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Speedmaster DIY bezel removal…

M'Bob
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We’ve seen the impressive poker chip move, and certain skilled folks can just pop it with a case knife. But has anyone tried either of these tools on a Speedmaster bezel? They get less than impressive reviews on Amazon, but was wondering if anyone’s had first-hand experience:

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redpcar
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I only use mine on junk watches. Leaves pretty heavy scratches. You get what you pay for in my opinion on this one.
 
rendo
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I have the one in your first photo (Horotec replica) but I would not use it on any of my nice watches. The four blades have slightly different heights and I don't like the angle of the blades. I don't think this is one of the tools where you can get away with the replica version like the 5700 case opener.
 
M'Bob
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The second one gets better reviews than the first. I wonder if those circles are fixed, or rotate?
 
Dan S
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I just tap them off with a nylon disk from a crystal press (instead of a poker chip) and a small hammer. Putting them back on is harder, IMO.

The four bladed tool works well for standard bezels, like on a vintage Seamaster or Constellation, but I haven't had much luck getting it lined up properly for a Speedmaster. Maybe I'm just not seeing it.
 
JimInOz
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The square blade style isn't all that accurate as mentioned, in addition, the watch needs to be positioned face down, not like shown in the pic.
The round blade style is better when used correctly.
 
M'Bob
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Anyone know the brand of this economical bezel press?

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JimInOz
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It's a generic "Made in China", no actual brand.
Should be available on eBay, AliXpress, Amazon.
I use one for closing casebacks on quartz watches and the dies from my other press can be used to supplement the range of sizes.

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M'Bob
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JimInOz JimInOz
It's a generic "Made in China", no actual brand.
Should be available on eBay, AliXpress, Amazon.
I use one for closing casebacks on quartz watches and the dies from my other press can be used to supplement the range of sizes.

IMG_4207.webp

Thanks. Appropriate for a Speedmaster bezel?

Edit: found many different but relatively inexpensive offerings on Amazon. So a follow-up question if I may, since I have no experience with these or anything similar: optimally, when fitting a Speedmaster bezel, should the plastic press piece choice be the diameter of the portion of the recessed portion of the bezel, with the numbers; or go slightly larger, to try and compress the thin ring that’s just outside that? Thanks again.

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Edited:
 
JimInOz
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M'Bob M'Bob
Thanks. Appropriate for a Speedmaster bezel?
Yes. As long as the right sized top and bottom dies are used it's no problem. I've used one on my Speedmaster as well as many other bezel cases.
The upper die has to have enough clearance for the dome of the crystal while pressing down on the periphery of the bezel.
 
JimInOz
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In answer to size.
I usually select a die where the outer diameter matches that of the outer diameter of the bezel, that way there's little pressure on the insert.
Maybe @Archer could advise further.
 
ExpiredWatchdog
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M'Bob M'Bob
Anyone know the brand of this economical bezel press?

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Harbor Freight sells them. Look in the watch tools section. Keep in mind that they are designed for setting snap on case backs, nothing more.
 
M'Bob
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JimInOz JimInOz
In answer to size.
I usually select a die where the outer diameter matches that of the outer diameter of the bezel, that way there's little pressure on the insert.
Maybe @Archer could advise further.
Thanks. Most seem to be sized as below, so I’m guessing the 40-42 might be best for a Speedmaster?

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Dan S
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M'Bob M'Bob
Thanks. Most seem to be sized as below, so I’m guessing the 40-42 might be best for a Speedmaster?

IMG_3787.webp
Probably. But you need to test it out firsthand to make sure that the hollow part is open enough to completely clear the crystal.
 
pascs
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My high tech Speedmaster bezel removal tool 😁

Insert the pointy end under the bezel and twist, just pops off without issue

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140dave
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Dan S Dan S
Probably. But you need to test it out firsthand to make sure that the hollow part is open enough to completely clear the crystal.
and that the bottom part is the right size as well. With the hollow section you can accidentally apply pressure on the crown if you don't use the right size there. And yes, the stem and internals will be damaged from that kind of pressure.

If I remember correctly the 40-42mm is too big for the bezel and I used the next smaller size.

edit: nope, my memory was faulty (again) I am using the 40mm side for bezels. Just pulled it out and measured the one I use.
Edited:
 
M'Bob
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140dave 140dave
and that the bottom part is the right size as well. With the hollow section you can accidentally apply pressure on the crown if you don't use the right size there. And yes, the stem and internals will be damaged from that kind of pressure.

If I remember correctly the 40-42mm is too big for the bezel and I used the next smaller size.

edit: nope, my memory was faulty (again) I am using the 40mm side for bezels. Just pulled it out and measured the one I use.
Thanks for checking that.
 
J!m
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I have the 4-flat bladed one.

You have to dissassemble it and manicure the blades. Lapping on 600 then 800 to remove any trace of burr or high spots.

Then a plastic bag over the bezel and as already noted, dial DOWN in the tool and go VERY SLOWLY. It will come off.

I have used it for Rolex crystal retainers with no issues, and those are a lot thinner than the Speedmaster bezel.
 
lucreative
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Looks like torture devices, and feels like one too, when I think about using them on Speedies. My watchmaker replaced a bezel for me for free. With the proper pro tools, it's done in a few minutes and little to no effort by a watchmaker. Of course I may "pay" for it later when I schedule a service.
 
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