Sub Bezel Pearl

[lee fowler]

What do people recommend to dab on the reverse to stop it from falling out?

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by lee fowler

What do people recommend to dab on the reverse to stop it from falling out?

I have tried various types of jewelers glues over the years.
The best I have found is to use a small dab of two part epoxy. I don’t use any rubbery based glues.. epoxy is easily removed from the reverse side of the insert but also holds until you decide to pop the pearl out. Epoxy is literally like a plastic. Once the two gels are mixed, it sets to a very hard resin. But because the pearl, insert and glue were not originally bonded as one, it’s very easy to separate the epoxy from the metal and pearl with a little pressure from an exacto blade tip, the glue literally pops up
And separates clean from the insert. However it won’t go anywhere once set.

My recommendation is to place a small dab while the insert is mounted in the bezel. More than half of the back pearl will be exposed and that’s all you will really need. If you are confident that you can spread a thin enough layer while the insert is Not mounted, then do it that way. But if you go too heavy of a layer, the insert won’t seat all the way in the bezel where the glue is.

This is the best two part epoxy imo.
https://www.target.com/p/instant-mix...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Doesn’t have to be that exact brand but as long as it’s a two part clear epoxy that is compatible with metal and plastic, you will be set to go.

[btinl]

I use a very small amount of gorilla glue.

[Storky]

^^X 2
Just asked my Rolex accredited guy, he said they snap in and he doesn’t normally use anything, but could use two-part epoxy to be safe... that means Araldite in my book!

[springer]

Snapping it in works for a while, but, as you are well aware, there are many Subs out there missing their pearls for a reason. Glue it in for peace-of-mind.

Luminova pearls for the 1680/5513s are still available from Rolex but the luminova steel surround pearls are not available as a separate purchase -they only come installed on the bezel insert.

Other solutions to attaching the pearl include Elmer's wood glue or Gorilla glue and super glue gel if you are careful in how you apply it.