thank you for this awesome video! it is super helpful. i recently acquired a similar vintage f1 (371.513), and i need to replace the bezel. what is the best method for safely removing the original bezel?
Thanks. Since it's a plastic bezel (and aged from 1980s, hence plastic fatigue is more risky), I would not recommend lifting the bezel from one side using a case opener knife or so. The safest in this situation would be a bezel removing tool that apply even force at 4 corners. Different tools for different situations ;)
Hi. They are the same for the plastic and metal cases. Crystals are 2mm thick. Diameter for the smaller/ladies version is 19.5mm, while the larger/men version is 24mm
It requires quite some force, using thumbs (which sometimes hurt). Some crystals will be really stuck that you may have to use the press tool to get them out.
@@Boz999s In most cases yes, provided that the gasket is not damaged before or during crystal replacement. If you are in doubt and visual inspection is not enough, a pressure test would tell if gaskets are good or bad
Hi, thanks for thr video. Its very useful. I have a few questions and hope you can guide me through. 1) I have a 35mm version of Tag F1 instead of 28mm (yours). Do you know the exactly size of crystal for replacement for my 35mm case version F1 ? Cant find much details in thr internet. 2)I like your after market strap. What brand is that and what is lug size strap ? 3)Can you do a bezel dismantle for this Gen1 F1 ? I wanted to clean mine. Im still a novice or beginner .. hope you can help me out. Thanks 🙏
1- I'm not sure about the reference number for your watch. In that case, the best is to remove the glass, measure it using a proper calibre and order a similar one. If the glass is lost, you can measure the inner diameter of the plastic gasket while mounted on the watch. glass dimensions for the WA1217 version (and similar size cases) is 24mm wide, 2mm thick 2- This is a non-branded flat and straight one, 16mm for the ladies version (to be squeezed in the 15mm lugs) and 18mm wide for the Mens version 3- Bezel can be removed with caution as it's plastic and the underneath ring can be cleaned
Hi, thanks for the detailed info. Mine ref is WA1215 and I assume it's 24mm crystal size (as what you've told earlier 👍). Will definitely measure the original Crystal size later.
Not really, the crown has been pre-released for the video purpose. You have to press a lever (pointed with an arrow in the movement) to release the crown stem.
thank you for this awesome video! it is super helpful. i recently acquired a similar vintage f1 (371.513), and i need to replace the bezel. what is the best method for safely removing the original bezel?
Thanks. Since it's a plastic bezel (and aged from 1980s, hence plastic fatigue is more risky), I would not recommend lifting the bezel from one side using a case opener knife or so. The safest in this situation would be a bezel removing tool that apply even force at 4 corners. Different tools for different situations ;)
Thank you so much for the insight and answering my question ^_^
Great video. What size/diametre is the crystal. & Is it the same for the old plastic Formula 1‘s? I need two new ones
Hi. They are the same for the plastic and metal cases. Crystals are 2mm thick. Diameter for the smaller/ladies version is 19.5mm, while the larger/men version is 24mm
@@BizarreWatch Thanks a lot, I left a thumbs up!
Hi. thanks for the great video. How did you remove the original strap? It doesn't have the small lever to compress the pin
A standard pin removal tool will do, you may just need some magnification and with stable hands it's easy
Thanks for prompt reply. Do you know where I can get the watch straps? It is an old watch …
@@RayGoh-cs8de If you live in UK, I recommend sectime.co.uk and cousinsuk.com
Also, eBay and aliexpress have some good stuff but quality varies
Hi, I’m about to do a glass change on mine, will the crystal just pop out the front using your thumbs or do I need to press it out? Thankyou
It requires quite some force, using thumbs (which sometimes hurt). Some crystals will be really stuck that you may have to use the press tool to get them out.
@@BizarreWatch thanks for the reply, will it be ok to use the same nylon gasket?
@@Boz999s In most cases yes, provided that the gasket is not damaged before or during crystal replacement. If you are in doubt and visual inspection is not enough, a pressure test would tell if gaskets are good or bad
Hi, thanks for thr video. Its very useful. I have a few questions and hope you can guide me through.
1) I have a 35mm version of Tag F1 instead of 28mm (yours). Do you know the exactly size of crystal for replacement for my 35mm case version F1 ? Cant find much details in thr internet.
2)I like your after market strap. What brand is that and what is lug size strap ?
3)Can you do a bezel dismantle for this Gen1 F1 ? I wanted to clean mine.
Im still a novice or beginner .. hope you can help me out. Thanks 🙏
1- I'm not sure about the reference number for your watch. In that case, the best is to remove the glass, measure it using a proper calibre and order a similar one. If the glass is lost, you can measure the inner diameter of the plastic gasket while mounted on the watch. glass dimensions for the WA1217 version (and similar size cases) is 24mm wide, 2mm thick
2- This is a non-branded flat and straight one, 16mm for the ladies version (to be squeezed in the 15mm lugs) and 18mm wide for the Mens version
3- Bezel can be removed with caution as it's plastic and the underneath ring can be cleaned
Hi, thanks for the detailed info. Mine ref is WA1215 and I assume it's 24mm crystal size (as what you've told earlier 👍). Will definitely measure the original Crystal size later.
By the way, it will be great if you can share us a video on how to dismantle the bezel and glass gasket... 😊 Thanks
@@thamme1179 I would definitely do. Give me some time and I will post one
Thanks for the video. To remove the crown, do you just pull it out?
Not really, the crown has been pre-released for the video purpose. You have to press a lever (pointed with an arrow in the movement) to release the crown stem.