Pam 000 Crystal

[kramerica72]

I just picked up an XF 000, and have noticed much more reflection/ distortion than I have on my other Pams. I realize the domed crystal plays a part, but was curious if this is to be expected? Or would I benefit from replacing the crystal? It looks like I can pick up a Sapphire AR plus gasket for around $100.

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[KOT1917]

Hello!

Yes, the XF crystal had reviews of less transparency than many are used to seeing.
Will it get better after the replacements? Probably depends on what you change it to. This is not a question for XF, but for your replacement crystal supplier.

 

[kramerica72]

Hello!

Yes, the XF crystal had reviews of less transparency than many are used to seeing.
Will it get better after the replacements? Probably depends on what you change it to. This is not a question for XF, but for your replacement crystal supplier.

Thank you for the reply. I'll have to see how I feel with more time on the wrist, but get the sense I'd likely prefer something better.

If we believe the claims in this ad, this crystal has no lens effect, and AR coating on each side. Also should be easy to return if the quality is not there. Do you have any experience with this vendor? http://www.ebay.com/itm/310392965892

 

[Woundup]

Thank you for the reply. I'll have to see how I feel with more time on the wrist, but get the sense I'd likely prefer something better.

If we believe the claims in this ad, this crystal has no lens effect, and AR coating on each side. Also should be easy to return if the quality is not there. Do you have any experience with this vendor? http://www.ebay.com/itm/310392965892

That vendor is more commonly known as 'WSO' on the forums. I've purchased several different parts from them including domed crystals and have always been happy with the quality.

 

[kramerica72]

That vendor is more commonly known as 'WSO' on the forums. I've purchased several different parts from them including domed crystals and have always been happy with the quality.

Thank you very much--glad to hear!

 

[papabear244]

The WSO luminor crystal is good. I bought one to replace the crystal on my older noob 005 that had blue AR. Let me see if I can find a picture.

Do note, the WSO crystal come in two versions, one with 2xAR and one with 1xAR on the underside. I recommend the latter. The AR on the WSO is not completely clear, but it is almost unnoticeable. And highly clear too, much better than the one you have.


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[papabear244]

Here is a picture of how the WSO 1xAR look like. I took it in the worst case scenario to showcase the AR, but normally it is all clear.

As you can see it’s like a blueish grey that looks white when not having a reference.

Another very good alternative would be the “Clark” luminor crystal. It is also highly clear, even more than the WSO imho but it has a slight blue tinge when reflecting. Not a big deal, I use it in my homage builds and it is cheaper at $50.


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[kramerica72]

Here is a picture of how the WSO 1xAR look like. I took it in the worst case scenario to showcase the AR, but normally it is all clear.

As you can see it’s like a blueish grey that looks white when not having a reference.

Another very good alternative would be the “Clark” luminor crystal. It is also highly clear, even more than the WSO imho but it has a slight blue tinge when reflecting. Not a big deal, I use it in my homage builds and it is cheaper at $50.


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Thank you for the picture, and detailed information. I ended up buying the 2X from WSO a few days ago, which should get to me later this week. I didn't see an option in their current listings for a 1AR, but either way it's got to be much better than what's on the watch now.

Would you know what I need to do to remove the crystal on this model? It looks like there is a spot to pry off the bezel at 10-11 o'clock--does it need to come off first before I remove the movement and push the crystal out from the back?

Thanks again-

 

[papabear244]

I’ve never removed a luminor bezel before, as my attempts have always ended up in a lot of scratches. Maybe someone who has experience can chime in.

What I do is I dismount the 6497 from the back and push the crystal out with a crystal press. I suggest you look up tutorials on how to unmount a 6497 and on how to remove the stem. Also don’t start anything without the right tools.


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[kramerica72]

I’ve never removed a luminor bezel before, as my attempts have always ended up in a lot of scratches. Maybe someone who has experience can chime in.

What I do is I dismount the 6497 from the back and push the crystal out with a crystal press. I suggest you look up tutorials on how to unmount a 6497 and on how to remove the stem. Also don’t start anything without the right tools.


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Thank you. I do have the proper tools, but have never worked on a Luminor before. My past experience is almost exclusively with subs and Seiko divers. I've been searching the forum for more specifics, and will keep looking.

 

[papabear244]

Oh! On that case it should be easy peasy. Unscrew caseback, remove stem, remove 2 mounting tabs to unmount movement. And push out xtal from the underside using the press. I would leave the original gasket if it stays in place after the xtal has been pushed out. The WSO gasket is a bit shorter and softer.


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[kramerica72]

Oh! On that case it should be easy peasy. Unscrew caseback, remove stem, remove 2 mounting tabs to unmount movement. And push out xtal from the underside using the press. I would leave the original gasket if it stays in place after the xtal has been pushed out. The WSO gasket is a bit shorter and softer.


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Thanks. Do you know if the bezel needs to come off first, or can the crystal be removed/installed with it still intact?

 

[papabear244]

The bezel should not come off with the crystal, although sometimes it can be dislodged if the original crystal was fitted very tight, in that case you just press it back in place before mounting the crystal. Normally the bezel is held very tight to the case, hence prying off the bezel for me has been more difficult than unseating the movement.


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[kramerica72]

New crystal installed, much better! Thanks for the help!

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[papabear244]

Nice! But Is that the 2xAR? I would have expected it to be even more clear, or is just the angle? In case the AR on the outside gets damaged, you can remove it with polywatch and a dremel at low speed.


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[kramerica72]

Nice! But Is that the 2xAR? I would have expected it to be even more clear, or is just the angle? In case the AR on the outside gets damaged, you can remove it with polywatch and a dremel at low speed.


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The description states 2X, but I would agree that it's not comparable to my 2X on other watches (Sinn U1, Omega Deep Black) where the crystal disappears. Perhaps its the shape, I'm not sure. It's definitely a noticeable improvement over the stock XF, though.

And thanks again for the tip on the gasket---I kept the old one in there and it slid right in. The new one was smaller/thinner as you stated.