Question about removing crystal retaining ring on Clean GMT Master II V3

[JTB16635]

There are several ways to lower the gasket height. I place proper date mag as the top priority when fitting a gasket, then secondarily I try to achieve a proper (gen-like) crystal sitting height.

If you shave a 2.7mm to 2.6mm it will usually clear the second hand. Also sometimes you can carefully press the second hand down a little from where the factory placed it and use a 2.5mm.

Check out these threads for more info

Which crystal gasket should I use?

Crystal gasket shave - DIY

Crystal gasket shave Quick and dirty

CLEAN GMT crystal gasket rework

Second hand catching on crystal

I'm using the Clark crystal and gasket. I had him send me (2) of each: 2.70, 2.85, 3.0. The Clean gasket in mine measured 3.0 When I tried the 2.7 the second hand stopped. So I installed the 2.85 and sanded it down a little at a time until it was slightly interfering with the second hand (drag). Then I installed the second 2.85 gasket and sanded it down so it was just a hair longer than the first one. Ordering extra gaskets is the way to go if you want to get it as low as possible without modding the pinions, imo. Walmart didn't have the fishing line I needed so ordered on Amazon and will be here Friday.

 

[JTB16635]

KJ2020, in the interest of clarity for myself you mention sanding the ID of the washer, are you sanding so it drops directly over the teeth on the retaining ring, or just enough so it still fits under the teeth, but can free wheel/rotate? My thinking is I'd still want the teeth to retain it but not impede it's ability to rotate. But I'll follow your recommendation.

 

[KJ2020]

KJ2020, in the interest of clarity for myself you mention sanding the ID of the washer, are you sanding so it drops directly over the teeth on the retaining ring, or just enough so it still fits under the teeth, but can free wheel/rotate? My thinking is I'd still want the teeth to retain it but not impede it's ability to rotate. But I'll follow your recommendation.

The bezel tension ring (flat washer) should not touch the crystal retaining ring. there is a detent in the case that (should) define its width.

 

[JTB16635]

I finally got the fishing line and some free time, and it worked great. The action is a bit tight though (it's .65mm in diameter), so I’ll need to pop it off and sand it down by about .001” to see if that helps. I’ll hold off until Monday because I’ve got a really nice clone of the Bergeon bezel removal tool coming. The one I have now works well, but it doesn't let you apply pressure on the crystal if the bezel pulls the retaining ring along with it. Plus having plastic jaws is one less thing to worry about.

All things considered, it’s been a solid solution. Thanks, KJ2020! Once I’m sure everything’s working, I’ll move on to the Sea Dweller. Clean really needs to check their Cyclops alignment though—this is the second watch in a row with the same issue. Too bad the fishing line won’t fix the floating “M”!

I'm also think I'll use GS Hypo cement instead of insert double sided tape. If you load it in a syringe its super controllable to apply

 

[KJ2020]

I finally got the fishing line and some free time, and it worked great. The action is a bit tight though (it's .65mm in diameter), so I’ll need to pop it off and sand it down by about .001” to see if that helps.

Don't forget to add a thin coat of silicone grease to the line. That can be done before or after it's fitted to the bezel groove.

 

[2841]

Hypo cement is imo a better solution. Inlay will be better/flat seated in the bezel

Clean GMT budget builds - Mini review

Hi Guys Since CF released the first v1 Pepsi, hope was alive to finally do a proper build, without going crazy franken. Ive had around 10 GMTs in my hand, since the v1, and there is a LOT of variation in build quality and tolerance. Basically one technique/gasket etc will work on one watch...

forum.replica-watch.info

 

[JTB16635]

Don't forget to add a thin coat of silicone grease to the line. That can be done before or after it's fitted to the bezel groove.

Yes, I actually use a different kind of grease that works a little better in my opinion. It's a synthetic grease for firearms. It also works great on Seiko bezel gaskets (rubber O rings). I'm actually going to look and see if HDPE or UHMW cord/filament is available in the correct diameter. The UHMW wouldn't require any lubricant and is chemically inert and very a very tough material.

 

[JTB16635]

Another observation. These Clark crystals are nice, but I have a DateJust from VSF and that crystal is super clear. The difference is cyclopes clarity is crazy.

 

[KJ2020]

Another observation. These Clark crystals are nice, but I have a DateJust from VSF and that crystal is super clear. The difference is cyclopes clarity is crazy.

Better check an angle view for edge distortion on the VSF cyclops. It was and may still be a real Achilles heel (depending on batch) of their otherwise excellent crystals.

I'm usually only bothered by it in the higher 30's of the month, haha.

 

[BeeWeez]

Another observation. These Clark crystals are nice, but I have a DateJust from VSF and that crystal is super clear. The difference is cyclopes clarity is crazy.

Hey there, just to be sure I got it right, did you mean that the Clark crystal has better cyclops clarity than the VSF original one?

 

[KJ2020]

Hey there, just to be sure I got it right, did you mean that the Clark crystal has better cyclops clarity than the VSF original one?

No, the VSF crystals and cyclopses are best, except for edge distortion on them (if present). Some batches of VSF crystals do not have the cyclops edge distortion issue.

Clark's crystals are very good for the price. I've used dozens of them and have never seen a bit of edge distortion. They are not top tier compared to many recent updated rep crystals and cannot compare to a 6 digit gen crystal. Thay are however significantly better than a gen 5 digit crystal IMO, because of their AR cyclops. I greatly disliked my gen 16710 no AR crystal and seriously considered replacing it with an AR cyclops Clark's. I still contend that would have been a physical upgrade, though I couldn't bring myself to insult a gen that way. I ended up putting a gen 6 digit crystal on it and am finally happy with it.

 

[JTB16635]

Hey there, just to be sure I got it right, did you mean that the Clark crystal has better cyclops clarity than the VSF original one?

VSF crystal on my datejust has less reflections for sure on the Cyclopes.