How easy is it to interchange inserts on a 16750?

[theflywrist]

Hey guys!

Hope everyone is doing well.
Bare with my rookie questions please.

So after recently purchasing my first Vintage, a 1680 white, my love for vintage has escalated quiet quickly.
I have now been researching, and reading different variants on the 16750 matte dial.
I am too reluctant to remove the insert on my 1680 (myself at least), but I am told that it is harder with a SUB than a GMT.

I am happy with the insert on my sub, but I would ideally like to change up the insert when I buy my 16750. How hard is it to do on your own, for a rookie like myself that is?

Also, on that note. Would a fuchsia insert fit into a 16750?
I know it would not be period correct, but that doesn't bother me as long as I have the period correct insert.

The only reason I picked the 16750 over the 1675, is that I would love to have the quick set date function, which would be handy as a Pilot, especially since I will be using it together with my BLNR as my flying watches. And lastly, as silly as it sounds, I would like to complete the theme of having the 4/5/6 digit references.

I appreciate any insight, and all your opinions!
As a newbie to the vintage world, I am taking in all the information from you guys like a sponge!

[jdmi32]

Originally Posted by crazypilot

I am happy with the insert on my sub, but I would ideally like to change up the insert when I buy my 16750. How hard is it to do on your own, for a rookie like myself that is?

Also, on that note. Would a fuchsia insert fit into a 16750?
I know it would not be period correct, but that doesn't bother me as long as I have the period correct insert.

Not purposely trying to be cryptic, but sometimes it's easy as pie to swap inserts and sometimes it's beyond maddening.

Unsure what you mean by fuchsia insert but I take it you're asking if an insert from a 1675 model will fit on a 16750, then yes, it will fit.

Good luck in your search for a 16750 as it is a wonderful reference.

[05carbondrz]

I am not sure why a Sub insert would be harder to change? Maybe a newer sub with the unidirectional Bezel due to the added complication of the spring,But a 1680 is a bidirectional Bezel just like a GMT.

[RC2]

Pop off and press on. It's easy mostly.

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

Not purposely trying to be cryptic, but sometimes it's easy as pie to swap inserts and sometimes it's beyond maddening.

Unsure what you mean by fuchsia insert but I take it you're asking if an insert from a 1675 model will fit on a 16750, then yes, it will fit.

Good luck in your search for a 16750 as it is a wonderful reference.

Yep the 1675 on a 16750. Was worried the size may be a tad different or something.
Good to know! Thanks man.

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

I am not sure why a Sub insert would be harder to change? Maybe a newer sub with the unidirectional Bezel due to the added complication of the spring,But a 1680 is a bidirectional Bezel just like a GMT.

I haven't done either myself, but this is just from what I have gathered from the forum and VRF. Apparently it is more senitive as there is a click at the pearl, something like that. I'm sure someone that does it often will chip in.

Originally Posted by RC2

Pop off and press on. It's easy mostly.

Sounds good! Thanks

[05carbondrz]

A sub insert is more fragile than a GMT insert due to the Hole for the Lume Pearl.I always install that area first as to not risk cracking it.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

A sub insert is more fragile than a GMT insert due to the Hole for the Lume Pearl.I always install that area first as to not risk cracking it.

GMT inserts can take a bit more man-handling than a Sub insert. Definitely a weak area around the pearl hole on a Sub insert.

Good days / bad days when swapping inserts in and out . Sometimes they are a doddle but they can be tricky little devils .

[swish77]

I've done it many times, and as stated above, sometimes it's easy-breezy and sometimes it's insanely difficult. I believe I still have thumb damage from one particularly tough Sub insert. There are tons of threads out there on tricks used to get 'em to fit, including putting them in the freezer and/or oven, depending on whether you're trying to shrink or expand them. Any time the insert is flattened out because of use and age, they become tough to deal with. And yes, bezel inserts on vintage Subs are more difficult to change than on vintage GMTs, and I don't think it's just because of the pearl. I don't know the exact reason, that's just been my experience. Good luck!

[RC2]

Got any pics of the inserts?

[JohnBaker3]

Adel:

See if this link helps answer some of your questions.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...25#post4936525

Good luck.

[RC2]

Wow. A lot of work. I guess I have been lucky. Just pop in and out.

[lhanddds]

All I can tell you Adel is that it was easy for me. I think you can handle it fine. It's less worrisome than if it had a pearl.

[firefisher]

Go for it. Take your time.