How easy (or difficult) is it to swap the bezel insert on a GMT Master II 16710?

[bitparser]

Hi all,

I love my Coke bezel GMT Master II 16710 and one of the main reasons I got the watch was the way you can change up its look with the different bezels. I thought I could just take it to a reputable watchmaker and it would be an in&out operation, 20 mins tops and a few bucks, to get it done.

How wrong I was. I've taken it to 2 jewelers who specialize in Rolex servicing; one quoted $80 (and seemed very unsure if he would even be able to do it) and the other $300 (and 2 weeks turnaround time).

I found some videos online about swapping it yourself which would be the most economical and easy route. I'm no watch specialist myself other than admiring watches. Is this something a person with no experience can do? It seems pretty simple and straightforward as long as you have the right tools judging from the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKYQk03uVu0

Does anyone have any experience swapping the bezel themselves? Any thing I should look out for? Or should I just bite the bullet and pay $80 to get it done.

I am in NJ FWIW but can also take the watch in to Manhattan if anyone can recommend a service center there that can do it.

Thanks in advance.

[Rolexhater]

It can pretty easily be done yourself, the first time is the scariest (but isn't that with anything?)

Get a non-marring plastic/rubber anything and pop that bezel off and get after it

[bitparser]

Originally Posted by Rolexhater

It can pretty easily be done yourself, the first time is the scariest (but isn't that with anything?)

Get a non-marring plastic/rubber anything and pop that bezel off and get after it

Heh, yeah first-time nerves like you said. Stan Cooper linked a detailed tutorial so I think that should help.

[Glenmorangie77]

Your watch is worth over 10 grand. Let a professional handle it, even if it will cost you $300. If you're going to sail with the big boys don't mess around for a few bucks.

[bitparser]

Originally Posted by Glenmorangie77

Your watch is worth over 10 grand. Let a professional handle it, even if it will cost you $300. If you're going to sail with the big boys don't mess around for a few bucks.

That's a fair point. I was hoping I could do it myself though so that I don't have to pay each time I want to swap it out.

[Stan Cooper]

This post may be helpful.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...07&postcount=6

[scousejames]

The first time I did it, I had no issues getting the bezel off, just a slight difficulty in popping the it back on.
It just needs a lot of force and once you get the method right, it's pretty straight forward tbh.

I have since switched back and forth between my Pepsi and Coke quite often, and it's usually a 10 minute job.

So $300 and 2 weeks turnaround seems outrageous!

Very helpful post from Stan Cooper
So I say give it a go and learn how to do it yourself, I mean, are you going to pay someone $80 every time you want to switch bezels?!

[bitparser]

Originally Posted by scousejames

The first time I did it, I had no issues getting the bezel off, just a slight difficulty in popping the it back on.
It just needs a lot of force and once you get the method right, it's pretty straight forward tbh.

I have since switched back and forth between my Pepsi and Coke quite often, and it's usually a 10 minute job.

So $300 and 2 weeks turnaround seems outrageous!

Very helpful post from Stan Cooper
So I say give it a go and learn how to do it yourself, I mean, are you going to pay someone $80 every time you want to switch bezels?!

Thanks for the tip. That's what I saw in the Youtube vid too that it needs a bit of force to pop it back in. That's where my heart skips a beat lol.

Yeah, it'll just be quicker and cheaper for me to learn to do it myself. Stan's post is definitely helpful. I'll see if I am confident enough otherwise will just plop the $80 to get it done for now.

[scousejames]

Originally Posted by bitparser

Thanks for the tip. That's what I saw in the Youtube vid too that it needs a bit of force to pop it back in. That's where my heart skips a beat lol.

Yeah, it'll just be quicker and cheaper for me to learn to do it myself. Stan's post is definitely helpful. I'll see if I am confident enough otherwise will just plop the $80 to get it done for now.

I guess the question remains whether you plan on changing it often, or say once a year?
If often then definitely learn to do it yourself, I find stuff like changing the bezel, straps or sizing bracelets part of the fun as a watch enthusiast.

But if you're nervous and don't plan to change it often then I guess take it to an expert.

If you live near an RSC, for around £60 they will supply and fit a new bezel and let you keep your old one.
I had a Pepsi fitted recently when I had my 16710 serviced.
Personally, I'd rather do that than pay a jeweller $80, at least you get a spare bezel.

[bitparser]

Originally Posted by scousejames

I guess the question remains whether you plan on changing it often, or say once a year?
If often then definitely learn to do it yourself, I find stuff like changing the bezel, straps or sizing bracelets part of the fun as a watch enthusiast.

But if you're nervous and don't plan to change it often then I guess take it to an expert.

If you live near an RSC, for around £60 they will supply and fit a new bezel and let you keep your old one.
I had a Pepsi fitted recently when I had my 16710 serviced.
Personally, I'd rather do that than pay a jeweller $80, at least you get a spare bezel.

That is great to know about the RSC option. I live close to NYC so can take it in there like you suggested. I thought they would keep the old bezel so did not want to lose it since it's original to the watch. But if they let me keep it then yes I'll try it.

I don't plan on doing it often. Maybe once or twice a year.


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[bitparser]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

This post may be helpful.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...07&postcount=6

Thank you! That's super helpful.

[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

This post may be helpful.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...07&postcount=6

Thanks, Stan.

Best explanation and tutorial I’ve seen.

Well done.


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[royce]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

This post may be helpful.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...07&postcount=6

Great resource. Thanks for sharing.

[Jster]

Your watch is worth 5 figures. Pay the $80.

[bitparser]

Originally Posted by Jster

Your watch is worth 5 figures. Pay the $80.

Yeah, the $80 is definitely easier to swallow than the $300. But you're right, safety of the watch first.

[fskywalker]

Easy to do, but if not willing to take risk take it to someone elase to get it done!


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[bitparser]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Easy to do, but if not willing to take risk take it to someone elase to get it done!


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Yes, thank you.

[ltmgeller]

There are plenty of videos how to do it. It's a little nerve racking at first, but gets easier over time. I'd get an aftermarket insert to practice on first.

[bitparser]

Originally Posted by ltmgeller

There are plenty of videos how to do it. It's a little nerve racking at first, but gets easier over time. I'd get an aftermarket insert to practice on first.

Thanks, that's a good tip.


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[maylebox]

It's not difficult but practice helps. Follow Stan's post and you should be good to go. Bezel insert changes and strap changes are the first (and only) things I made sure to learn when I started my collection.

[bitparser]

Originally Posted by maylebox

It's not difficult but practice helps. Follow Stan's post and you should be good to go. Bezel insert changes and strap changes are the first (and only) things I made sure to learn when I started my collection.

Good to know, thanks. Yeah it can be pretty handy when you want to change up the look of your watch.


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[watchmainspring]

It is super easy on my 16700. I got a plastic spreader kitchen tool. I've swapped the insert between Pepsi and coke like 10 times. Depends on what style I want. Definitely worth learning yourself. Would be difficult to break something unless you don't use plastic tools.


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[bitparser]

Originally Posted by watchmainspring

It is super easy on my 16700. I got a plastic spreader kitchen tool. I've swapped the insert between Pepsi and coke like 10 times. Depends on what style I want. Definitely worth learning yourself. Would be difficult to break something unless you don't use plastic tools.


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I thought like another commenter mentioned that a plastic knife might break easily since the bezel is fitted quite tightly.


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[JasonBetts]

If you're changing the insert and will probably change back, Buy one of this Bergeon case opener. It's cheap and very handy to remove the bezel. Tried with plastic prying tool and didn't work as it took a bit of force and the plastic tool gave out.




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[bitparser]

Originally Posted by JasonBetts

If you're changing the insert and will probably change back, Buy one of this Bergeon case opener. It's cheap and very handy to remove the bezel. Tried with plastic prying tool and didn't work as it took a bit of force and the plastic tool gave out.




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Thanks for the tip.


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[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by bitparser

Thanks for the tip.

FWIW, I also use the Bergeon 4932 for popping off the bezel. If you apply a slight pressure to the top of the bezel while you pry it loose at the bottom with the Bergeon tool, the bezel (and click spring) won't go flying off when it pops loose.

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by bitparser

Thanks for the tip.


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Don’t use the Bergeron metal case tool on the front of your watch unless you really know what you are doing...

https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/i.../IF145-335?o=2

Get this plastic pry tool from iFixIt. It takes all of 2 minutes, just be careful of the click spring at 12-2 o’clock.

[bitparser]

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

Don’t use the Bergeron metal case tool on the front of your watch unless you really know what you are doing...

https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/i.../IF145-335?o=2

Get this plastic pry tool from iFixIt. It takes all of 2 minutes, just be careful of the click spring at 12-2 o’clock.

Thanks for the links.

[jamesbondOO7]

It took me a long sweaty-palm moment the first time. Now I can do it in less than 2 minutes.

[bitparser]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

It took me a long sweaty-palm moment the first time. Now I can do it in less than 2 minutes.

Haha practice makes perfect. The first time's the hardest I'm sure.


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