GMT2 16710 - go from no-click bezel to click bezel?

[ras47]

My Pepsi 16710 (P Serial #) is one of those friction bezel models that does not click as the bezel is turned. Can I make it into one of those click bezel models? And if it even is possible, how much of a job would it be? Ideally, it would simply involve installing the spring that makes the bezel click as it's turned. But I fear it might entail an entirely different bezel assembly, or there might not even be the build in support to add the click spring.

[fishingbear]

The 16710 reference does not have a friction bezel, it is probable that your watch may be missing the click spring under the bezel.
Have you removed the bezel to see if a spring is in place?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by ras47

My Pepsi 16710 (P Serial #) is one of those friction bezel models that does not click as the bezel is turned. Can I make it into one of those click bezel models? And if it even is possible, how much of a job would it be? Ideally, it would simply involve installing the spring that makes the bezel click as it's turned. But I fear it might entail an entirely different bezel assembly, or there might not even be the build in support to add the click spring.

No 16710 (or any GMT II) ever came with a friction bezel.

[saskmh]

These guys are right....you're just missing the click spring.

[ras47]

Awesome!! Best news I have heard today. That means it's an easy fix.

I thought I recalled folks saying they had models that were friction-only for bezel rotation. Perhaps they meant they made their GMTs that way and preferred it. Now to find that little bugger of a spring.

[Likestheshiny]

That diagram is really neat. I never gave any thought to the mechanism that prevents a bezel from turning backwards. It's as simple as a bent or straight piece of spring.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by ras47

Awesome!! Best news I have heard today. That means it's an easy fix.

I thought I recalled folks saying they had models that were friction-only for bezel rotation. Perhaps they meant they made their GMTs that way and preferred it. Now to find that little bugger of a spring.

The older GMT-Masters had friction bezels, up to and including the 16750.

[116500LN]

Originally Posted by fishingbear

The 16710 reference does not have a friction bezel, it is probable that your watch may be missing the click spring under the bezel.
Have you removed the bezel to see if a spring is in place?

You wouldn't happen to have a diagram of how the bezel works on the newer GMT-C bezel that only allows 24 turns, would you?

[Runnin' Rebel]

Well, learn something new everyday day on here. Friction bezel GMT interesting

[fishingbear]

Originally Posted by 116500LN

You wouldn't happen to have a diagram of how the bezel works on the newer GMT-C bezel that only allows 24 turns, would you?

Here you go, a good bit more complicated to disassemble....

[tomchicago]

The click spring may have slipped out of line. Easy fix. You can do it. Just have the proper pry tools which are plastic never metal. Like this: https://www.amazon.com/Panel-Removal.../dp/B00LUPOU1O They're useful around the house too.

[cjohns]

I popped my bezel a few months ago due the fact it stopped rotating. It might be there is so much gunk under the insert the spring is stuck . You would be amazed on how much crap gets in there.

[ras47]

I popped off the bezel fairly easily and found that indeed, its dirty in there. The spring looks pretty normal - not deformed or broken. I will clean it up and reassemble. Any tips on lubricating?

[cjohns]

I wouldn't use any lube that would only attract crud , the washer that sits on top of the case I think is the wear surface for the assembly and with very little use it gets it will be fine dry

[tomchicago]

It does come from the factory lubed. IDK what with though. Curious about that myself. Ask in techincal?

[droptopman]

Sapphire was the change to the click spring for GMT's. I have replaced both friction and click spring bezels and never used any lube.

The older style is much easier...those click springs can be a bugger

[ras47]

I cleaned out a lot of gunk from the inside surface of the bezel. Put the large metal washer back in place, then put the spring back (4 tries) and popped the bezel assembly back on. And still no clicking. Probably time for an RSC.

[ras47]

There must be a trick to reinstalling the bezel assembly to get the click spring to engage. Everything is in place, the spring looks normal to my untrained eye, and the bezel is seated fully. Bottom line: I'm a punter with no talent for this sort of thing. Time to get the professionals (and my checkbook) involved. :(

[ras47]

Originally Posted by fishingbear

The 16710 reference does not have a friction bezel, it is probable that your watch may be missing the click spring under the bezel.
Have you removed the bezel to see if a spring is in place?

Ok, one more thing to check. After reviewing this diagram I have that sinking feeling I put the spring in bowing outward vs inward. If that's it, then I'm gonna feel like a fool. This isn't rocket science and I should be able to deal with a simple mechanical spring.

[saskmh]

A little tip is try to get the click spring lined up on the teeth of the bezel before you push the rest of the bezel down. If you just drop the bezel on and push it till in clicks on the case it can wedge the click spring under the teeth instead of resting on the teeth. I've done this before.

[saskmh]

Originally Posted by ras47

Ok, one more thing to check. After reviewing this diagram I have that sinking feeling I put the spring in bowing outward vs inward. If that's it, then I'm gonna feel like a fool. This isn't rocket science and I should be able to deal with a simple mechanical spring.

If the spring is in backwards it will do nothing...so that very well could be your problem.

[MorningTundra]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The older GMT-Masters had friction bezels, up to and including the 16750.

That's interesting... my 1979 16753 never clicked and I assumed it had lost the spring. Learn something everyday!

Now the only remaining mystery is if the applied crown dial is legit for this 5 digit ref...




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[henrylee]

My bezel sometimes stops clicking as well. The quick fix for me is to push down the bezel and turn counter clock wise until it starts clicking again. I have noticed that pushing down around the 12'oclock mark works best.

[ras47]

Remedial Watch Repair 101. Oy vey. We shall see...

[henrylee]

Let me know if that works, also bending the spring upwards helps. Basically if you take off the bezel and reinstall without the insert you can see how it's suppose to work. Its definitely something not requiring the RSC.

[ras47]

Well, I pulled the bezel off again and the spring immediately popped off before I could see how I had it oriented. Brilliant.

On my eighth or ninth attempt to put the spring back on I dropped it on a carpeted floor. After 20 minutes of searching it's gone. MotherPussBucket. I'm game to try again, but I need a new spring. Brilliant.

Just ordered a new spring from an eBay seller with 99.6% positive feedback on over 10,000 transactions selling watch parts. My cost is $8 a pop with free shipping. My first choice was another online seller, pricing the springs at $12. But when I got to his checkout he was jacking me for $22 in shipping costs, and it's not editable! First smart thing I did was to go to eBay and order TWO of the little buggers.

[desertyank]

Originally Posted by ras47

Well, I pulled the bezel off again and the spring immediately popped off before I could see how I had it oriented. Brilliant.

On my eighth or ninth attempt to put the spring back on I dropped it on a carpeted floor. After 20 minutes of searching it's gone. MotherPussBucket. I'm game to try again, but I need a new spring. Brilliant.

Just ordered a new spring from an eBay seller with 99.6% positive feedback on over 10,000 transactions selling watch parts. My cost is $8 a pop with free shipping. My first choice was another online seller, pricing the springs at $12. But when I got to his checkout he was jacking me for $22 in shipping costs, and it's not editable! First smart thing I did was to go to eBay and order TWO of the little buggers.

Do You have a strong magnet to help You find the old spring? Might work.

[ras47]

Originally Posted by desertyank

Do You have a strong magnet to help You find the old spring? Might work.

Wow, EXCELLENT idea! I'll see what I've got.

[cjohns]

Originally Posted by ras47

Wow, EXCELLENT idea! I'll see what I've got.

I think it's made from stainless and sure a magnet will not work .

[ras47]

Originally Posted by cjohns

I think it's made from stainless and sure a magnet will not work .

Yeah, I dragged a 6" magnet and got a couple paper clips. No spring.