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Old 4 March 2009, 12:44 AM   #1
davidd
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Changing GMT bezel, AD's only?

I have found the GMT to be appealing to me , in part, b/c i like the idea of being able to change the bezel to coke, pepsi or blk depending on mood and function. However, I was just told, this is not really something the common owner can do.

first, i was told you must take your old bezel to AD and swap, plus, pay $110. You can't buy authorized bezel's though you may be able to get aftermarket's.

Second, I was told changing them is not easy. Bending the metal bezel is very easy to do and they don't fit that easily. I was told it is a misconception to think I can simply swap the bezels out for a different look any time i wish.

Your thoughts?
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Old 4 March 2009, 12:47 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidd View Post
I was told it is a misconception to think I can simply swap the bezels out for a different look any time i wish.

Your thoughts?
This is very true. Although you can put any combination you wish in it do not assume every friday you can keep changing back and forth.The bezel was not made to be changed around alot.
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Old 4 March 2009, 12:48 AM   #3
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hey david...it not really rocket science to change the bezel there is a thread here to teach you how...and you can buy a bezel here to stevemulholland or BUSA..or to almost anybody...and you can do it yourself and save money...
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Old 4 March 2009, 12:55 AM   #4
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Hi

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Originally Posted by bodybump View Post
hey david...it not really rocket science to change the bezel there is a thread here to teach you how...and you can buy a bezel here to stevemulholland or BUSA..or to almost anybody...and you can do it yourself and save money...
Hi Oscar, where can I find this thread if you can help.

Thanks,
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Old 4 March 2009, 01:10 AM   #5
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Here's the link to Jocke's tutorial. http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=49732
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Old 4 March 2009, 01:15 AM   #6
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There are a couple of caveats to changing the bezel insert on a GMT yourself, which I found out the hard way.

If you're going to do it, be prepared to f@#k it up. If you think having a mark on the underneath of the bezel will drive you nuts, even though only you know it's there, don't do it. Buy an insert from one of the guys on here and get a watch maker to change it for you.

The various threads explain how to change the insert in good detail BUT here's my advice...

Use a broad, flat surface to twist the bezel off. It'll spread the load a bit more easily and you're less likely to slip when the bezel comes off. This will result in either bending the washer that sits under the bezel, marking the bezel or case and stabbing yourself, resulting in copious amount of blood all over the place. Some bezels come off easier than others.

Hold the watch in a tea-towel, face cloth, etc. That way it's less likely to lose the little spring that allows the bezel to click, when it's in place.

Other than that it can be quite simple. Getting a new insert is relatively easy, the hard part comes with trying to change it.
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Old 4 March 2009, 02:04 AM   #7
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Hi

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Originally Posted by bodybump View Post
hey david...it not really rocket science to change the bezel there is a thread here to teach you how...and you can buy a bezel here to stevemulholland or BUSA..or to almost anybody...and you can do it yourself and save money...
Hi Oscar, where can I find this thread if you can help.

Thanks,
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Old 4 March 2009, 02:19 AM   #8
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Buz, Thanks for the link to Jocke's tutorial on changing bezel inserts!!!
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Old 4 March 2009, 03:22 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bodybump View Post
hey david...it not really rocket science to change the bezel there is a thread here to teach you how...and you can buy a bezel here to stevemulholland or BUSA..or to almost anybody...and you can do it yourself and save money...
Have to agree maybe the first time its a bit harder to do,but with practise to change a bezel insert takes minutes.Only the bezel insert wants changing inserts can be bought from ADs or forum members quite cheaply.
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Old 4 March 2009, 08:06 AM   #10
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I did it myself and it is not easy...I would look at all the different posts we have.

Yes, you can do it yourself but I would give it to an AD next time. My fingers hurt for a long time and even being very careful and used tape I put a new scratch in my watch!

Here is what I posted:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=61824
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Old 4 March 2009, 08:30 AM   #11
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Its dead easy to do but as mentioned before its not ment to be done on a regular basis
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Old 4 March 2009, 08:32 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by buz-lh View Post
Here's the link to Jocke's tutorial. http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=49732
here is the link...the one buzz posted..its a tutorial from jocke...
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Old 5 March 2009, 12:52 AM   #13
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Another idea is to "simply" obtain another bezel (not the insert) and swap the entire bezel each time.
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Old 5 March 2009, 01:10 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidd View Post
I have found the GMT to be appealing to me , in part, b/c i like the idea of being able to change the bezel to coke, pepsi or blk depending on mood and function. However, I was just told, this is not really something the common owner can do.

first, i was told you must take your old bezel to AD and swap, plus, pay $110. You can't buy authorized bezel's though you may be able to get aftermarket's.

Second, I was told changing them is not easy. Bending the metal bezel is very easy to do and they don't fit that easily. I was told it is a misconception to think I can simply swap the bezels out for a different look any time i wish.

Your thoughts?
I really hate it when someone with a vested interest in you not doing the chore yourself telling others it's best left to professionals; I'd almost bet an AD told you this.

I actually bought one of the Snap-On tools recommended for changing GMT bezels and I didn't even own a GMT, but planned on buying one. Ended up buying a GMT IIC, I'll either have to find another use for the tool or get an older GMT II.
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