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Pressing crystals out of vintage Seiko digital watch cases.

3K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  Transporter 
#1 ·
So I have two vintage Seiko A159-5009 digital watches. Both work great now that I have clean the crud out of the pusher and added a little Seiko silicone lube to them. Both cases clean up nicely also so as I look at them The light scratches on the crystals really stand out now. So I am deciding if I want to polish them or replace them but either choice leaves me with the question of how do you push out one of these crystals without destroying the insert behind them or cracking the crystal?
The only other crystal I have removed that was slightly similar was the crystal in my H556 baby "Arnie". With the "Arnie I had a bit more room but still a large part of the crystal is blocked by the insert which is trapped in between the crystal and the case. I had a new crystal for my baby "Arnie" so I did not care if that one broke but I still managed to put a crack in the insert while pushing out the crystal on the "Arnie"
The tiny opening in the insert on the A159 is less than half of the "arnie" plus I do not want to crack it. They press I use has the nylon inserts. I guess maybe I could find an old used nylon insert for theis style and cut it down to fit the small opening wick as much oil as I can on the exposed crystals gasket in the front and hope for the best. Installation will be easy. Just a flat nylon disc on the top and support the case underneath and it will go back in but getting it out? Anyone have and spare chewed up nylon inserts they are willing to donate to make custom dies?

Michael
 
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#2 ·
Hi Michael,

I've done this on a couple of my Pan-Am's

I made a wooden block that fitted inside the insert. I also taped over the crystal (on the outside), partly to add some strength, but more in case the crystal shattered.




I then pushed on the wooden block to push the crystal out. This worked on both watches without a break. I increased the pressure VERY gently (I have a screw press, rather than a hand clamp one).

Hope this helps.
 
#3 ·
Hi Michael,

I've done this on a couple of my Pan-Am's

I made a wooden block that fitted inside the insert. I also taped over the crystal (on the outside), partly to add some strength, but more in case the crystal shattered.




I then pushed on the wooden block to push the crystal out. This worked on both watches without a break. I increased the pressure VERY gently (I have a screw press, rather than a hand clamp one).

Hope this helps.
Wood would work too but the nylon would be easier to shape with a cut off wheel and a grinder. I might see if I can find some loose nylon dies cheap in eBay that I could use to make custom shaped dies when I need them.
I wonder if warming up the whole movement a bit light in the Summer sun might soften up the gasket also to make pressing it out easier?


Michael
 
#4 ·
Im totally stuck trying to get a crystal out of a micheal kors for a work mate, ive been pushing so hard on that crystal with my thumbs it just wont budge, so im taking it to my watchsmith tomorrow and getting them to push it out and refit a new one. I know when im beat and this crystal has me.
 
#6 ·
If all else fails...

This is going to sound a Little drastic but I've been getting difficult mineral crystals out of vintage lcd's and led's for years by putting them in a tin foil tray then popping them in an oven at 100 degrees for 5 minutes. Carefully push them out using just your fingers (and a cloth so you dont get burned) before it cools down.

I've not experienced any damage to plastic gaskets or metal inner bezels doing this.

(and of course just the case and glass goes in ;-)
 
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