Hi to all,
IWC's pilot watches are some of these models that Prof's 2xAR crystals get to another level. Browsing through the forum I could'nt really find an easy step-by-step process, so I figured I would document my crystal swap.
Please remind I'm no watchsmith nor a modder. I'm just practising skills here on a quite easy procedure that may be of interest for many of us.
I may be wrong at some point or there may be better ways to perform this, so feel free to comment or give hints, thank you all.
So I just received a 37.5 mm wide 2xAR from Prof last week, according to the size of one of my favorite rep as today : the ZF 3880-07 Top Gun, let's swap crystals then...
Actually the ZF basic crystal is not that bad, but it's still kind of dazy. Looking at the reflection compared to Prof's shows an obvious difference between the 2 :
Once the watch is opened and movement removed, it's time to remove the old crystal by pushing it inside out of the case.
I chose a 34mm dye to push the crystal, a 48mm to hold the case on the other side.
I use a vertical screw-in crystal press, it allows a good straight pressure for placing or removing crystals. Those can be found for about 80€ on marketplaces.
The case is placed upside down so I can press the crystal out easily.
The gasket is in good conditions here.
Comparing the crystals'reflection : original on left, Prof's on right. Needs no more comments, Prof's is on another quality level.
It's time to place Prof's crystal on the case. I use a 36mm dye, place a lense cloth on the crystal and screw on the press, while making sure the case remains evenly horizontal. Press tight, but don't force it.
Prof's crystal is in, and now the dial pops as no glass was there at all. Definitely a stunning upgrade any IWC enthusiast should get. Enjoy!
IWC's pilot watches are some of these models that Prof's 2xAR crystals get to another level. Browsing through the forum I could'nt really find an easy step-by-step process, so I figured I would document my crystal swap.
Please remind I'm no watchsmith nor a modder. I'm just practising skills here on a quite easy procedure that may be of interest for many of us.
I may be wrong at some point or there may be better ways to perform this, so feel free to comment or give hints, thank you all.
So I just received a 37.5 mm wide 2xAR from Prof last week, according to the size of one of my favorite rep as today : the ZF 3880-07 Top Gun, let's swap crystals then...
Actually the ZF basic crystal is not that bad, but it's still kind of dazy. Looking at the reflection compared to Prof's shows an obvious difference between the 2 :
Once the watch is opened and movement removed, it's time to remove the old crystal by pushing it inside out of the case.
I chose a 34mm dye to push the crystal, a 48mm to hold the case on the other side.
I use a vertical screw-in crystal press, it allows a good straight pressure for placing or removing crystals. Those can be found for about 80€ on marketplaces.
The case is placed upside down so I can press the crystal out easily.
The gasket is in good conditions here.
Comparing the crystals'reflection : original on left, Prof's on right. Needs no more comments, Prof's is on another quality level.
It's time to place Prof's crystal on the case. I use a 36mm dye, place a lense cloth on the crystal and screw on the press, while making sure the case remains evenly horizontal. Press tight, but don't force it.
Prof's crystal is in, and now the dial pops as no glass was there at all. Definitely a stunning upgrade any IWC enthusiast should get. Enjoy!
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