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wsfarrell
·I've been looking at vintage Submariners for a while. When the prices of 1680s got out of hand, I broadened my search, and recently picked up a really nice 16800. Serial dates it to 1980. 100% original, including the VE code bracelet; never been in the same room as a buffer; flawless dial. It recently underwent a full service at LA Watch Works, including stabilization of the hands which were starting to show some tarnish. It's the most accurate mechanical watch I own: +5 seconds in 2 weeks.
I do love acrylic crystals though, and against the better judgement of everyone I asked, I decided to put one on the watch. I took a chance on an aftermarket crystal from eBay, and it fit perfectly. Here's a brief pictorial of the tools involved:
1. Tried to remove the caseback with a standard tool; couldn't. Apparently LAWW really torqued this thing down.
2. Went with the LG Openall to get it off; that worked:
3. Removed the bezel with a Home Depot paint scraper and a Fayette R. Plumb hammer from the 1920's:
4. The crystal retaining ring on these watches is extremely tight; sometimes it's hard to tell it's a separate piece from the case. I carefully lifted it a tiny bit with a razor blade:
5. Then I used an eBay bezel tool to lift it most of the way:
6. And finished popping it off with a case knife:
7. I used a crystal press to (a) remove the sapphire crystal from the retaining ring (no damage, can be re-used) and (b) to install the new acrylic crystal:
I love the result. I understand the watch is no longer waterproof, but I have Seikos and Seamasters for diving.
I do love acrylic crystals though, and against the better judgement of everyone I asked, I decided to put one on the watch. I took a chance on an aftermarket crystal from eBay, and it fit perfectly. Here's a brief pictorial of the tools involved:
1. Tried to remove the caseback with a standard tool; couldn't. Apparently LAWW really torqued this thing down.
2. Went with the LG Openall to get it off; that worked:
3. Removed the bezel with a Home Depot paint scraper and a Fayette R. Plumb hammer from the 1920's:
4. The crystal retaining ring on these watches is extremely tight; sometimes it's hard to tell it's a separate piece from the case. I carefully lifted it a tiny bit with a razor blade:
5. Then I used an eBay bezel tool to lift it most of the way:
6. And finished popping it off with a case knife:
7. I used a crystal press to (a) remove the sapphire crystal from the retaining ring (no damage, can be re-used) and (b) to install the new acrylic crystal:
I love the result. I understand the watch is no longer waterproof, but I have Seikos and Seamasters for diving.
Edited:
