How To Remove A Date Magnifier
Date Magnifier Removal is a very common mod, not just for Seiko’s, but for any watch. Every watch enthusiast has wanted to remove a magnifier off at least one of their watches before. While a date magnifier can be a very helpful feature on a watch, it can also be an eye sore on some models. Some watch modders and enthusiasts in general like a nice clean look to their crystal. So, in today’s article, we will discuss how to remove one, what tools you’ll need to do so, and how to prevent any damage to your watch.
What Tools Will I Need For A Date Magnifier Removal?
Below we will list all of the necessary tools that you will find helpful to have on hand before beginning your date magnifier removal. Please make sure you have prepared all tools before beginning in order to avoid any damage to your watch or gaskets.
Tools:
Watch Crystal Press
Crystal presses are a necessary tool when it comes to a date magnifier removal. Some modders will say that you only need to tape up your bezel insert while trying to remove the date, but do not do this. The crystal will get very hot and potentially melt your crystal gasket. Unless you want to unintentionally damage your gasket, it is highly recommended to remove the crystal.
Needle Nose Pliers
Needle nose pliers are a good tool to have at your disposal while removing your date magnifier. The crystal, whether it be sapphire or mineral crystal, will get very hot while performing this removal. you will need to heat up the magnifier to the point that you will not be able to hold the glass in your hand.
Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Microfibers are perfect in this mod for 2 reasons. The first reason it’s good to have a cleaning cloth, is because you can use it as a buffer in-between the pliers and the glass, so you don’t scratch it on accident (if it is mineral crystal). The other reason it’s good to have a microfiber during the magnifier removal is because it will prevent the glass from slipping out of the pliers. after you have the glass removed and held in place with the pliers and cloth, it is now time to remove the magnifier.
Torch Lighter
The torch lighter is the most important tool when it comes to a date magnifier removal. The way you separate the magnifier from the crystal is through extreme heat. You won’t be able to get it hot enough with just a standard lighter or flame, so you will need the torch version. Thankfully these torch lighters are only $10 or less on Amazon for a pack of 4. You will need to hold the crystal with the pliers and cloth combo so not to burn your hands and concentrate the torch flame directly on the magnifier. You will only need to heat it for a few seconds and you’ll either see the magnifier fog up or hear a slight pop sound. Once the magnifier is loosened, you will need to grab your razor blade…
Razor Blade
Razor blades are the final tool you will need to finish the date magnifier removal. After heating the magnifier and it fogging up or “poping” you will be able to gently flick it off onto your work surface. Be careful not to touch it as it will be very hot! While the crystal is still hot, it’s a good idea to scrape off any residue with the razor blade because if it cools down, it will be nearly impossible to remove withou0t heating it again.
And that’s it! You are all finished removing the date magnifier. Now you just clean off the crystal with the microfiber cloth, and reinstall the crystal back into your watch using the crystal press.
Magnifier Removal Summary
Now to summarize how to remove the date magnifier for a quick overview.
- First remove the crystal
- hold the crystal with pliers and a cloth to prevent slippage or burns
- heat the magnifier with direct flame from the torch lighter
- “Pop” the magnifier off the crystal with the razor blade
- Clean any residual residue off of the crystal with the razor while it’s still hot
- And finally, reinstall the crystal (once it has cooled down, of course!)
And that’s all you need to know to give your watch crystal a clean minimalistic look! This is one of the easiest mods you can do with minimal tools to get the job done. Start your journey into the modding world with a simple date magnifier removal.