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Old 9 November 2013, 06:30 AM   #1
007Sub
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Removing a bezel insert - how is that possible without scratching the case!??

Hey folks,

I understand that the way to remove a bezel on a sub is to put a knif btw the bezel and the lug and twist until it pops of. My question is: How on EARTH is this done without scratching the lug?? I can't even imagine that taping the lug would help, because the torsion from popping the bezel off has to be too much for the tape to withstand?

Anyone with experience care to share the trick?

Thanks!
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Old 9 November 2013, 06:39 AM   #2
Cc1966
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I do use electrical tape at the 5 o'clock lug and I work it a little under the bezel there. No scratches so far. YouTube has multiple "show-tell" on "Rolex Bezel Insert Removal/Change". Good luck.
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Old 9 November 2013, 06:45 AM   #3
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Thanks! I'll check youtube. If anyone has a good link please paste below. Any particular knife need to be used?
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Old 9 November 2013, 06:45 AM   #4
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The wenger watch case tool will minimize potential for scratch (unless you would prefer a pro bezel tool)

I use the bergeon tool (made by wenger)
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Old 9 November 2013, 06:49 AM   #5
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theres a huge fancy machine for doing it , with four thin claws that slip in , costs hundreds ,,, or , use some tape and a blunt knife , or a plastic spatular ,.. there are pics on this site ,,, the other tip , which may or not be usefull , but i think it helps.
turn the bezel first ,,, just a bit , and then you wont always be prying on the same part of the bezel every time you take it on and off.
another tip ,,, watch out for that spring , i work on a clean white tea towel. it helps too.
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Old 9 November 2013, 07:04 AM   #6
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good info thanks all!
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Old 9 November 2013, 07:11 AM   #7
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most people (and watchmaker) use a little plastic bag ..the thickish kind you get parts in though the kind you put your toiletries in on a plane would suffice :)
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Old 9 November 2013, 07:11 AM   #8
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The bezel is not suppose to come off a Speedmaster.
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Old 9 November 2013, 07:17 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flyinghell34 View Post
The bezel is not suppose to come off a Speedmaster.
haha well said!! I'm loving the speedie and wearing it right now in fact! I'm just looking to tinker with my 16800
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Old 9 November 2013, 07:32 AM   #10
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I use a guitar pick
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Old 9 November 2013, 07:39 AM   #11
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Quote:
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I use a guitar pick
Awesome tip. Good thing im a guitar player!
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Old 9 November 2013, 07:48 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 007Sub View Post
Awesome tip. Good thing im a guitar player!

'Medium' does the trick on vintage Rolex, I find. Quite stiff. Work in the handily tapered edge, then move it around until it pops off, so to speak.
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Old 9 November 2013, 08:05 AM   #13
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Dear Greg,

I was recently wondering about the same issue and asked for opinions regarding a bezel remover. However, people here on the forum had great alternative ideas.
Here is the link:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...ghlight=bboris

In the last post, there is an excellent link where the process of removing/exchanging the bezel is shown in detail. However, be careful when you do it. I did it several times with my 1675 until I also removed the acrylic crystal retaining ring.

Good luck,

Boris
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Old 9 November 2013, 12:43 PM   #14
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this is why i just buy the watch that has the insert i want.....im way too scared of damaging my watch to try to switch inserts.
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Old 9 November 2013, 05:39 PM   #15
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I have recently used a plastic knife that came from Starbucks.
Worked well and no scratches.....
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Old 9 November 2013, 05:43 PM   #16
Vincent65
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I have recently used a plastic knife that came from Starbucks.
Worked well and no scratches.....
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Old 9 November 2013, 10:05 PM   #17
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Too scary for me. I still hold my breath taking off the bracelet. Springbar scratches on sharp backside of lug still bothers me. Good luck
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Old 9 November 2013, 10:21 PM   #18
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Super Extra caution and




This









and as always, the black "thick" electrical tape is the first we need in order not to knock our heads later and because a little extra protection never hurt anyone


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Old 9 November 2013, 10:23 PM   #19
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Old 9 November 2013, 11:07 PM   #20
wahasa
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Credit Card.... My Amex always works....
One of mine can actually be removed by hand without any tool.
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Old 9 November 2013, 11:52 PM   #21
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I don't know about the Submariner but, on my GMT-Master I just pop mine off with my fingers, pop the bezel insert out, and then snap a new insert into the bezel. I then place the bezel ring retaining spring back into the bezel and snap the whole thing back onto the watch. I've had my watch for 32 years and have done this on and off for about the last 15 and have never had a problem.
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Old 11 November 2013, 07:22 AM   #22
007Sub
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Thanks everyone for your great info! So i tried the guitar pick idea since I have those in abundance. I use a heavy gauge guitar pick and it worked great. Additionally, because plastic is softer on the MOHs hardness scale than steel, its physically impossible to scratch the watch. No tapping necessary! Super quick and efficient. Anyway thanks again everyone for your input and Boris, thats for sharing that thread... interesting link!
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Old 23 November 2013, 12:00 PM   #23
importstunna
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quick question - if a bezel comes off a 16570 explorer ii, does it need to be pressure/water tested again?
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Old 23 November 2013, 01:41 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vincent65 View Post
I use a guitar pick
x2, best way, hands down
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Old 24 November 2013, 10:56 AM   #25
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Guys

Have never tried this as yet but was wondering - given the apparent ease in it coming off, how does it stay on? Is it merely tension keeps the bezel and insert in place?
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