Is it normal for it to be this hard to remove a crystal?

[GPrideaux]

I have been entrusted with servicing a Seiko 62MAS which has what I suspect is the original acrylic crystal. I've uncased the movement (which is awaiting a new mainspring) and removed the bezel but when I try to push out the crystal it is resisting more than I expected. I know it's a tension ring crystal so is held more firmly but even so both the other tension ring crystals I've worked on came out with thumb pressure. I think I'm going to need to use a press to remove this one. Is that normal? Is there something else I should be doing? (It looks to me that some of the cracking/crazing goes the full depth of the crystal so I haven't tried just polishing it out. Should I?)

[HectorLooi]

Polishing this crystal won't do any good.

It looks like there's a bezel around the crystal. Use a razor to open up a gap between the bezel and watch case until a case knife can be inserted to pry off the bezel. The crystal should then be able to push out easily. Unless it has been glued in.

[Neverenoughwatches]

Looks like a diver's bezel has already been removed and the crystal just needs pressing out or fit a die inside from the back and tap it out with a hammer . Nothing to lose as the crystal looks shot.

[RichardHarris123]

39 minutes ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

Nothing to lose as the crystal looks shot.

It might polish out!!!! Hehe. 

[AndyGSi]

There are very few Seikos with tensions rings I've been able to remove by hand.

Edit

If it's a 6217-8001 then at least replacements are available.

https://welwynwatchparts.co.uk/products/seiko-acrylic-glass-genuine-nos-part-315t11ans0

Edited September 30, 2024 by AndyGSi

[oldhippy]

When I had a stubborn one I would use a screwdriver blade between the inside case and the tension ring.

[mikepilk]

What is the case number?

[watchweasol]

Hi. When removing cracked crystals it is wise to tape them up  (sellotape) before pushing out .  1 to avoid ant accidents  2 if you can remove it whole you have a reference to measure.

[GPrideaux]

Thanks, all. The confirmation that this is normal was what I needed to go ahead and use the press. It popped right out. The crystal's thicker than I thought. I measure it as 2.4mm thick in the centre. Makes sense for a diver's watch.

23 minutes ago, mikepilk said:

What is the case number?

6217-8001.

[AndyGSi]

15 minutes ago, GPrideaux said:

Thanks, all. The confirmation that this is normal was what I needed to go ahead and use the press. It popped right out. The crystal's thicker than I thought. I measure it as 2.4mm thick in the centre. Makes sense for a diver's watch.

6217-8001.

So my guess was right.

[Neverenoughwatches]

29 minutes ago, GPrideaux said:

Thanks, all. The confirmation that this is normal was what I needed to go ahead and use the press. It popped right out. The crystal's thicker than I thought. I measure it as 2.4mm thick in the centre. Makes sense for a diver's watch.

6217-8001.

Always best to ask if unsure, do you have the bezel and bezel spring ?

[mikepilk]

2 hours ago, GPrideaux said:

Thanks, all. The confirmation that this is normal was what I needed to go ahead and use the press. It popped right out. The crystal's thicker than I thought. I measure it as 2.4mm thick in the centre. Makes sense for a diver's watch.

6217-8001.

[GPrideaux]

On 9/30/2024 at 5:19 PM, Neverenoughwatches said:

Always best to ask if unsure, do you have the bezel and bezel spring ?

Yes, everything is present. I'm working on the crown now.

[CYCLOPS]

glad it was easily removed, I was afraid it was glued, it definitely will not buff out though with all that crazing..