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 ) at the ready...
any thoughts, hints, tips appreciated
cheers
Ian
Last edited by Tuna1138; 10th November 2017 at 02:28. Reason: Photobucket picture link removed
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
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
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
Job done,
brave? stupid? either way satisfied, a big improvement in my eyes
cheers
Ian
Last edited by Tuna1138; 1st July 2017 at 19:07. Reason: Photobucket pictures replaced
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.
Last edited by alfat33; 22nd December 2016 at 19:43.
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.
Looks much better without. Nice job!
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.
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
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