Sub 16800 broken bezel spring - missing tension ring

[vittoriotolo]

Hi guys,

I have brought my Rolex Submariner 16800 in for a service, a crystal change (old one had a big scratch on the cyclop) and they also replaced the bezel spring (because it was not rotating at all). Everything at a local watchmaker.

The bezel was turning perfectly when I picked it up, until yesterday (1 month after having changed the spring) it felt kind of easy to turn. Then, after playing with it for the whole day as it seemed suspicious, I realised it started turning in both directions. I removed the bezel using a plastic tool and I realised the bezel spring was broken.
More suspiciously, I could not find the bezel tension ring at all. Any ideas?

I want to call the watchmaker and ask him what happened to my tension ring + get a new spring and ring set.

What are your thoughts?
It seemed to me like the spring broke so easily due to the lack of tension ring. Or am I tripping?

Thank you guys!
Vittorio

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by vittoriotolo

Hi guys,


Any ideas?

I want to call the watchmaker and ask him what happened to my tension ring + get a new spring and ring set.

What are your thoughts?

Yes, do that ^

[Andad]

That would give you the answer.

You should still have a warranty.

[BisonHead]

Yes ring the watchmaker right away.

[vittoriotolo]

Thanks guys, will ring him first thing Monday morning.

Do you guys know what the tension ring is for?

[oysterquartz17000]

This happened to me after a service recently on my 16610. The bezel spring was tight and after a few days and a twist of the bezel something gave. When I took the bezel off I noticed the spring was in two pieces and really just looked like a heated piece of wire.

I have bought a replacement as I can install them, but its a tad annoying.

[vittoriotolo]

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

This happened to me after a service recently on my 16610. The bezel spring was tight and after a few days and a twist of the bezel something gave. When I took the bezel off I noticed the spring was in two pieces and really just looked like a heated piece of wire.

I have bought a replacement as I can install them, but its a tad annoying.

That’s exactly what happened to me, when I popped the bezel, the spring was in two pieces.

I was thinking of buying a replacement but I am also curious to understand what happened to my tension ring. If for some reason the watchmaker is unresponsive, I will probably buy spring + tension ring and fix it myself.

Where did you source it by the way?

[oysterquartz17000]

Just on ebay. I usually only use rolex parts, but with piece I make an exception. I just installed it actually and it fit beautifully and my watch now has a clicking bezel for the first time in possibly a year or so.

As for what happened to yours, I am only guessing but it probably comes down to metal fatigue. Its a small consumable part so they are meant to fail sooner or later. Luckily for us it isnt a big repair and if you are adept at popping a bezel off you can do it yourself. I learnt how to do it via a few youtube clips.

[vittoriotolo]

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

Just on ebay. I usually only use rolex parts, but with piece I make an exception. I just installed it actually and it fit beautifully and my watch now has a clicking bezel for the first time in possibly a year or so.

As for what happened to yours, I am only guessing but it probably comes down to metal fatigue. Its a small consumable part so they are meant to fail sooner or later. Luckily for us it isnt a big repair and if you are adept at popping a bezel off you can do it yourself. I learnt how to do it via a few youtube clips.

Indeed, it seemed quite straightforward.
I will call the watchmaker but I might end up doing it myself.

Thanks!!