Changing Speedy Bezel Without Case Press?

TNTwatch · Dec 13, 2015

The impact from the plastic bit could actually bend the metal bezel easily if it's already become sticky by rust or gunks.

wwhntr · Dec 13, 2015

I'd like to swap a few of my bezels...the one on my 2998-3 is not correct. Took it and a period correct bezel to my watchmaker. (According to MWO the B1. Dot Diagonal 70, was used 1961-1970, on ref 2998-3 up to some 145.022-69.) He said the replacement bezel would not go on easily, did not want to force it on, saying it seemed a bit smaller in diameter.

I didn't question him too much as I definitely did not want to damage either watch/bezel, nor did I want to damage our 25+ year relationship! He's since retired and I realize even more now how good he was at his craft!

Just curious, how many have experienced difference in diameter of bezels when doing a swap? If so, I would appreciate all feedback/solutions!

Spacefruit · Dec 13, 2015

In my experience there are bezels that are correct for a watch, but I cannot fit, at home.
Either they are too tight, and do not "click" on properly, or they are too loose, and can by pried off with fingers.
In all cases, and I have had quite a few, the technicians at STS have made "adjustments" so they fit.

As to the possibility of damage using the "poker chip" method, so far I have never damaged a bezel. Perhaps it is possible, but I think that one would have to hit the chip much harder than I am.

LawBrk · Jan 26, 2016

Any idea what they are doing when they perform these "adjustments"? I wish I had easy access to STS but oceans being what they are.....Just wondering in case I get into one of those situations where I begin to hate myself.

watchyouwant · Jan 26, 2016

when you begin to hate yourself over watch bezels, it is time, to start the healing process.....kind regards. achim

mokofoko · Sep 29, 2016

I found this thread a bit useful last night when I was trying to figure out how to swap the bezel inserts (but NOT the bezels) on two speedmasters. It took some doing to figure out how to separate insert from bezel (those Speedmaster inserts are wedged in there far tighter than a Seamaster equivalent!), but in the end using case press discs was the way to go. If I get any requests, I'll run through the process again and take photos in case anyone feels like replicating the process.

STANDY · Sep 29, 2016

mokofoko
I found this thread a bit useful last night when I was trying to figure out how to swap the bezel inserts (but NOT the bezels) on two speedmasters. It took some doing to figure out how to separate insert from bezel (those Speedmaster inserts are wedged in there far tighter than a Seamaster equivalent!), but in the end using case press discs was the way to go. If I get any requests, I'll run through the process again and take photos in case anyone feels like replicating the process.

So what you learnt here

https://omegaforums.net/threads/i-w...eedmaster-moon-watch.35171/page-3#post-403342

mokofoko · Sep 29, 2016

STANDY
So what you learnt here

https://omegaforums.net/threads/i-w...eedmaster-moon-watch.35171/page-3#post-403342

I had that in mind, but you don't know until you try. And it turns out that separating speedmaster bezel from insert isn't difficult at all with a case press. And before you ask, no aftermarket inserts used. Two speedy's, one bad bezel, one bad insert, criss-cross, = one nice watch!

oddboy · Sep 29, 2016

I'd love to know how you did it. Got any pic's? Before and after?

mokofoko · Sep 29, 2016

oddboy
I'd love to know how you did it. Got any pic's? Before and after?

Sadly, I didn't think to document the process--so no photos onhand. I wasn't sure it would work out--as was implied in other threads. Since there's some interest, I'll take one Speedy apart tonight and upload some pictures detailing the process. I can provide the casepress sizes I used as well, but I was specifically working with Speedy Reduced models--I'm sure the process will work just as well with Speedy Professional bezels, but I won't be able to provide those sizes.

EDIT: I started a new thread, so as not to hijack this one:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/how-to-separate-an-omega-speedmaster-insert-from-a-bezel.46387/

oddboy · Sep 29, 2016

Awesome, thanks!

Archer · Sep 29, 2016

wwhntr
Just curious, how many have experienced difference in diameter of bezels when doing a swap? If so, I would appreciate all feedback/solutions!

There are known compatibility issues with cases made by specific makers - this applies to current replacement bezels (and case backs) made by Omega. But it would not surprise me if there were issues like this in the past as well.

With regards to home bezel removal methods, well it's your watch. If it works fine, then it's hard to argue that you should not do it. But not all bezels remove or go on with the same ease, so just keep that in mind. What may work fine in one instance, may not in another.

Although this is a dive watch bezel on a watch that came in earlier this month, so a slightly different animal to remove, it shows what can happen when a simple job isn't so simple - fortunately only minor damage to the case this time (I've seen much, much worse damage done):

The bezel didn't fare so well as this shot on my granite plate shows:

Given the amount of force and deflection that would be required to bend the bezel this much, it makes me wonder what goes through someone's mind while they are doing this...

Oh, and this work was done by a "professional watchmaker" apparently...who admitted he didn't have the right tools for the job, after he bent the snot out of the bezel prying it off. ::facepalm1::

Just be careful, take your time, and if it feels like you are applying too much force, you definitely are.

Cheers, Al

Lapanouse · Sep 29, 2016

I've used the "poker chip" method with success, but generally I use a razor blade and press the sharp edge between the bezel and case. I insert the blade between parts in a few places, rotating the case, and the bezel will separate easily and without damage. You must take care and time. You will need something to hold the case on its edge as you work.

SpeedTar · Sep 29, 2016

My watchmaker changed my bezel with a knife (but an Omega please!) just in front of me..it takes him 8.73sec to do the operation!
I guess it is more a question of experience than using a specific tool

CajunTiger · Sep 29, 2016

ChicagoFrog
Yeah, probably has more to do with me not wanting to wait another two days to put it on. But I'll just man up and buy one.

This sounds like me...and every time I regret it.

I wish I was patient 😀

TNTwatch · Oct 3, 2016

mokofoko
I found this thread a bit useful last night when I was trying to figure out how to swap the bezel inserts (but NOT the bezels) on two speedmasters. It took some doing to figure out how to separate insert from bezel (those Speedmaster inserts are wedged in there far tighter than a Seamaster equivalent!), but in the end using case press discs was the way to go. If I get any requests, I'll run through the process again and take photos in case anyone feels like replicating the process.

Which Seamaster did you refer to here?

mokofoko · Oct 5, 2016

SpeedTar
My watchmaker changed my bezel with a knife (but an Omega please!) just in front of me..it takes him 8.73sec to do the operation!
I guess it is more a question of experience than using a specific tool

That's... very specific. I shudder at the thought of a knife being used. And it left no damage?

TNTwatch
Which Seamaster did you refer to here?

A 2561.80 (see attached photo), midsize bond quartz. It ends up in the ocean, worn when I'm working on engines and my bike, etc, generally gets scratched to hell. Also, the insert was uniformly faded. Before asking, all genuine replacement parts.

I got my hands on a replacement midsize bezel from a more recent SMP--the tracks were of a different size from the original, so swapping the insert and keeping the original bezel was necessary. Perfect fit. Unlike the Speedy inserts, the SMP inserts (at least the ones I tried) are possible to separate without special tools--though the case press would certainly work for separating an SMP bezel/insert if it was tight. Placed by hand, locks in well (no chance the insert could be removed with bezel still on the watch!).