"Putting" an insert back on

[RouletteDate]

Hey RF

What do you use to put an insert back on a bezel?

I have heard you just glue them carefully. Obviously don't want to mess anything up!

Any help is much appreciated.

[Kingface66]

No no! No glue! They snap into place!

[Dan S]

Just checking ... not April 1.

[enginerd]

Everyone laughs when I tell them this, but I put the bezel in boiling water. The steel slightly expands and the insert pops right in. Worked great for me for a 1680 and 16600 insert swap.

[05carbondrz]

Please don’t touch that Turn o graph,It’s obvious You have no idea what your doing....And karma is a bitch.

[RouletteDate]

This is for an older watch, a turn o graph as mentioned above. Tried snapping it into place but no luck. A certified Rolex shop offered to replace the parts but comes with losing originality. Not sure there are many options? 2 part epoxy has also been mentioned as an option.

[Dan S]

I believe my watchmaker has a special tool that can make fine adjustments to bezels so that inserts fit properly.

[RouletteDate]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I believe my watchmaker has a special tool that can make fine adjustments to bezels so that inserts fit properly.

Thats great! Does he have a website I can look into?

[cajuntiger]

epoxy? wtf

No...you dont need glue or epoxy.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by RouletteDate

Thats great! Does he have a website I can look into?

It's standard Rolex equipment. Any Rolex-qualified watchmaker should know how to do it.

[stmoore]

If it’s an old TOG it’s a coin edge bezel, just like a small or big crown. They are plated and different than what most are familiar with - they are prone to wear at the leading edge.

Additionally, these bezels are a bit trickier than most. If the insert fell out the above condition is likely true. Visit your local dealer or watch maker. You can also use a neoprene gun smithing hammer to tap it in.

Lastly, many coin edge bezels do require glue or epoxy to hold in the insert in place. You can see many perched inserts on old small and big crowns....

Apologies for the prior sharp responses. PM me if I can be of help.

[subtona]

Glue?

Perhaps for knockoff on the street but not your rolex.

[stmoore]

Originally Posted by enginerd

Everyone laughs when I tell them this, but I put the bezel in boiling water. The steel slightly expands and the insert pops right in. Worked great for me for a 1680 and 16600 insert swap.

Cleverly done. Used often in engine rebuilds.
You do know those aren’t supposed to be interchangeable, right? Sapphire vs plexi?

[Filipão]

Bezel inside a boiling water cup, insert in the freeze. Never fails. Don't glue it!

Start at the pearl (if your insert has one) and work it in around evenly from there. Last bit to pop in should be opposite to pearl.

[RouletteDate]

Originally Posted by Filipão

Bezel inside a boiling water cup, insert in the freeze. Never fails. Don't glue it!

Start at the pearl (if your insert has one) and work it in around evenly from there. Last bit to pop in should be opposite to pearl.

How long should the bezel be in the boiling water?

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Filipão

Bezel inside a boiling water cup, insert in the freeze. Never fails. Don't glue it! .

.........