Replacing smooth bezel on 16000 1981 DJ

[mikhaelj]

Hi everyone.

I have a 16000 DateJust 1981 with Smooth Bezel. I would like to replace it with a White Gold Fluted Bezel. Is this possible?

1- Ive see a few being sold on eBay, would the 1601,1603, etc. work on my 16000?!

2- Is this something I can DYI at home? Doing so, would this affect at all the water resistance?

3- Would RSC mind if I swap this out, or would they refuse servicing the watch since its not the original Bezel on?

Thanks for any input, its appreciated.

[Richard Carver]

Rolex would insist you put the correct bezel on before servicing. If your watch has an acrylic crystal the older bezels will fit, sapphire would require a bezel of your vintage.

Bezel removers have become inexpensive as are bezel presses.

[Dan S]

Keep in mind that fitting bezels can be a little finicky. Sometimes they pop right on perfectly and fit snugly, but sometimes they need a little adjusting, especially since bezels you buy on eBay may not always be in the best condition.

In any case, definitely save your current bezel. As Richard noted, you will want to re-install it before sending it to Rolex, and if you ever sell the watch, you will want to include that bezel in the sale.

[mikhaelj]

Thanks Richard and Dan. How about the water resistance. Say I swap it back to the WG bezel after the RSC service which they will water pressure test. Am I risking revoking the water pressure test they completed because I swapped it myself after service? Thanks

[Dan S]

I think you will probably void the Rolex warranty by replacing the bezel, at least technically. In principle, the water resistance would not be compromised if the replacement bezel fits properly and the installation is done correctly, but only a pressure test will give you certainty.

[mikhaelj]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Rolex would insist you put the correct bezel on before servicing. If your watch has an acrylic crystal the older bezels will fit, sapphire would require a bezel of your vintage.

Bezel removers have become inexpensive as are bezel presses.

Hey Richard any bezel press you would recommend on Amazon?

[Richard Carver]

I think this one would be adequate for occasional use. I'm pretty sure I bought one years ago to get the plastic dies for use on my LG case opener.You don't want to use metal die to press bezels.

https://www.amazon.com/YaeTek-Profes...-search&sr=8-5

Rolex water resistance isn't that complicated. There are two rubber seals in the winder and a gasket in the case back which are inexpensive to replace.When you replace a bezel you can have a watchmaker test for water tightness. Or, if you keep hanging out with me I'll have you buying all this junior watchmaker crap...it's fun! :)

LG case back remover and bezel press.



A pressure tester should you require your own, quite handy. :)



We'll discus demagnetizers another time. :)

[mikhaelj]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

I think this one would be adequate for occasional use. I'm pretty sure I bought one years ago to get the plastic dies for use on my LG case opener.You don't want to use metal die to press bezels.

https://www.amazon.com/YaeTek-Profes...-search&sr=8-5

Rolex water resistance isn't that complicated. There are two rubber seals in the winder and a gasket in the case back which are inexpensive to replace.When you replace a bezel you can have a watchmaker test for water tightness. Or, if you keep hanging out with me I'll have you buying all this junior watchmaker crap...it's fun! :)

LG case back remover and bezel press.



A pressure tester should you require your own, quite handy. :)



We'll discus demagnetizers another time. :)

hahahahaha love this ''keep hanging out with me I'll have you buying all this junior watchmaker crap...it's fun! :)''

I honestly dont have a clue what I am doing here. I'll buy both the bezel remover and the bezel press you shared. Going to need a video or some sort of step guide to figure out how to pop out the smooth bezel on the 16000 and then press the WG on. I heard stories if you press too hard you can ruin the lugs. That press has a lot of dies... no clue which are needed for a 36mm acrylic. I really wanted a birthdate circa 1981 but they all come with smooth bezels. Plus found the dial that I wanted on it. The smurf is no longer lonely, we have a new family member

[Dan S]

FWIW, I like the smooth bezel much more.

[mikhaelj]

Originally Posted by Dan S

FWIW, I like the smooth bezel much more.

I do too. Except I wanted a piece a little more formal looking. My Smurf is my daily casual sporty beater

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by mikhaelj

Thanks Richard and Dan. How about the water resistance. Say I swap it back to the WG bezel after the RSC service which they will water pressure test. Am I risking revoking the water pressure test they completed because I swapped it myself after service? Thanks

Yes. Because the bezel creates the seal if your replacement bezel is loose it could leak.

[R.W.T.]

Rolex service literature shows the use of a Single Edged Razor blade to remove the bezel. it's pretty easily done..but practice makes perfect and tape is your friend. I prefer the blade to those bezel tools and I have the real Rolex one.

[mikhaelj]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Rolex service literature shows the use of a Single Edged Razor blade to remove the bezel. it's pretty easily done..but practice makes perfect and tape is your friend. I prefer the blade to those bezel tools and I have the real Rolex one.

Thanks RT. I did read some prefer a blade over a bezel remover.