I am in Cape Cod and after snorkeling today I got caught up in a conversation about Great White Sharks and completely forgot to rinse my SMP. Now, I cannot rotate the bezel after multiple rinses and warm and cold water submersions.

Help please?

 

Either use The Force, or use some force.

 

Very helpful Dennis.

 

I do what I can.

Doesn't the bezel pop off these?

 

Not sure but I've heard using mild soap and warm water while trying to turn it should get the salt loose enough and slowly get it out. If otherwise removing the bezel for a deep clean would work. Gluck!

 

If you can't get it loose by washing it, then wait to take it to someone who can remove the bezel with the proper tools.

I've seen more damaged cases (and bezels) from people prying bezels off than you can imagine....

Cheers, Al

 

NO! You never try to pop the bezel off.

 

Exactly.

But it took 14 hours before it eventually freed up. I must have left it in warm water 4 times since yesterday.

 

Is this the best way to remove a bezel?

 

If you want to feck up your watch, yes it's a great way!

If you don't want to damage your case, or bend the bezel however, find someone who has the right tools:







Cheers, Al

 

LMAO! I love how the insert flies off while he is struggling to pop off the bezel. And after super gluing it the insert does not line up with the scallops. That would drive me bonkers! Obviously, that watch derserves another wrist.

 

What a nightmare! Didn't line it up at all! And he surely didn't scratch the watch at all...

 

There should be. One of my favorites is the doofus who opens Rolex cases with scissors.

 

I have seen worse done by people who claim to be watchmakers unfortunately....

 

I feel quite queasy after watching that clip. Poor, poor watch

 

Take note of the tattoos and the lack of fingers on the right hand; me thinks this is not the first time the fellow in the video has done something without thinking it through...
Run away!!

 

I learned from a professional underwater photographer many years ago to rinse all dive/photo equipment by adding baking powder to the water - I followed his advice after every dive for many years and never had any problems with any of my gear. The process required a container large enough to place the equipment - I used a large rubber trash can- filled with fresh water, adding a couple of teaspoons of baking soda powder. You would then work all the controls of your equipment -e.g. the focus, shutter and apperture knobs, etc. while keeping the gear in the container filled with the fresh water mix. I always included my dive watch in this drill and again, never had any problems. So next time you forget to rinse the watch after a swim in salt water and the bezel gets stuck, you could try the fresh water and baking soda powder mix.

 

Makes lots of sense; the bicarbonate solution you are making will help neutralize the NaCl of the seawater. Great hint!