I have seen many different kinds of crystal presses out there. Some are brand specific and made for Bulova or Girard Perregeux. Some are for both wrist and pocket watches. Here are a couple of links to presses on Ebay now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2670290210&category=10363

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2670290210&category=10363

What should be looked for when purchasing a press, and what should be avoided? Could one press be used for both wristwatches and pocket watches without a problem?


Scott Cerullo
cerullo34@aol.com

Scott i have heard of crystal presses atached to a metal cabinet that stores the crystals.That might be a good thing and then i have seen some at uncle Larry,s website for pocket watches.I have one that will do the plastic crystals in small watches but have not used it yet.I am sure John Duvall or Steve Maddox could give a good answer on this topic.

That I hate to start discussing this topic, but if no one else offers any reasonable advice in a day or two, I'll see what I can do.

It would be helpful to know exactly what sort of crystals y'all are trying to install, as certain tools work better for certain types of crystals.

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Steve Maddox
President, NAWCC Chapter #62
North Little Rock, Arkansas
IHC Charter Member 49

Steve,
My question is in general and I know nothing about them. There are so many different kinds, that it seems hard to determine what is most practical. I know there are brand specific, as well as hand held ones, and kinds that use dies that look like seal presses. If a press comes with enough dies, couldn't it be used for most watches? What do you think of the ones in the links from my first post?


Scott Cerullo
cerullo34@aol.com

Scott,

What type of watches are you most interested in working on? Crystal pressed are mainly for plastic crystals (Although some can be used as case presses for snap cases). Glass crystals on pocket watches don't need a press to set them. I have a G-S "Flexoround" press that I use that works well. It has several sizes of base blocks and plugs for various size crystals. I picked it up at a local mart for a few bucks.

Mike Miller