Removing Cyclops and Re-Sale Value

[Rolex Freak]

Hello Friends,

I understand that the cyclops can be removed from the watch. How is this done, does anyone have pictures, and can this negatively effect the re-sale value?

Thanks in advance.

[RooRocks]

I am sure it can be replaced if needed at later date. I myself prefer watches with the cyclops removed and find many watch people with the same taste, so maybe you'll find a seller with the same taste.

[jmsrolls]

I bought a replacement crystal for my EXPII, soaked it in acetone for a couple of days, removed the Cyclops, then had my watchmaker swap the crystals and pressure test the watch.

Result:



The dial is more symmetrical and the date is legible from greater angles - no more Rolex salute.

The original crystal is in storage should I ever wish to reverse the process.

Fr. John†

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by jmsrolls

That looks great!!!

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by sakuraba

that looks great!!!

+1

[rolexsubdate]

if you do not put it back, then yes because people know what the watch looks like ...they want the original watch as sold by the AD ... you remove the cyclops, then it looks different ... also makes a buyer wonder, what else was removed or messed with or what te reason for removing it was .... if you are not gonna sell, then do whatever but if you are gonna sell, then do not mess with it ...looks good though ... very nice but I do not want someone else's modifications ....

[Rolex Freak]

Originally Posted by jmsrolls

I bought a replacement crystal for my EXPII, soaked it in acetone for a couple of days, removed the Cyclops, then had my watchmaker swap the crystals and pressure test the watch.

Result:



The dial is more symmetrical and the date is legible from greater angles - no more Rolex salute.

The original crystal is in storage should I ever wish to reverse the process.

Fr. John†

I have a YM that has the cyclops, how would i go about removing it. Do i soak the entire watch in acetone? Thanks.

[Bisquitlips]

If you are ever going to resale the timepiece I would think that the best practice would be to put it back in original condition. I believe crystals are about 150.00 - 250.00 $ installed.

[Speed]

Yup...

Slice the cyclops off the replacement crystal and store your original ala Fr. John!

[Rolex Freak]

Originally Posted by Speed

Yup...

Slice the cyclops off the replacement crystal and store your original ala Fr. John!

Ok, thanks. Will Rolex service the watch if the cyclops has been removed?

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Rolex Freak

Ok, thanks. Will Rolex service the watch if the cyclops has been removed?

Cannot see why not. It's not like you replaced the crystal with an aftermarket part....

Besides, Cyclops do fall off. I imagine they may ask if you want a replacement, to which you will say no, right?

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by Speed

Cannot see why not. It's not like you replaced the crystal with an aftermarket part....

Besides, Cyclops do fall off. I imagine they may ask if you want a replacement, to which you will say no, right?

Correct....If it's the original crystal!!

[Rolex Freak]

Originally Posted by Speed

Cannot see why not. It's not like you replaced the crystal with an aftermarket part....

Besides, Cyclops do fall off. I imagine they may ask if you want a replacement, to which you will say no, right?

That's correct. I'll just decline. Thanks for the info.

[JimC]

Originally Posted by jmsrolls

I bought a replacement crystal for my EXPII, soaked it in acetone for a couple of days, removed the Cyclops, then had my watchmaker swap the crystals and pressure test the watch.

Result:



The dial is more symmetrical and the date is legible from greater angles - no more Rolex salute.

The original crystal is in storage should I ever wish to reverse the process.

Fr. John†

That is really sharp! I like this one!

[swatty]

Originally Posted by JimC

That is really sharp! I like this one!

Have to agree

[jmsrolls]

Originally Posted by Rolex Freak

I have a YM that has the cyclops, how would i go about removing it. Do i soak the entire watch in acetone? Thanks.

No, No, No!

Get a replacement (service crystal) and soak it in acetone - not the watch. After a couple of days, the magnifier can be easily removed by hand - no heat, no impact, no risk of damage.

Have a competent watchmaker replace the original crystal with the replacement crystal sans Cyclops. Have the watch pressure tested and store the original crystal with Cyclops away.

Fr. John†

[jmsrolls]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

If you are ever going to resale the timepiece I would think that the best practice would be to put it back in original condition. I believe crystals are about 150.00 - 250.00 $ installed.

I paid my watchmaker $175 for the crystal (genuine Rolex) and his labor. The can of acetone was <$4. The best money I ever spent.

Fr. John†

[Clogger]

That Exp II looks great.