1998 Sub has super tight bezel

[Cryptoconniption]

I just received a mint condition 14060 with all papers which included a receipt from a Rolex dealer from 2019 whom I called to learn that the Rolex had a service (regular maintenance) and was still under warranty from them.

The only issue I have is that the bezel is so tight it's almost impossible to turn. I bought it to my Rolex AD here and the tech said there's nothing wrong with it (although that was relayed from him to a salesperson who told me).

Is a tight bezel normal? Is it indicative of some problem I should be concerned about?

[Dan S]

I believe it should be unidirectional, but not almost impossible to turn in the correct direction. It might need to be removed and cleaned.

[pk552502]

I recently purchased a 16710 and when I received the watch, I couldn't turn the bezel- it was completely stuck. In my case it was a noticeable problem because the bezel wasn't laying perfectly flat against the case. you could see more of the crystal on one side of the watch than the other because the bezel wasn't laying perfectly flat and you couldn't turn the bezel. I sent it back to the seller and they fixed it. He said it was due to the click spring being out of place. If your bezel is laying perfectly flat and you can turn it, it's just difficult- maybe there is some built up grime or something causing resistance. But I would say it's not normal.

[zapokee]

Don't think I've ever actually turned my bezel...

[MorningTundra]

It just needs a clean. A small piece of sand or grit can cause this problem.

[mrs_LA]

Originally Posted by Cryptoconniption

I just received a mint condition 14060 with all papers which included a receipt from a Rolex dealer from 2019 whom I called to learn that the Rolex had a service (regular maintenance) and was still under warranty from them.

The only issue I have is that the bezel is so tight it's almost impossible to turn. I bought it to my Rolex AD here and the tech said there's nothing wrong with it (although that was relayed from him to a salesperson who told me).

Is a tight bezel normal? Is it indicative of some problem I should be concerned about?

If it had been serviced, the bezel should have been cleaned as part of the process. 2019 doesn't seem like enough time to build grime on the bezel that might make it difficult to turn. Maybe click spring was improperly installed and turning slowly dislodged it somehow. Either way it's an easy fix. DIY if you're crafty, take it to the AD if you aren't.

[sah]

My 1993 Sea Dweller came back from RSC. The bezel was initially very stiff to turn but with multiple turns got easier.

[Stan Cooper]

The bezel "click spring" may be jammed or bent due to a hamfisted amateur remounting the bezel.

[subx]

submariners and sea dwellers have auto lock bezel:
you have to apply a gentle downward pressure BEFORE and WHILE turning. try that first.
see pic.

[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by subx

submariners and sea dwellers have auto lock bezel:
you have to apply a gentle downward pressure BEFORE and WHILE turning. try that first.
see pic.

I could be mistaken, but I believe that's for earlier watches. The OP says it's a 1998, so I think it should have the unidirectional click spring engaging the 120 bezel "teeth."

[subx]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

I could be mistaken, but I believe that's for earlier watches. The OP says it's a 1998, so I think it should have the unidirectional click spring engaging the 120 bezel "teeth."

you may be right! I mostly have knowledge of 60s/70s models

[Stan Cooper]

Here's a bezel, bezel insert, bezel tension spring, and click spring for the 14060. The click spring is very small and can get bent easily during installation if not done with great care. A bent or improperly installed click spring can jam the bezel and make it difficult to rotate in either direction. Normally, it will rotate counter clockwise and click every time the click spring engages one of the bezel teeth. The click spring prevents the bezel from turning clockwise because without it you could accidentally turn the bezel clockwise indicating you have more air than you actually have.

[Cryptoconniption]

Thanks guys. I'll bring it in to the AD and let you know what comes of it.

[harry in montreal]

Have you swam or showered with it ? Mine gets gummy from my sweat and champagne celebrations

[Eric88]

Not so much a “vintage” subject, though easy DIY to fix.

Use a credit card to pop off the full bezel assembly and then clean it up. Reassemble and you’re good to go. There may be YouTube videos about it.

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

Have you swam or showered with it ? Mine gets gummy from my sweat and champagne celebrations

but mainly from sweat....

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Eric88

Not so much a “vintage” subject, though easy DIY to fix.

Use a credit card to pop off the full bezel assembly and then clean it up. Reassemble and you’re good to go. There may be YouTube videos about it.

Drilling teeth is easy for my dentist.

It's only easy if you know what you're doing. You need the right expertise to remove and reassemble a bezel mounting. Otherwise, leave well alone and take it to a specialist.

Rolex isn't a good target for DIY trial-and-error tinkering. Do that on a cheap Seiko.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Drilling teeth is easy for my dentist.

It's only easy if you know what you're doing. You need the right expertise to remove and reassemble a bezel mounting. Otherwise, leave well alone and take it to a specialist.

Rolex isn't a good target for DIY trial-and-error tinkering. Do that on a cheap Seiko.

I confirm that this is easy to do and no significant expertise is needed. If you never try, you never learn.

[springer]

While not very complex, installing bezels or bezel inserts on the sapphire models can sometimes be very frustrating - even for a seasoned veteran of this process.

My experience has been that those that are not mechanically inclined may or will have trouble installing bezel inserts - especially the bezel and/or insert on the sapphire crystal Submariners and GMTs with the click spring assembly. I've received many phone calls through the years from guys that have purchased a bezel or insert from me and were unable to install either properly.

While being very mechanically inclined myself, I sometimes have issues re-installing a bezel after removal where it will not turn properly - it will bind and not turn once installed. I must admit that sometimes it takes me a few attempts before I get the bezel properly installed so it does not bind.

If you do attempt an install, make sure the click spring is in the proper position with the flat spring washer before you attempt an install. Take photos of everything while disassembling the bezel from the watch and check YouTube for an installation video.

[Sherbie]

And watch out for the click spring - which can fly off when on dissassembly, and then you’ll spend hours on all 4s, crawling over the carpet to find it again


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[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by Sherbie

And watch out for the click spring - which can fly off when on dissassembly, and then you’ll spend hours on all 4s, crawling over the carpet to find it again

Yes! Been there; done that. The Rolex part number for the 14060 is 317-16800, and the genuine Rolex part isn't cheap, so don't lose it.

[tommyzzj]

My 14060 had a very tight bezel too, to the point where I was a bit worry to turn it.. (in case I slip and knock it somewhere

[mattedialdoc]

Originally Posted by Sherbie

And watch out for the click spring - which can fly off when on dissassembly, and then you’ll spend hours on all 4s, crawling over the carpet to find it again


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I was taught to perform these bezel olympics by placing the watch in a large ziplock bag where if there is a bezel explosion the parts will be contained. It’s been a lifesaver.

[Mike Wood]

Two words: Fomblin grease.

Have the bezel removed and cleaned, and refitted with some Rolex (it really is the best) Fomblin. Job done!