1680 Bezel won't fit in

[llm3000]

Hi Guys, I recently purchased a 1680 red sub with Mk IV Dial. it comes with a service bezel insert, so i added a bit more to buy a Rolex MK 3 insert from the same seller. However, it can't be tuck in. i had some other 1675 or 1680 and this never happened before even with the aftermarket ones just for the look

The measurement i got for the MK3 insert is 36.52mm dia. and the service insert is 36.34mm, the service insert can be securely tuck in with my fingers and do stay there. But the Mk3 looks like it is a tag bigger and i don't feel like it will go in even with the help of a piler or wood stick, it will slightly pop up after all areas are tucked in.

Seller is kind and happy to refund and take the bezel insert back or change another one for me but i am just curious. I asked a friend to measure his red sub bezel insert, the number is also 36.5mm.

Any experience, idea or suggestion? Cheers! *NEVERMIND IF YOU DONT HAVE SUGGESTION, NO NEED TO TELL ME TO RETURN IT. THANKS!

[Dom9]

Interesting! There have been a few of these threads over the years, including one by me. The general consensus seems to be that a 5513/1665/1680/Tudor Sub/other bezel/insert should be ~36.55mm.

However, I too own a 36.3mm insert that appears to be completely genuine, specifically because it is a service insert, bought from a trusted seller on here, and I don't think anyone has ever bothered trying to replicate a thin font, non-serif as they're so reasonably cheap anyway.

However, all of my bezels take the 36.55mm insert, which is what the rest of my inserts are, including another service insert I have. If I use this one (it sometimes gets rotation when I pick up a new watch without insert/damaged insert) it goes in with tape.

I Googled extensively and 36.3mm inserts do appear on ebay, etc. but as far as I can tell the 36.3mm bezel/insert combo is rare and there seemed to be some suggestion it could have been a service variant. I also have a couple of service bezels and they take the larger insert.

Would be interested if anyone could ever help us get to the bottom of this!

[swish77]

If both the insert and bezel are genuine it will fit .... However, old Sub inserts can often be a big pain. Some are easy, others are definitely not. I once snapped a beautiful ghost insert on my 5512 after hours of trying to fit it in. The tolerance is very small.

First, try putting the insert over an old glass bottle (like an old-fashion Coke bottle or the like) and applying even downward pressure (carefully) to make it more curved/concave and less flat. Then throw it in the freezer overnight to try to shrink it a bit.

There are numerous threads on the best technique to pop in the insert, but I get it in as much as possible with my thumbs, then pop in the last section using a lot of pressure on the edge of a cloth-covered desk or table. It should pop in.

Good luck.

[swaini3]

Could you post clear pictures / macros of the "Mk3 insert"?

[Dan S]

Bezels and inserts sometimes take some massaging. An experienced watchmaker with a full shop of tools might be helpful.

[N0trub]

Freeze the insert and warm the bezel..excellent example your red sub.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by N0trub

Freeze the insert and warm the bezel..excellent example your red sub.

This, make sure a serious delta in temperature.

[springer]

36.50 - to slightly larger like 36.52 for Submariner 1680/5513 inserts. Age and/or wear can slightly affect diameters.