I posted this in the GMT thread
@KJ2020 did, but I wanted to share here to help out anyone that might be having probs finding something to press in the crystal retaining ring...HUGE THANK YOU TO
@KJ2020 !!! You sir, are a gentlemen and a scholar...no cap
(The reply is from the GMT crystal swap thread, not this one, just fyi)
Steps are the same for Sub and GMT, just a few different bezel parts. The 2nd link has that info.
6-digit Sub crystal and bezel swap
6-digit GMT bezel install sequence
awesome, and the pics are back! thank you again...thanks to this tutorial and the links KJ2020 responded with, I was able to do a deep crystal swap more so using the "6-digit sub crystal and bezel swap link" on my CF 116710 GMT, was loads of fun figuring this out, lots of trial and error (LOL), and I bought a ton of tools to figure out which would work as the best crystal retaining ring presser (no access to a lathe to turn my own, etc.).
In case this helps anyone else, I found two options 'off the shelf' that work beautifully for pressing the retaining ring back properly and securely:
1. Money is no object option: Bergeon 5499-15 Set...specifically the 32mm/32.5mm double-sided die. Set was not cheap ($275) but dam are they nice and unbelievably high quality. I think there is a site that will sell individual dies, so I listed the one above that worked for me so you don't have to buy the whole set if you need this for the same watch I did.
2. Budget option - (and the winner IMHO) - is the aluminum die set from Esslinger for $30...I was able to use the 36mm die (inner dimension matches the base of the ring diameter perfectly and the die is straight walled, see attached pic). Very glad I found this option, and the set comes with many others...they are a bit rough and I had to swap one set out as the lip was too roughed up for my liking, and luckily Esslinger's customer service is always top notch. here's a direct link to the set as fyi:
replacement-aluminum-die-set-for-watch-crystal-press-and-case-closer-set-of-30
I swapped in Deep and used a 2.7mm gasket from Esslinger as well as the CF gasket looked warped, and the end result is perfect to me. Happy swapping y'all!