Fitting Glass crystal

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Submitted by Gerard on January 14, 2012 - 7:15pm

I'm replacing the crystal in a 55 Ranger I'm working on. I have both Plexiglass
 and glass and the are the proper crystals. The Plexiglass
 snaps right in.The glass crystal seems to not want to fit.Is it normal to maybe use a dremel to help fit the crystal?  Another thing I heard is to heat up the bezel to help set the glass is this true?

bourg01
Posted January 14, 2012 - 7:39pm

No, I would not heat the bezel. Glass seldom fits perfectly and often needs to be parged. A slight grinding to custom fit the bezel. I use a stained glass crafters wet wheel to do this as a dremel is too high speed, will overheat the glass and can chip it due to the vibrations. If the plastic fits, use that and spare yourself further grief.

Gerard
Posted January 14, 2012 - 7:46pm

I was leaning to wards the plastic one but the glass looks so good.

Gerard
Posted January 14, 2012 - 8:24pm

Spare the grief. I wish you had of said that when I started with this watch.  :)

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 14, 2012 - 7:43pm

No, the bezel will expand creating a smaller opening, if that makes sense.

Freezing the bezel may help but once it expands to room temp will crack the glass.

Try this read from the forums: http://www.mybulova.com/node/2952

Gerard
Posted January 14, 2012 - 7:58pm

Another good answer from FifthAvenueRest. I think Ill try it out, worse thing to happen is breaking the crystal. I just like that glass look. I never thought it was a big deal but glass is nice.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 14, 2012 - 8:41pm

Glass is nice.

Take Your time. 

Look at it, try it, parge it - Repeat as necessary.

Gerard
Posted January 15, 2012 - 1:43am

Thank you for the help I'm amazed it's in and I didn't brake it. Beginners luck I guess.

Thanks again

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 15, 2012 - 7:26am

Glass will need to be permanently attatched to the bezel with adhesive, not only does this stop the Glass from falling out it also serves as a seal from the elements.

....the fun part. 

: )

Gerard
Posted January 29, 2012 - 11:04pm

Thanks ,I did some reading on that so the gluing went not to bad. Think ill try another brand next time this one seem to pull and strand, maybe to thick? But the reading helped.You guys are great, thanks for all the help and probably allot more dumb questions coming.

bourg01
Posted January 30, 2012 - 7:33am

There are 2 crystal glues easily found on the net. Most commen is GS Hypo Cement and SUC Rocket Cylinder Cement. I prefer the SUC brand. It Takes a little nonger to set up and dry so If you have any problems, it's easy to pop the crystal out, clean and try again.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 30, 2012 - 8:33am

The advantage of the UV Cement is it doesn't set up until exposed to UV light allowing plenty of time to remove any excess.

If I recall it comes in 2 consistancies, thick or thin.

jfoley
Posted January 30, 2012 - 8:53am

i use vigor jewelers epoxy from cas ker co. their ph. no. is 1 800 487 0408. takes about 30 mins. to set full strength at 24 hrs. easy clean up if u make a mistake. clear after drying.

Gerard
Posted January 30, 2012 - 11:20am

I used the  GS Hypo Cement . I found it a little thick and the tips keep breaking on me so ill give the  others  a try.

 

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