Link to 1680 bezel insert removal?

[nigelUK]

Has anyone got a web link to a 1680 bezel insert removal step by step ? I thought there was one on here but can't find it?

I believe this is slightly different from insert removal on 5 digit references. Also, is it easy to do ? I have a spare bezel and would like to change it over and try it out.

[stmoore]

The Moore Method: Shove a credit card under the bezel by one of the lugs. As it’s in place, shove another under it. The bezel will pop off 90% of the time - no marks.

[swish77]

Good method for bezel removal above, but then you have to deal with the insert.

Removal is easy by just popping it out from the back side of the bezel. Re-installing a replacement insert or even the same insert can range from easy-breezy to thumb-breaking nightmare. I’ve been down both roads.

It all depends on the condition of the insert and how much bend it has in it from age. Popping that last little bit into the bezel is always the tricky part. I usually use a the hard edge of a table, covered with a thin towel to protect the insert, and just keep applying pressure from the table edge onto that last spot on the insert until it pops in ... hopefully.

Good luck!

[stmoore]

I use a small neoprene gun smithing hammer from brownells.
Very lite tap, away from the pearl to seat it if needed.

[nigelUK]

Thanks for the tips

[nigelUK]

Well I got the insert out using the credit card trick ... easy

BUT, I have sore thumbs and can't get either the new insert or the old insert back in

[exador]

Put the bezel in a warm oven and the insert in the freezer.

[RC2]

Any luck?


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[nigelUK]

[QUOTE=RC2;9366794]Any luck?


No unfortunately ...

Had another go this morning but no joy .... my thumbs are broken

Have another go when they are mended.

[mattedialdoc]

I’ve had to send a bezel and insert to a friend before cause I couldn’t get it seated. He of course got it in there in 2 seconds! It’s all about experience. I was tentative because these inserts are worth thousands$$$$


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[nigelUK]

[QUOTE=mattedialdoc;9367897]I’ve had to send a bezel and insert to a friend before cause I couldn’t get it seated. He of course got it in there in 2 seconds! It’s all about experience. I was tentative because these inserts are worth thousands$$$$


Yes I have that worry too

[Rolexfax33]

Originally Posted by stmoore

The Moore Method: Shove a credit card under the bezel by one of the lugs. As it’s in place, shove another under it. The bezel will pop off 90% of the time - no marks.

Seriously...I just tried this and it's so easy it's almost fool proof.

Thanks!!!

[BigBlue1]

I am having the same problem. I want to change my insert on my 1675 and have no one local that can change it out. I don’t feel like going all the way to Boston I also do t want to risk thousands on breaking an insert. Then there is the spring to contend with.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by BigBlue1

I am having the same problem. I want to change my insert on my 1675 and have no one local that can change it out. I don’t feel like going all the way to Boston I also do t want to risk thousands on breaking an insert. Then there is the spring to contend with.

The “spring” on the 1675 is just a flimsy washer. Just bend it in the middle and place on the retainer ring. East peasy.

[collarcity]

Originally Posted by swish77

Re-installing a replacement insert or even the same insert can range from easy-breezy to thumb-breaking nightmare.

My 14060M was the latter. I separated the insert and bezel ring to realign the insert. It was a little off and bothered me. I think my thumbs are now permanently deformed. It is ridiculous how difficult this can be.

[Styles Bitchley]

Easy out, super hard to get in. Strange that nobody has put a good video on YouTube for getting an insert in on a 1680, 5513/12, or 1675. It would get a lot of views!


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[Eric88]

For many years I’ve used to top of a pill bottle that is the same dimension as the insert. Place a cloth over the watch and then apply even pressure on the pill bottle top to snap in the new insert. Works great even on stubborn inserts as there is equal pressure around the entire circumference of the insert.

[donq]

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/bezel.html

Same procedure, except for the click spring being replaced with the tension spring.

[BigBlue1]

Originally Posted by BigBlue1

I am having the same problem. I want to change my insert on my 1675 and have no one local that can change it out. I don’t feel like going all the way to Boston I also do t want to risk thousands on breaking an insert. Then there is the spring to contend with.

Go for it. I did it and man I’m happy, On a 1675 of course.

[Ashton_Horologist]

Hi Guys, I know some of you were interested in bezel insert removal/refit how-to video so I made one and have uploaded it to youtube.

Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgIicJ00ET8

Ashton

[sdimi]

Originally Posted by Ashton_Horologist

Hi Guys, I know some of you were interested in bezel insert removal/refit how-to video so I made one and have uploaded it to youtube.

Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgIicJ00ET8

Ashton

Great tips. Thanks.

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by Ashton_Horologist

Hi Guys, I know some of you were interested in bezel insert removal/refit how-to video so I made one and have uploaded it to youtube.

Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgIicJ00ET8

Ashton

That is the one of the best instructional watch videos I’ve seen! Clear, slow and comprehensive! You’ve got a talent for this, my friend.


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[Ashton_Horologist]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

That is the one of the best instructional watch videos I’ve seen! Clear, slow and comprehensive! You’ve got a talent for this, my friend.


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Great, I'm glad, thanks! Let me know what other tutorials you are after and I'll put them up!