in a case, there's just too much risk of damaging some other part.
A safe and convenient way to hold the crystal is to place 3-4 layers of masking tape over the side opposite the cyclops, then clamp some vise grip jaws lightly but firmly onto the tape.
The fast ways to do this are either with a soldering iron or a flame. A higher wattage soldering iron will take less time, and adjustable temperature settings are nice. But even a cheap basic one will do the job, you just might need to hold the tip to the glass a little longer.
I prefer the flameoff technique, there's no setup time just grap your torch or lighter of choice and Burn Baby Burn. It can take 3-4 minutes of continuous heat to loosen the glue during which time most everything will turn black. I've even lit up the tape a time or two, just blow it out and press on.
When you think it's cooked enough, set it on a bench at an angle and slice the cyclops off with a razor blade.
Not yet
Now
Then WAIT FOR IT TO COOL! haha
Remove the tape and wipe it off with alcohol and a paper towel. Sometimes it will leave some stubborn glue mess where the cyclops was - use acetone and more vigorous rubbing for that.
Sometimes some burn residue will remain on the edges - use an acetone soaked paper towel and swipe/roll the crystal on it. In the case of a stairstep edge some specific hard rubbing with acetone through a towel with a fingernail or toothpick is needed. Don't use anything metal. Occasionally I've had to do a little light sanding with 3000 or 5000 grit on a stubborn edge stain. That takes it right off.
And done!
It's hard to believe what some people will do to a gen Rolex.
A safe and convenient way to hold the crystal is to place 3-4 layers of masking tape over the side opposite the cyclops, then clamp some vise grip jaws lightly but firmly onto the tape.
The fast ways to do this are either with a soldering iron or a flame. A higher wattage soldering iron will take less time, and adjustable temperature settings are nice. But even a cheap basic one will do the job, you just might need to hold the tip to the glass a little longer.
I prefer the flameoff technique, there's no setup time just grap your torch or lighter of choice and Burn Baby Burn. It can take 3-4 minutes of continuous heat to loosen the glue during which time most everything will turn black. I've even lit up the tape a time or two, just blow it out and press on.
When you think it's cooked enough, set it on a bench at an angle and slice the cyclops off with a razor blade.
Not yet
Now
Then WAIT FOR IT TO COOL! haha
Remove the tape and wipe it off with alcohol and a paper towel. Sometimes it will leave some stubborn glue mess where the cyclops was - use acetone and more vigorous rubbing for that.
Sometimes some burn residue will remain on the edges - use an acetone soaked paper towel and swipe/roll the crystal on it. In the case of a stairstep edge some specific hard rubbing with acetone through a towel with a fingernail or toothpick is needed. Don't use anything metal. Occasionally I've had to do a little light sanding with 3000 or 5000 grit on a stubborn edge stain. That takes it right off.
And done!
It's hard to believe what some people will do to a gen Rolex.
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