Razor blade and a ball-peen hammer.

[subtona]

Cyclops removal

Watch is a bit less obvious for travel without the cyclops.
Mostly the older cyclops has no AR coating and I have found it nearly impossible to read the date in all but the most optimum lighting conditions.

I have actually fiddled with this a bit in the past with different tools without success.

Today I decided to give it one more try.

One light tap is all it took. No heat, no drama just one light tap on the back of the razor blade that was positioned flush to the crystal against the cyclops. Razor positioned from the 9 o'clock side with the watch supported with the 3 o’clock (crown side) side down. I used a sturdy wooden cigar box resting on my lap. Held the watch and razor in place with my fingers.

The whole thing was very casual :)

[M@2]

I think that watch, and most watches, look better without the cyclops, well done!

[swissfrank]

Well done, Looks good. No glue residue?

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by swissfrank

Well done, Looks good. No glue residue?

If there is, a light hand polish with cape cod will take it off.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by swissfrank

Well done, Looks good. No glue residue?

There is a bit of residue. More noticeable depending on the light.

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

If there is, a light hand polish with cape cod will take it off.

Thank you that’s just what I was needing.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I really like the end result but I don’t have the stones to swing a hammer in the direction of my watch.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

I really like the end result but I don’t have the stones to swing a hammer in the direction of my watch.

Previous times I tried it was much scarier. I wasn’t using a razor blade and remember taking some real whacks at it. I think I was using a knife or screwdriver?

Razor was key. It was kind of like that dentist story, tell me when you’re going to pull the tooth out… dentist says already did.

[ZOOK]

Very interesting. Thanks for leading the way, Gus.

[jmgorman]

You know, this is exactly what my 16750 needs - glad to hear it works.

[996marty]

I love the fact it was approached with a casual approach

[subtona]

Originally Posted by 996marty

I love the fact it was approached with a casual approach

While sitting in my club chair:)

[PenDelicate]

Bravest thing I've ever seen ...

[alphadweller]

It would look great if the date window was placed further right. Problem is it's been designed with the cyclops in mind. Remove the bubble and it looks kind of weird with that blank space made worse by the absence of a 3 o'clock hour index.

However, as long as you're happy with the result, Gus, it's all that matters. The good news is you can always stick it back if you change your mind.

[jamesbondOO7]

Originally Posted by subtona

Previous times I tried it was much scarier. I wasn’t using a razor blade and remember taking some real whacks at it. I think I was using a knife or screwdriver?

Razor was key. It was kind of like that dentist story, tell me when you’re going to pull the tooth out… dentist says already did.

I remember trying for a long time on mine. Didn’t work. But the watch is gone now.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

It would look great if the date window was placed further right. Problem is it's been designed with the cyclops in mind. Remove the bubble and it looks kind of weird with that blank space made worse by the absence of a 3 o'clock hour index.

However, as long as you're happy with the result, Gus, it's all that matters. The good news is you can always stick it back if you change your mind.

Agree date window is a bit further to the left than optimal. Reminds me of the sea dwellers of the era.

Watch is due for a movement service but I figured I would wear it till it stops. Can always restore down the road.

The glare really made the date window all but useless.

[Polarexplorerii]

Nope not for me..

[Calatrava r]

It looks pretty good. Much cleaner look.

[Easy E]

Amazing.

[A.O.]

Truly is a “tool watch”…

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

It would look great if the date window was placed further right. Problem is it's been designed with the cyclops in mind. Remove the bubble and it looks kind of weird with that blank space made worse by the absence of a 3 o'clock hour index.

However, as long as you're happy with the result, Gus, it's all that matters. The good news is you can always stick it back if you change your mind.

Yep, the date window is slightly left to accommodate the cyclops, and smaller than it needs to be, in order to make the cyclops seem necessary.

It's a 1950s solution for a small date on a 36mm watch. Not really needed for larger sports models, but it's the brand look, so gotta have it there.

[Old Expat Beast]

Looks good Gus. Now you can see the date from more angles

[CarlOver]

Mods are always interesting. I think the date window placement looks off now. Anyways, enjoy!

[AF_Rob]

You are bold, sir!

[Ursusarctos]

Doesn't fit my tastes but it's not my watch. I like the cyclops: adds character.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Yep, the date window is slightly left to accommodate the cyclops, and smaller than it needs to be, in order to make the cyclops seem necessary.

It's a 1950s solution for a small date on a 36mm watch. Not really needed for larger sports models, but it's the brand look, so gotta have it there.

Interesting point Adam.

[subtona]

Moments before:)

[Zach69SS]

Op, you have some guts my friend, bravo, I could never swing a ball peen hammer at one of my babies. I always thought the crystals were one piece to seal the movement.
Looks different and I like the look, very sharp.

Cheers,

[yankeeromeo]

No, just no!

My little brain just cannot compute this idea

[brandrea]

You’ve got some set of balls Gus, I’ll give you that

[slus]

I love it. I saw one of these years ago and have been wanting to do it ever since. I think I've owned most of the factory Date without Cyclops models now, so it's probably time to start popping them off other models