Help installing 1970 Accutron Deep Sea 666 rotating bezel

Posts
208
Likes
170
This Accutron Deep Sea 666 needed a lot of work, including case cleaning and improving the bezel's rotation. After the bezel was removed, the spring remained in the watch case. There's a raised lip that the bezel fits around, and a recess at the base of that where the spring nicely laid. But it doesn't seem like it'd do much good there. There's a recess inside the inner rim of the bezel that seems like a more logical place for it, but the spring is too small in diameter. It's a friction rotation bezel, and bi-directional. I've tried bending the spring to a larger diameter but it just springs back to it's original diameter. The spring is thin so I'm reluctant to bend it more for fear of breaking it. Does anyone know how this is supposed to fit?

 
Posts
342
Likes
515
The trick here is to fit the spring to the watch case first then fit the bezel over it. You'll need to push the spring inwards as you do so the bezel fits over it - working your way around the bezel.
 
Posts
208
Likes
170
Here's a pic of how the spring remained after removing the bezel. This is after I've cleaned everything up and put it back as it was. It doesn't look like it'd have much effect on the bezel but it sounds like this is how it's supposed to be. It'd be a real trick trying to compress it while installing the bezel, but perhaps it'll snap on without difficulty or having to really do anything with the spring.

 
Posts
342
Likes
515
This type of bezel spring can be a bit tricky, but give the technique I suggested a go. Gently press the bezel down on the case and spring and work your way around pushing the spring in and pushing the bezel down so it catches as you work your way around.
 
Posts
208
Likes
170
Thanks, It'll be a week before I can get back to it but I'll do that.
 
Posts
208
Likes
170
Yes, they put these in some very nice cases. The bracelet lugs fill those spaces almost seamlessly and is in wonderful condition as well. Just have to get the movement to work!