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Speedmaster Bezel Swapping

sgrossma
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I've watched speedy101's as well as several other videos regarding bezel removal & installation, but I just can't seem to get the re-install part no matter how hard I try.

I have tried several bezels on several different Speedmasters using the small bezel presses that you can buy online. It seems I can't ever apply enough force?

Are there any other tools or applications anyone can recommend?
 
ewand
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Have you tried a crystal press, like...
613kP7tHetL._SX679_.jpg

I've got a cheapo one of these and have used it to replace bezels on all sorts of watches; the trick is to find one of the resin inserts that's shaped enough to press the bezel while clearing the crystal. That way, as long as you know you've got it lined up properly and therefore you're pressing down evenly, you can put as much force as you like into pressing the bezel home.
 
eugeneandresson
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ewand ewand
the trick is to find one of the resin inserts that's shaped enough to press the bezel while clearing the crystal.
...
...you can put as much force as you like into pressing the bezel home.

...and preferably not do this...

s-l1600.jpg
Edited:
 
Cad290
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I’ve had success using the tool above, although sometimes the bezels just don’t fit and will need to be tweaked by a watchmaker
 
ewand
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OK, maybe don't apply as much force as you like then, @eugeneandresson 😲

... unless of course, you started with one of the very rare "Stepped DON" bezels...
 
sgrossma
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ewand ewand
Have you tried a crystal press, like...
613kP7tHetL._SX679_.jpg

I've got a cheapo one of these and have used it to replace bezels on all sorts of watches; the trick is to find one of the resin inserts that's shaped enough to press the bezel while clearing the crystal. That way, as long as you know you've got it lined up properly and therefore you're pressing down evenly, you can put as much force as you like into pressing the bezel home.

I have this exact one. Never seems to do the trick for me. Maybe I've just had bad luck with the specific bezels and watches I've tried. Or I'm incredibly weak. I was just wondering if there was a better one.

Thanks!
 
JwRosenthal
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I took mine to my watchmaker, he did it for free since I have a long relationship with him. If you currently don’t have a watchmaker but there is one in your area, this could be the perfect opportunity to establish a relationship.
 
Meme-Dweller
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I also have one of those cheapo eBay crystal press tool as pictured and it doesn't clear the hesalite. If you put too much pressure, it will crack the crystal. However, I happen to have a seasonal allergy problem so I've found that the cap of an Allegra bottle clears the crystal and sits on the metal edge of the bezel perfectly (instead of pushing on the fragile aluminum insert), so I place that on top and then use the crystal press LOL

Protip: use some masking tape to hold the aligned bezel in place before using the crystal press to prevent it from shifting
Edited:
 
20191016_144151.jpg 20191016_144212.jpg 20191016_144448.jpg
alam
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sgrossma sgrossma
....are there any other tools or applications anyone can recommend?

me? a qualified watchmaker 😀
 
oddboy
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I used to use the press above - the blue one. I stopped when (DON) bezels hit $2500...
 
sgrossma
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Lol, glad I'm not crazy. I've already cracked 2 crystals with that stupid thing. It always seems to clear... until it doesn't
 
Archer
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Not all bezels can be swapped...been covered before...

If in doubt, take it to a proper watchmaker.
 
sgrossma
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Yeah, I realize some may shrink / expand over time, etc. Or tolerances might just be off, etc. Or at a certain point a watchmaker is required.

Being able to do what should be (relatively) simple tasks at home (at least trying to) without spending the time to go some place is my goal. It is also something that just interests me. I'm not going to try to service a watch 😀

I was looking for recommendations on novice tools that'l help accomplish the task. I tried the $15 blue bezel press above, but as someone else mentioned, I've learned the hard way that those cheap plastic dies don't have enough clearance for the Speedmaster crystal.

I just ordered a different one that looks like it has better dies. Maybe that will help.

I tried the allegra trick above (who doesn't have allegra!?), but it doesnt fit in the bezel press with the watch.
 
Archer
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sgrossma sgrossma
Yeah, I realize some may shrink / expand over time, etc. Or tolerances might just be off, etc. Or at a certain point a watchmaker is required.

No - some bezels will not fit on some cases, even when new.
 
Archer
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sgrossma sgrossma
Okay, yes, but when possible.

A sturdy, accurate, and "cheap" press is a difficult thing to find. These cheap Indian or Chinese made presses don't really work well, mostly because they don't line up well and flex when any pressure is applied. A rack press is the best option, but unless you are swapping a lot of bezels and replacing a lot of crystals, it likely won't be worth it...

I use a Bergeon 6173...



One for sale here, but can also be found at most watch material and tool suppliers.

https://www.ebay.com/c/1558556104
 
This website may earn commission from Ebay sales.
Spacefruit
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If a bezel does not "click" on immediately, then I try two more times. After that I stop.

You should too.

Bezels can need adjusting, and while I suppose I could learn, I send it to SF and sleep.
 
Delbok
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eugeneandresson eugeneandresson
...and preferably not do this...

s-l1600.jpg

😲😲 oh man I feel sorry for you when looking at the quality of the bezel ::facepalm1::

I hesitated many times before trying this kind of tricks and I have already done so many horrible things that it's safer with to let this to a skilled watchmaker... even if I am sure you are way more skilled than me @eugeneandresson
 
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