Replacing / Swapping Bezels

Tad · Oct 13, 2021

Hi,

Just thought I’d share a pic of a cheapo bezel press that I picked up from Amazon for £15.

Anyone replacing or swapping bezels on their watches needs to get one of these. Comes with a bunch of dies. Appreciate there are other more technical and expensive models but for the amateur these are great.

There are plenty of vids on YouTube demonstrating how to remove and then replace the bezel.

Tx3double · Oct 21, 2021

That’s pretty cool, I pried a bezel off a Rolex with a butter knife - probably not the most appropriate tool.

eldiano84 · Oct 21, 2021

T Tx3double
That’s pretty cool, I pried a bezel off a Rolex with a butter knife - probably not the most appropriate tool.

I ended up scratching the case pretty bad and I regretted it ever since, lessons learned though.

Dan S · Oct 21, 2021

Just to clarify, the OP tool won't really help you remove a bezel. For that, you can often use a hand tool, or something like:

Scarecrow Boat · Oct 21, 2021

Dan S
Just to clarify, the OP tool won't really help you remove a bezel. For that, you can often use a hand tool, or something like:

Or if you’re feeling bold 😉

mzzleather · Oct 21, 2021

Dan S
Just to clarify, the OP tool won't really help you remove a bezel. For that, you can often use a hand tool, or something like:

been searching for one of these to experiment with simple bezel changes. I was sold after seeing my watch repair guy swap out my watch bezel fuss free, within seconds but alas he said this device was custom made for him. Would u know where to get one online?

Dan S · Oct 21, 2021

mzzleather
been searching for one of these to experiment with simple bezel changes. I was sold after seeing my watch repair guy swap out my watch bezel fuss free, within seconds but alas he said this device was custom made for him. Would u know where to get one online?

The Chinese versions are available anywhere, including Amazon or eBay, and they are sufficient for occasional use IMO. You can buy more professional quality tools at Ofrei, Esslinger, Cousins, etc. Depending on where you live.

vibe · Oct 22, 2021

I use one of those as well, I think it was around $100. To clarify, it is best for a fixed bezel like that of a Rolex oyster case. Rotating bezels can be removed pretty easily with a case knife.

Tad · Oct 22, 2021

A case knife and some tape to protect the watch case is usually sufficient. Although you need to be careful not to bend the bezel.

These are quite good and cheap for removing rotating bezels. As mentioned earlier lots of other options can be found at ofrei & cousins.

Archer · Oct 22, 2021

vibe
I use one of those as well, I think it was around $100. To clarify, it is best for a fixed bezel like that of a Rolex oyster case. Rotating bezels can be removed pretty easily with a case knife.

Yes, that is a cheap version of a fixed bezel remover, and not for rotating dive bezels.

For dive bezels, a case knife can be used, but it has to be done with caution. I've had enough damaged watches come to me after "watchmakers" used a case knife on them, that I generally don't recommend this method to people. If so called professionals can do this to a bezel:

Then someone with no experience may not fair any better. Bending the bezel is only one risk - the back of the case knife can also do some damage, in particular on twisted lug designs like Omega uses:

Taping the lugs will not save you from this damage...

And if you insert the case knife too deep, you can damage the surface that the bezel rides on:

A tool made specifically for removing rotating dive bezels (there are several out there) is a better option than a case knife in my view.

Cheers, Al

Replacing / Swapping Bezels

Tad

Tx3double

eldiano84

Dan S

Scarecrow Boat

mzzleather

Dan S

vibe

Tad

Archer

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