♛ Rolex Bezel Cleaning Question...♛

[dlack]

I removed the bezel on my neo-vintage (1981) GMT-Master to clean out the grit on the underside of the bezel ring and insert. I also cleaned the grit off both sides of the separate thin metal ring that's beneath the bezel ring. The grit made rotating the bezel difficult. I used Rodico and a clean cloth to do the job. Success achieved, but still have the following question:

Is it also necessary or recommended that a lubricant be applied to the metal ring or to the underside of the bezel? If so, what type of lubricant would be best e.g. fine powder graphite? silicone grease? something else?

Appreciate hearing from those with experience, particularly a watchmaker. Many thanks

[Heater3000]

Originally Posted by dlack

I removed the bezel on my neo-vintage (1981) GMT-Master to clean out the grit on the underside of the bezel ring and insert. I also cleaned the grit off both sides of the separate thin metal ring that's beneath the bezel ring. The grit made rotating the bezel difficult. I used Rodico and a clean cloth to do the job. Success achieved, but still have the following question:

Is it also necessary or recommended that a lubricant be applied to the metal ring or to the underside of the bezel? If so, what type of lubricant would be best e.g. fine powder graphite? silicone grease? something else?

Appreciate hearing from those with experience, particularly a watchmaker. Many thanks

on my 16710, i don't use any lubricant as i find it attracts dirt..

[Stan Cooper]

Whether it's a four digit friction or five digit click spring reference like the 16700, I don't think lubrication will do anything but attract grit and make turning the bezel more difficult. It's much better to remove the bezel occasionally and clean the bezel and thin metal spring washer, then reassemble.