Bezel insert nightmare

[007Sub]

Ugh so I bought a NOS 16800 bezel insert and faded it for fun... then when trying to put the original back in, it would NOT go! What the heck!? I don't think I bent it all. So then I had a brain fart and tried to push it with a key covered by a shirt...wouldn't you know, the shirt wasn't enough protection. I chipped a small piece of the insert by the 30 mark. So now I have an original bezel with a small blemish that was never there!!

SOooo pissed at myself.

Has it ever happened to anyone else where they take an insert out and can't get it back in!?? Are there any tricks to getting it back in??? I'm dying over here.

[Cc1966]

Don't fret Greg. A little mark is not a big deal mate. Go to "youtube" as there are a bunch of instruction videos showing insert removal and installation. Good luck...

[tomchicago]

We've all been there.

[007Sub]

Thanks fellas. Nice to know I'm not the only one that has had some trouble with this

[JustinK]

Several times with GMT inserts. I eventually get them in but my thumbs are usually swollen afterwards.
Try cleaning the bezel to remove any dirt. I have also tried putting the insert in the freezer prior to installing it.
If it makes you feel any better my watchmaker chipped a brand new insert I purchased from him installing it on my 16753. Rolex sent him a new one for free so it happens.

[MP5]

I piece of rawhide always use rawhide. If you have none use the keeper off a pan strap.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[Vanessa CW21]

I've never actually chipped an insert, but I've definitely cracked a couple of "pearls" on the Submariner bezels before I had the proper tools to install them! You live and learn...

[TimeToGo]

Here is Jocke's how to tutorial...

http://www.vikbobil.se/bezel.html

[007Sub]

Thanks!

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Here is Jocke's how to tutorial...

http://www.vikbobil.se/bezel.html

Wow very cool tutorial! Do vintage subs work the same way?

[Andad]

It wasn't all your fault Greg.

Fading for fun is bad bad Karma.

[jamesbondOO7]

I push the insert in as much as I can with the thumbs. Then put the watch in a piece of cloth and roll the outside of the insert on the table. Then the insert clicks in. Works each time.

[007Sub]

Thanks! I dig the username btw!

[fisherman79]

I had a gmt some years ago. I had al the 3 kind of bezels. I swapped the bezels myself many times.
If you cant put back the inlay with your hands, there is something wrong. Maybe something came between the inlay and the outer ring.

For now, just buy another inlay as they are very cheap to get. They cost about 35 euro.

[jvo300]

If it ever gets too hard to get that last side to click-in, I just start all over. Eventually, the whole thing will snap in. Your fingers might be sore and red from multiple tries, but that's better than a damaged insert!

[southtexas]

How did the fade look, by the way? Pics?

[007Sub]

Originally Posted by southtexas

How did the fade look, by the way? Pics?

Came out nice... i didn't go too far with it... matches the dial a little better now.

[joseluu]

For that I use a small cheap press with lots of plastic dies I bought on ebay.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Here is Jocke's how to tutorial...

http://www.vikbobil.se/bezel.html

I tried this. It worked great. Thanks, Jocke