CYCLOPS Removal

Looking for suggestions on removing a cyclops. I have an ORIS Frank Sinatra that I absolutely love. I am considering removing the cyclops. It is a triangular shaped piece located at the 6:00 position. My pics don't show it so well but here it is:




The crystal is sapphire. None of any of my other watches have a cyclops and that is probably why this one looks a bit odd to me and is a reason I am considering removing it. So........How would i go about doing it, precautions, technique, tools etc.?

Thanks for your input guys!

Here is a thread that Trevor did a while ago...

https://xtrememeantime.forumotion.com/general-watch-discussion-f4/knocked-the-cyclops-right-off-t1169.htm?highlight=cyclops+remova

I saw a couple on WUS too, so a search on cyclops removal...there are tutorials

Thanks Mark! I take a look.

It'll take some serious sack to mess withat fine Oris. But I too think it will look better sans cyclops

andrema wrote:

Here is a thread that Trevor did a while ago...

https://xtrememeantime.forumotion.com/general-watch-discussion-f4/knocked-the-cyclops-right-off-t1169.htm?highlight=cyclops+remova

I saw a couple on WUS too, so a search on cyclops removal...there are tutorials

Here are some from WUS...the first one says to use a torch, but I believe a hairdryer will work --

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=326313&highlight=cyclops+removal

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=160712 - A DIY tutorial

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthr...yclops+removal

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthr...yclops+removal


http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=345564&highlight=cyclops+removal

Thanks again Mark! I am thinking of the heating method but the example on the video was on a mineral crystal. Does anyone know if sapphire would be different?

Northwestguy wrote:

Thanks again Mark! I am thinking of the heating method but the example on the video was on a mineral crystal. Does anyone know if sapphire would be different?

I would think that saphire would be safer because it is harder...but that is just speculation.

I know that Sean and Trevor have done this, you may want to send them a PM to check...

last one i did just a few days ago was sapphire and i used a razor blade and it popped right off! try that and if it wont budge add some heat from a blow dryer, when off use some acetone or fingernail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to get rid of the glue mark!

I have always loved that model! I agree, I think the cyclops takes away from the beauty of the watch. Trevor's removed quite a few of those things and it doesn't sound too difficult. The hard part is getting the balls to mess with that gorgeous watch! Good luck John and let us see the results.

I have a question. If the crystal has an external AR Coating does that include the Cyclops and was it applied BEFORE or AFTER the application of the optical wart? If it is after then you will be sans AR in that area. Just a thought.

Docrwm wrote:

I have a question. If the crystal has an external AR Coating does that include the Cyclops and was it applied BEFORE or AFTER the application of the optical wart? If it is after then you will be sans AR in that area. Just a thought.

Great question Doc! I will have to try and find out if there is an external AR on this crystal. If so, I could ask if they have a crystal without the cyclops.

Northwestguy wrote:

Docrwm wrote:

I have a question. If the crystal has an external AR Coating does that include the Cyclops and was it applied BEFORE or AFTER the application of the optical wart? If it is after then you will be sans AR in that area. Just a thought.

Great question Doc! I will have to try and find out if there is an external AR on this crystal. If so, I could ask if they have a crystal without the cyclops.

If it has AR on BOTH sides it is possible to remove it on the outside and still have a very readable dial. Different folks have different opinions on that but many prefer it only on the inside for durability reasons. Good luck.

Dont know about the AR coating but I have removed several with no ill effects.

For more control I use a soldering iron to heat the cyclops and an exacto knife that has a blade that looks like a chisel to slice it off. Just tap the exacto lightly with a plastic headed hobby hammer. (say that 4 times quickly)

Never did a flame fusion jobbie though

max wrote:

Never did a flame fusion jobbie though

Well we all know that is the hardest substance in the world!!! Makes sapphire look like styrofoam!

I guess some of the...FEAR FACTOR...is taken away because of the sapphire crystal...

I personally don't like AR coating on the outside...

Very interesting discussion. You guys bring up some good points and are very observant. I especially like that I lern't just how soft sapphire is when compared to Elvis glass. Simply amazing

Well, I checked on Oris Site and they have the crystal as AR coating on the inside. I did shoot an email off to them for verification. If all is as they say....I will be working on removing the cyclops. You guys will get all the low down on what goes on. Thanks for all your input fellows! It's so Great to be around this place with all of you!

Keep us posted...

...maybe take some pics along the way!