Old insert did not want to come out, new did not want to go in! (pictures)

[Frosty]

Nkflyer listed FS: Rolex GMT2 Bezel Inserts "Coke" & Faded Coke $99 each o.b.o. They looked intriguing so I PM’d him. Communication went smoothly so I sent him the Paypal. The package came extremely well wrapped. It was in a small Priority Box inside a bubble envelope, inside a plastic case, inside a plastic folded over bag, WOW. When I opened it everything was as pictured. He was very easy to deal with.

Unfortunately, that is not the rest of the story. I had followed Jockes instructions on how to change a bezel/insert previously on this watch (GMT 16700) and it went very smoothly

I again followed Jockes instructions and it went smoothly until it was time to take the bezel insert out. It was extremely tight and would not come out of the bezel. I put a great deal of pressure and thought to myself, “Oh, well, if I tweak the insert, it will only cost $48”. It finally came out.

I tried to put the faded insert into the bezel and it would not go. I pressed it against the table edge, per Jocke's instructions, it would not go. I was short on time so I tried putting the Pepsi back in. it would not go. I set everything aside so I could work on it that night.

When I got home, I decided to work on the second coke insert. It would also not go in. There was always an air gap at one of the points on the insert. I knew I needed more pressure than I could apply by hand. Jocke had written, “Do not use pliers”. I have a couple of parallel pliers and thought if I was careful I could do it with one of them. I put some heavy clear plastic around the parts so I could see what I was doing and used a magnifier. I was very, very careful and went slowly. The two pieces popped into place (I know, again, I plead temporary insanity). The rest was fairly easy and everything worked fine.

It took me a while to like the Pepsi, even longer to like the Coke, and now I enjoy them all.

[bungcarlo]

Looks great! Jocke makes everything looks so easy but in reality....

[NKflyer]

Thanks for the kind comments about our transaction! What I do to install stubborn inserts is to put the assembly flat on my desk, facing up, and use a small blunt object (I usually use the bottom or cap of a "sharpie" marker) with the tip covered in a polishing cloth to push the last little section of the insert down into the bezel. Makes a satisfying click when fully seated.

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by NKflyer

Thanks for the kind comments about our transaction! What I do to install stubborn inserts is to put the assembly flat on my desk, facing up, and use a small blunt object (I usually use the bottom or cap of a "sharpie" marker) with the tip covered in a polishing cloth to push the last little section of the insert down into the bezel. Makes a satisfying click when fully seated.

and a small puddle of sweat till it does.

[Cc1966]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

and a small puddle of sweat till it does.

"sweat"? are you sure???

[fisherman79]

Trick is never to force anything. Its actually very easy to do.
I replaced the inlay many times.
Only 1 time I rushed too much and the thin metal ring inside was bend. I got a replacement at the AD after that little incident.