As a professional watch repairer I've been using one of these everyday for ages and they are fabulous, they are well made strong and easy to use. The space underneath the bottom die holder is there to slip the bracelet under. I've not had any issues of the press flexing the rear columns or the bottom die holder in fact if you ever got to the point of causing distortion of the press you will also have a very badly damaged watch case.
That makes sense but I always prefer to remove straps and bracelets myself. I have just placed an order for one of these presses. My plan is to remove the lower red extension arm then drill and tap the base plate and mount a threaded aluminum spacer to it so there is no possibility for flexing.
@567davefair I understand your logic, but I have had mine for about five years and never had any issues of the bottom die holder flexing. I always remove the strap/bracelet but occasionally you have a bracelet which decides to fight you so having the gap on the bottom die holder is useful.
Bought one of these after watching your video. I was not happy about the bottom die holder flexing, albeit very little, so I made a simple mod that seems to work fine. From the underside of the bottom plate I released the 2 screws that hold the die holder bridge in place and removed the bridge. In the centre is a 6mm taper headed screw that protrudes the bridge and becomes the threads for the bottom die, I removed it. I then replaced the screw, after cutting it to length, with a longer 6mm cheese headed screw. Replace the bridge with the original screws. Now unscrew the replacement cheese head screw until it touches the base plate, this will stop the die bridge from flexing. Make sure the new screw isn't too long as to stick through the die. You can also square up the 2 dies by watching the slack as you tighten the screws to reassemble. I don't normally replace crystals with the strap on but it's simple to swap the screw back when the need arises.
that's so nice....good presses are a must. I've learned the hard way in the past by using cheap tools - it typically ends up costing you a lot more. You should always invest in good quality tools, especially to work on watches (or knives). Thanks for the opportunity sir Rob!!
I have made a piece of wood that fits just under it, so it can only pivot up a bit but I don't apply as much force as Rob does so it doesn't really pivot at all.
Thank you for the insight. I have one of these on the way as I write this. My attempts to get a crystal and bezel seated on a Seiko using the lever type resulted in unsuccess and a couple of cracked dies that are extremely cheap.
I have one of these and my only concern was the alloy piece that holds the bottom plastic piece has a gap under it and if you screw down hard enough you may bend or distort the alloy holder. i milled one of the alloy pieces that screw on during shipment. i milled it to the exact size drilled a hole through the centre so it fits over the screw and put it all back together virtually eliminating any further problems.
Rob, ... not 100 % sure, but I think the cantilevered piece on the bottom is to prevent the shock of the crystals seating from causing them to shatter or crack. Kind of a shock absorber.
Solid design, and good quality build. I have similar to the blue one, but a cheap version. I bought it to modify Vostok watches i have. So far only took out glass one, waiting for the watch case to be completed to put everything back. So not sure if the blue one will be a good press.
at the 8:40 mark you you mentioned you can take it apart and service it. I'm wondering if I lost a part when I was working on mine. There is a little steel button that fits into a notch on the shaft; it's held in by by the wide knurled collar. What's with the little acorn head bolt on the front? What does it do? Did a lose something associated with it? Is there a video on how to service the press?
I started on the crappy blue level press and the cheap hollow aluminium handle bent so you couldn't leverage it anymore, bought this red one and never looked back, it's great
I just got one of those red presses and I’m trying to learn how to use it. I’m a reseller and I like Watches and I discovered that I can’t put a lot of the watch backs on and they won’t just pop on with your thumb
The red one looks very well constructed. I've been using the cheap press and it always took me 4-5 attempts before I got the crystal in nicely balance.
I currently own the blue one and also have issues getting my crystals square with the case, the red one you show would definitely be an asset to my personal watch modding hobby! I have an arbor press in my garage and have used it once with success but it's not something I feel comfortable using regularly! Thanks for the opportunity to win this one Rob! Good day!
I have been wanting to try nodding my Orient Mako II and even some watch restoration. This would be perfect for that. Definitely looks like a better design than the clamp style.
Thanks for the video. I had a blue one up until this past summer when the small metal “link” broke in half while I was trying to pop a domed sapphire back in. I was researching these on EBay and Amazon. Now that I’ve seen you actually use it I think I’ll make the switch. Thanks for the great vids!
I paid a lot of money to have my SKX009 crystal swapped out after sourcing my own sapphire and wish now that I had done it myself. I love buying watches from Antique stores and flea markets that are often damage and restoring them as best as I can. I have several watches that need new crystals and it'd incredible to do it myself, particularly a cute little Seiko that bought for my wife for $20, it's a datejust homage with the day and date. She loves it for work, but it's so scratched on the crystal. Thanks for the engaging content and congratulations to whoever you pick! :)
Great tutorial on the use of a very unusual tool! I am currently looking into a Seiko save the ocean watch that belongs to my son. He wants a single domed sapphire with A R coating. This press and your tutorial would sure come in handy!!!
I've always wanted to start modding watches. Making sure I have the ideal equipment would be great. I have a seiko snk803 that I have been wanting to mod for a while.
Thanks for doing a giveaway Rob, I know all of us appreciate the time you give! I fortunately already got one of these exact presses based on a recommendation from you from a Monday Stream. But good luck to whoever wins this! It opens up so many opportunities to having fun with watches.
Thank you for your time and help. A Q. For you if i may: When turning the handle, does the plastic die turns with the handle? In other words: i i use aluminium dies, will they be turning and scratching the glass? Thank You very much.
I have the blue one and it's ok but I'm scared to use it sometimes because I damaged a watch crystal once. I had to remove my watch bezel yesterday that was stiff and grease the o ring and when I was gonna put the bezel back I was worried I was gonna damage something so I put some cloths in between the watch and the press. Turned out good. Definitely need to upgrade to one of these.
Thanks for the great video as always Rob! I've been shopping for a press as I want to mod my SKX009. Now I know which one to buy, making my life and decision much easier!
I've got one of the blue types of presses. Been wanting to swap to sapphire on a Citizen Nighthawk, but am nervous about using the cheap blue one I have.
Thanks for the tutorial ! I think the ability to properly remove and install the crystals is what has kept me from trying my hand at “moding”. Win the give away or not, you’ve helped to inspire me 😃👍.
Thank you for making this video. I've been looking on Amazon for a reliable watch back press to replace watch batteries for family and friends. The Walmart stores in our area have closed down the watch repair department. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about watch repair. If you have any advice please share it in the comments. I'll bet there are others who would appreciate your input. Thanks, again.
Thanks for posting this press video Rob, I'm just getting into modding & hunting down tools, I was looking at getting the blue style lever press but I'll hold off & get one of these red presses instead as it's looks to be a stronger press. Also thanks for the parts list / links you also added this also is a great help. Enjoying your videos
Hey Rob! Thanks for posting great informative videos consistently. I love following your channel to find out about new watches you feature and your honest opinion. Thanks for the chance
Nice! I never win the lottery, so why should this be different? Just an observation... Those two alloy pucks, being same od and mounted on the upper and lower studs respectively could be rudimentary alignment gauges. You could sight a discrepancy with a small straight edge. Even cooler- a cleanly milled ring, with an id to tolerance of the puck od and dropped onto the lower puck should be able to slide up to the limit of the top when the press is closed if both posts of the tool are aligned. I do think the two mating surfaces of the pucks should be flush regardless. You can check this with a feeler gauge.
A shameless plug to pick me! My son got me into this hobby a couple of years ago. It's been bloggers like yourself that have made this journey a doable and fun hobby. Just Watch and learn. I have one of those crappy presses from eBay, and have to screw it down so it doesn't flip over. This one is on my Christmas list. Anyway, thanks for all you vlogs. Ed
Why not add a Metal shim on top of the Base under the holding platform to fortify that area in the front ? Those are way better than the atypical blue ones . Nice giveaway Rob.
Thanks for the review, Rob. Been putting my tools together to build my own pieces and see what I can come up with. I've seen good and bad about these presses but these seem superior. Thanks for consuderation!
Always appreciate your videos. I try to catch your sundays ones but miss them. I would love that press so i can stop breaking the crystal times mineral crystals when i press them :(
Thanks for all your great content Random Rob and thanks for this video! It’s cool to see one of these presses in use. I don’t know much about moding at this point but am intrigued by it for sure. Thanks for doing a giveaway!
I have a skx that needs a new crystal, it's my daily i wear it to work everyday and over the years has gotten banged up. Would be fun to swap it myself. Thanks Rob for the opportunity to win this....
Thanks again for another good video and also for doing something that you don't have to, now about how, when, where, etc I think all the comments going to be about the same. We all want to do what we see you doing on your channel you're an inspiration to us all and winning that press machine would help me or anyone to accomplish that and what makes it more important is that comes from somebody that we admire. We are looking forward to see you doing more mods a more 🌞 sales. Take care.
I have an Orient Blue-ray II that I am planning to install a double domed sapphire crystal in, this would be a big help and very much appreciated. Thank you Rob.
Think i should start changing my own crystals instead of sending them out to be repaired. As for me who's just starting watch collecting, this would be an awesome tool to have to get me on my way with doing my own repairs.
Okay! I've gone ahead and ordered one! My "Collection" is only about a dozen, mostly Seiko. So it will NOT just sit and gather dust. THANKS FRIEND.....
Going to get one, I've run into a lot of watches where the case back needed a ton of work just to replace it. This tool is going to be a big help. Did you give away your press yet? If not, I'm your Huckleberry. LOL
As always thanks for the video. Using the 'blue' press now - starting to build watches for gifts and such. This screw style press does look like the way to go.
I really need one of these. The first press i bought had an semi-hollow aluminum lever/handle, that quickly bent. So i bought a second one, with a solid steel handle. Unfortunately the top and bottom dies/posts don't line up, so it only presses crooked crystals. Hook a brother up please! P.S. Thanks for all the videos, they really helped out a lot for a novice modder like me. D.H.
should the crystal gasket be greased before installing? I know the caseback seal is greased and some suggest lubing the bezel gasket. Just wondering if lubing the crystal gasket might prevent damage when pressing in the crystal.
Hi Rob , I bought a similar but cheaper model from Ali Express...😩...my vostok watch is still stucked in the press... 😜🤣... thank God it was just a Vostok case....but that one looks robust and you demonstrated it. If win this one i swear I’ll be destroying mine; I will gladly document the destruction 🤣.
I’ve got this one (just arrived yesterday), but the shelf on the bottom on the press seems to bend which means I don’t get an even press. Really disappointed, anyone else have this issue??
Looks like a pretty good press to me, I like that you have more control over the amount of pressure that's exerted by using the screw down and also if something starts going wrong you can catch it faster and easier it seems to me, with a lever style press I doubt you would catch a mishap as easily and by the time you did it might have already done irreparable damage. As for the bottom part of the press where the bottom dies go you could get a chunky piece of aluminum and cut it to just slide under that ledge that way when you press you have a much more rigid shelf that won't canter over on you. As for the top you could get some heavy walled brass, steel, stainless steel etc tubing just big enough to fit over some long bolts with some nuts and washers, cut the tubing to where it just slides between the upper and lower plate, drill holes for your bolts through the upper and lower plate(I would take the thing apart so that you can put the upper plate directly on top of the lower plate flat and use a drill press to drill through both plates at the same time) then counter sink the holes so the bolt heads and nuts and washers are flush and bolt it together. Then I'd cut the bolt threads to be flush also. Put the press back together and slide the tubing where your bolts go, throw your bolts down through the top plate and down through the tubing and through the bottom plate, put on your washers and nuts and that press should be a lot more rigid when your done. There's probably a simpler method to do it the way I said but it's an idea 💡.
In all of the time I have used mine I have not had any issues of flexing or distortion of the press and if you did manage to cause the press to flex you will also have a badly damaged watch.
As a professional watch repairer I've been using one of these everyday for ages and they are fabulous, they are well made strong and easy to use. The space underneath the bottom die holder is there to slip the bracelet under. I've not had any issues of the press flexing the rear columns or the bottom die holder in fact if you ever got to the point of causing distortion of the press you will also have a very badly damaged watch case.
Thanks
That makes sense but I always prefer to remove straps and bracelets myself. I have just placed an order for one of these presses. My plan is to remove the lower red extension arm then drill and tap the base plate and mount a threaded aluminum spacer to it so there is no possibility for flexing.
@567davefair I understand your logic, but I have had mine for about five years and never had any issues of the bottom die holder flexing. I always remove the strap/bracelet but occasionally you have a bracelet which decides to fight you so having the gap on the bottom die holder is useful.
Bought one of these after watching your video. I was not happy about the bottom die holder flexing, albeit very little, so I made a simple mod that seems to work fine.
From the underside of the bottom plate I released the 2 screws that hold the die holder bridge in place and removed the bridge.
In the centre is a 6mm taper headed screw that protrudes the bridge and becomes the threads for the bottom die, I removed it.
I then replaced the screw, after cutting it to length, with a longer 6mm cheese headed screw.
Replace the bridge with the original screws.
Now unscrew the replacement cheese head screw until it touches the base plate, this will stop the die bridge from flexing.
Make sure the new screw isn't too long as to stick through the die.
You can also square up the 2 dies by watching the slack as you tighten the screws to reassemble.
I don't normally replace crystals with the strap on but it's simple to swap the screw back when the need arises.
Just pinched my first crystal gasket! After watching your video I'm thinking I need to switch to this style press. Thanks Rob!
I believe the metal ones that you first took off are for replacing the all metal backs, back onto the watch.
Thanks for the solid review of the press. I’m just assembling a toolset for my first foray into the hobby and find this to be very helpful.
that's so nice....good presses are a must. I've learned the hard way in the past by using cheap tools - it typically ends up costing you a lot more. You should always invest in good quality tools, especially to work on watches (or knives). Thanks for the opportunity sir Rob!!
I think the reason for the stepped up lower plate is to make room for a watch bracelet if required. Great video.
Cheers
Willy
I have made a piece of wood that fits just under it, so it can only pivot up a bit but I don't apply as much force as Rob does so it doesn't really pivot at all.
Thanks for the review. I am just about to start my first SKX mod, and have been shopping around for different tools.
Well the press is critical for sure.
Thank you for the insight. I have one of these on the way as I write this. My attempts to get a crystal and bezel seated on a Seiko using the lever type resulted in unsuccess and a couple of cracked dies that are extremely cheap.
I have one of these and my only concern was the alloy piece that holds the bottom plastic piece has a gap under it and if you screw down hard enough you may bend or distort the alloy holder. i milled one of the alloy pieces that screw on during shipment. i milled it to the exact size drilled a hole through the centre so it fits over the screw and put it all back together virtually eliminating any further problems.
Rob, ... not 100 % sure, but I think the cantilevered piece on the bottom is to prevent the shock of the crystals seating from causing them to shatter or crack. Kind of a shock absorber.
Thank you R.R. for your insights about this type of tools. Always very informative.
I use a blue one like you have and it works with caveats. The red press looks really nice. Thanks for sharing!
Y.E.S.... thank you. I've been looking at these on eBay and wasn't sure, as their description is very limited. I'm picking up one of these now. LEGEND
Very helpful demonstration and comparison. I want to do a coin edge bezel swap on my skx013. This tool is perfect for that.
Solid design, and good quality build. I have similar to the blue one, but a cheap version. I bought it to modify Vostok watches i have. So far only took out glass one, waiting for the watch case to be completed to put everything back. So not sure if the blue one will be a good press.
at the 8:40 mark you you mentioned you can take it apart and service it. I'm wondering if I lost a part when I was working on mine. There is a little steel button that fits into a notch on the shaft; it's held in by by the wide knurled collar. What's with the little acorn head bolt on the front? What does it do? Did a lose something associated with
it? Is there a video on how to service the press?
I started on the crappy blue level press and the cheap hollow aluminium handle bent so you couldn't leverage it anymore, bought this red one and never looked back, it's great
I just got one of those red presses and I’m trying to learn how to use it. I’m a reseller and I like Watches and I discovered that I can’t put a lot of the watch backs on and they won’t just pop on with your thumb
That's cool press. I have always wanted to try making a watch and calling it my own.
The red one looks very well constructed. I've been using the cheap press and it always took me 4-5 attempts before I got the crystal in nicely balance.
I currently own the blue one and also have issues getting my crystals square with the case, the red one you show would definitely be an asset to my personal watch modding hobby! I have an arbor press in my garage and have used it once with success but it's not something I feel comfortable using regularly! Thanks for the opportunity to win this one Rob! Good day!
I have been wanting to try nodding my Orient Mako II and even some watch restoration. This would be perfect for that.
Definitely looks like a better design than the clamp style.
Thanks for the video. I had a blue one up until this past summer when the small metal “link” broke in half while I was trying to pop a domed sapphire back in. I was researching these on EBay and Amazon. Now that I’ve seen you actually use it I think I’ll make the switch. Thanks for the great vids!
Great looking press. I've been using the poker style blue type less for my kids. Would live to give this style a try.
I paid a lot of money to have my SKX009 crystal swapped out after sourcing my own sapphire and wish now that I had done it myself.
I love buying watches from Antique stores and flea markets that are often damage and restoring them as best as I can. I have several watches that need new crystals and it'd incredible to do it myself, particularly a cute little Seiko that bought for my wife for $20, it's a datejust homage with the day and date. She loves it for work, but it's so scratched on the crystal.
Thanks for the engaging content and congratulations to whoever you pick! :)
looks like a great press, have a similar blue handle one like you showed. would be awesome to use it to replace some crystals on a few seikos
Great tutorial on the use of a very unusual tool! I am currently looking into a Seiko save the ocean watch that belongs to my son. He wants a single domed sapphire with A R coating. This press and your tutorial would sure come in handy!!!
I've always wanted to start modding watches. Making sure I have the ideal equipment would be great. I have a seiko snk803 that I have been wanting to mod for a while.
Thanks for doing a giveaway Rob, I know all of us appreciate the time you give! I fortunately already got one of these exact presses based on a recommendation from you from a Monday Stream. But good luck to whoever wins this! It opens up so many opportunities to having fun with watches.
Thank you for your time and help. A Q. For you if i may:
When turning the handle, does the plastic die turns with the handle? In other words: i i use aluminium dies, will they be turning and scratching the glass?
Thank You very much.
I have the blue one and it's ok but I'm scared to use it sometimes because I damaged a watch crystal once. I had to remove my watch bezel yesterday that was stiff and grease the o ring and when I was gonna put the bezel back I was worried I was gonna damage something so I put some cloths in between the watch and the press. Turned out good. Definitely need to upgrade to one of these.
How do you know when the crystal is seated all the way in if there’s not an audible click. Concerned I may over torque it.
Nice press! Been looking for one to swap the crystal on my skx013
Thanks for the great video as always Rob! I've been shopping for a press as I want to mod my SKX009. Now I know which one to buy, making my life and decision much easier!
Hi RR. Greetings Medellín, Colombia. I'd like to know if you can usethat tool for putting back watch casebacks.
I've got one of the blue types of presses. Been wanting to swap to sapphire on a Citizen Nighthawk, but am nervous about using the cheap blue one I have.
Been wanting to press out a GW5000 crystal and pop in a Big Bang crystal. I’ve been starring at that crystal for months now.
The gap in the lower stand on the press is so you don't have to take off the bracelet/band when pressing a crystal, would be my guess..
Nice piece to start a toolkit and get in on the watches mods!
Glad I didn't buy the blue type I was looking at yesterday. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the tutorial ! I think the ability to properly remove and install the crystals is what has kept me from trying my hand at “moding”. Win the give away or not, you’ve helped to inspire me 😃👍.
Thank you for making this video. I've been looking on Amazon for a reliable watch back press to replace watch batteries for family and friends. The Walmart stores in our area have closed down the watch repair department. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about watch repair. If you have any advice please share it in the comments. I'll bet there are others who would appreciate your input. Thanks, again.
Bought a DD sapphire from Long Island watch, been waiting for a press to install on my Samurai!!
Thanks for posting this press video Rob, I'm just getting into modding & hunting down tools, I was looking at getting the blue style lever press but I'll hold off & get one of these red presses instead as it's looks to be a stronger press. Also thanks for the parts list / links you also added this also is a great help. Enjoying your videos
I could use one. I had a blue one but it broke a week ago, so I've got an SKX with no crystal installed.
The platform allows for xtal install with bracelets attached to the case. That's why it is raised .
Watches are my hobby. I bought a press like the blue one. It doesn't line up on some watches. I could definitely use a new one.
Have used one of the old blue ones for ever, would love to try this out, looks much more consistent ... thanks RR
Hey Rob! Thanks for posting great informative videos consistently. I love following your channel to find out about new watches you feature and your honest opinion. Thanks for the chance
Great video. I actually have a Seiko and an orient I would love to replace the crystal in. If only I had a crystal press???
This would be a fantastic tool to have. I imagine it would even be great for pressing on diver bezels. I had to press one by hand once, never again.
Any links to these homemade pressure testers?
Nice! I never win the lottery, so why should this be different? Just an observation... Those two alloy pucks, being same od and mounted on the upper and lower studs respectively could be rudimentary alignment gauges. You could sight a discrepancy with a small straight edge. Even cooler- a cleanly milled ring, with an id to tolerance of the puck od and dropped onto the lower puck should be able to slide up to the limit of the top when the press is closed if both posts of the tool are aligned. I do think the two mating surfaces of the pucks should be flush regardless. You can check this with a feeler gauge.
A shameless plug to pick me! My son got me into this hobby a couple of years ago. It's been bloggers like yourself that have made this journey a doable and fun hobby.
Just Watch and learn. I have one of those crappy presses from eBay, and have to screw it down so it doesn't flip over. This one is on my Christmas list. Anyway, thanks for all you vlogs. Ed
Been wanting to put a sapphire crystal on my Casio Duro. $37 crystal on a $45 watch lol. Thanks as always
Why not add a Metal shim on top of the Base under the holding platform to fortify that area in the front ? Those are way better than the atypical blue ones . Nice giveaway Rob.
Ah, good idea.
The red color looks great!
Thanks for the review, Rob. Been putting my tools together to build my own pieces and see what I can come up with. I've seen good and bad about these presses but these seem superior. Thanks for consuderation!
Nice press, maybe it's time to start the next phase of my hobby!
Always appreciate your videos. I try to catch your sundays ones but miss them. I would love that press so i can stop breaking the crystal times mineral crystals when i press them :(
Wow that would be neat to have, better than the rubber mallet I’ve been using😎 Heck I’ll even pay the shipping to PA
Thanks for all your great content Random Rob and thanks for this video! It’s cool to see one of these presses in use. I don’t know much about moding at this point but am intrigued by it for sure. Thanks for doing a giveaway!
I have a skx that needs a new crystal, it's my daily i wear it to work everyday and over the years has gotten banged up. Would be fun to swap it myself.
Thanks Rob for the opportunity to win this....
That's sweet. I bought a modded skx with a janky crystal installed. Ben wanting to get a press to fix it. Good luck everyone!
Great video! I just got mine in today. Got mine off amazon for $35. It was an open box. Got lucky imho
Isn't that crystal sticking up too much for that watch? I thought it would be more flush.
Does this press work for a faceted watch crystal?
What brand is the red one and where can I buy one?
Great information for all wanting to jump in to watch modding thanks 👍
Thanks again for another good video and also for doing something that you don't have to, now about how, when, where, etc I think all the comments going to be about the same. We all want to do what we see you doing on your channel you're an inspiration to us all and winning that press machine would help me or anyone to accomplish that and what makes it more important is that comes from somebody that we admire. We are looking forward to see you doing more mods a more 🌞 sales. Take care.
They look the same but the prices are different. Are they the same brand?
I have the blue one you showed, it's alright but this is waaaaay better
I have an Orient Blue-ray II that I am planning to install a double domed sapphire crystal in, this would be a big help and very much appreciated. Thank you Rob.
Wow I just realized this is my first time being E beggar. LOL
Good time to get started. Lol
This would be a great jump start to modding. Something I’ve been on the fence for some time!
Is the giveaway still open? I would like to join
I have 2 SKXs and an Orient Ray I would love to upgrade to sapphire.
I've bent my current push style press so I would definitely appreciate a piece of kit like this. Looks solid!
Think i should start changing my own crystals instead of sending them out to be repaired. As for me who's just starting watch collecting, this would be an awesome tool to have to get me on my way with doing my own repairs.
John
Email me, crvluv@yahoo.com
Okay!
I've gone ahead and ordered one! My "Collection" is only about a dozen, mostly Seiko. So it will NOT just sit and gather dust.
THANKS FRIEND.....
A very nice tool for any modifications work.
That model looks very solid. I hope it goes to a watch hobbyist who could really use it.
I’d love to start modding - I reckon I’ll start with a SKX, of course!
Awesomely pragmatic giveaway, especially for Seiko lovers that need to replace those crappy Hardlex crystals 😂😂
the reason for the offset landing on bottom is so you can press without removing bracelet or band
I've always wanted to make my own custom watch but I just feel like the investment in tools is relatively high.
What watch are you wearing in this video?
Going to get one, I've run into a lot of watches where the case back needed a ton of work just to replace it. This tool is going to be a big help. Did you give away your press yet? If not, I'm your Huckleberry. LOL
As always thanks for the video. Using the 'blue' press now - starting to build watches for gifts and such. This screw style press does look like the way to go.
Well done Rob these look good but a bit pricey wouldnt mind having a free one though..Cheers
I really need one of these. The first press i bought had an semi-hollow aluminum lever/handle, that quickly bent. So i bought a second one, with a solid steel handle. Unfortunately the top and bottom dies/posts don't line up, so it only presses crooked crystals. Hook a brother up please!
P.S. Thanks for all the videos, they really helped out a lot for a novice modder like me.
D.H.
On a couple occasions I almost bought a crystal press. They weren't near as well built as that one though. Good luck all!
Would be a good addition to my watch repair kit ...next will be modding an skx!
should the crystal gasket be greased before installing? I know the caseback seal is greased and some suggest lubing the bezel gasket. Just wondering if lubing the crystal gasket might prevent damage when pressing in the crystal.
I have never seen it done that way, but maybe? The material is more plastic and glides into place somewhat.
@@RandomRobReviews I saw one guy on TH-cam do it but don't remember who it was.
Hi Rob , I bought a similar but cheaper model from Ali Express...😩...my vostok watch is still stucked in the press... 😜🤣... thank God it was just a Vostok case....but that one looks robust and you demonstrated it. If win this one i swear I’ll be destroying mine; I will gladly document the destruction 🤣.
That press is the only watchtool i don't have yet for modding.
I would be grateful to be part if this giveaway it would be the next step into helping me start moding my watches
I’ve been wanting a crystal press to modify my SKX’s and Seiko 5’s! Would love to win this! Thanks!
I’ve got this one (just arrived yesterday), but the shelf on the bottom on the press seems to bend which means I don’t get an even press. Really disappointed, anyone else have this issue??
Looks like a pretty good press to me, I like that you have more control over the amount of pressure that's exerted by using the screw down and also if something starts going wrong you can catch it faster and easier it seems to me, with a lever style press I doubt you would catch a mishap as easily and by the time you did it might have already done irreparable damage. As for the bottom part of the press where the bottom dies go you could get a chunky piece of aluminum and cut it to just slide under that ledge that way when you press you have a much more rigid shelf that won't canter over on you. As for the top you could get some heavy walled brass, steel, stainless steel etc tubing just big enough to fit over some long bolts with some nuts and washers, cut the tubing to where it just slides between the upper and lower plate, drill holes for your bolts through the upper and lower plate(I would take the thing apart so that you can put the upper plate directly on top of the lower plate flat and use a drill press to drill through both plates at the same time) then counter sink the holes so the bolt heads and nuts and washers are flush and bolt it together. Then I'd cut the bolt threads to be flush also. Put the press back together and slide the tubing where your bolts go, throw your bolts down through the top plate and down through the tubing and through the bottom plate, put on your washers and nuts and that press should be a lot more rigid when your done. There's probably a simpler method to do it the way I said but it's an idea 💡.
In all of the time I have used mine I have not had any issues of flexing or distortion of the press and if you did manage to cause the press to flex you will also have a badly damaged watch.