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Old 15 April 2021, 03:01 AM   #1
j_a
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Glued bezel?

I got my OP from 64' wet tested, and the bezel and crystal popped off. Underneath it appeared that there was adhesion used to attach the bezel and crystal. The watchmaker suggests that the crystal isn't authentic, thus requiring the use of glue to keep it on the watch.

Did Rolex ever use glue to attach the bezel?

I assume they don't, but I am having trouble finding any information on the topic.
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Old 15 April 2021, 03:25 AM   #2
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No, they don't glue on the bezel.

In fact, the plexi crystal and the bezel/bezel ring are a mechanical press-fit, where the bezel actually compresses the somewhat soft crystal around the flange and holds it in place for a watertight assembly.
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Old 15 April 2021, 04:41 AM   #3
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I've seen this several times on vintage Rolex watches, usually the bezel lost its friction on the crystal and rehaut due to being taken apart several times over the years.

Rolex has a specific tool with a set of dies to make bezels smaller or larger (to your needs), it's only a fraction and cannot be overdone or you'll ruin the bezel, but I have been able to save several bezels from having to be replaced.
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Rolex uses rare elves to polish the platinum. They have a union deal and make like $90 per hour and get time and half on weekends.
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Old 15 April 2021, 05:16 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SearChart View Post
I've seen this several times on vintage Rolex watches, usually the bezel lost its friction on the crystal and rehaut due to being taken apart several times over the years.

Rolex has a specific tool with a set of dies to make bezels smaller or larger (to your needs), it's only a fraction and cannot be overdone or you'll ruin the bezel, but I have been able to save several bezels from having to be replaced.
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Old 15 April 2021, 07:11 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SearChart View Post
Rolex has a specific tool with a set of dies to make bezels smaller or larger (to your needs), it's only a fraction
Totally not surprising tbh, but

Precisely the sort of thing I love to learn, thanks!
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Old 15 April 2021, 11:31 AM   #6
j_a
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SearChart View Post
I've seen this several times on vintage Rolex watches, usually the bezel lost its friction on the crystal and rehaut due to being taken apart several times over the years.

Rolex has a specific tool with a set of dies to make bezels smaller or larger (to your needs), it's only a fraction and cannot be overdone or you'll ruin the bezel, but I have been able to save several bezels from having to be replaced.
Damn, that's really cool. Is this a product you can buy somewhere?
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Old 15 April 2021, 02:34 PM   #7
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Damn, that's really cool. Is this a product you can buy somewhere?
Tool is Rolex 1006.
It would be cheaper to have it done by an authorized Rolex service center.
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Rolex uses rare elves to polish the platinum. They have a union deal and make like $90 per hour and get time and half on weekends.
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Old 17 April 2021, 05:41 PM   #8
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I bought the tool. It's great. I can't believe I ever got along without it.

The aftermarket crystals tend to stretch the bezels (according to the CRW that taught me) over time. It's not generally visa versa. If they are loose and one doesn't have the tool, they are sometimes forced to use glue and to work a seal in that way. I've cleaned dozens of them. If the bezel won't stay in place...it isn't going to seal the crystal either. It's a problem.

Even the new AM version of the tool...which to me isn't the quality of the Rolex tool, is a grand I think. The Rolex tool was only available to AD's and in the wild they bring 5-7.5 k USD. not for the faint of heart.
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