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Rotating DON Bezel of a vintage Speedmaster

perlunk
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We've recently replaced the bezel of a 105.012 Speedmaster by a correct DON one. Unfortunately the Bezel is rotating and seems not to have snug press fit. It's not falling off.

The watchmaker says that there is nothing he can do. Used bezels tend to loosen the more they get removed and re-attached. Sounds plausible.

Anyhow, Is this really it? Nothing professionally that we can do? I wouldn't like to use any glues or stay away from patch work solutions. And nothing risky that might cause more damage.

Any clean tricks and advice to solve the problem?
 
ACC1965
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I’m not a watchmaker…
But if you put a tiny piece of double sided tape or something (vertically) would it will the “space” and tighten the fit of the bezel?
 
Davidt
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I’ve never had a need for it to be done to any of my watches but I know other members have mentioned having bezels adjusted when they’re loose, to ensure a snug fit
 
perlunk
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ACC1965 ACC1965
I’m not a watchmaker…
But if you put a tiny piece of double sided tape or something (vertically) would it will the “space” and tighten the fit of the bezel?
I know something like this might work, but primarily would prefer to avoid this. But anyhow, if there is no other solution I might try.
 
pitbos
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Can you clarify if the bezel insert is loose and rotating within the stainless steel bezel ring? Or, is the actual bezel ring loose?
 
SpeedTar
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With a staking tool you can punch (I usually do that in 8 positions) the backside of the bezel (the inner edge) => it will allow the bezel to be pressed on the case tightly
 
perlunk
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pitbos pitbos
Can you clarify if the bezel insert is loose and rotating within the stainless steel bezel ring? Or, is the actual bezel ring loose?
It is the stainless steel bezel ring.
 
perlunk
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SpeedTar SpeedTar
With a staking tool you can punch (I usually do that in 8 positions) the backside of the bezel (the inner edge) => it will allow the bezel to be pressed on the case tightly
How risky would that be? Deformation, cracking of the insert? Have you ever run into trouble?
 
SpeedTar
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perlunk perlunk
How risky would that be? Deformation, cracking of the insert? Have you ever run into trouble?
I have done it several times, never had any issues. I am a watchmaker so I guess I am used to take some precaution => flat surface , protective non-adhesive film on the insert
 
perlunk
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SpeedTar SpeedTar
I have done it several times, never had any issues. I am a watchmaker so I guess I am used to take some precaution => flat surface , protective non-adhesive film on the insert
May I ask where you punch? A B C?
bezel.webp
 
SpeedTar
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On your pic, I assume the C is the back of the insert.
So at the inner edge of the B
 
perlunk
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SpeedTar SpeedTar
On your pic, I assume the C is the back of the insert.
So at the inner edge of the B
Thank you!
 
Dan S
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Rolex makes a bezel adjustment tool. If you take it to a watchmaker experienced with Rolex, he will be able to adjust it.
 
Davidt
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If the watchmaker that serviced it didn’t know how to do adjust it initially, I’d have serious reservations about them trying for the first time on my DON bezel!
 
perlunk
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Davidt Davidt
If the watchmaker that serviced it didn’t know how to do adjust it initially, I’d have serious reservations about them trying for the first time on my DON bezel!
The watchmaker has done a good job so far, and I've been happy, but this disappoints a bit. I'll try to find a watchmaker who has done this before and knows how to fix it. I considered to try it myself, but I might not be brave enough.
 
M'Bob
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perlunk perlunk
May I ask where you punch? A B C?
bezel.webp
SpeedTar SpeedTar
On your pic, I assume the C is the back of the insert.
So at the inner edge of the B
Okay, I’m puzzled: if the bezel is loose, you punch on the inside of “B”? Is the idea to decrease the diameter for a snugger fit, or get it tighter via other means?
 
J!m
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Least invasive idea is to set the bezel ring with G-S cement. It sounds like the fit is "close enough" that well applied, it will be invisible, yet secure.

It's reversible and non-damaging or altering to either the bezel or the case, should anything change in the future.

I have glued down fixed bezel rings (on Tudor) with good success.
 
perlunk
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J!m J!m
Least invasive idea is to set the bezel ring with G-S cement. It sounds like the fit is "close enough" that well applied, it will be invisible, yet secure.

It's reversible and non-damaging or altering to either the bezel or the case, should anything change in the future.

I have glued down fixed bezel rings (on Tudor) with good success.
I know, nobody will see it and most likely it will do the job, but somehow it feels like a hidden flaw. It's like a car dent filled with putty instead of trying to hammer and even out the dent. Does it make sense?! All the vintage collecting is emotion for me, not necessarily acting wisely.
 
J!m
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Well, do you want to alter the case or the bezel? Personally, I'd not want to alter either vintage piece, as a "better" part may come along later.

Do as you wish, but that's exactly what I would do (and have done) in this situation.
 
perlunk
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J!m J!m
Well, do you want to alter the case or the bezel? Personally, I'd not want to alter either vintage piece, as a "better" part may come along later.

Do as you wish, but that's exactly what I would do (and have done) in this situation.
Have you been able to take the bezel off at some point later without problems? Any concerns that you would need additional force to remove it?
 
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