Tag Aquaracer cyclops removal (updated)

Anybody have experience of removing the cyclops from a Tag Aquaracer?

I love my latest acquisition, my Aquaracer


but... I'm not a fan of the cyclops, never have been on any watch. I have enquired (with Duncan/Genesis) about sourcing a new cyclops free crystal, which unfortunately isn't an option for my watch.
Duncan advised a DIY removal of the cyclops is a non starter for various reasons, so what do I do?

I got 15% off the watch when I bought it so do I just buy a replacement crystal if I attempt a diy job and it all goes Pete Tong?

... soldering iron, stanley blade, tape (hammer/chisel :eagerness:) at the ready...
any thoughts, hints, tips appreciated

cheers
Ian

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Originally Posted by Tuna1138

Anybody have experience of removing the cyclops from a Tag Aquaracer?

I love my latest acquisition, my Aquaracer
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...pshafwdd3c.jpg

but... I'm not a fan of the cyclops, never have been on any watch. I have enquired (with Duncan/Genesis) about sourcing a new cyclops free crystal, which unfortunately isn't an option for my watch.
Duncan advised a DIY removal of the cyclops is a non starter for various reasons, so what do I do?

I got 15% off the watch when I bought it so do I just buy a replacement crystal if I attempt a diy job and it all goes Pete Tong?

... soldering iron, stanley blade, tape (hammer/chisel :eagerness:) at the ready...
any thoughts, hints, tips appreciated

cheers
Ian

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It is much safer to do this with the glass out of the watch, so I would buy a replacement glass, heat the cyclops glue up and chip it off. If all good then get the glasses swapped.

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Originally Posted by me32dc

It is much safer to do this with the glass out of the watch, so I would buy a replacement glass, heat the cyclops glue up and chip it off. If all good then get the glasses swapped.

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Fully appreciate it will be easier with glass 'removed', I'll look into that option

I did this many years ago on some old cheap piece of tat, just to see that happened. All went well.

But you would have to be a braver man than me to do it to your TAG

Use something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/20119...7291931&crdt=0

Placed it over the cyclops for what seemed like an age

Flicked cyclops off using scalpel

Removed residue UV glue using wives nail polish remover

Job Done

But remember it was an old cheap watch

GOOD LUCK

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Originally Posted by 964boy

I did this many years ago on some old cheap piece of tat, just to see that happened. All went well.

But you would have to be a braver man than me to do it to your TAG

Use something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/20119...7291931&crdt=0

Placed it over the cyclops for what seemed like an age

Flicked cyclops off using scalpel

Removed residue UV glue using wives nail polish remover

Job Done

But remember it was an old cheap watch

GOOD LUCK

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I've seen a few clips on the web with suggestions, got all the gear just missing the 'bottle' at the moment, trying to talk myself out of it
cracking watch , trying to live with it but...

Not on the same 'value' scale but
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...hlight=Cyclops

Why not ask Yobokies or Crystaltimes there might be a suitable aftermarket sapp etc.

Glass thickness probably 2mm

Well after lots of umming and ahing, shall I shan't I, I decided the cyclops was going one way or another.....

so this afternoon I get my Aquaracer (and myself) ready,
starting with a base layer of scotch tape, then a layer of masking tape topped off with some aluminium foil tape for protection

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4261/...b021f765_b.jpg

then gently clamped to my computer desk
Using a windproof lighter applied heat to cyclops maybe 15 seconds (seemed longer!)
then using a craft knife with retractable blade which is strong but has a bit of flex gently slid against cyclops and off it popped

A tiny bit of glue residue could be seen, so a quick wipe with a cotton bud with some of Mrs T's nail polish remover

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4278/...cdc59b93_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4142/...da8572ba_b.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4287/...7e389ec4_b.jpg


Job done,
brave? stupid? either way satisfied, a big improvement in my eyes


cheers
Ian

Excellent - well done

Looks much better imo Ian ..... and a bloody good job done there, fair play to you!

Brave but not stupid, nice one.

Good to see this as I'm considering the same thing on one of my watches. Not as much value in it mind you.

Lol, very brave. Good outcome

does look better, well done for having the guts

Good work, looks much better.

Clean the cyclops, keep it and you can always refit it when if necessary if you ever sell the watch.

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Originally Posted by Thewatchbloke

Clean the cyclops, keep it and you can always refit it when if necessary if you ever sell the watch.

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cyclops is long gone and good riddance, this ones a keeper....(for now :witless:)

Looks much better without. Nice job!

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Originally Posted by Thewatchbloke

Clean the cyclops, keep it and you can always refit it when if necessary if you ever sell the watch.

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Silly question perhaps but wouldn't reapplying the cyclops, presumably with glue of some sort, look terrible and provide a clouded if not opaque view of the date window?

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Originally Posted by Progressive

Silly question perhaps but wouldn't reapplying the cyclops, presumably with glue of some sort, look terrible and provide a clouded if not opaque view of the date window?

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Only if you don't use clear setting UV curable glue.

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Originally Posted by Progressive

Silly question perhaps but wouldn't reapplying the cyclops, presumably with glue of some sort, look terrible and provide a clouded if not opaque view of the date window?

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You'd never know it's been done, I've performed the cyclops shuffle for a surprising number of customers. Whenever I've been asked to remove one I always inform the owner it's best to keep it safe just in case they ever decide to sell the watch and want it refitting. It's surprising how many people can be put off buying a watch by having the cyclops missing.

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Originally Posted by Thewatchbloke

You'd never know it's been done, I've performed the cyclops shuffle for a surprising number of customers. Whenever I've been asked to remove one I always inform the owner it's best to keep it safe just in case they ever decide to sell the watch and want it refitting. It's surprising how many people can be put off buying a watch by having the cyclops missing.

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TBH I don't understand why aftermarket Cyclops are not available to stick on virtually any watch.

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Originally Posted by number2

TBH I don't understand why aftermarket Cyclops are not available to stick on virtually any watch.

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Sounds OK in principle, but the glass would need to be flat for it to work. Many glasses have a degree of curvature so a flat Cyclops wouldn`t fit correctly.

Acrylic Cyclops glasses are available for old watches; personally I don`t like 'em but some do. I came across one recently with a magnifier moulded into the underside of the glass, and that looked OK because the outer surface was still uniform.

Could always try wearing a monacle as an alternative:la::la::la:

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Originally Posted by walkerwek1958

Sounds OK in principle, but the glass would need to be flat for it to work. Many glasses have a degree of curvature so a flat Cyclops wouldn`t fit correctly.

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Personally I can't abide the things that's why I had it removed from my Rolex.