Bet I'm not the first

[JJM]

I can happily announce the crystal is out! 

I shouldn't think I'll be the last to adopt this unorthodox approach, the crystal was damaged prior to this violation of horological etiquette. Yes I did cut myself & no, on reflection, I concede it wasn't a very good idea. 

 

[clockboy]

48 minutes ago, JJM said:

I can happily announce the crystal is out! 

I shouldn't think I'll be the last to adopt this unorthodox approach, the crystal was damaged prior to this violation of horological etiquette. Yes I did cut myself & no, on reflection, I concede it wasn't a very good idea. 

 

[watchweasol]

I see the crystal fitting tools are on show

[AndyHull]

Hmmm, the hammer... yes, the caseback opener... OK, the cloth.. fine.. the socket...well I might have been tempted.... but  the toaster, what kind of a barbarian are you sir?!

[JJM]

6 hours ago, AndyHull said:

what kind of a barbarian are you sir?!

Fair point! ...... Well I saw on a Ulysse Nardin video a operative enamelling dials with what appeared to be a pizza oven.... So I just thought...... Its Horological/Liberty Hall here. 

I'm wondering if I use a smaller hammer I could fit the replacement crystal utilising a similar methodology .....  I guess its more a gradually increase of pressure as against a short sharp shock..... Using weights perhaps...... Or my foot? 

This all started by me needing a battery replaced & now look! 

[Graziano]

8 minutes ago, JJM said:

Fair point! ...... Well I saw on a Ulysse Nardin video a operative enamelling dials with what appeared to be a pizza oven.... So I just thought...... Its Horological/Liberty Hall here. 

I'm wondering if I use a smaller hammer I could fit the replacement crystal utilising a similar methodology .....  I guess its more a gradually increase of pressure as against a short sharp shock..... Using weights perhaps...... Or my foot? 

This all started by me needing a battery replaced & now look! 

Have you tried a hydraulic press ?

Edited March 10, 2020 by Graziano

[chrisdt]

Actually, I think you are the first !!!! Unless other members would like to come forward

[watchweasol]

Hi  Iv'e got it the toaster is to warm the bezel (expand) and with medium pressure from the hammer and socket, a perfect fit

[JJM]

On 3/10/2020 at 1:41 AM, Graziano said:

Have you tried a hydraulic press ?

 

Oddly enough I did have half a thought of rigging something up using a bottle jack.... I really should get a purpose made unit, maybe drop £10 on Ali express & see what happens... Cash is slim this month though

[JJM]

On 3/10/2020 at 10:49 AM, watchweasol said:

Hi  Iv'e got it the toaster is to warm the bezel (expand) and with medium pressure from the hammer and socket, a perfect fit

No bezel on this one..... Mind you, I could retrofit one utilising heat & some strategic percucussive techniques...Great idea....! I'll whip the 'Pot' bezel off my Daytona of Eastern origin & mock it up for sizing 

[matabog]

Is that a Bergeon Hammer?

If so, then you're ok. If not, you're screwed!  :))))

Edited March 13, 2020 by matabog

[JJM]

Bergewong...... Its a €uroeastern partnership ya see. The culmatative efforts of industrial powerhouses... 

[JJM]

Well we seem to have progress!

I will take this as a win

Its in the same position as the original

There it is, looking awful covered in finger prints .... But its in, in level & not broken

As I didn't replace the crystal gasket I think it would be unfair to expect it to be watertight.

The technical details: Original glass Ø35.87mm the replacement Ø36.46mm. I'm not too sure how

accurate these chinese digital verniers are, (£7.00 worth )  As at the time of ordering

I didn't have any suitable measuring devices, I did the sensible thing & looked online, took a

strangers word for it, what could go wrong ? ...... The maths says the replacement crystal is .59mm oversize

but I am living proof that "You can make anything fit if you have a big enough hammer" .....

Conclusion: I think I've been mighty fortunate, however I have also demonstrated that with a kiss from lady

luck & a modicom of digital dexterity this watch fanangling is a breeze.   

 

 

Edited March 15, 2020 by JJM
Spelling as usual