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

[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by bitparser

When you say never could get it back working right, which part do you mean? The bezel rotation?

One common reason it doesn't work right is that the click spring isn't engaging one of the 120 "teeth" in the bezel ring properly and it jams the proper rotating operation of the bezel. If you secure the bezel ring to the watch before installing the insert, and make sure the click spring engages the teeth and "clicks" incrementally when rotating the bezel, then install the insert, you avoid that problem. In my series of photos, I show how the click spring should engage the teeth. Note: my watch has the later, longer, click spring. The original 16710 click spring is about half as long.

[Stan Cooper]

FWIW, I modified an aftermarket ceramic BLRO insert to fit the stock 16710 bezel. I got tired of scratching the aluminum inserts.

[bitparser]

Originally Posted by russeree

Whittle down the end of a wooden chopstick. Use a good amount of pressure and it comes off. Replacing is easy as pie.

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

I thought wood or plastic might break when popping it off.

[JasonBetts]

One more thing. Releasing the insert is easy but putting it back on needs more pressure but not too much as you don't want any of them to slip and get bent. Push in circular manner as they 'grip' one side but you need to rotate get all the sides sit in place


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by bitparser

Thanks for the tip.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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.

[PepsiBezel]

This spudger works well if the click spring needs to be pushed into the teeth of the bezel.

https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/S.../IF145-002?o=4

[bitparser]

Originally Posted by JasonBetts

One more thing. Releasing the insert is easy but putting it back on needs more pressure but not too much as you don't want any of them to slip and get bent. Push in circular manner as they 'grip' one side but you need to rotate get all the sides sit in place


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks.

[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.

[Bladeshot]

IFixIt is the way to go. Quick video here.

Typed instructions are in the body of the YouTube video description.

https://youtu.be/dVryPobMOFg

[hng]

I swap my pepsi with LN with not much difficulty.

[bitparser]

Originally Posted by Bladeshot

IFixIt is the way to go. Quick video here.

Typed instructions are in the body of the YouTube video description.

https://youtu.be/dVryPobMOFg

That's great. Thank you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[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.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wrist King]

Find a silicon kitchen spatula and gently force it under the corners. It’s super easy. Then offer the same service in your local area!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[royce]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

This post may be helpful.

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

Great resource. Thanks for sharing.