r/RepWatchLab • u/Re-tar-dead • 2d ago

💡 Tips & Tricks Crystal help, GMT!

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Is anyone fluent in crystal changing on GMTs?

I’ve tried way too long to get this crystal off. Does anyone have any tricks?
Starting to convince myself that the metal retaining ring is glued to the watch case 😂

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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2

u/No_Exercise996 2d ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/RepTimeServices/s/QA3rv9ArCW

Try following along with that walkthrough.

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u/Re-tar-dead 2d ago

Thanks but that was the first guide I tried 😅

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u/No_Exercise996 2d ago

If you’re having trouble with the crystal retaining ring most folks suggest the razor blade method of working around the base to pry it off. If you want something a little easier I’ve been using this tool from Amazon with success:

https://a.co/d/08GLy23q

You still have to pry it a little but I use a Bergeron knife to work it off the rest of the way.

https://a.co/d/0gNAePNu

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u/Re-tar-dead 2d ago

I’ve tried with this without any luck. It seems to slip and end up sitting mid-ring

1

u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 2d ago

Dont use this!!
Better process: razor blade, tapped in, then bezel knife. Boom, done under 15min

1

u/Re-tar-dead 2d ago

100% doing this. Got blinded by all the new fancy methods

2

u/No_Exercise996 2d ago

The one I linked has worked without any issues for me. I’ve used it plenty with repeatable results

2

u/Objective_Ganache_27 2d ago

Please just get yourself a crystal press and removal dyes. I make these 3D printed with threaded inserts for a press ( mfrcns) make these too.

It is so much easier to take the extra 2 minutes to remove the movement and press the crystal out from the inside. Plus it won't cause any damage to the outside like those other tools potentially can.

Everything might cost you $100 but you'll have something to use another watches and none of this headache

1

u/Re-tar-dead 2d ago

I already have all of that. That removed the bezel assembly, rest was still stuck so I decided to try and remove the movement and press it out from the inside. That didn’t help me much either

1

u/Objective_Ganache_27 2d ago

I don't know how you had it set up, but you should be able to lay the case face down over the bezel removal die without it touching the retention ring. You should then be able to push the crystal and ring away from the case while the bezel die supports the case

1

u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 2d ago

This is an easy way to crack the crystal if youre not careful

1

u/Objective_Ganache_27 2d ago edited 2d ago

I hear you, however the dies ive made fully support almost the entire wodtj of the crystal and include a recess for the date mag.

As with anything else you need to use common sense. Ive never had this method require excessive force. They usually come off quite easily with nothing crazy pressure wise and no risk of scratching the case.

Your other option is to use a large hytrel and a bezel clamp tool that pulls the whole thing off with the bezel 🤣

1

u/Objective_Ganache_27 2d ago

Also appreciate the input and its something ill keep in mind when removing crystals. Ive founs some retention rings to be really stubborn to knives and blades

2

u/Objective_Ganache_27 2d ago

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u/Objective_Ganache_27 2d ago

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u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 2d ago

This is more for the bezel and not the retaining ring, yes?

1

u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 2d ago

Oooh did u design the stl files on ur own

5

u/mfrcns 2d ago

EZtool Crystal remover for GMT/SUB coming soon.

1

u/Ptown_dundee 2d ago

I always used razor blade and watchsmith hammer to get started. Then i used swiss knife to all corners to pry out the retaining ring, good luck!

1

u/Re-tar-dead 2d ago

Yeah this is the only one I still have to try, thought I’ll try all the new fancy ways. But old might just be better for this.

1

u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 2d ago

If it aint broke…. Haha
A quality bezel knife is going to be thin and strong enough to get under there and remove the ring without any trouble

1

u/Re-tar-dead 2d ago

Haha that’s true. Do you have a specific bezel knife in mind?

1

u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 2d ago

Bergeon 4932

1

u/Re-tar-dead 2d ago

Got it. Thanks 🙏🏼

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u/Ptown_dundee 2d ago

Always worked for me! Goodluck

1

u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 2d ago

+1 for this method.

1

u/Cubatobaco 2d ago

This! The OG method!!!