Removing hardened, ceramic-like gasket

[joelcarvajal]

Hello friends!  I need help.

The gasket on this 1960’s omega Seamaster has hardened to ceramic-like  stiffness.  I can’t even prick it, scratch it or make any mark that can give me leverage to remove it piece by piece.

i saw someone use a small torch but I’m worried it might discolor the case.

any idea how to remove it?

[AndyGSi]

If it's a gold case I'd strip it down and put in my heated US.

If you've not got a Heated US then just try hot water to start with.

Edit

Failing the above you're onto things like IPA or Acetone to try and soften it.

Edited February 5 by AndyGSi

[joelcarvajal]

Thanks @AndyGSi I’ll try those suggestions.

[joelcarvajal]

Submerging the entire case in IPA seems to have done it.  Whereas before, I can’t even make a mark on the gasket, after IPA, it seems to have made it brittle and I was able to crack it and eventually I was able to crush it.

Thanks a lot!