Cyclops (date magnifier) removal from watch crystal

WARNING: I can only confirm this method works for Invicta and Alpha brands. This method should NOT be used for any other brand. Specifically, this method does NOT work for Rolex cyclops.

WARNING: Do NOT over heat the crystal as it could break or pop out of the case. Max heat time should be less than 5 seconds on an already-warm watch.

Please see the reply video from a fellow watch guy who removed the cyclops from his Explorer II by force. I don't recommend this method, as it could seriously cause damage to your watch, but worth a look.

This is how to remove the cyclops from a watch crystal. I've done it with various models of Invictas and Alphas. Seems to work rather uniformly (I have not had it not work). Use some Goof Off after removal to remove the residual glue and you're all done.

My wife told me I rambled a bit, and it's true, so skip to 2:15 for the business end of the video :)

Please proceed with caution when using lighters and this method. If you heat your crystal there is a risk it can crack. I have not had a crystal crack and I've done this method multiple times on Invicta and Alpha brand watches. If you're having to heat the crystal more than the time it took me in this video, please heat in stages, 2 sec , wait 2 sec wait 2 sec (don't go over 6 seconds total) so you don't shock the crystal too much. Again, I have never had a crystal crack or any other damage occur to a watch by doing this method, but there is always a risk.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• cyclops
• removal
• remove
• invicta
• 8926
• 8928
• watch
• how-to
• how
• to
• wristwatch

[riceoobxg]

Why doesn't the heat from the torch damage the bezel paint? Thanks for the video.

[rtomson]

@riceoobxg It would if you left it on there for a while, but the amount of heat and duration it's applied is simply too little to damage it. I've now done this on a good number of watches of various brands and as long as you warm up the crystal (hands or mildly hot lamp) before you use the lighter, the cyclops removal will cause no adverse impacts.

[13rock13]

you're right!!! Just found it on Invicta shark, is this a reputable site?

[rtomson]

@13rock13 Yes, very reputable. Invicta Shark and all the "Shark" stores are excellent. I've ordered from InvictaShark and ChronoShark many times and they are always excellent.

[n3m3s1srulz]

Great video :)

[Trig242]

Thanks for the tutorial!!

[zasetko]

Great Video... thanks

[rtomson]

@rtomson This method does not work on Rolex crystals. See video response.

[RLXII]

@rtomson Thanks for putting that idea in my head. The answer is no...:)

[vsuripa]

still don't understand the reason why we need to take it off; however nice tips. thx.

[rtomson]

@Racernalle I don't know for sure if it works on a Rolex crystal. I know people have removed the cyclops from their Rolex using other methods, but I'm just not sure about using this specific method for the Rolex Sub-date cyclops.

[rtomson]

@13rock13 If you can afford the 9937, I would go with it. The added benefits are:

1. swiss movement (now they use the Selitta SW200), typically more accurate

2. the Flame-Fusion crystal (which gives near scratch proof performance)

3.  screw-links

4. beefier clasp

5. solid end links

Go for the 9937 if you can. They go on sale for about $200 every now and then and that's a good price to snag one.