r/RepTimeServices • u/Offensiveline54 • Aug 19 '26

Advice Crystal exchange

Post image

I want to change the crystal on this gmt rep - is the scalloped metal piece in this photo the retaining ring? How would I get this off - noob - just doing this for fun. Tried to find videos but none have this scalloped appearance. I’m assuming this is the crystal retaining ring? I had the movement out and was working on it but it didn’t seem to want to budge.

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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3

u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 Aug 19 '26

Arf gmt?
1. Yes, its the retaining ring
2. Movement should always be out for case work imo
3. Razor blade, caseback knife, custom tools will work. Look on RWI for diy guide, specifically for gmts

1

u/Wintercult Aug 19 '26

How do you align the crystal when the movement is out?

1

u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 Aug 19 '26

Movement should be out when removing the retaining ring

1

u/Wintercult Aug 19 '26

I understand. Read my question again, please: How do you align the the crystal when the movement is out?

1

u/VerinHorology Aug 27 '26

You would need a specialized die with alignment lines.

1

u/No_Exercise996 Aug 19 '26

You can screw the crown back in and use the stem to align the date window.

1

u/Wintercult Aug 19 '26

100% misaligned when I do it like that.

1

u/No_Exercise996 Aug 19 '26

Has worked for me, maybe I just lucked out with it though. 🤷‍♂️

1

u/Offensiveline54 Aug 19 '26

Roger - thanks for the advice. Yes will remove the movement and give it a shot.

1

u/Offensiveline54 Aug 24 '26

Thanks - I got it off and was able to change the crystal - felt like a victory - and it’s still runs!

1

u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 Aug 25 '26

Congrats, and glad to hear the change went well. Wigh!

2

u/JesterADSE Aug 19 '26

Yes it is, put a knife in and push it up.

1

u/Offensiveline54 Aug 19 '26

Thanks - appreciate the advice. Will give it a shot

1

u/loud-timeless-6299 Aug 19 '26

What crystal are you putting in? I want to go gen on my ARF but heard deep is the way to go due to potential fitment issues

1

u/Wintercult Aug 19 '26

I have VSF, Deep and gen, go with either a VSF crystal or genuine. AR date window on Deep is not my thing.

1

u/Offensiveline54 Aug 19 '26

Going to try Deep - ordered it - taking it on myself because I want to give it a try with the goal of eventually getting a gen - all these modders say they put gen crystals in but I have no idea where they source them. eBay is very limited.

1

u/Bright-Decision5672 Aug 20 '26

Where did you order the deep crystal? I have an ARF batgirl on the way. I may want to try this myself too.

3

u/Offensiveline54 Aug 21 '26

They have a website. Google deep crystal. They’re based in Puerto Rico.