Did not have a chance to try mentioned crystal from Otto Frei. Proposed 28.25mm diameter looks a bit big to me. Previously I tried 28.2mm from other vintage manufacturers without luck. Usually 28.2 crystal brakes under crystal press. But who knows how this one will behave... Since it does not have compression ring, maybe it could accommodate original ring and will fit the case?
$18 is not huge money. Probably worth to try. Keep us posted.

All,

I just wanted to circle back on this crystal specification and ensure I order the right one. Looking at the Otto Frei site, they specify a 28.25mm crystal for the Datographic.

Is the 28.25 mm crystal equivalent to the 28.1 mm crystal specified above? As I mentioned above, mine measured smaller than both, so I'd love to get confirmation.

Thanks!

E

Great note. Does anyone make a compatible sapphire or AR crystal?

Crystal for ref #916 is 28.1mm

Let me know when ready for purchase.

@YuriyV I did a quick breakdown and clean today. It's not in too bad of shape at all. Looks like the 70-72 movement, stamped on the rotor anyways. What is the importance of the different movements?

The crystal really lets the watch down, as the dials is in decent shape. I ordered a replacement from Otto Frei for the Dateographic. Curiously, the existing crystal measured in at 27.95mm, when Otto lists the replacement as 28.25mm. I think it will fit, but a little curious.

Still trying to figure out a solution for the loose bezel. No need to worry about the lume issue. It was a sticker and it came off, along with all the paint, in the ultrasonic!

Quote from: gte619nWhat color should the lume triangle be?

Yellowish brown / mustard. Colors wary due to age and different environment conditions.

Quote from: gte619nIs it the only lumed part of the bezel?

Yes

Quote from: gte619nOn the fitment issue, I was looking for some insight into how the watchmakers tighten these up.

Each watchmaker developed their own method and usually keep it as a trade secret.

@YuriyV,

Thanks for the information. I'll pop the caseback off and inspect the movement this weekend.

I'll clean up the bezel and remove the ugly lume. What color should the lume triangle be? Is it the only lumed part of the bezel? I can find a lot of black and white photos of the Seawolf, but not many decent color ones!

On the fitment issue, I was looking for some insight into how the watchmakers tighten these up. You're correct; I don't want to break anything, so a little guidance would be much appreciated! I've serviced a bunch of these kinds of watches, so I feel like I can handle it with a little help.

Thanks,

E

Don't try to bend the bezel. This could irreversibly damage it. A competent Zodiac service specialist will properly fix it for you on next service visit.
If you refer lume on bezel 12 o'clock marker then, indeed, it is poorly refinished.
BTW, you have rarer early Sea Wolf Datographic model. Just wondering what is the caliber inside? 73 or 70-72?

Hey all,

I just picked up this Zodiac Seawolf from eBay. I'm not sure what I have exactly, but I plan on opening it this weekend and checking the movement, seals, etc.

One thing that is for sure an issue is the bezel. It seems too loose and chattery. From my research on this forum, it sounds like it's a friction-fit bezel, and folks somehow manage to tighten them up by bending the bezel.

Is there any more information on the process/procedure? Do you have any recommendations on where to shrink/push? Also, someone did a BAD job trying to relume here. Can someone give me any original references to go by to relume?

Thank you!

E