Rolex 1680 Bezel Parts

[calumw456]

Excuse the stupid question but if you had an original 1680 bezel and insert does it matter if the retaining ring and tension spring (if i have the names right my understanding is there are 4 parts that make up the bezel?) are original if so how easy are these to source?

Thanks

[suligeo]

It’s easy, go to a Dealer to change them. No problem


https://www.instagram.com/vintage_georgex/

[Kingface66]

Or just go on eBay. I can imagine many, many, many vintage Subs have aftermarket flat tension springs under their bezels.

https://www.ebay.com/c/1637827720

[calumw456]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Or just go on eBay. I can imagine many, many, many vintage Subs have aftermarket flat tension springs under their bezels.

https://www.ebay.com/c/1637827720

Thanks am i correct in thinking 4 parts in total?

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by calumw456

Thanks am i correct in thinking 4 parts in total?

I'm sorry I didn't see that it was a retaining ring as well that you needed. My bad. As for a retaining ring, yeah, I'd go to an AD or source one second-hand from a reputable dealer. The tension spring can certainly be aftermarket.

[calumw456]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

I'm sorry I didn't see that it was a retaining ring as well that you needed. My bad. As for a retaining ring, yeah, I'd go to an AD or source one second-hand from a reputable dealer. The tension spring can certainly be aftermarket.

Great thanks, will try and source one :)

[calumw456]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

I'm sorry I didn't see that it was a retaining ring as well that you needed. My bad. As for a retaining ring, yeah, I'd go to an AD or source one second-hand from a reputable dealer. The tension spring can certainly be aftermarket.

Great thanks, will try and source one :)

[springer]

Originally Posted by calumw456

Thanks am i correct in thinking 4 parts in total?

Yes - correct. There are basically four parts.

Crystal retaining ring
Flat spring
Stainless steel bezel
Bezel insert

[linesiders]

And most often they will fit together.

An aftermarket tension ring is probably the only part you can get away with cheaply. Any insert, bezel, or crystal retaining ring should be original because fit is critical and because aftermarket sticks out like a sore thumb.

[Vincent65]

I'd get all four parts as OEM Rolex. Then you can play around with different inserts, if you want, afterwards. No reason to buy a 10-buck tension spring from china when you can get a proper Swiss one to fit the watch from the manufacturer, probably for a similar price anyway.
I've bought Rolex spring-bars from an AD in Zurich for 10 bucks a pop, for example. Can't imagine a flat tension spring is a lot more - may $20.

[calumw456]

Thanks for everyones help on this. I’m now just looking for the retaining ring. Not the cheapest thing i’ve ever seen for what it is :)

Anyone know if a 16800 one would do the same job?

I know 5512, 5513 and 1680 are all the same from research

[r0lexguy]

I recommend sourcing a genuine Rolex retaining ring and bezel that are married together. I’m going through this process right now.

1) the after market retaining ring is either too small or too thin to tightly hold the genuine bezel in place. It’ll pop out. Trust me, I just test this last night

2) a genuine Rolex insert won’t fit properly in an aftermarket bezel - you’ll in up losing the bezel insert because it’ll too small.

I just purchased a kissing 40 bezel fixed on a full assembly from a trusted member - I recommend you save money in the long run and source an authentic set.