Tool for removing bezels...has anyone used this successfully on their Sub?

[outtatime]

I'm still trying to work up the courage to swap the green insert on my LV out for a black one...I just happened to find this little gem on ofrei.com:



Has anyone used this or something like it (successfully or not)? Seems a lot safer to me than a knife edge under the bezel.

[harleydog]

Knife edge worked perfect to be honest, that thing looks scary

[gt3pilot]

I think that tool is designed for a pressed on bezel, which is not the case with the rotating bezel on the sub. It pops on and off really easy. A simple pop with a knife edge and off it comes. Just make sure when you pop it off you don't let the click spring get away from you. You'll find changing the insert is much more work than the actual bezel itself if you've never done it before.


-Scott B.

[outtatime]

I'm just mostly worried about either bending the insert with the blade or scratching something (even though I'd wrap it in masking tape). Also, I've read conflicting reports as to how easy/difficult it is to get it off (in terms of how much force to use, where to pry, etc.).

[clarencek]

Had the same fears, but popping it off is the easy part and I've done it on 3-4 watches now.

I used a butter knife wrapped with a paper towel so there was no metal-to-metal contact. I pry it off on the 6 o'clock side, but would probably work anywhere. You can do it slow... once it reaches a certain point, it will pop off.

Once the bezel is off, it's a little effort to push out the insert, but not hard.

Getting the bezel back on with the metal disc and the spring is a little tricky, but once you have everything in place, it pushes back in easily.

The hardest part - with one of my watches - was pushing in the new insert. It seems very slight variances in the insert's size can make this an easy or very difficult task.
In that one case I had to bring it into a RSC to push back in because I couldn't do it by hand.

I just told them it popped out and they put it in - no questions asked.

Good luck!

[cht]

That tool looks like it is for "tools."

;)

Well, I have done it several times...first time is the scariest because you don't want to eff anything up!

So, for the first time removal, here is my super cautious method.

I do recommend the masking tape, HOWEVER, I would suggest another layer of protection, suck as a 3x5 note card, then tape over it.
I do this on at least two corners opposite from eachother, like around 1 o'clock and 7 o'clock.

Use a utility razor knife and work the 1 o'clock corner VERY slightly with the blade, kinda like a sea-saw motion so the bezel is barely starting to lift from the case.

Then I go to the 7 o'clock and do the same thing.

Then, I use a fine flat head screw driver that is considerably sturdier than the razor and start in the space I made with the razor.
This should do it.

:)

GL!

[David Woo]

This Snap On pry bar works a treat:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog
DW

[rescue7]

I remove my Bezel with a good ol fashioned wooden spatula, does the trick.

[buz-lh]

Originally Posted by David Woo

This Snap On pry bar works a treat:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog
DW

I use this all the time on my GMT's. Works great and no marring.

[Rikki]

I've used it not particularly impressed. Rik

[outtatime]

Originally Posted by Rikki

I've used it not particularly impressed. Rik

Which? The Snap-On or the bezel tool I originally posted?

[jekuo]

A plastic pry bar works great. They make them for car body moulding and trim removal. Strong and non-marring.

[Rscmaine]

Plastic putty knife - also works to press the new insert in without scratching it. (use the side and cover a wide swath at a whack)

[MitchSteel]

I used my credit card on both subs and gmt's.

[Rikki]

The black circle giggie you posted a picture of Rik

[Hummer]

Check the following link for a tutorial on how to change a bezel :

http://www.vikbobil.se/bezel.html

[David Woo]

Originally Posted by outtatime

I just happened to find this little gem on ofrei.com Has anyone used this or something like it?

It looks a bit iffy to me. I think it goes in the same category as those orange ball things used to open case backs :)
DW

[Jason71]

That snap-on tool looks like it would be pretty good. Any others out there that have used it and like it??

[Latrodectus]

Originally Posted by outtatime

Which? The Snap-On or the bezel tool I originally posted?

yes, I bought it and it works perfect...and again, getting it off is not the hardest part

[SteveK]

i'd be careful with a knife edge to tell you the truth it warps the ring even slightly, may not be noticeable but when you start to turn the bezel youll notice some parts turn easier than other regions that are more stiff, even when cleaned. use the 4 flanged remover like this http://www.jewelerssupplies.com/Bezel-Remover.html its more suited and applies even 4 way pressure

[bodybump]

Holly molly batman!!!!

[Rscmaine]

Originally Posted by SteveK

i'd be careful with a knife edge to tell you the truth it warps the ring even slightly, may not be noticeable but when you start to turn the bezel youll notice some parts turn easier than other regions that are more stiff, even when cleaned. use the 4 flanged remover like this http://www.jewelerssupplies.com/Bezel-Remover.html its more suited and applies even 4 way pressure

Another option is to clamp the bracelet to the dining room table and give a plastic putty knife to your wife and 2 kids - then all 4 of you apply equal pressure at the same time.

Geat family bonding!

[bmackinlay]

I have a question, is the spring on the GMT the same as on the Sub,the reason I ask is my GMT rotates both ways where the Sub only rotates one way. Bill

[Rikki]

The spring on the sub is unidirectional so as not to get you in trouble when diving and counting your bottom time. The gmt is omnidirectional because it doesn't matter which direction you set it. Rik

[bmackinlay]

RikKi, is the bezel different on the GMT verses the Sub? The tutorials I've seen the springs all seem the same. By the way don't forget to deliver my GMT tomorrow!! I've missed it all this week!! Bill

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by Hummer

Check the following link for a tutorial on how to change a bezel: http://www.vikbobil.se/bezel.html

I followed those instructions when replacing the bezel insert on my TT Sub. Very helpful. I used a knife blade with electrical tape on all surfaces, but if I do it again in the future, I'll use a sharp-edged piece of plastic. As has been alluded to, be very careful to not lose the little spring.

[ddnyc77]

Originally Posted by clarencek

Had the same fears, but popping it off is the easy part and I've done it on 3-4 watches now.

I used a butter knife wrapped with a paper towel so there was no metal-to-metal contact. I pry it off on the 6 o'clock side, but would probably work anywhere. You can do it slow... once it reaches a certain point, it will pop off.

Once the bezel is off, it's a little effort to push out the insert, but not hard.

Getting the bezel back on with the metal disc and the spring is a little tricky, but once you have everything in place, it pushes back in easily.

The hardest part - with one of my watches - was pushing in the new insert. It seems very slight variances in the insert's size can make this an easy or very difficult task.
In that one case I had to bring it into a RSC to push back in because I couldn't do it by hand.

I just told them it popped out and they put it in - no questions asked.

Good luck!

haha, yeah you had to tell them "it poped off" because if you told them you were playing with it they would yell at you like a disapointed parent. I know this because I was at the NY service center and the rep caught me adjusting the bracelet size with the point of a pen. Even this simple task got me spoken to. She practiclly took it out of my hand and brought it back to the tech to be sized.

[outtatime]

I just can't bring myself to do it...I've got a plastic putty knife but I'm too scared that I'm going to wreck it up even more. Wish there was a watchmaker I could trust around here...

[Flyjet601]

I have swapped my bezel many times on my GMT.

However, do not use a knife.....it will gouge and mark the watch and bezel very badly. Metal on metal you know...not good.

I bought a Snap On tool, number PBN-2 plastic pry bar tool. Works like a charm