Problem in removing the Bezel on 90's GMT II

[GIS8]

After scouring the internet for a bezel insert and finally receiving it I thought it was time to do the in home replacement. And to my luck I some how messed even that simple task up.

In removing the bezel the glass ended up stuck to the bezel. What should I do? The watch runs perfectly, but the bezel had always never spun correctly, now I know why.

What should I do? Should i pop the glass out of the bezel and stick it into the watch? Or would that be stupid? There aren't any local watchmakers, and I'd prefer to do a fix in home

I hate my luck.

[sleddog]

What you need to do now, is take to an RSC or independent watch maker (with Rolex parts account)....
The plexi glass seal to the watch is now compromised and needs to be correctly seated again to provide water proof integrity....
If not installed properly by yourself, you risk a flood of the watch...

[GIS8]

Water proof integrity aside, how can I fix it? I'm not in a position, money wise, to be able to send it off to get fixed.

[sleddog]

There is no home remedy IMO, as new parts and a press are needed.

I'll move this to the 'watch tech' section and one of our experienced watch maker members can give you their professional advice.... which I'm sure will entail a trip to a watchmaker!!

[Rikki]

First separate the crystal from the crystal retaining ring that is now stuck to your rotating bezel and put back on watch and line the cyclop over the date. Now separate the retaining ring from the bezel by first if you can popping the insert out of the rotating part. Once done you;ll have to separate the retaining ring from the rotating bezel without bending or distorting either good luck with that by the way. Once separated you'll need a crystal press to put the retaing ring back over the crystal make sure it seats flat to the case on all sides. Now put your new insert in the rotating bezel again good luck with that when done put the tension ring over the retaining ring than snap on the bezel easy peazy japanezy. Rikki

[crew]

Originally Posted by GIS8

Water proof integrity aside, how can I fix it? I'm not in a position, money wise, to be able to send it off to get fixed.

If ever a watch needed professional help it's yours. I understand wanting to save a buck, but this is not one of those times. My only advice is if finances prevent you from going to a professional then put the crystal back on as best you can. Then, seal the watch in an airtight bag or container and leave it until timing allows it to be repaired. Best of luck on getting this repaired in relatively short order.

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by crew

If ever a watch needed professional help it's yours. I understand wanting to save a buck, but this is not one of those times. My only advice is if finances prevent you from going to a professional then put the crystal back on as best you can. Then, seal the watch in an airtight bag or container and leave it until timing allows it to be repaired. Best of luck on getting this repaired in relatively short order.

+1. Send it to Rik D.....bet it's cheaper than you think to get it fixed.

[GIS8]

Originally Posted by Rikki

First separate the crystal from the crystal retaining ring that is now stuck to your rotating bezel and put back on watch and line the cyclop over the date. Now separate the retaining ring from the bezel by first if you can popping the insert out of the rotating part. Once done you;ll have to separate the retaining ring from the rotating bezel without bending or distorting either good luck with that by the way. Once separated you'll need a crystal press to put the retaing ring back over the crystal make sure it seats flat to the case on all sides. Now put your new insert in the rotating bezel again good luck with that when done put the tension ring over the retaining ring than snap on the bezel easy peazy japanezy. Rikki

Pretty much fixed it. Only problem being the air that got in it before closing it. Will send it off to get fixed sooner or later.

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by GIS8

Pretty much fixed it. Only problem being the air that got in it before closing it. Will send it off to get fixed sooner or later.

You really ought to send it to a RSC or a watchmaker like Rik to have it done right and pressure tested. If not you run a high risk of water getting into it.

[Ironstark]

Originally Posted by GIS8

Pretty much fixed it. Only problem being the air that got in it before closing it. Will send it off to get fixed sooner or later.

Its not the air that will do any damage unless it is extremely humid where you are, its the potential for moisture getting in thats the problem.