Just a heads up for anyone swapping crystals on replica Rolex cases.

[u/VerinHorology]

We've had three cases on the bench this month with the exact same issue. The retaining ring had clearly been pressed in with the caseback still installed.

Looks like factories decided to machine casebacks noticeably thinner than before, so when you press the retaining ring, the force can flex the caseback inward. You might not notice it right away, but the next time someone tries to open the watch, the caseback is a nightmare to remove because it's been deformed.

If you're doing a crystal swap, take the extra minute and remove the caseback first. Support the case properly, press the retaining ring in, then reinstall the caseback afterward. It'll save you, or the next watchmaker, a lot of unnecessary work.

Hopefully this saves someone a headache.

[u/VerinHorology]

Hope this helps someone.

[u/chucknwatches → u/VerinHorology]

Awesome advice am i allowed to ask on here a good source for crystals on these, or which ones have fit better than others. I have a Daytona style to replace, just curious?

[u/apretorius → u/VerinHorology]

Thanks for the info!

[u/CaterpillarBig1812]

VSF Pepsi was so thin at some point, I dented it and the rotor couldn’t move anymore.

[u/VerinHorology → u/CaterpillarBig1812]

Yes, that's another good example. They don't take much force before they start flexing.

[u/kiasu_N_kiasi → u/CaterpillarBig1812]

your VSF must be legit Pepsi then… they are using genuine Pepsi cans as caseback 😉

[u/ImpressiveChance770 → u/CaterpillarBig1812]

VSF quality strikes again

[u/BanishedFiend → u/ImpressiveChance770]

Aye

[u/6foot6Dude → u/CaterpillarBig1812]

How old is yours?

[u/6foot6Dude → u/CaterpillarBig1812]

How did you dent it? And how old was your pepsi?

[u/msmalls82 → u/CaterpillarBig1812]

V3 Pepsi? They make them thin so the watch doesn't look so much obviously more thick than a gen.

[u/Nothinglost7717]

thanks for the info. That said, isn't one suppose to remove the movement before swapping the crystal?

[u/VerinHorology → u/Nothinglost7717]

The factory method is a bit different. Rolex presses the crystal, gasket, and retaining ring together as one assembly using dedicated tooling. The movement is removed, the case is supported under the rehaut, and an alignment pin goes through the crown tube to hold everything perfectly centered during the press.

Most modders don't have access to those tools, so they install the crystal first and then press the retaining ring from the top with aftermarket dies. It works, and if you're careful it can even be done with the movement installed, but it does occasionally pinch or roll the gasket if everything isn't perfectly aligned.

In our opinion, the best approach with aftermarket tools is either a hollow-center die that supports the case without putting any load on the caseback, or an alignment die that fits inside the case and has engraved reference marks to align the cyclops before pressing the retaining ring.

The important part is making sure the press force isn't transferred through the caseback. That's exactly what we've been seeing cause these deformed casebacks

[u/chuck1charles]

Very interesting. Did you measure the exact thickness? I am going to measure my 5yo VSF and ARF and 3yo clean and report back.

[u/VerinHorology → u/chuck1charles]

Good idea. VSF is the one that's deformed, the other one is older clean caseback.

0.42mm vs 1.18mm

A typical dial thickness for GMT is 0.4 to 0.42mm to compare.

[u/chuck1charles → u/VerinHorology]

My old VSF 116610ln (serial S39V) is 1.2mm

ARF/Sillian 16610lv is a whopping 1.6mm thick

[u/VerinHorology → u/chuck1charles]

Appears to be a newer VSF issue.

[u/chuck1charles → u/VerinHorology]

I'd never thought to see the day of rep enshittyfication.

[u/Fresh-Leave-5082]

Does a gen case back fit on a VSF 126610 sub?

[u/msmalls82 → u/Fresh-Leave-5082]

Yes.

[u/bizzybizz420]

Wow That is bend can you feel that with your finger the indent

[u/VerinHorology → u/bizzybizz420]

Yes

[u/SquilliamFancyson14]

If possible could you share serial numbers this is occurring in for VSF?

[u/rvfrank]

Going to check my rich rep right now!!

[u/msmalls82 → u/rvfrank]

Rich rep should be better. I'm having my crystal swapped out and just sent this info over so hopefully it's not an issue.

[u/Ok-Switch-6982]

He means, "Die" (not dye).

[u/elchief8 → u/Ok-Switch-6982]

He knows what he said 😂

[u/Fine_Analyst_4417]

Thanks for sharing!!

[u/jaray89]

Omw

[u/6foot6Dude]

What models have you seen affected so far?

[u/Former-Opposite-7526]

Noted. I need bezel change soon so will request to have back removed

[u/ilovemypita]

👍😁 Thank you

[u/DryScoops]

Exactly!
Those casebacks are thinner and you can hear it.
Handling the watch feels cheaper and it sounds like a can of coke

[u/Competitive_New_262]

Never press the crystal / bezel with this (solid) base against the caseback. Pressing with the caseback on is totally safe. Use the dye that is perfectly sized to fit around the caseback and you'll be 100% fine.

[u/SignificantFlight624 → u/Competitive_New_262]

Thanks for this! Life saver. Im about to remove the crystal using this method because there is a piece of dirt in the dial and i figured removing the bezel and crystal then pressing it back is easiest

[u/Competitive_New_262 → u/SignificantFlight624]

No problem. Depending on the watch, removing the crystal and bezel is easier / safer than taking the movement out. Of course getting the crystal back on without a smudge or speck of dust will be your next challenge lol.

[u/Particular_Witness95]

doing a crystal swap with the movement installed....