Omega crystal with retainer ring?

[afletch]

Anyone have some insight on how to install this Omega crystal? I understand how the retainer ring works when it’s a solid ring, but what about this style—that’s “open”? I can’t position it inside the crystal without overlapping the ends of the ring? This is a real Omega crystal so I don’t want to crack it. Thank you!

[AndyGSi]

Welcome to the forum

If the ring overlaps then it looks like you've got the wrong crystal.

I presume the ring is from the original crystal so how does the new crystal fit in the case without the ring?

Details on the case and what crystal you've bought would help.

[afletch]

Thanks for your response! The crystal and ring were together when I popped them out of the case. The crystal looks to be original to the watch—Omega. And without the ring, it fits in but pops out pretty easily.

 

[AndyGSi]

1 hour ago, afletch said:

Thanks for your response! The crystal and ring were together when I popped them out of the case. The crystal looks to be original to the watch—Omega. And without the ring, it fits in but pops out pretty easily.

 

Can you post a close up photo with the ring inside where you say it overlaps.

[RichardHarris123]

Total guess, but does the ring sit on the outside of the crystal and then close up when pressed into place?

[HectorLooi]

1 hour ago, afletch said:

Thanks for your response! The crystal and ring were together when I popped them out of the case. The crystal looks to be original to the watch—Omega. And without the ring, it fits in but pops out pretty easily.

 

So the ring was sitting inside the crystal when you popped it out?

[afletch]

Here's what the ring looks like inside the case (attached.)

And here's the same watch.

[HectorLooi]

Looks like the tension ring of an armored crystal.

There should be an offset groove in the crystal for this ring to sit in. Try fitting this ring in by seating the two open ends in the groove first, then work your way all around. This should tension the crystal and compress the ring.

[AndyGSi]

So what does the ring look like when it's inside the crystal?

[afletch]

7 hours ago, AndyGSi said:

So what does the ring look like when it's inside the crystal?

I can't fit it in the crystal without the two ends overlapping.

[AndyGSi]

2 minutes ago, afletch said:

I can't fit it in the crystal without the two ends overlapping.

If it came out then it must go in so expect you're fitting it wrong.

A photo would help show why it isn't fitting correctly.

[afletch]

2 hours ago, AndyGSi said:

If it came out then it must go in so expect you're fitting it wrong.

A photo would help show why it isn't fitting correctly.

I can't see how you (me) can stretch the glass a touch to get the ring in:

[RichardHarris123]

Doesn't it sit in the groove?

[AndyGSi]

15 minutes ago, afletch said:

I can't see how you (me) can stretch the glass a touch to get the ring in:

You're not stretching the glass you're closing that big gap in the ring.

With the 2 ends touching how does it look in relation to the glass?

Edit

The left hand side opposite the gap is way too far into the glass.

The ring should sit in the groove and be flat with the base of the glass.

Edited November 30, 2024 by AndyGSi

[afletch]

There's no way to sit the ring in the glass and then get it into the case. The ring pops out—it will not sit in the glass where the two ends touch.

[afletch]

I think I will take it to a professional. I'm afraid I may break the crystal or screw up the case.

[oldhippy]

That is not the correct ring. Someone has cut that ring down to size. 

[HectorLooi]

I thought original Omega crystals have a tiny omega embossed in the centre on the insides of the crystal. I don't see the tiny omega here.

How old is this watch and does anyone know when Omega started embossing their crystals?

[AndyGSi]

2 hours ago, afletch said:

There's no way to sit the ring in the glass and then get it into the case. The ring pops out—it will not sit in the glass where the two ends touch.

Looking at the crystal instead of the ring it looks shot anyway so a replacement would be the best option.

10 minutes ago, HectorLooi said:

How old is this watch and does anyone know when Omega started embossing their crystals?

I hadn't even noticed that as I was just concentrating on the ring.

I believe it was early 50s it happened and then changed to a smaller version mid 60s.

Edited November 30, 2024 by AndyGSi

[afletch]

It's a real Omega crystal. There is a logo in the center, so I was planning on reusing it. It's actually in good shape. I polished most all of the scratches out of it. It looks really rough with fingerprints now that I've manhandled it 500 times trying to get the ring on. 

[VWatchie]

10 hours ago, oldhippy said:

That is not the correct ring. Someone has cut that ring down to size. 

Have we ever seen a tension ring look like this before? I haven't so I think you're likely right.

[RichardHarris123]

5 minutes ago, VWatchie said:

Have we ever seen a tension ring look like this before? I haven't so I think you're likely right.

It still came out though, so  must go back in. 

[HectorLooi]

21 minutes ago, VWatchie said:

Have we ever seen a tension ring look like this before? I haven't so I think you're likely right.

Yes I have. It's quite common. I would put the open ends in first and then press around on both sides until it seats completely. 

[RichardHarris123]

2 minutes ago, HectorLooi said:

Yes I have. It's quite common. I would put the open ends in first and then press around on both sides until it seats completely. 

Does it sit in the groove? 

[oldhippy]

It should sit in the grove of the glass. I have come across quite a few in my time. 

What glass fitting tool are you using?