Early Gilt era 1675 insert can't fit into mk5 1675 bezel Ring

[chows99]

Dear all,

In my quest to obtain a nice faded insert for my mk5 1675, I bought a nice faded copper tone insert from a IG collector which he believed to be for Gilt 1675.

2 of my watchmaker are unable to fit the insert into my bezel ring despite different methods such a piler or holding it in for extended period. 1 of them advised to use glue to hold it.

I understand there are production minute differences over time. But did anyone here encountered such an issue and is there a solution for this?

Thanks for sharing in advance!

Regards
Aston

[theflywrist]

This is most likely due to different wear on both the bezel and insert.
I've had the problem a few times. Often an insert will fit looser on one bezel ring, but tighter/better on another. Similarly sometimes it can be extremely difficult to mount the actual bezel on to the watch, other times it pops off too easily(Different wear on the retaining ring and bezel).

If you have an alternative bezel, try that.
Otherwise you may need to find a watchmaker that has a tool 1006. Helps adjust by expanding/contracting the top part of the bezel ring.
Good luck!

[Chunky]

Originally Posted by theflywrist

This is most likely due to different wear on both the bezel and insert.
I've had the problem a few times. Often an insert will fit looser on one bezel ring, but tighter/better on another. Similarly sometimes it can be extremely difficult to mount the actual bezel on to the watch, other times it pops off too easily(Different wear on the retaining ring and bezel).

If you have an alternative bezel, try that.
Otherwise you may need to find a watchmaker that has a tool 1006. Helps adjust by expanding/contracting the top part of the bezel ring.
Good luck!

This happened to me with my 1680. We tried to flatten it ever so slowly and carfully, but in the end it didnt work or we stopped because we did not want to snap it. I agree with the suggestion above regarding an alternative bezel. This worked for me. Good luck & Cheers!

[springer]

I've had the same issue several times through the years.

[chows99]

Dear Springer,

Would you be able to shed some light on how to resolve such a recurring issue? What exactly does the watchmaker do to fit the insert into the ring?

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[lee fowler]

I also have had this problem and do not have the 1006 tool. I use the method as Chunky above explained but you do have to be very careful! You need to put the insert on a flat surface and basically squash it a little flatter with a flat object being careful. The only option would be to source a new bezel but you still are not guaranteed for it to fit! Hope this helps??

[roh123]

With todays prices for nice inserts I really recommend going to a watchmaker with the proper tools. It is sometimes very easy to damage inserts when you try to get them to snap into the bezel and having the correct protected pliers and the 1006 tool to be able to adjust the bezel and glassring size is important to get it right. First to just secure the insert into the bezel and secondly to make it a nice and perfect fit on the glassring. No one wants to damage the insert or have a losely fitted bezel on their watch.

[chows99]

Thanks all for sharing. My watchmaker is still fixing it and he is trying to use glue it together in addition to using protected plier and the 1004/6 tool.

I am just hoping to be patient and in the meantime, asking fellow collectors about their experience.

Please keep sharing if you have any other solutions. Thanks!

[zapokee]

I've had this issue several times with vintage pieces too.

Inserts and bezels may be interchangeable in theory, but in practice often aren't due to decades of wear and tolerance creep.

My take-home lesson: If you want a watch to have a specific insert, buy it like that. It's a gamble buying a vintage watch and hoping a different insert/bezel will fit well.

Not much help to the OP at this stage, but hopefully of help to others.

[RC2]

Glue it? Hope you don’t want to change it ever.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[05carbondrz]

I use JB weld on the back of my expensive inserts no matter how they fit.The bond is strong but easy broken when pushed on from the back with finger pressure.The remaining JB weld easily chips off the Back of the Insert and Bezel ring leaving no trace. I’m not looking down to see my 3K Insert missing!

[chows99]

Originally Posted by RC2

Glue it? Hope you don’t want to change it ever.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My watchmaker says glue can be removed. It's not soldering.

[chows99]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

I use JB weld on the back of my expensive inserts no matter how they fit.The bond is strong but easy broken when pushed on from the back with finger pressure.The remaining JB weld easily chips off the Back of the Insert and Bezel ring leaving no trace. I’m not looking down to see my 3K Insert missing!

I have the exact sentiments as you. Better be safe than sorry! Thanks for sharing!