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Any advice or experience with removing a cyclops from a mineral crystal?

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I know Invicta can be somewhat polarizing but hear me out. I picked one up on Amazon prime day for $75 CAD to use as a beater watch at work. I'm not under any illusions about how it compares to a submariner and I'm not trying to fool anyone into thinking it's a Rolex. Just wanted an automatic to wear at work (warehouse) that wouldn't break my heart when it gets scratched up. It seems pretty decent so far. It has an unbranded Seiko movement (NH35A) which seems to gain 5 seconds a day so it's decently accurate. Looks decent but I can definitely tell that my actual Seiko has a much better fit and finish. You get what you pay for, but the general consensus is that these are a good buy under $100. The one thing I kinda hate is the cyclops. I know they're iconic to the submariner design, but remember I'm not trying to fool anyone and I really prefer the look of the clean flat crystal. It's also a practical consideration since the cyclops actually obscures the date unless you're looking at it straight on, as you can see in the picture. And for you eagle eyed observers, yes I've already chipped the cyclops trying to get it off with a razor blade (without trying the heat). Let's be honest, if you can't read the date without magnification, you might need new glasses. There are lots of videos and forum posts floating around the web where people have used a lighter (or other heat source) and a razor blade to pop them off (along with an equal measure of Rolex fans crying "heresy!"). Has anyone here had experience removing the cyclops from a mineral crystal? Can you confirm that the lighter and razor blade trick works with mineral crystal? Any other tips or tricks? It was only $75 CAD so I'm not afraid to tinker, but I'd prefer not to destroy it or damage it unnecessarily if possible. Appreciate any feedback!
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RayF
22219
Oct 21, 2020
Wonder if that works as well on a fourteen-thousand dollar Rolex?
Benslen15
110
Oct 21, 2020
RayFThere's only one way to find out.... (for the record, that "one way" is for you to buy me a Rolex so I can document the whole process. deal?)
RayF
22219
Oct 22, 2020
Benslen15 Let me sleep on it.
Benslen15
110
Oct 19, 2020
Update: I tried the butane lighter and razor blade trick. Worked like a charm! Used 100% acetone to clean the glue residue as regular nail polish remover wasn't strong enough. I think it's a huge improvement. Much cleaner looking and easier to read the date since you don't have to be looking exactly straight on. YMMV.
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Qwervy
464
Oct 19, 2020
Benslen15Looks great dude. good job. Now I've learnt something TY
Dfab
66
Dec 28, 2020
Benslen15Interesting... I also have learned something new, thx. I would not try that trick on the 17K Rolex (unless u want to devalue it to 2k), but hey its an Invicta.
cornerstonetom
263
Oct 19, 2020
Look on YouTube. I've seen people use a soldering iron. Put the tip on the cyclops and in not too much time (quickly actually) the cyclops expands and breaks the bonds of the adhesive.
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