I'm trying to replace the "top hat" crystal on a Rolex 1680. The new crystal fits fine, but I'm having trouble with the metal retaining ring. The crystal is so high that my 31.5mm bezel die "bottoms out" well before the retaining ring is seated. Horotec makes a set of deep dies for use with high-domed crystals like this one, but the sizes skip from 30mm (too small) to 35mm (too large). Does anyone have an idea of how I can solve this? Thanks----

 

Problem solved, cheap.

Here are the parts laid out:


Crystal installed with hand pressure:


Retaining ring gasket put in place:


Retaining ring placed over crystal:


Retaining ring press tool in position:


Retaining ring pressed down:


Bezel attached and all is good:

 

Nicely done with the “bezel press tool”. A large socket works as well.

 

My wife actually suggested a socket, but I don't have any large enough at the moment. Time for a trip to Harbor Freight.....

 

how do you remove the retaining ring?

 

Carefully get under it with a sturdy flat edged knife or similar, maybe tape up the lugs before doing so. Work it up bit by bit around its edges continually working around it. It’s a precision fit so take it slow, it’s a game of millimeters.

Think about how it goes on using the pill bottle method above—constant, even pressure applied around its entirety, pushing it straight down.

 

I used the pill bottle method last week when pressing down the retaining ring on my 1675 after installing a T38... worked like a charm.

To remove the retaining ring I used a sturdy utility knife razor blade and carefully worked around the entire watch to create some space... eventually it was loose enough to remove with my fingers.

As mentioned above... tape the lugs well so you don’t scratch them. Ideally you should not think about using the lugs or case as a fulcrum. Patience is king here!

 

Similarly, I use polyamide tape to protect the case, start with a single-edge razor blade, then go to this:

 

Awesome pictures! I love to see stuff like this

 

You guys are so clever! I spent about half an hour on this but for the first time since 1997 my 1977 Rolex 1680 has a new crystal!

 

Beautiful submariner.

 

If you remove the batteries and end cap of a large Maglite flashlight, it is the exact size of the lock ring and you can use it as a press.

 

I used a pill bottle initially, but it collapsed. In the end I found a metal canteen which fit perfectly.

 

My pill bottle also collapsed eventually. I just cut off the bottle part, leaving the ring. Quite rigid and works fine.