Realign Bezel and Remove Cyclops Lens

Рет қаралды 19,602

Күн бұрын

I really like the Pagani Design PD-1651, but as mentioned in my review and reality check video, I wanted/needed to change some things: swap the seconds hand, fix the misaligned bezel, and remove the cyclops lens. In this video, I talk tools and show how to re-align a steel bezel insert and remove a cyclops lens. #paganidesign #watchtools #watchmodding
Don't use acetone on ceramic or aluminum bezels! This was a steel bezel with no printing so acetone gets the job done in about an hour. What solvent you use depends on the bezel type, printing, etc. Regular old hot water can also work in some cases. Golf grip solvent is another type that can work on a variety of bezels, though it takes longer.
Butane torch: amzn.to/2FqqNUU
Timeline:
0:00 Intro
0:54 Giveaway
3:46 Tools
9:18 Bath time (soaking bezel)
11:10 Removing adhesive
12:45 Removing cyclops lens
15:48 Re-attach bezel insert
18:07 Final Thoughts
PD-1649 Giveaway has ended! Winner: Matthew R. from Kentucky, congrats!
Website: watchcomplications.com
Follow me on Instagram! / watch_complications
Check out Watchee for managing your watch collection! watchcomplications.com/watchee/
Try WatcheeLite on iOS for free! apps.apple.com/us/app/watchee...
Vario t-shirts: vario.sg/collections/horology...
Vario WW1 Trench Watch: vario.sg/pages/ww1-trench-watch

Пікірлер: 127

@iant.gilchrist4264 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video Brian. I am going to enjoy watching many more of your videos. Thank you!

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

glad you’re enjoying them

@anssihakkarainen8470 3 жыл бұрын

Good and informative video, thanks Brian. Will try the bezel removal on some tight ones with your method. Good stuff, keep em coming!

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Just remember, the approach will vary from watch to watch and between bezel types ;)

@henrybenrycat1 3 жыл бұрын

Watched you vid, applied the techniques to my watch and hey presto, it works! Thanks for the empowering content.

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

cool! glad the vids helped some :)

@drwindsurf 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the how to video Brian. I think this watch looks much cleaner without the cyclops...I and I really like that second hand 😊👍

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it and yeah...looks spot on now!

@edwardbudriss4475 3 жыл бұрын

Brian, excellent content. I learned something I didn't know you could do...remove a cyclops from crystal. Thanks

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed, and yup, they're just glued on there.

@z_actual 3 жыл бұрын

nice watch, especially agree with the modifications you have done the second hand just lights up the dial but is subtle enough to disappear I might have to make one :)

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

It's a great all around watch. Comfortable, looks ok, low-cost, no worries wear.

@ronin7106 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Thanks for sharing this. I did a similar exercise a year ago removing the cyclops of my Squale 20 Atmos 1521. Just used a typical smallish kitchen knife and a non-butane lighter. The project was a success with no damage whatsoever with the watch but it took a bit of time to pop the cyclops part by part. I wish I knew about the acetone usage back then. It may have made the job a bit easier. I may have even popped the cyclops as a whole. Cheers!

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

typically I'd recommend staying away from metal, just to prevent accidental scratching and such. nylon tools or wood tools can be other good options.

@ronin7106 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications I definitely agree. I taped the potential scratch areas to death :) to avoid scratches. The repeated heat and nudge/scrape approach worked pretty well. Really love the vid quality of your reviews. I likewise admire and salute how your channel and journey had grown and transformed! cheers!

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

yup tape helps too. cheers and thanks for watching...plenty more to come :)

@TheHoss4145 Жыл бұрын

Hi, what also works great and does not smell as nasty as acetone is lighter fluid. Softens the glue ring really nicely up. After 30 minutes of having it face down in lighter fluid the insert comes right off.

@WatchComplications Жыл бұрын

interesting method also

@Yakena1 3 жыл бұрын

Some great info here, thanks!

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@RJ-cq8dd 3 жыл бұрын

Many thanks! I successfully removed the cyclops from my PD Sub (was not put on straight) and I think it looks better without as well! I've also got the PD 1651 coming in, so by now owning a torch and aceton, I think I'm well prepared.

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

cool! yup looks much better without.

@RJ-cq8dd 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications Received mine (same color as yours) and it truely is a stunning looking watch...looks better than any Sub imo.

@Dionysor 3 жыл бұрын

can you please elaborate? it was steaming hot yet the cyclops didn't budge at all. thanks

@RJ-cq8dd 3 жыл бұрын

@@Dionysor Did you use a torch? only a blue flame works.

@itsamee8059 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the helpful vid! I have a Parnis GMT Sub homage--nice watch, except I absolutely hate the cyclops! I'm sure it will get much more wear once that cyclops is gone!

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

just be careful and don’t overheat :)

@watchreviews4k 3 жыл бұрын

@Watch Complications, have you ever tried removing the bezel spring wire and tightening the angles to improve the bezel action, or reduce the back play? Pagani Design seem to have gradually improved the bezel action on their PD-1661; but some still have back play. Apparently this can be reduced by tightening the spring wires angles. The bezel uses a pin under it, rather than a ball bearing to make the clicks. The tension of wire holds the bezel on to the case, and also provides friction when turning it. It's a shame Pagani Design don't just make the spring wire angles tighter in the factory for tighter bezel action with less back play. Regards.

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

I have not tried that yet, but thought about it. Mine doesn't have a crazy amount of play so I'm ok with it at the moment. I also didn't want to go through removing the bezel spring and the whole bezel since this one was steel, and just went straight for the acetone. I did look at the spring some with the insert removed and I believe this bezel would be quite a chore to remove. Would need a pretty good tool to do it. I have several types but most aren't going to work. I have one that will work, I think. Have you removed the bezel on one of these?

@watchreviews4k 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications The bezel simply lifts off once the spring is removed. It doesn't require prising from a tool (the wire spring holds the bezel to the case). I have a PD-1661 Cermit incoming that I will be modding to a Milsub homage; so after removing the insert with acetone I will remove the wire and tighten it to reduce the back play. Vostok Amphibia's use a similar octagonal stainless steel wire to hold on their bi-directional friction bezels. Tightening the angles makes the bezel tighter to turn, opening the angles makes it looser. Some brands use a ball bearing for the clicks, but Pagani Design use a pin under the bezel. Often collector use a caseback knife and dent the bezel or case trying to prise them off. Personally I prefer to use the tool below (after putting tape on the case to protect it). I hope this helps. Regards. www.amazon.co.uk/SNOWINSPRING-Baffle-Removal-Workbench-Opening/dp/B07RKTJJG3/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=watch+bezel+tool&qid=1607617890&sr=8-5

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Ah yeah, I have that same tool and it was the one I was speaking about to perhaps use to remove the whole bezel. And yeah, I've seen plenty of the videos showing knives and such, but usually not a smart approach. I'm much more familiar with the ball bearing setup. I suppose the way to remove the spring is remove the insert and then work at it from the inside? Just don't use acetone if the bezel is ceramic or aluminum ;)

@gtcih 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Brien. Not sure how KZfaq knew that I needed to see this video. My King Turtle is arriving tomorrow and I would like to remove the cyclops. I don’t however have the small torch for the job. Mine puts out a larger flame. May have to get that. I do have several butane cigar torches. Maybe one of those will work? Thanks for the demo.

@WatchComplications 7 ай бұрын

yeah, you have to go slow and steady with the right torch or you could...torch something. hope it went/goes ok...let me know!

@damaso21 2 жыл бұрын

Great to see someone else who dislikes the cyclops!

@WatchComplications 2 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure dislike is even a strong enough term haha ;)

@stephenlamb9008 9 ай бұрын

That's a shame I really like the Cyclops.

@barriewilliams6873 Жыл бұрын

Hi Brian. Great video. Is nail polish remover safe to use on ceramic and resin bezels also?

@WatchComplications Жыл бұрын

no i wouldn’t. i think golf grip solvent would work ok in that situation. takes longer but not as abrasive

@anibal134 11 ай бұрын

Hi, What brand of ceramic bezel do you recommend for changing the bezel of my Pagani Design GMT, I don't loke it anymore, want the Pepsi bezel or the black and green one, thank you

@GabGonzalezPH 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Brian. Thanks for sharing this. A couple of questions: 1) what solvent should work for ceramic bezel inserts, and 2) would removing the cyclops with the ceramic bezel insert still attached damage the insert? Thanks!

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Don’t use acetone on ceramic or aluminum bezels. This was a steel bezel with no printing so acetone gets the job done in about an hour. What solvent you use depends on the bezel type, printing, etc. Regular old hot water can also work in some cases. Here is a video that shows the same process but with a solvent that is not harmful to the type of bezel on your PD1639. It takes longer to soak, but shouldn’t harm it, it's a golf grip solvent. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/j8Wqd8ulntbQZYk.html

@andysmith7903 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications I'm trying this now with the golf grip solvent with an Al bezel. The solvent is very expensive (in UK at £25 but worth it if it does the job).

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

@@andysmith7903 let me know how it goes

@andysmith7903 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications Absolutely great, took 6 hours for the insert to start to move and then turn easily before dropping off. I've ordered some GS Hypo cement and will try the technique of adding drops around the bezel so when adding the insert they will run together with less chance of oozing up on the crystal.

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

awesome. either dots around or a thin line around should work. if any excess squeezes out, just leave it. It’ll dry and you can just brush it away.

@johntocho8954 3 жыл бұрын

Does the heat used to remove the cyclops effect any Anti-Reflective coating/film on the inside of the crystal? Thank you!

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

These are low cost Chinese specials. There is no AR coating.

@Glockmog2007 3 жыл бұрын

I tried heating the cyclops for around 8 seconds with the torch but it won't budge. Not really comfortable heating it up much more since it is a diver and don't want to risk melting the gasket. I can't really just remove the crystal as I don't have the tools to press it back in. Could you use the acetone soak trick for longer to also remove the cyclops?

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

I will say that this cyclops is one of the tougher ones I’ve encountered. If you heat it up too much the whole crystal might pop off, but the gasket will probably still be ok. With the cyclops warmed up, If you have a razor blade or a sturdy piece of peg wood, you can put it next to the cyclops like you are trying to get under it and give it a few taps. Might get it to pop off. I’ve seen that too. And since it’s sapphire, it shouldn’t scratch.

@MatthiStv 3 жыл бұрын

Great beard! What length? Picking up a pd1651 with the 11.11 sale!

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

lol not long, usually around a 1/2 inch or less. enjoy the 1651, it's a fun watch to have around.

@oguzkaansalc9135 3 жыл бұрын

This was really informative for a beginner but pardon my ignorance dou you know if they use glue to hold the crystal in these watches? If thats the case would the acetone harm the water resistance?

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

This one uses a thick and tall gasket to hold the crystal, so an hour with acetone was a non-issue in this case. If you are worried about glued crystals or have bezel materials other than steel, then use something like golf grip solvent. That will take longer to loosen, but it's safer in those circumstances. (I mention this in the video description.)

@oguzkaansalc9135 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications oh i see, thank you very much

@eric_in_florida 5 ай бұрын

These are pretty nice watches. It's odd they can't put the bezel on straight tho, of all things.

@WatchComplications 5 ай бұрын

agree it’s a tad problematic. this is something can can be automated and dealt with via quality control but if thousands are being made…things sneak by.

@dannythemedic 2 жыл бұрын

I got the green bezel pagani, and the cyclops was glued on too far outward and crystal was installed a bit clockwise so the cyclops was showing the lower right corner... after seeing your vid, I got my torch out, toasted the lume pip brown, and I was like F---- then I kept going and the crystal popped off, SO I was like F this... just positioned the crystal more counter clockwise, and pressed it in with my thumb. using a razor I cut off the burnt layer of the pip, and I am now satisfied that at least the cyclops is now level and I see the right side of the date instead of just the corner.

@WatchComplications 2 жыл бұрын

hey there, yeah you gotta stay on point with a torch, so you don’t affect other things. It sounds like you got it too hot, because the crystal popping out is usually what happens when overheated. Sometimes the cyclops will also pop off at that point. Basically you want to get it just hot enough and then try something non-abrasive like peg wood or a nylon/plastic tool to tap at the cyclops. Could also use something like a razor blade, just have to be really careful with that. It won’t scratch the crystal, but you could scratch or cut something else.

@HaasGrotesk 3 жыл бұрын

Do you know if it's possible to reattach the cyclops with some UV glue? I have a cyclops that's slightly misaligned and it's driving me crazy. I don't want to permanently remove ut just realign it.

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

That's typically what's used for cyclops lenses.

@HaasGrotesk 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications But would you say it's possible to reattach the same cyclops that was on there? I'm thinking there might be some glue residue on it?

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

that might be on a case by case basis. even if there is some, it’s clear

@brentwatts2480 3 жыл бұрын

Can the bezel insert on this model of pagani be replaced with a standard ceramic submariner bezel or is it a bit thicker?

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Not 100% sure without trying it. I didn't measure the height of this one when I had it out, might have been a good idea I guess. There's plenty of depth to the bezel, so it's worth a try probably.

@davefeatherston6316 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, I’m trying to remove the cyclops from my Pagani 1651 using this method, but the jet flame seems to be having no effect whatsoever (other than making the watch really hot!) Any idea why I’m struggling so much?

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

I will say that this cyclops is one of the tougher ones I’ve encountered. If you heat it up too much the whole crystal might pop off, but the gasket will probably still be ok, you'd just have to use a crystal press to put it back on. With the cyclops warmed up, If you have a razor blade or a sturdy piece of peg wood, you can put it next to the cyclops like you are trying to get under it and give it a few taps. Might get it to pop off. I’ve seen that too. And since it’s sapphire, it shouldn’t scratch. Start with peg wood or something like that.

@harshatit9969 3 жыл бұрын

what happens if, when you press the bezel down after re-gluing, the glue seeps towards the bezel spring? Why didn't that happen here/is the only way to get around that to remove the bezel?

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Don't put too much glue and put most in the corner so there is plenty of edge and if it seeps it tends to out the top. And yeah, you'd have to remove the bezel. But the spring on this rests underneath with quite a bit of space.

@johnleonard3951 3 жыл бұрын

Most all automatic watches use a plastic movement holder . Ask me i think it helps as a shock absorber

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

I’m personally ok with plastic movement holders, which is more common on solid case backs. With an exhibition back metal will look better. Techicnally, it should all be so snug there’s no jittering about internally anyway so shock absorption is more pertinent to moving parts on the movement itself (the movement as a whole and the holder + case are not moving/friction parts). Still, some people see it as lower quality...but again that usually comes down to a visual aspect more than anything.

@Darklanza 3 жыл бұрын

Will the acetone damage ceramic bezels or the paint on the numbers on it?

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Acetone will remove paint, the time it takes depends on thickness. And acetone has the potential to discolor ceramic, so if you are concerned about that, you could use really hot water for a while, or a less abrasive chemical like rubbing alcohol. Depending on the original adhesive used, results will vary.

@alexandrebeneducciafonso8808 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Brian! Please indicate to me the correct type of adhesive to fix the cyclops on a sappire lens

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Since I'm not a cyclops person, I've not reattached any, but I believe UV glue is usually used, and you'd need a lamp to help cure it.

@alexandrebeneducciafonso8808 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications thank you very much

@trooper427ss 3 жыл бұрын

Great modes

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Much more my style now.

@tc4bj 11 ай бұрын

Do you have the blue plastic protection sticker on the crown deliberately ?

@WatchComplications 11 ай бұрын

I tend to leave them on for a bit after buying. This was stil relatively new when I modded it.

@blackscotydog 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this I just got a PD- 1651 and that cyclops has got to go. Now i know how!

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

The key is getting it just warm enough and then tapping at it. Don’t overheat the crystal or the whole thing will pop off and you’ll need a crystal press to put it back.

@blackscotydog 3 жыл бұрын

Trying to get this cyclops off PD-1651 torched the hell out of it....will not budge ...any ideals?

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Well don't overheat it either. If you do the whole crystal will pop and (though the lens will also pop off), then you'd a crystal press to put it back in good. Once it's reasonably warm, have you tried tapping at it with peg wood (or some non-abrasive tool) to knock it off?

@blackscotydog 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications I gave up, I do not have a press. I heated it way more than you did yours.Thanks for the reply.

@Dionysor 3 жыл бұрын

it seems that this particular model uses some crazy permanent epoxy. i heated it a ton more than the video has shown yet it didn't budge. glad im not the only one and i don't want to break a beautiful 60€ watch. coming from someone who hasn't such a high budget

@hectorcortez3888 2 жыл бұрын

We're can I buy the glue that you used to put the bezel back, thank you 😊

@WatchComplications 2 жыл бұрын

I get it on Amazon

@joaovitoramaralsilva9745 3 жыл бұрын

Does a simple lighter work for removing the cyclops?

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

maybe. any source of heat can generally work, just have to control it and not get it too hot.

@neverstov 2 ай бұрын

Hi. Is the back cover made as one piece with threads, or are the threads welded to the cover, like in fullmetal covers?

@WatchComplications 2 ай бұрын

It's a screwdown case back, that is fairly typical of watch cases, if that's what you're asking.

@neverstov 2 ай бұрын

@@WatchComplications I meant that the metal case backs made out of 2 pieces, welded. My question was about the case back with crystal, is it one piece with thread?

@WatchComplications 2 ай бұрын

@@neverstov I believe it's one piece (with the crystal pressed into place)

@neverstov 2 ай бұрын

@@WatchComplications you are my hero! Thank you very much) 😊

@GelzBelz 3 жыл бұрын

Do you place the insert on the click or the backlash in the bezel is removed?

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

somewhere between the two where it seems to rest naturally. You can also tighten the springs up on these so there's less give.

@GelzBelz 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications do you have a video showing how to tighten the springs?

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

@@GelzBelz I do no have a video on that at this time. The tension of wire holds the bezel on to the case, and also provides friction when turning it. Tightening the angles makes the bezel tighter to turn, opening the angles makes it looser.

@brucecameron7172 3 жыл бұрын

cool

@samccaleb1 3 жыл бұрын

Where did you get the second hand?

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

eBay. search for blue second hand nh35 and should see some.

@stephenlamb9008 9 ай бұрын

Bought it from a second hand shop.

@ziineziine3504 7 ай бұрын

Avez-vous un lien pour acheté le vernis merci

@WatchComplications 7 ай бұрын

are you talking about the glue (I don't use any varnish in the video)? The adhesive is called GS-hypo cement.

@ziineziine3504 7 ай бұрын

@@WatchComplications Ok thanks

@styx4947 3 жыл бұрын

Lol, I also despise the cyclops, if i need a magnifier to read the date, then why dont i need one to read the time. Ridiculous

@tanhongjim9266 8 ай бұрын

heating the cyclop directly when the watch glass is attached to the watch is risky, it might damage the dial or the glass seal if not careful.

@WatchComplications 7 ай бұрын

to be fair, doing anything with watch parts is risky. if done carefully and slowly as I show in the video, it can produce good results.

@dangermartin69 Жыл бұрын

Couldn't you just hold a soldering iron on the cyclops?

@WatchComplications Жыл бұрын

maybe. I’ve heard of that approach but haven’t tried it myself.

@neverstov 2 ай бұрын

Bezel insert made out of steel, is it?

@WatchComplications 2 ай бұрын

yes

@otopeixe 3 жыл бұрын

Send it to Portugal, please!

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

eh? my fixed up Pagani?

@otopeixe 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications that one like the Tag Heuer. It's beautiful! 😁

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

ah haha. yeah that was a giveaway several months ago :)

@otopeixe 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications thank you for the answers. Nice work making watch mods!

@Dionysor 3 жыл бұрын

i tried this with a sub homage. no dice. id rather not crack the crystal or worse. thanks anyways

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

i don’t think the crystal would crack...it might pop out if overheated. you want to warm it up just enough and then use something to tap or scrape it off. how hard that is to do varies.

@Dionysor 3 жыл бұрын

update. i eventually got it off using a razor blade and a urologists hammer. the cyclops is sapphire too since it shattered to beautifully. the main sapphire and movement remain unharmed. there's no doubt that this is a risky action but it is an option if anyone needs it. cheers

@watchreviews4k 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting video. Feel free to comment on my videos to help promote your channel. Wear your pieces in good health. Regards.

@WatchComplications 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I'll keep an eye out for reviews. How about that Vario Trench! :)

@watchreviews4k 3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchComplications The 1918 Trench watch is a lovely piece. Wear your pieces in good health. Regards.