Realign Bezel and Remove Cyclops Lens
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 realign a bezel insert and remove a cyclops lens.
https://youtu.be/hBvZDR-0k4A
Video Timeline: For all steps, take your time and use the right tools.
- Giveaway: 0:54
- Tools: 3:46
- Bath time (soaking bezel): 9:18
- Removing adhesive: 11:10
- Removing cyclops lens: 12:45
- Re-attach bezel insert: 15:48
- Final Thoughts: 18:07
I am in complete agreement with you regarding UGLY unnecessary cyclops on watch crystals. I have a gorgeous pink/rose gold black dial Steinhart (I know you hate most ‘homages’) with a rubber strap/gold clasp and the dreaded cyclops. Thanks for your informative video on how to remove them safely. I have seen other youtube vids where heat has been applied until the cyclops literally flies off the crystal, this seemed a little extreme to me. However, I think I will get a watchmaker to take the Steiny one off. I am thinking about a PD 1651 in the Aliexpress sale in a couple of days time (the one with the black ceramic bezel and rubber strap), so may just try to remove the cyclops from that one myself.
Glad you found it informative. I will say it is easy to overheat and yes the cyclops or whole crystal will go flying, so having a crystal press around is necessary if that were to happen. I may have done that before myself 😉 It’s best to heat it up just enough and then perhaps use some pegwood or a thin nylon pry bar, something non-abrasive, and give it a few taps to release it. Some can be fairly stubborn, which then often leads to overheating and pop!
You did not show the steps involved in changing your second hand.
I have found that a very fine second hand is necessary to ensure the time can be read without error at a glance. Far too many watches fail on readability.
I didn’t show the second hand swap in this video, but I show how to apply hands in a several other videos on my channel.
Hi Brian, thanks for this clip. I have just bought a Pagani Design PD1639. Very happy with it however the bezel insert is misaligned. I’m considering following your advise but worried that the acetone takes the paint off the bezel insert when soaking to soften the glue? Just seeking some reassurance this will not be the case?
Hi there! No, 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. Maybe you’d have luck with hot water after some soak time. 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. https://youtu.be/Y_zDht9pl5U