Vintage Rolex Insert Service

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shy06002

·Nov 2, 2015

Hello Fellas,

I've done a bit of research when it comes to cleaning/servicing your bezel insert so I decided to take my bezel and insert off the watch to clean the underside a bit. The problem was that the bezel wasn't rotating very well and it was quite sticky so I figured it was grimy underneath the bezel and I was right about that. From the different threads that I gathered on the internet it seems like this is a very simply service that anyone can do but the problem is....now that I popped my insert out of the bezel, I can't seem to pop it back in. I've watch and read numerous guides on how to pop the insert back into the bezel piece but for whatever reason I am unable to pop it back in no matter how hard I try. I've given up in the fear of damaging the insert.

Does anyone have any advice on how to pop the insert back in? Should I just take it to a watch maker to do this? If so, how much should I expect to pay?

Also, I got a new tritium pearl dot for the missing hole. How does one make that stay put?

Edited: Nov 2, 2015

 

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Traveler

·Nov 2, 2015

They seem to be pretty strong - much stronger than I thought - I was also worried about damaging it, but it took a ton of pressure to get it back in, and zero damage. I got it 95% in by hand, then turned it around to the last bit to go in, and pressed it as hard as possible on a table top - holding the bezel from the inside and pressing the exposed 'point' as hard as possible directly down on the table. I was thinking "this is never gonna work..." But it did ! Good luck ... Does that all make sense ?

 

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shy06002

·Nov 2, 2015

In my mind that sounds like an scary operation lol. I have a good image of what you did, did you press the "point" at an angle or was it pretty much flat against the table?

 

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Traveler

·Nov 2, 2015

No it was angled - only way to get enough pressure on it - I'd say I was holding the bezel at about 45 degrees to the flat table, so it was sort of down on the point, but adainst the table at the same time because of the angle the bezel goes into the surround ...

 

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Traveler

·Nov 2, 2015

Pressing with both thumbs too ...

 

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Traveler

·Nov 2, 2015

Oh and on the pearl - someone told me to stick it in with superglue - I didn't question it, but not sure if that's good advice !

 

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boat2dan

·Nov 2, 2015

Careful, right tool for the right job! Watch Press!

 

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shy06002

·Nov 2, 2015

Would you say that this is a accurate depiction of what you did? The little lip of the insert is the side that sticks out.

I've heard about people using superglue to adhere to pearl. Honestly I wouldn't know what else to use as it really does seem like the only option.

 

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Nobel Prize

·Nov 2, 2015·Spell Master!

I had similar problems and fears, but in the end it is just pressure. you have to press and slide your fingers around until it clicks. the pearl also goes on pressure, or at least that's how iv'e seen it done.

It is worth noting that you better align the insert well soothe dot is at 12. otherwise it will drive you (or should I say me) nuts.

I did it by referencing videos on Youtube. must admit a GMT bezel is much easier than a sub IMO.

If you absolutely can't manage go to the rolex service center on 5th avenue, they will do it for you while you wait and probably not charge you as you're not getting a new bezel (that would be 40 to 80 depending on the bezel)

 

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Traveler

·Nov 2, 2015

shy06002

Would you say that this is a accurate depiction of what you did? The little lip of the insert is the side that sticks out.

I've heard about people using superglue to adhere to pearl. Honestly I wouldn't know what else to use as it really does seem like the only option.

shy06002

Would you say that this is a accurate depiction of what you did? The little lip of the insert is the side that sticks out.

I've heard about people using superglue to adhere to pearl. Honestly I wouldn't know what else to use as it really does seem like the only option.

yeah more or less - although in my mind's eye the bezel sort of curves the other way round - but I excuse the crudity of your model ( late back to the future reference 😁 )

 

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·Nov 2, 2015·Spell Master!

I just do it without the table, just finger pressure with the bezel on insert on top. Or you can actually mount the bezel on watch first and then press the insert in.

 

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Traveler

·Nov 2, 2015

Nobel Prize

I just do it without the table, just finger pressure with the bezel on insert on top. Or you can actually mount the bezel on watch first and then press the insert in.

You clearly have stronger fingers than I do 🤔

 

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shy06002

·Nov 2, 2015

I have another 5513 where the insert is much easier to put on, just hard pressure and pop! For this particular 5513 on the other hand...it's nearly impossible. I've even tried with pliers.

 

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·Nov 2, 2015·Spell Master!

Don't sweat it. Take it to Rolex and let them do it

 

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watchlovr

·Nov 4, 2015

I find it easier to put the bezel on the watch first, then the insert.
I think the crystal pushes the inner bezel ring up slightly, making your pressing on the outer ring more effective.
Good luck, C

 

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shy06002

·Nov 4, 2015

So I went to the Rolex service center and confirmed that as long as it's just a matter of fitting the insert into the bezel, they can do it free of charge! I'll be bringing my watch there soon 😀