hi guys

Probably going to buy a 145012 this friday but it has been at bienne where the do90 bezel has been replaced with a more modern one.

As I know myself I Will possibly try to change the bezel myself this friday. Because i Dont want to ruin it and I know i am quite impulsive I am already investigating how this has to be done.

I find several different techniques? Which one is the most helpful? Already have a crystal press so refitting it won't be a problem..

 

Al says its not really cool, and I respect that.
However its the way I do it.
I might add the last two I changed I could not refit and had to send them the the work shop as they needed "adjusting"
Results here:
http://speedmaster101.com/blog/what-a-difference-a-bezel-makes/

The trick is to know when you are beaten....

 

and there you go! you now just need to stop by your nearest casino to get the proper tool!

 

Its a very expensive tool.

How do you end up with one casino chip?


Start with loads.

 

Was at my watchmaker today and he said speedy bezels are a pain to work on always..

Saw your movie gemini already!

Someone else has an other trick? Saw one guy using wash basin pvc or something?

 

I use a small plastic brush , the handle has a V shape which fits perfectly below the bezel, a quick push and twist and the bezel pops off - have never had any issues with this method.

 

something like this:



http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/$T2eC16F,!)sE9swm(temBQNq nNmcw~~60_35.JPG

 

+1 on Oddboy's bezel removal gizmo. I've used this a few times and bezel pops off, no damage and no bending.

Used a simple watch press like this to reattach a rather expensive vintage bezel with no issues.

 

The poker chip method works much better for me than the 4-bladed tool on Speedmasters. That tool does come in handy when the bezel doesn't extend beyond the edge of the case.

 

I don't like this because its is metal to metal....
I tried this and I don't see how I could use it without leaving a mark.
I am not saying that there are not those here who can....I can be an ape

 

Several people have given you the best technique - go to a watchmaker. Didn't you read those posts?

[sarcasm] Love these threads. DIY Backyard Mechanics live on! [/sarcasm]

 

Agree, you have to be very careful, but the bezel will pop off before the blades hit the case if you go slow. I've done it a few times on a crappy parts watch with no issues.

..and I can be an ape too. Don't even bother trying to remove hands - especially the subdial hands!

 

True. A watchmaker is the best.
Some of us live several hours from one, and lack patience.
[you dont have to read] these threads! [If it upsets you]

 

I still would be hesitative to actually try it for the first time with such an expensive piece. just let someone else do it emilio

 

Omega also used a rubber tool in their service video to separate the bezel from case. The blade tool is the proper way but there is another method.

 

and emilio, did you try it?

 

At first, I was very happy being able to remove the original bezel using thi)s tool, quite easily.

The stock bezel front and back after removal.

The replacement pulsometer bezel was ready. (soursed from https://www.swisslimitededitions.com/) . I believe it is genuine.


After pressing the bezel on with the crystal tool as recommended from gemini4, bezel fits firmly. Then I found out to be in some trouble. I thought I was not careful enough markers did not line up properly ( 60 on the bezel has to line up to 3 o clock). The problem at this point is I was not able to remove the bezel again either with this tool or the same one as oddboy's gizmo. Please advise, any idea welcome. (the excuse for my sloppiness - I was working the whole night, not slept yet. ) Time to give up DIY?
321.10.42.50.04.001

 

The bezel part number shown is not for that case. In addition, the bezel remover you show is not designed to remove fixed bezels, but is for rotating dive bezels only.

My advice would be to seek out a watchmaker who can help you solve this...