Replacing the bezel inserts on 16710 GMT2

[liuk3]

I was just curious people's impression of how damaging it is to the watch each time you swap bezel inserts. I've read on this forum opinions that while the watch gives the illusion that it is easy to swap between the various bezel inserts, the watch was not really designed to swap the inserts over and over as some damage is incurred each time the swap occurrs. Just wondering people's take on how true this is in potential damage to the watch each time you swap bezel inserts.

[liuk3]

Any thoughts?

[mfer]

I would say, yes, there is damage each time. You could minimize the damage by having a entirely separate bezel and bezel insert. I'd say the majority of the damage is created when forcing the insert into the bezel.

The bezel's are around $400 on the secondary market, so not a cheap thing to do.

[liuk3]

Thanks, Mike, for the input. Wondering how many bezel insert swaps going back and forth between different inserts would toast your bezel?

[mfer]

Originally Posted by liuk3

Thanks, Mike, for the input. Wondering how many bezel insert swaps going back and forth between different inserts would toast your bezel?

I would say it depends on your tools. If you have official Rolex bezel tools, not much. If you are doing it by hand (like most I suspect), you'll chip the paint eventually. There is no number, it depends on the operator. One time might be enough to chip the paint!

[jay_kay]

I have just swapped the insert on my 16710LN and to be honest it's now Pepsi it going to be staying that way for the foreseeable future. I won't be swapping and changing them, if i want a black bezel I'll just wear my 14060m!

[HDHNTER]

If done carefully & not excessively I don't think you have anything to worry about. I wore the 16710 as my daily for a few years, changing inserts fairly often & I didn't experience any issues. That being said, the potential for damage is definitely there if you don't pay attention to what you are doing.

[liuk3]

To be honest, I was just going to have my local independant Rolex watchmaker do it for me. He said he charges only $25 to swap the bezel insert, and I assume that he would do a better job than myself, but I think that I keep toying with going back and forth between all the bezel colors for variety. While I actually like the coke the best, the pepsi's red/blue colors better match my wife's red and blue rings signifying our son and daughter. Then, the black might be the most conservative for more formal business occasions. Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Really appreciate people sharing their varying insights, experiences and opinions.

[nch209]

I think you will be ok with infrequent swaps and don't see much harm to the bezel. I say you stand more of a chance bending the bezel in the case of the GMT, or breaking a sub insert at the location of the pearl if you don't put the pearl side in first. That said, another bezel is the way to go, but you gotta pay to play!

Be careful, and have fun swapping!
-n8

[Noriki]

No damage if you are careful and know how to change it.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by liuk3

I was just curious people's impression of how damaging it is to the watch each time you swap bezel inserts. I've read on this forum opinions that while the watch gives the illusion that it is easy to swap between the various bezel inserts, the watch was not really designed to swap the inserts over and over as some damage is incurred each time the swap occurrs. Just wondering people's take on how true this is in potential damage to the watch each time you swap bezel inserts.

Inserts are normal serviceable items and are often replaced several times in the life of the watch.Now if you are say going to change the insert once a week or so then yes there will be extra wear on the bezel that's just common sense.

[joffrey888]

no real damage if your an expert in doing it...goodluck.....

[Johny]

hi first take your bezel assembly off and then go and get a new one fitted at the rsc. this gives you two bezels so less insert swaps are required. if you are not near a rsc then perhaps your local ad could order an assembly and fit it for you.

[azguy]

If you know what you are doing, no big deal