hopefully a simple question
 

okay, i bought this snowie and have the bezel, insert, & glass retaining ring

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/z...qtl/df53_3.jpg

i've seen folks take their bezels off, even had someone do it here in front of me, so i know how it comes off.

I won't be doing it myself, but what exactly holds the retaining ring on - i had assumed it is bonded on and in fact there appears to be the residue of some glue on the above pictured case, looks kinda like the glue we used as kids assembling model airplanes. Some of that "glue appearing" residue just popped off with my fingernail - am i correct that it's bonded on or is a pressure fit all that holds the retaining ring on?

tks in advance

It's held on by friction around the crystal. Take it to a professional. You don't want to damage it right?

actually it's going in for complete svc - i was just curious
 

what held it on

considering the acrylic crystals shrink/expand from humidity, it seems to be a fragile means of securing it, but apparently it's worked so, what the hey

tks for the response

The bezel is pressed onto the crystal which surrounds a raised rim on the case when pressed flush will remain in place till the next service. Now what does happen over time the bezel gets stretched and doesn't fit as tightly so if you put some glue on the case in front of the crystal rim then put on the crystal let dry for about 5 minutes then put on the bezel it will usually be plenty tight to pass muster. This is an acceptable repair when bezels are not available and also helps with waterproofing. Rikki

Any tips for getting the retaining ring off?

A 4 sided bezel lift has 4 blades that slide evenly around the bezel then screw in and off it comes. If you have a tight bezel and try to lift from one side you will warp the bezel possibly causing permanent damge these are things that should be left to the professionals with the proper tools. Rikki

Ok thanks Rikki.