Rolex GMT master II 16710 bezel turning issue?

[Soujiro]

Hi All,

I have noticed that the bezel of my GMT 16710 turns smoothly counter clockwise but is very stiff and hard to turn counter clockwise . I have already given it a good clean but it doesn’t seem to make much difference .

Anyone else notice this issue with the older GMTs? Mine is a D serial.

I am now wondering if it’s worth me taking it to the RSC or not . I rarely use the bezel and even if I do I can always just rotate it counterclockwise . It does bug me a little though !

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by Soujiro

Hi All,

I have noticed that the bezel of my GMT 16710 turns smoothly counter clockwise but is very stiff and hard to turn counter clockwise . I have already given it a good clean but it doesn’t seem to make much difference .

Anyone else notice this issue with the older GMTs? Mine is a D serial.

I am now wondering if it’s worth me taking it to the RSC or not . I rarely use the bezel and even if I do I can always just rotate it counterclockwise . It does bug me a little though !

I would certainly get it looked at. It should turn smoothly in both directions and would bug me. It might be that a bit of grit has got in there and is stubbornly refusing to budge. I had this issue with my Black Bay Bronze. It took half a dozen washes under a powerful running tap to eventually dislodge it.

[The Libertine]

See if you can pop it off (there are threads here on TRF how to do so), as there is likely embedded dirt/grime trapped that a surface cleaning will not remove.

[Hollylodge]

Sounds like you need a new click spring
Easy fix new spring and clean DIY job loads of tutorials on web

[Soujiro]

I should have mentioned , the bezel was popped off and cleaned already

[Soujiro]

Also if it’s just the clickspring and I take to to the RSC will they generally be able to fix it while I’m there or will I need to leave the watch there a few days ? Just because it’s not easy for me to get to an RSC .

[Colin10101]

On my 16710 it is ever so slightly more resistant to move clockwise than counter clockwise.

Try pushing down more first, before you turn the bezel.

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by Colin10101

On my 16710 it is ever so slightly more resistant to move clockwise than counter clockwise.

Try pushing down more first, before you turn the bezel.

^This. A little bit of difference felt between the two directions is normal (with ccw being easier). It depends on how stiff you're talking about.

On another note, if you already know how to "pop the bezel off", then you should be able to replace the click spring on your own, if that's what's needed. You can normally find them on eBay.

[Soujiro]

It’s really stiff going clockwise and sometimes gets stuck. I’ve had both a blnr and sub C and clockwise it takes a lot more force to turn than in those watches .

[NKflyer]

There is a new longer click spring available that make turning smoother. I don't know exactly when this was implemented by Rolex but it was definitely way toward the end of 16710 production. There are copies available in the aftermarket if you can't source a gen part. I couldn't find a photo but just picture the existing part about twice as long.

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by Soujiro

It’s really stiff going clockwise and sometimes gets stuck. I’ve had both a blnr and sub C and clockwise it takes a lot more force to turn than in those watches .

Well, you can't make a comparison with a ceramic bezel, as they are completely different. That said, it shouldn't be as stiff as you've described. If it's not remedied by disassembling and thoroughly cleaning the bezel assembly, you may have to have an RSC or independent watchmaker with a Rolex parts account take a look at it.

[springer]

From my experience in owning many GMT 16710s, the issue is more than likely a click spring that needs an adjustment or replacement. I've had this occur before myself and it was always a click spring issue for me.

[Soujiro]

Originally Posted by springer

From my experience in owning many GMT 16710s, the issue is more than likely a click spring that needs an adjustment or replacement. I've had this occur before myself and it was always a click spring issue for me.

If it’s just a clickspring issue would RSC repair on the spot ?

[uansari1]

Definitely sounds like a clickspring issue....also, did you reapply any lubricant to the washer ring under the bezel after removal and cleaning? My watchmaker uses a VERY light coat of Fomblin grease, and the bezel has been very smooth for the past year.

[SeaDweller50]

You just need the longer click spring that’s all.

[samson66]

It's designed to be much smoother turning counter-clockwise. I usually avoid turning clockwise at all on mine. Prefer that smooth-as-silk counter-clockwise movement.