Building the King Turtle Super Ocean 🔥 Remove the cyclops with a Torch

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

This watch now for sale at HAUTEONES.SHOP

[@lorbat]

Website Expired?

[@911_dan2]

I got my cyclops off in under a minute. Place in shallow dish of water so that just the cyclops is exposed. Use micro torch to heat just the cyclops. Pops right off.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Oh nice trick, the water will shield the rest of the watch!!!

[@sLfalco998]

That’s a brilliant idea- genius! I’ve been putting that job off but I’m going to do it right now because of your advice. Thanks a million 👍🏼

[@charliejf100]

Did you still take apart the watch? Or do it all together?

[@РоландДискейн-м3ц]

Як сильно потрібно нагрівати?

[@czopsticks4238]

Thinking about doing this to my SBDY049. How did it turn out?

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Perfect mod. You make it look so easy. Would probably take me 48 hours to do it half as right.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Haha, I only post the successful ones 😁😅

[@gtcih]

You gave it what it needed. I’ve been modding for years and have approximately 15 modded 6309 and 7s26 divers. I just purchased this exact King Turtle. Although I have the limited Willard, I like this watch. Although I didn’t plan on modding this watch, I think I’m going to do exactly what you did. I think I’ll use one of my cigar torches. Did you consider getting the gold hand set. Thanks for this video. Update: I was able to remove the cyclops. It wasn’t easy! Not recommended unless you know how to replace parts! I poured the heat to it but it resisted. So I took a hammer and knife and knocked it off. The heat was so intense it partially melted the chapter ring. I was able to replace it with a lumed one. I also replaced the bezel insert with one that is also lumed. Wow, this is now an awesome watch. No cyclops, fully lumed, with upgraded hands.

[@roguewolfblades]

I scratched the sapphire glass on a brand new king turtle today I'm so bummed about it you have no idea. I'm new into watches assuming I'm going to have to replace the crystal now. Literally got it ystrdy scratched it after heating and prying with razor today the next day.

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

I actually love the og hands lol reminds me of the classic skx

[@HoroHigh369]

I used the torch I have to caramelize cream brûlée and it worked!!! 😂😂😂 Thanks for sharing because the cyclops was driving me insane!

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

When removing cyclops lenses, I have found that using a yellow flame (such as a regular lighter) is less likely to crack the crystal. I think this is because the heat is more even, rather than the more localized heat from a blue torch flame. I believe this more even heating induces less stress in the material, and is thus less likely to cause cracks. The down side is that you get soot on the watch, but it's easy to clean off, and way better than a cracked crystal.

[@Gripmagic]

You guys are crazy, I like the cyclops. Great skills though!

[@hatfield4201]

Super nice mod. Makes the watch pretty much perfect. Love that fabric strap too. Bravo

[@тыквенный_отдел]

Thanks for the video man. I also hate the date cyclops on the crystal, and see how you tear it off from there to hell was a great pleasure

[@SuperHeliboy]

Just bought mine this week and I don’t mind the Cyclopes. It reminds me of my uncle’s Rolex that had one on it.

[@edwardsjohnpaul]

Great video, one that can be adapted for many mods. The hands are a fantastic upgrade, great choice!

[@nestorreyesjr.7503]

The SRPE05 Super Turtle is based on the 1970s 6306 (Japan exclusive) and 6309-7049 from the late 70s until the whole 80s decade. The one you refer as Willard from Apocalypse Now is a 6105-8010 / 8019 from the late 1960s. It’s a total different watch. Around 2019 Seiko Prospex Master Series relaunched it with a Marine Master 8L35 automatic movement. Different nomenclature though starting with SLA. Just as they did with their relaunch of their first diver, the 62MAS. Prospex Turtles nowadays use numenclatures such as SRP, or SRPE. Overall, fabulous video. Totally loved it. Something else, during the late 70s, 1980s, and early 90s before the release of the SKX Line, the 6309-7049 diver was purchased by many military members as well. 😎🤙🏼

[@HarryBunnGRVOTV]

That looks soooo much better.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Right?! I like the clean cut look 😎

[@Steven_M.]

Entertaining! Excellent job not marring the crystal. Date windows w/ and w/o the magnifiers do tend to keep the dial cluttered and take away from the beauty of simplicity. Although, it has been useful in finding the day/date as it gives me another opportunity to check my wrist 😎

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yeah they look ok on certain watches... Not this one 😅

[@JohnCWildcat]

Interesting! I have a Japanese made King Turtle with Kanji days. I like what you did with the hands, but I think the stock ones are also good. The date cyclops is great if you're looking directly at it, otherwise it can actually be an obstruction. I don't think it's enough for me to warrant taking a pastry torch to my turtle. Your mods are great! It definitely gives it a great look. As for straps? Full metal bracelet, all day!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Nice John, my cyclops was also slightly misaligned and my OCD self had to give it the torch 🔥

[@dontbelieveeverythingyouth8173]

Soldering iron works too and much easier. Just hold the iron on the Cyclops for about twenty seconds and it slides off.

[@mikeyb650]

Would something like heating up a nail real hot have the same effect?

[@secretariat-13]

Good job, I have successfully removed the cyclops from 2 of my watches (I hate those things, they’re like pimples or a drop of water that never goes away) without taking anything apart by using a plain lighter, at first I was concerned that the crystal would get so hot that it would burn my fingers or that I might melt the seal beneath but on both times it barely got warm, I took my time of course I applied the heat a few times and used an exacto knife and they slid off quite easily, I used alcohol to rub off the remaining adhesive but acetone would work best if you have it, I love both watches much more now, having said this I would not even consider removing those from a pricey watch such as a Rolex .

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Haha, good work man, the datejust might be the only watch that is acceptable with a cyclops!

[@garmin1488]

a small butane torch the size of lighter works well in removing the cyclops, that's the first thing I would do with this watch

[@nokianx400]

I prefer the original hands, but great tutorial on the cyclops

[@clark3830]

I changed more on my King turtle green dial. I ordered a rubber strap that matches the army green of the dial, removed that candy bar magnifier, changed the date wheels to black ones, and changed the bezel insert to a black with gold letters to match the gold hands I put on it. Looks fantastic and I get many comments on it. My Rolex Pepsi never got comments.

[@biscuitsalive]

I actually really like the original hands. Not finished great but always liked the shape. The cyclops removal is a great improvement though IMO.

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

Awesome video! And it looks killer 🔥🔥 great job!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks buddy, you rock 👊

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial likewise 😊🍻

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Looks great man!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Cheers Miguel 😉

[@lucacadianalbert]

Beautiful mod - I'm also a big fan of Turtles. Even for my 6.75" wrist they wear perfectly. I don't like cyclops on watches - I've successfully removed 2 but my last one was a bit nerve racking as it was a hard carbonox case (a Luminox 3615) and was afraid the heat would damage the bezel/case. I took my time and it came off easily. For the job I just a small butane torch/lighter. Amazon has a nice one called "Eagle Jet Torch" which would probably be perfect for these kind of jobs.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yeah, definitely gonna get a smaller torch for the future ;)

[@chrisk1255]

Great video, bro! Awesome information and entertaining as always

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Chris, appreciate your comment as always!

[@ViolinistWilliam]

Great video!! I just picked up the SRPE93 (black turtle non ceramic) because I wanted something as “true classic” Seiko as I could possibly get and I also wasn’t thrilled with the date window. It’s an amazing watch and it’s just so timeless. Also: a true strap monster.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Congrats 👏🎉

[@0388nemo]

Very impressive, keep up the good work. love from Boston ~

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Nemo, appreciate that 👍

[@AliasHSW]

Actually like the OEM hands. Looks proportion and befitted to the design. The minute replacement hand is a bit narrow, disproportioned to -- your words -- "the hefty beast" of the design language. Like the cyclops delete. Keep up the fabulous content and editing. :)

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks! Agreed that the sword hand is a bit skinny, I prefer a bit more of a clean cut look 😁

[@StorminNorvin]

If a watch doesn't have the day and date, it is useless to me. I am becoming the old man who doesn't know what the day is.

[@thegirthquake8574]

Bro what is that strap 6:03 and where can I get one

[@snigurmd]

Nice, love those hands. The new tortoise has similar hands.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Vladimir 👍

[@czopsticks4238]

Thank you for the high quality tutorial! How do you feel about this method now? What would you do differently?

[@sammcanally641]

Dude! Best video, yet. Great mod

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks SAM! Came out pretty well!

[@martinw6881]

This mod really works and brings the watch up a level. Would have been good to see a side by side image at the end of the vid.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Martin!

[@Joey_hc]

Which lume did you get those hands in? C3 or BGW9?

[@dougieranger]

That looks amazing now!

[@ianferris]

looks like a good skill to learn during lockdown! great video

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Ian, haha it was nerve wracking!

[@leath25]

Future generations will say,most people took off the cyclops so its very rare to find one with a cyclops and its worth double the price.

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

I set my desk on fire when I was trying that mod...lesson learned!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Haha, I should've put more disclaimers in my videos 😆

[@Poundthedrums71]

Very cool, thanks!!!!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@jamesblonde2271]

(Late comment) I've just bought one, quite wanna lose the cyclops, the hands are fine with me

[@jackseddie]

I wanted to ask you if the Lume is as bright on the after market DIY Watchclub hands as the Lume on the Seiko hands? And is it the same color?

[@karlgustav5490]

is it not easier and safer to do it with a heat gun?

[@idid1866]

That was fun, bro!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Cheers my man, nice to see your comment as always 😁

[@petermulhall2564]

Amazing video,your watch looks so much better,I've a cyclops on my steinhart Im not really into and need to get rid of,I'm tempted to follow your step foe this🤔

[@NMaas]

Nice Job 👍👍👍👍👍

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks!

[@jackseddie]

Sorry I’m late to see this post. I wanted to ask you about the hands that you put on the turtle… is the Lume as bright on the aftermarket hands as the original Seiko Lume? And is it the same color when it glows? I want to make the same mods but I want the Lume to be as bright and the same color. Thanks

[@PhanCusername]

I was looking forward to the torch

[@williamwallace9427]

Beautiful 👌🏼

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thank you!

[@PatentRob]

What was Seiko thinking with the plastic cyclop?

[@georgecupac1202]

Much better 👍👍👍.

[@woodentulike2no]

I don't understand how the hands are held on. Recommend a video that explains that?

[@andrewbenson4439]

Are you sure the cyclops is plastic? I’ve heard it is sapphire like the crystal. I have the same watch and actually really like the cyclops and it makes it stand out as a King Turtle.

[@scheuerle2]

I'm quite happy with my stock hands on an SRPE05, but to each his own. But I did upgrade the strap to a black FKM rubber strap. Warning - do your homework on spring bar sizes.

[@sampanettieri2531]

wowwww luv the watch without the cyclops lens ..,well done is it still for sale ..,?

[@ogadjim6191]

I've got the same watch and am also contemplating the cyclops removal. I am not as brave as you though and will simply swap the crystal lol. For the hands I'm planning to use the SPB14X style hands and also swap the date wheel for the Kanji wheel. What music did you use starting from 4:35? Really soothing. Thanks for the great video as always, bro. Cheers from Canada.

[@ogadjim6191]

I Shazamed it and found the track lol. All good!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Nice, that would be great! Yeah all my music comes from epidemic

[@kahuhipajae4088]

Great job.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks bud!

[@roadvader]

Great mods, how much time you left the torch each time? Couple of seconds? Thanks

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yeah very brief, but my torch was a bit over kill 😅. The ones for pastries are probably better

[@IansModRite]

I feel like date windows on watches are and always have been perfectly acceptable. Yes, I know, “If you need to know what the date is during a dive, something has gone very wrong!” or whatever. BUT having a date complication gives dive watches extra utility outside of the water while not sacrificing any functionality as a diving instrument. That said, I could take or leave a DAY complication especially on a dive watch. Date complications are usually pretty subtle, Day/Date complications on the other hand are hard to ignore.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Agreed, the one thing I like the Willard over the normal turtle is the loss of the day

[@edjustice7755]

Sorry have been mia, I'm subscribed but yr videos were not pushing to my homepage. Anycase, have the same watch, if I could I would remove the cyclops. However, I'm happy with the watch and love it, only mod a oyster style bracelet. Thanks for your gr8 content!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Someone said to submerge the watch in water and just expose the cyclops, then you don't have to worry about overheating the watch. Try that! Also, don't know youtube is decreasing the significance of subscribers in its algorithm, but it's frustrating!

[@edjustice7755]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial Yes, water would make sense. YT has in the past messed with feeds and the algo.

[@jeffestrada6857]

You did that very well. By disassembling the watch is the best way when heating up the cyclops for removal. Can I ask though - would the watch require a pressure test after to retain waterproofing?

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

I think screwing on the caseback tight should be fine, but what do I know 😅

[@Barnaby_bo]

When you put the crown back does it just push in or do you have to press the lever again. I agree about the Cyclops, it's not suited for the turtle. Nice presentation.

[@rammillim5555]

Great video! My old STO King Turtle came with a crazy misaligned cyclops which Seiko agreed to fix under warranty. Shoulda just removed it though. Would you happen to know if it's easy to pop the bezel off a King Turtle without damaging the ceramic insert?

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

I haven't tried, maybe look from the backside and get it from the inner edge?

[@markanthonymeaney1914]

This is amazing, i would buy!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

And you can...at hauteones.shop 👍

[@ytrosk]

O.K. so... somebody clarify this for me. I was under The impression that the "Captain Willard" and a "Turtle" are two different Seiko Diver case designs? The 6105 A-simetrical case design was the first of its kind years before the "Turtle" simetrical design and isn't referred as a "Turtle" but a "Captain Willard", right? Confusing...

[@anildamodar8142]

Great vid.. One question though.. Does this work on hardlex too..

[@TheSfaok]

Am I the only person who likes the cyclops?

[@abrahamelgin4620]

I like my SRP777 as is, but that doesn't have a magnifier on it. For dive watches, I'd rather have day and date or neither over just a date.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

The cyclops on mine was actually crooked, it needed to go!

[@MlkePortnoy]

great mods! OEM + :)

[@aporbanderwala]

Where did you source the Super Ocean hands from? They look amazing in quality and lume!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

It's from "DIY watch club"

[@Davyjones5454]

Could you use acetone drop by drop over a few weeks to remove the cyclops ? I think it’s much gentler

[@РоландДискейн-м3ц]

Получилось?

[@williamsalin3509]

I don’t like the day date cyclops! New and like what your doing!

[@joshbaggett2442]

Great video. Should have called it the Sea Turtle.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

🤣

[@GregJ1]

Nice video, I think the Seiko Willard is a different watch...from the movie you mentioned?

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

They made a new version of the Willard recently if that's what you mean 👍

[@TerrySteiner]

I would think a heat gun would be a safer option then a torch. It might take longer but you would be less likely to burn anything.

[@sebastienfoucart3246]

I prefer the Turtle without cyclop like mine (SRP777) :-) Seiko launched in Prospex line this summer some new models of Turtle without cyclop and with quite similar hands (SRPG15, SRPG17, SRPG18). Have a look, they are cool.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks for the heads up Sebastien! Seiko has so many models I can't keep up 😂

[@korbindallis]

6:48 worth it 👌🏽

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Haha, thanks Francis!

[@Katherine-jl3ey]

brutal stuff

[@robertbelliottjr5773]

The second you open the case back on a turtle the 200m water resistance assurance goes right out the window. The cased movement needs to undergo proper pressure testing not to mention the microscopic dust you have allowed into the movement by opening the back.

[@cedarcanoe]

Much nicer than the original

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks! Yeah it needed just a bit of tidying up!

[@StefunSoare]

Cool!

[@thepaulanewman5649]

That strap 😍

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

It's a fancy one 😜

[@morganthedruid1]

You've got a good eye Max, I like the Turtle design but getting rid of the cyclops and the hand change really improved the look. Changing the hands still terrifies me, do the hands click into place when refitting them so you know they are correctly fitted or do you push them on and guess when to stop pushing? Great video again mate 👍

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Morgan! The hands definitely don't communicate anything back to you and most of the time goes on lobsided... you just kind of hand fit them, and if you push too hard it'll bend them (especially ones with the beveled shape like these). I'm glad they send me a 2 pk :)

[@omax1023]

Date magnifier are creepy on any watch! lol, They remind me of the one uncle who's glasses make his Eyeballs 5 X greater in size! Just Weird and creepy! lol I love modded Diver Seiko's, made to be a unique time piece with endless possibilities!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Haha, yes they don't look right on a sports watch 🤦‍♂️

[@archibaldstokes]

the cyclop on king turtle is also made of sapphire crystal

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Interesting! Good to know

[@zhanatomarov3984]

I personal, hate tirtle hands. It,s very good idea, to change them!

[@billrhea]

Man you are nuts. The cyclops is what makes that Watch awesome. JMO but man you messed that up

[@scottbollinger3641]

Why do people hate the magnifier ??…. it helps you see the date !

[@1968jpy]

I have the King 🤴 Turtle 🐢 Manta Ray and never 👎🏻 would I remove the cyclops. I also own two fourth generation monsters and they also have cyclops and they are staying on . Don’t see what the big deal is ????

[@watchexplorer321]

Oh my god, what are you doing with my favorite watch 😵🤒

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Haha, keep tinkering 😉

[@theguardian3431]

Looks like you should have just gotten the Seiko Land Tortoise.

[@sympathyforthebezel6068]

Hand setting is soooo hard.

[@gregdavis1341]

Looked better original

[@РоландДискейн-м3ц]

Сколько я не нагревал,удалить не получается 😢

[@crbswiss]

Your historical context is completely wrong. The 6309-7040 was not introduced until 1976, whereas the Vietnam War ended in 1975. The watch you are refering to from the War and the film is the 6105-8110 which has a completely different case design. That being said, your houndstooth strap is pretty dope.

[@ratio1983]

Strap is very expensive for what they are

[@leaderleader658]

I feel like that will devalue the watch. If that is true my untainted King Turtle is worth more than all yours🤷‍♂️

[@carlphil450]

Removing the cyclops and then put that wrist strap 🙈

[@robertrodrigues7319]

Can't agree. The original condition was far nicer.