Upgrading your Luminox 3050 series, Changing Battery, Changing Mineral Crystal to Sapphire

[@YodasKitchen]

Thanks for the video!! You gave me the information and inspired confidence to do a similar project. I got a similar blackout Luminox used off the Internet here for 100 bucks (new they cost 500) in Switzerland with the standard rubber 2 piece strap and the mineral glass was scratched. I cleaned out the watch, cleaned out out the seal channel with toothpicks and a microfiber rag, and reseated the seal, replaced the mineral glass with sapphire, and put on a grey and black NATO like yours except with matte finished silver-coloured hardware. The only problem that I had was that my glass press was the small Japanese style one and I had no hollow die to hold onto the bezel while pushing the scratched mineral glass out. I hesitated for a moment and then reckoned to myself that the watch was out of guarantee anyway so I tapped the glass out (from the backside) with the nylon end of a cheap jewlers hammer that I had gotten off of eBay from China. The glass went flying out, but the seal looked fine and after cleaning out the channel I was able to use my Japanese presss with a die about .5mm smaller than the glass to press the new sapphire in. The result is good and I am happy with a watch that I have customized to what I wanted out of it. However, what is the model of your press and where did you get those hollow dies?

[@Mr.Duckie34]

YodasKitchen I know this is old. But I keep seeing everyone talking about upgrading the crystal of luminox watches from mineral to Sapphire. The reason why they’re made with mineral crystal (most swiss watches are not mineral crystal, they are sapphire) is because yes mineral crystals scratch easier but they don’t break as easily. You’re much more likely to shatter a sapphire crystal then you are to shatter a mineral crystal.

[@YodasKitchen]

@@Mr.Duckie34 You are right, and I have heard that this is why the Omega Speedmaster watches that were taken on the Apollo missions had Hesalite (plastic-acrylic I think) and not mineral or sapphire, as if the Hesalite was to break there would not be as many dangerous sharp pieces of glass as with mineral or sapphire floating around in the cabin of the spacecraft. This having been said, I own a Speedmaster automatic with sapphire glass and wore it almost 24-7 for 15 years and it got banged around alot skiing, hiking, etc, but the sapphire is still like new. I now have a used Luminox as well as with a Benchmark Basics silicone 1-piece strap and the Luminox watch I save 70 grams of weight over the Omega and have been optimizing every piece of my kit for when I go backpacking. 70 grams less on the watch, 50 less on the stove head, Dyneema tarp in the summer, trekking pole used in place of tent pole, titanium tent pegs, swiss army knife replaced with Opinel and a p38 can opener, etc. When one does this for 20 items in one's kit, then we're talking a kilo which is a big difference when backpacking. This having been said, the sapphire glass that I put in my Luminox is a couple of grams heavier than the mineral but after several trips, no breakage. If it does break, well I will just have to get another glass and perhaps have to replace the hands, which would be a new adventure. PS the tritium tube fell off of the hour hand of my Luminox, and I was able to repair that with a toothpick to apply a little drop of LockTite, and a pair of fine jewler's tweezers to position the tube. I doubt Luminox would service my watch anyway now that I have been messing around inside it !

[@Mr.Duckie34]

YodasKitchen I keep hearing really bad things about luminox watches. I have one from 2010 that I wore everyday in Afghanistan and it’s in perfect working conduction. (Except for a ton of scratches on the crystal) I don’t know if I got lucky or if luminox has gone to shit. But for a Swiss made watch it shouldn’t have tubes falling off. There is still a standard. It’s a military watch. It’s supposed to be virtually indestructible. But I’ve heard so many people complaining about them now. My favorite watch of all time is a seamaster. I sold it awhile ago now I want it back. Just need to save up for it again. I will tell you I would never take that thing into places like that. Will baby the hell out of it when I finally get it.

[@anthonygallo3576]

Just buy a new watch 😄,all that to save a few bucks?

[@adamfernandez8258]

Thanks for the video just changed mine and upgraded to a sapphire.

[@juandavidg48]

Does it affect the water proof resistance? I mean the crystal replacement. Cause it's a great watch, I do have a 3082BO and the crystal scratches really easy

[@RAC7012]

I don't have the tool to press out the glass. I'm assuming any watch press will do? What model press are you using? What size dies are you using in the watch press?

[@infotechsailor]

I'm going to just try this in a vice with some sockets and some kind of plastic spacers

[@RAC7012]

@@infotechsailor let me know how it goes for you. I purchased a cheap press off amazon and cracked one Crystal 😜 I haven’t revisited this project in a while…

[@e.r9111]

thank you for sharing!

[@shootersinsighttv]

i changed the battery but now the second hand stutters with caseback on, when i remove caseback it works fine, any idea what it can be? thanks

[@rbatterton]

I need to replace the movement on a Luminox Recon 8800. How is the dial separated from the movement?

[@natefox9399]

What is the size of crystal you used?? Thank you.

[@Subcounter]

It is 32.5mmx3mm

[@Mikeitup91]

@@Subcounter You bought and installed a FLAT faced crystal correct?

[@infotechsailor]

At 50 seconds you pick up a pin and push on something to remove the dial. Do you have pics or a better description of what you are pushing on?

[@YodasKitchen]

When you purchase NATO straps from some suppliers, sometimes you will receive a free springbar prying tool and extra springbars. In 2 cases, without knowing it in advance, my chinese supplier sent me such a small springbar tool with my strap, and the opposite end of the tool had a probe that was just about the right size to action the stem-release on the Mondaine quartz movements of Luminox.

[@infotechsailor]

@@YodasKitchen so I meant what is the hole or release that you have to push on? I think I found it in another video along time ago but I forget where

[@YodasKitchen]

@@infotechsailor you mean the stem release. I don't remember . Look up the movement via the model number. Next time I change the battery I could tell you

[@TheKing5822]

Thanks for the video. Excellent music. Very fitting.

[@MoonWatch]

I have to replace the crystal on a luminox 3081. Do you think it s the same cristal size ? Thanx

[@mohdyaya8696]

hai i would like to ask about 3851 thickness and length size please 🙏

[@katasiapa]

Is the glass size same for the 3900 seies? 32.5mmx3mm means 32.5mm for the diameter and 3mm for the thickness, am i right? Thanks.

[@Gomrath]

which crystal press is that one you used?

[@paulr.picard541]

I see Luminox has a watch that has a Navy Seal hr face. Do they also have Marine hr face as well?

[@jhonglim5352]

What is the brand of the mechanical of luminox series 8800?

[@mrprincess85]

I have a luminox 3101 and I'm needing a crystal. I have searched and can't find anything. Do you happen to know where to find one?

[@liefonda7623]

can you suggest the ebay seller seling the saphire? how about the tools for changing the glass?

[@moanikgonzales6132]

Dude, I could not see how you released the stem your fingers were in the way. Move the camera to view top-down

[@roydesimilana2776]

Is the machine Ronda 515?

[@juandavidg48]

And the water resistant?

[@kelseywinter-troutwine1928]

Will you do this service, the crystal upgrade at least?

[@kadiggy]

Do you happen to know the size of the back gasket and stem/crown gaskets...I have the same watch that is leaking

[@j0hnnykn0xv1lle]

Gasket: Esslinger.com part number: 84.314.80 www.esslinger.com/watch-gasket-waterproof-80-mm-thickness-o-ring-gaskets/

[@j0hnnykn0xv1lle]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eovTfYB6pNOBfck

[@brandonpierce2074]

Can you please provide us with some information on the replacement Sapphire Crystal? Looking at doing this on mine as well but can't find specs on the crystal anywhere.

[@Subcounter]

It is 32.5mmx3mm. Original one is Quartz but you can order a sapphire one off e-bay, there are many sellers.

[@Jason01Adana]

Do you habe a ebay link who i can buy the items???

[@williamcarwile9967]

No inert gas

[@abowhand]

Holy smokes! Those fat fingers make a better door than a window!

[@doctoruttley]

How about a solar power source. I hate batteries. I do own many luminox watches…but I hate the batteries. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@odouroushouseant]

Solar watches still use batteries, otherwise they'd stop in the dark. Get a mechanical watch if you don't want a battery.

[@cesarisorio1650]

Hands all over blocking what he does ……………..non sense!

[@j0hnnykn0xv1lle]

lmfao

[@vitapita3555]

Он же рукожопый этот "мастер", я один заметил или кто-то ещё? 🤪

[@scooterdoo1]

I just changed my battery in my 3050 navy seal blackout and sealed it up but I have a scratch in the glass still. What keeps the water from coming through the crystal/case? Is there a seal or glue or is it pressure fitted?

[@jhonglim5352]

What is the brand of the mechanical of luminox series 8800?