How to change speedmaster bezel?

Dan S · Aug 23, 2021

ckhaing
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?

Did you try the poker chip method? I actually use a nylon insert from a crystal press instead of a poker chip, but the idea is the same. Place the watch crystal-down on something cushioned. Place the edge of the nylon disk against the edge of the bezel at a downward angle. Hit the other size of the nylon disk gently but firmly with a small hammer, and the bezel pops right off.

Or go to a watchmaker. 😀

ckhaing · Aug 23, 2021

Archer
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...

Ah several, lesson learnt. Thanks for your help.

That watch is 321.10.42.50.04.001. Is the bezel for 145.0012 I guess?
Another question popped up in my mind. Will that bezel fit 311.30.42.30.01.005 (speedmaster pro 1861) which I was also thinking to put it on? I like more the appearance of that bezel on the watch.

Thanks again.

sgrossma · Aug 23, 2021

It is so easy to remove these bezels. But in 7+ years I have NEVER had any luck with getting a single bezel back on. I have purchased 2 different amateur bezel presses, have cracked many crystals, and have learned this is one thing I simply am not qualified to do. I have had some luck with swapping out crystals, however.

ckhaing · Aug 23, 2021

Dan S
Did you try the poker chip method? I actually use a nylon insert from a crystal press instead of a poker chip, but the idea is the same. Place the watch crystal-down on something cushioned. Place the edge of the nylon disk against the edge of the bezel at a downward angle. Hit the other size of the nylon disk gently but firmly with a small hammer, and the bezel pops right off.

Or go to a watchmaker. 😀

I will try that nylon disk and hammer as a last resort before going to watch maker, but should only attempt after the sleep deprivation resolved i guess. 😒

Paedipod · Aug 23, 2021

sgrossma
It is so easy to remove these bezels. But in 7+ years I have NEVER had any luck with getting a single bezel back on. I have purchased 2 different amateur bezel presses, have cracked many crystals, and have learned this is one thing I simply am not qualified to do. I have had some luck with swapping out crystals, however.

I have used the top from an Advil (ibuprofen) bottle that is exactly the same size as a speedmaster bezel. That plus the crystal press works just perfectly ---> watch then bezel then open side of pill bottle top then press on top. Poker chip a là Spacefruit (from Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo....edge fits under a speedy bezel perfectly!) and mallet for removal if it is not quite lined up correctly.

sgrossma · Aug 23, 2021

Paedipod
I have used the top from an Advil (ibuprofen) bottle that is exactly the same size as a speedmaster bezel. That plus the crystal press works just perfectly ---> watch then bezel then open side of pill bottle top then press on top. Poker chip a là Spacefruit (from Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo....edge fits under a speedy bezel perfectly!) and mallet for removal if it is not quite lined up correctly.

Thanks - I’ve tried this and a few other tricks. Squeezed my guts out and still never had any luck.

Dan S · Aug 23, 2021

sgrossma
It is so easy to remove these bezels. But in 7+ years I have NEVER had any luck with getting a single bezel back on. I have purchased 2 different amateur bezel presses, have cracked many crystals, and have learned this is one thing I simply am not qualified to do. I have had some luck with swapping out crystals, however.

It is certainly harder to put them on than to take them off, but I've always managed to install Speedmaster bezels using a press with a bit of finesse and sometimes force. I honestly don't know how you would crack a crystal while installing a Speedmaster bezel. That is strange. I don't think that the die or the bezel should even be touching the crystal.

sgrossma · Aug 23, 2021

Dan S
It is certainly harder to put them on than to take them off, but I've always managed to install Speedmaster bezels using a press with a bit of finesse and sometimes force. I honestly don't know how you would crack a crystal while installing a Speedmaster bezel. That is strange. I don't think that the die or the bezel should even be touching the crystal.

Well - the first time I didn’t really know what I was doing and it was clearly touching.

The second time I didn’t realize it was touching, when I guess it was - or simply wasn’t until I applied more force.

Oh well. Maybe bad tools, bad luck, or just a bad operator.

Dan S · Aug 23, 2021

sgrossma
Well - the first time I didn’t really know what I was doing and it was clearly touching.

The second time I didn’t realize it was touching, when I guess it was - or simply wasn’t until I applied more force.

Oh well. Maybe bad tools, bad luck, or just a bad operator.

This could explain why you had a problem. If you were using a die that was too small and didn't clear the crystal, you would not be able to apply force to seat the bezel.

Walrus · Aug 23, 2021

A plus for effort you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, granted that’s an expensive omelette. Jobs are always easier with the proper tools and know how but you can get things done. I was on the phone with a Lincoln dealership trying to order a rear taillight. They informed me it was impossible to remove the bulb at home without the specialty tools. I nicely explained I had the bulb in my hand I just can’t find a replacement at the auto parts store. I had to drive to the dealer ship to show them. Turns out it was a special order LED bulb they don’t yet allow generics off. Took me literally five minutes to get out. I’m not comparing my LED light to a watch I’m just saying sometimes you gotta adapt, overcome and improvise. I think they were just mad they couldn’t bill me two hours for removing the “special bulb”. And I assure you anyone here who knows “lefty Lucy right tighty” could have removed that bulb, I have no clue what special tool they were talking about and they were not interested in showing me, maybe it was a poker chip.

Archer · Aug 23, 2021

Walrus
And I assure you anyone here who knows “lefty Lucy right tighty” could have removed that bulb, .

Interesting. I’ve always known this as “lefty loosey, righty tighty”...but maybe this is some local variation.

Of course not terribly helpful with left hand threads...

Dan S · Aug 23, 2021

Archer
Interesting. I’ve always known this as “lefty loosey, righty tighty”...but maybe this is some local variation.

Mrs. S is quite familiar with this and capable, but I recall an interesting conversation when trying to explain how to loosen a set-screw for a faucet handle (using an Allen key) when the set-screw was accessed from below. 🤦

Chemists are so familiar with conventions of chirality that it becomes second nature.

Walrus · Aug 24, 2021

Archer
Interesting. I’ve always known this as “lefty loosey, righty tighty”...but maybe this is some local variation.

Of course not terribly helpful with left hand threads...

Sorry

ckhaing · Aug 24, 2021

Dan S
Did you try the poker chip method? I actually use a nylon insert from a crystal press instead of a poker chip, but the idea is the same. Place the watch crystal-down on something cushioned. Place the edge of the nylon disk against the edge of the bezel at a downward angle. Hit the other size of the nylon disk gently but firmly with a small hammer, and the bezel pops right off.

Or go to a watchmaker. 😀

i got lucky with your method this morning

thank you so much everyone for patiently explaining in detail

now the bezel is alligned as it should. 😀😀

hopefully it won’t fall off

ckhaing · Aug 24, 2021

another bezel swap, decimeter service bezel on 1861 moon pro

ckhaing · Aug 24, 2021

finally telemeter service bezel on fois
need to realign

140dave · Dec 14, 2021

Just did my first bezel swap, thanks ya bunch of enablers! 😉
A nicer bezel makes a big difference and though I am not a good enough photographer to capture it, the newer bezel really brings out the brown in the dial.
Before:

After:

and no, it didn’t take me 2+ hours to do it, it took two hours to build up the courage to do the 10min of actual work. 😉

Gamma · Dec 15, 2021

140dave
Just did my first bezel swap, thanks ya bunch of enablers! 😉
A nicer bezel makes a big difference and though I am not a good enough photographer to capture it, the newer bezel really brings out the brown in the dial.
Before:

After:

and no, it didn’t take me 2+ hours to do it, it took two hours to build up the courage to do the 10min of actual work. 😉

Looks great, I have a similarly beat up don bezel on my speedy and am actively thinking of swapping it out similar to what yo have done. Makes the whole watch pop so much more

Gamma · Dec 23, 2021

OK so I did it.... I didn't have a poker chip or a watchmaker's hammer so I used a nylon disk from my case press and a proper hammer instead, but other than that the "speedmaster 101 method". Took me a few strikes as the first ones were too gentle, but on the 4th or 5th go it popped right off with no damage whatsoever.

The replacement was put back on with a cheapo press from ebay and is not OEM (and sold and priced as such) - I have no interest in spending a few k on a genuine DON. My original DON is now safely stored away and I'm happy with how the watch looks. Plus I don't care if the bezel gets dinged ;-)

Before

During

After

Dan S · Dec 23, 2021

G Gamma
OK so I did it.... I didn't have a poker chip or a watchmaker's hammer so I used a nylon disk from my case press and a proper hammer instead, but other than that the "speedmaster 101 method". Took me a few strikes as the first ones were too gentle, but on the 4th or 5th go it popped right off with no damage whatsoever.

The replacement was put back on with a cheapo press from ebay and is not OEM (and sold and priced as such) - I have no interest in spending a few k on a genuine DON. My original DON is now safely stored away and I'm happy with how the watch looks. Plus I don't care if the bezel gets dinged ;-)

I am going to LIKE your post for the DIY effort, but I'm not a fan of repro parts. 😉
(I'd prefer to see an authentic service bezel.)

How to change speedmaster bezel?

Dan S

ckhaing

sgrossma

ckhaing

Paedipod

sgrossma

Dan S

sgrossma

Dan S

Walrus

Archer

Dan S

Walrus

ckhaing

ckhaing

ckhaing

140dave

Gamma

Gamma

Dan S

Similar threads

Swatch strap buckle. How to change it.

How to open Omega Deville case, to change a battery?

Do I need to change crystal on this watch?

Recommendation needed for screwdriver sets to change watch batteries

Not able to change email in settings.

Always love getting a new strap to change the look up