Popping and re-installing the crystal on the 42mm Exp2

[bklm1234 17]

Mickey Padge asked me to fix up his 42mm Exp2. I'm not covering the 1st part of the fix which was to rotate the dial so it's in the correct x-y axis (Mickey himself did that) and re-attaching the DWO to it (I got my watchsmith partner to do it).

 

This post is about popping and re-installing the crystal so the cyclop is lined up to the date window.

First, double-tape up the lugs

Stick a utility blad between the case and the bezel

Use a mallet to pound the utiltiy blade in like I did on this 39mm exp2

You'll get a gap when the blade got all the way in

You can then use a caseback knife to pry off the bezel

Bezel is now off the case

You wouldn't scratch the lugs. Scratches are all under the bezel so no problem there

You need to use a press to press DOWN (not UP) on the crystal to get it out of the bezel. It's very tight.

Now put back the gut. Line up 12 o'clock to the engraved coronet on the rehaut

Wipe clean the crystal, fit it on the gasket, put them on the watch

Crystal and gasket are on the watch squarely

Position the bezel on the watch

Press the bezel down with a press

Finished. But crap!! The bezel shifted. It's not lined up properly to the dial. M***ER F**K*R! Start over.

Finally done and lined up. This time I was holding the bezel as I advanced the press so it wouldn't shift. Should have done that in the first place.

 

Happy modding.

 

-bk

[jeffw69 0]

Very cool BK, thanks for sharing.

[Dendo 93]

I kinda new it was going to move when you were pressing it down towards the end

 

Well done and thanks for the explanation.

[bklynboy 0]

Could a 1670 Pepsi bezel kit fit on this to create a PamAm look?

[Member X 91]

Thanks for the great pictorial, BK

 

Are you offering these as an 'official BK stock line'?

[BigBuys 0]

I need to install a GEN Sub crystal in my new TC v4, but I'm scared! Should practice this procedure with something other than Rolex GEN parts and my new TC Sub.

 

Now to find a press that is affordable for occaisional use and practice on some lesser hardware.

 

Thanks BKLM for the easy steps. Very helpful.

[10:10 Watch Repair 1]

I need to install a GEN Sub crystal in my new TC v4, but I'm scared! Should practice this procedure with something other than Rolex GEN parts and my new TC Sub.

 

Now to find a press that is affordable for occaisional use and practice on some lesser hardware.

 

Thanks BKLM for the easy steps. Very helpful.

 

Installing the crystal on a gen sub doesn't require a press. The gasket fits over the rehaut, and the crystal fits in snugly. The bezel retaining ring then gets pressed, but a typical press won't have the die so you will have to improvise.

[dingle 57]

Any pointers on how to improvise mate?

 

 

[10:10 Watch Repair 1]

Any pointers on how to improvise mate?

A block of wood and a light hammer to tap it the final couple of MMs working your way around. You could use a PAM case back opener tapped from the top. ABS pipe.